My Mabel

So...I'm alive. Yup, I'm still around even though I haven't been around here much. Life. It's not hectic, it's just happening and it just doesn't stop, does it?

I have not given up making clothes. Actually, I still make them reguarly but here's the thing, I have almost exclusively worked with knits for a year now. I realized a while ago that while I love to sew with woven fabrics, garments made from these fabrics just don't have a place in my life. I have a closet filled with beautiful clothes that I've carefully crafted....and they never get worn.

No, my life isn't fancy, it's practical and knits are practical. Also, knits are forgiving. If I want a tshirt like the one I'm wearing, I just take off said tshirt and trace it. Voila, new t shirt! I love it, instant gratification.

My newfound love for knits had me super excited for Colette Patterns new knit pattern line. I know I'm late to the party but I finally decided to give Mabel a try.

I was hesitant to purchase this particular pattern because I wasn't sure if it would be flattering but after seeing it modeled on so many different shapes and sizes, I was convinced I could pull it off.

I'm sure it's already been discussed all over the blogosphere just how darn EASY this thing is to sew up. It took me not even an hour.

  I underlined it with some kind of nude knit that a friend gave me,which I think it was intended to be used as a liner. It added some body to the skirt which feels like it gives me a small amount of support and keeps things being visible through the light colored fabric. Speaking of fabric, this only took about half a yard of the yard I purchased from Girl Charlee. I'm pretty sure I have enough left over to make another one. I'm going to go find the most gorgeous knit fabric I can find and buy one yard of it. Even if it's pricey, it'll be affordable!

In hindsight, I wish I hadn't cut the waistband the way I did. I thought it would look cute but it's driving my eye crazy looking at it. Oh well.

As far as the fit is concerned, it fits well. I cute a size M, my only complaint is that where the waistband sits, kind of floating around a belly button that is on a belly that grew 4 babies,\ is not the most flattering for me. I would have preferred either a high waistet skirt or for it to be worn lower on my hips. Any tips on altering it to fit?

I've been out of blog mode for so long, I forgot how to take pictures for blog! I was looking through the shots thinking, "These are horrible! What was I doing? Why didn't I photograph the right side? Why am I making that face? This shirt looks horrible, what was I thinking? Damn, my legs are white, should I photoshop a tan onto those? At least my hair looks nice...."

I promise not to be gone for so long!

TATEr Tot

If you've read my blog or follow me on any form of social media, you know that the only thing that rivals my passion for sewing is music.

I love music for many different reasons but one of the best things about having a passion for a band is finding wonderful people who have the same passion. When I joined a group for fans of The Airborne Toxic Event, I had no idea I had just found a gold mine of awesome people. All ages, from all over the world, this small group of people are some of the kindest, most inspiring and talented people I've been lucky enough to meet.

When I was asked if I wanted to participate in an"virtual baby shower" for one of these special people, I don't think I need to tell you that I didn't hesitate to say yes.

Our soon to be new mom is Colleen, a very talented writer who blogs over at These Stunning Ruins. Take a moment to visit her and browse her blog a bit before coming back to me.

Since all the bloggers participating in this virtual baby shower met through out mutual love of TATE, it was decided the theme of this shower would be just that....TATE.

(iPhone pics again, sorry!)

After talking to Colleen a little about a sweatshirt we both purchased from TATE's merch store, I thought it might be cute for her little man to have his own comfy jacket. To keep it in theme, I chose a fabric with birds on it and chose a red lining instead of mortally wounded birds...cause that would be a little weird, amirite?

 

I decided to make a size 3 months. Everyone gets you newborn clothes when you have a new baby. Who can blame them? They are so tiny and adorable and fun to buy! Unfortunately, if you have a baby over 8lbs, they tend to fit for a week before your little piggy out grows them and then you're suddenly lacking in the cute clothes department.

 

This was my first time using a pattern I purchased from etsy. The pattern was well drafted and the instructions were clear, even though I found myself doing a couple of things differently. It was described as appropriate for a beginner but I disagree. Those pockets are intermediate level.

 

The Details

Pattern: Puperita Knight's Jacket

Fabric: 1 yard Waterfront Park Flight in Navy by Violet Craft for Michael Miller (purchased from PinkPoppiesFabrics) and 1 yard red flannel for lining.

Size: 3m

Changes made: Eliminated cord at waist.

 

 

Colleen and Andy, I'm so happy for you, and I hope I get to see pictures of the little "TATE-r Tot" in his jacket soon!

Be sure to visit the other blogs participating in this online shower, they have created some really fabulous stuff!!

Glen at This is Nowhere has a fun trivia challenge

Susan has made a cake fit for the occasion

Wendy and Stephanie both created wonderful gifts

If you haven't yet, meet Collen!