First attempts at sewing

I did it, I finally made something on my sewing machine! I've been attempting to make a collared shirt out of muslin (practice fabric) for a while but kept getting stuck at steps. After realizing that this was probably too advanced for a first project, I started with a dress pattern that had the words "EASY" on the front. Much better choice.

The pattern

As you can see, the McCall's 7118 is a simple dress with minimal fitted areas. Essentially a sack dress. I chose to do the version A with straight straps. According to my measurements I cut a 12 from the pattern (for those not familiar to sewing these are different from store dress sizes. I am typically a 4-6 in dresses). In hindsight I probably could have cut a 10, but you have to learn some how.

I chose a woven cotton fabric for this, bought 2 yards and 1 yard of fusible interfacing. I pre-washed the fabric, pressed it, then cut out all my pieces. First the interfacing was fused to its respective pieces, and the straps were stitched. The back pieces went next, then the back facing. Facing confused me a little bit (for you non-sewers this part attaches the straps to the back and gives it a nice finish, also adds support) but the back was quite simple. Attaching the front facing is where I ran into challenges.

Back straps in the correct direciton and facing. 

My first mistake was that I attached the straps in the wrong direction. Where they were supposed to curve inward, mine curved outward. This meant that to attach to the shoulder they were going to have to cross, rather than lie flat. I though maybe I could squeeze by and just cross them (like in version B) but nope - not enough fabric. I ended up taking out the straps, flipping them, and then re-stitching them to the facing. Once this was corrected, I attached them to the front of the dress with the front facing.

The front facing was very curved; convex and concave curves. To finish the bottom edge I took it really slow since I am not yet that great at sewing anything other than a straight line. It wasn't too bad. After I attached the facing to the front of the dress and flipped it inside out I was sure I made some other mistake. The fabric pulled and bunched and would not lie flat. However, after watching a youtube video I learned how to fix this by sniping to the seam line at the curves and to take out a lot of bulk at the seam. There is still a little pulling in the strap.

Completed front facing.

From here it was mostly easy street. I stitched up the sides and then the hem and was done! Or so I thought. The first fit was much too loose around the torso, even for a loose fitting dress. I ended up taking in the side seams by about 0.5 inches each which solved the problem! It still doesn't fit perfect... but I not going to worry about that! 

I also don't know that much about finishing seams (making them neat and tidy so they don't fray) so most of mine are raw. I've messed around with a little bias tape, and french seams, but right now I'm fine with it as it is. Honestly I am just excited I made a thing! A thing that I can wear!!

Oh right, about that. I didn't do a lining so it might be a little see through in the light, but it is a black fabric and I'm not really concerned. So here's the final product:

ChiChi wanted in on the action.

!

The back.

In total it took me 3 days, maybe 6 hours total? Now what do I make next?

Re-cycle, up-cycle, spring-cycle

I am currently laying in bed with and all three of the kitties, enjoying coffee and slow Saturday mornings. The cats are thrilled with the change of season and have been spending as much time as they can watching the rain from the windowsills or following the birds. I also have been reveling in this weather and returned to running on the Monon after work (with about everyone else in Indianapolis), or heading down to Brown County with Scott to enjoy muddy trails. My relationship with running is going really well now. Since I've kind of stopped letting it define me and my worth, I've been experiencing a lot less anxiety about it. I also have a lot less to say about it (or blog about it) now since I am just running for enjoyment. Apologies if you came for the running talk!

Yesterday we got a dirt (ahem, "soil") delivery for the garden. It's coming along nicely! Again, all this work was done by Scott. Next to plant the seeds!

In other sustainable living practices, my sewing class wrapped up and I am completely hooked now. I made three items in the class; a pillow case, an apron and a tote bag. The woman teaching the class was fantastic, she really had so much knowledge about sewing and was incredibly patient with a total novice like me. Scott's mother generously lent me her sewing machine and I've been messing around with it in my down time by making small stuffed animals for a few friends that have new babies. So far the babies approve.

     

I'm really itching to start making clothing, but I haven't settled on where to start at all. I'm considering buying my own machine with more garment appropriate features. Speaking of garments... today is another excuse for Sartorial Saturday! Though to be honest I think I wore this Tuesday. If you knew how many pictures I had to make Scott take to get this one good one....

With the exception of the shoes I can say this entire outfit was second hand! I didn't even realize that when I put it together. The top is a thrifted Gap shirt, the skirt thrifted Target, the sweater is a thrifted Loft cardigan. And to continue with this theme, today I am hosting a "Clothing Exchange" with some friends. More upcycling! 

Sartorial Saturday

Spring has FINALLY arrived in the midwest. We're seeing temperatures in the 50's - which really makes for much more enjoyable running. I am able to wear capris again! In an hour or so I'm leaving for our group run on the canal towpath.

So, a bit off topic - but I've started my beginners sewing class and I am completely in love. I am the only person in the class so I am basically getting private lessons. The class focuses on three projects; a pillow case, an apron and a tote bag. They all include a few extra features like a french seam, installing a zipper, edge-stitching.... so I am getting a really comprehensive introduction to sewing. I am starting to look into buying a machine for myself and hopefully continue this hobby! This is really making me pay more attention to clothes in general - now I examine all my shirts to understand their construction and fit. It also really helps me be more objective about my body; realizing that no two figures are the same and the likelihood of clothes fitting perfectly off the rack is very low. For instance - I have broad shoulders, which makes some shirts feel tight across the upper back, but not tight elsewhere. And I'm pretty tall (5'8") so finding pants with a long enough inseam is sometimes a challenge.

I've been spending a lot of time lately browsing sewing/personal style blogs and I think that is something I'd like to include more here on my blog. Who knows, maybe I'll one day be able to show off something I've made for myself.

Yesterday we went out to dinner with friends to an Ethiopian restaurant - seriously some of the best food in the world. Before we left I made Scott take pictures of my outfit. We're going to have to streamline this modeling process. He mostly just takes rapid-fire pictures with my iPhone while I awkwardly shift around. Evidence below.

Such fashion.

Next I'll be gracing the pages of Vogue.

Doh!

These jeans I found two weeks ago at a Carmel re-sale boutique. They are Marc Jacobs!!! And ridiculously long!!! I couldn't believe my luck. Shirt from my mom from the Gap (thanks!), bag from Out of Print, flats from Target, and earrings from a local handmade shop. 

Hope you enjoyed this Sartorial Saturday post!

Some nonsense on personal style

I don't have much to report on running this week. I had to cut my long run short yesterday as I felt like I might blackout two times. I know, I know. Being lazy about eating won't help me run farther.

Scott is out of town this weekend, so I took this as an opportunity to watch every fashion documentary available on Netflix and marathon a season of Project Runway. I have been interested in fashion since I was a teenager but as far as actually wearing it.... I don't know. I seem to like so many different styles and eras but I haven't figured out how to manifest it on myself. My computer is filled with folders and folders of style photographs, I have clippings from magazines that date back years and my knowledge of designers even surprises me at times....

Anyways, I guess all I am getting at is - I like style a lot. I realize it's a thing tons of people don't care about. (Is this the 'intellectual' in me having trouble admitting I like something superficial? Yes.) That's fine. I often have trouble reconciling the capitalism and consumerism that goes hand in hand with fashion (and is why I'd rather say personal style than fashion; fashion connotes designers, steep price tags, celebrity, animal use). But regardless I am still ever searching for inspiration.

And if you're ever interested in a good documentary, Bill Cunningham New York is great.

Summer Brights

Ok so if you know me, you know I wear a lot of black. And grey. Maybe some navy blue and maroon. Red if I’m feeling really wild. This began in high school where wearing black was an expression of my inner angst and alternative-ness! (Still is, admittedly). But I own some things that are bright and I never really know how to wear them. I tried to wear these shorts last weekend and gave up because I felt like I looked like a soccer mom. But I gave them another shot last night for the Vegan Family Dinner we were attending. They seemed cookout appropriate.

Also this marks the first time I’ve voluntarily been photographed in shorts. It wasn’t that terrible.

I’m a little surprised at how mild the summer has been so far since I can still continue running in the afternoon. I ran 5 miles on the canal towpath Tuesday, the first time since waking up with some flu/virus on Friday. It definitely felt kind of rough and I still feel weak. And my hamstring has felt sore ever since. And my calf is all tight. Actually I still feel like a mess this week. But I’m on the incline. 

Fashion! (David Brent voice)

I made Scott take some pictures of me on Friday. Half to document my outfit, half to work on not hating myself in pictures. I don't hate 'em.

Yesterday we did trail running in Brown County - I absolutely love that park. I feel so awesome after 70 minutes on the trails. That will get anyone into running, I swear. Now, onto Sunday!