African Inspired Blouse

Here lately, the only tops I've been concerned with making are crop tops. Well that and bodysuits. Alabama summers are such that you don't want to be involved with clothing alone, much less anything complicated.  I've opted for simple designs that don't require fancy closures or much ado.  That led me to designing my latest blouse.

My local mom-and-pop sew/vac shop was having a sale on fabric, and I happened to wander into there in the final day of the sale.  I had purchased some African prints from the shop before and found they had even more and they were 50% off. I ended up purchasing a couple of yards of several prints.

 Of these beautiful prints, I found this magnificent batik print cotton. It was so thin and crisp and vibrant that I had to bring it home. Initially, I was only thinking of making an accessory with it. However the more I looked at it I realized that I had some burnt orange colored shorts that this would paired excellently with.

I also knew that I wanted to give this shirt a little more visual interest, so I decided to play up the sleeves, make a tassel for the zip closure, and make a decorative hem.

I drafted a simple boxy midriff top, experimented with sleeve draping, and came up with this geometric shape that can be worn in several different ways.  I added a scoop neckline, which is not something I typically wear.   I also added a zipper to the back. It wasn't necessary; however I wanted to add the tassel, and I hate the hassle of getting makeup on EVERY.SINGLE.THING that I wear.  So the zipper opening will help with ease of use. 

I bought a bunch of crochet spools awhile ago, though I don't crochet at all.  I forget my original intent, but the thread does wonderfully for all sorts of sewing needs.  I purchased several colors when Hobby Lobby had a sale on them. At any rate, I used it and a few jewelry findings and beads to fashion myself a tassel for the back.  I think it complements the look fairly well.

To tie it all together (no pun intended,) I used the same crochet thread in my overlocker/serger and finished the hems.  I've used crochet thread to finish this way for several garments, and it never disappoints me.  It gives a hand finished look without actually having to go through the trouble of spending hours looking up tutorials. I also feel that it enhances the print on the fabric as well.

Thank you for stopping by!

Merry Christmas!

Oh my goodness!! This has been quite a few past months.  I have been so busy with school that I have barely had any time for much else.  I am so glad the semester is over, and I have a few weeks break before going back.

Let me just say how I have MISSED you all and blogging. I didn't expect to stray away for so long.  Unfortunately, to cram as much school work in as possible I have to be a tad bit more disciplined toward it.

Are you all ready for Christmas? I can't believe that it is almost here.  Seriously, only a day away!! I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

So I have been working a few items for after the holidays.  I didn't get it ready in time for Christmas, but I think this break between semesters is a great time to catch up on my designing and sewing.  My sewing mood changes a little too quite frequently and honestly it drives me nuts and so I have to do things when the mood strikes me.  So lately I have been dabbling in all sorts of things.  But the most recent endeavors has included lots and lots of felt....

Open-Back Girl's Shirt

You may not know this, but I'm not a fan of strapless and much less a fan of halter tops especially for my little girl.  I did, however, want to make a top (or dress) that was in some way crafted with her back out so that she wouldn't get so hot in the summer.  I took some inspiration from the open-back dresses that have been popping up EVERYWHERE and crafted this little open-back number for her.

KCWC 2013

     I'm very late with posting this for kcwc 2013.  I made one other piece as well that I will post later.  Anyway I whipped up this quick little blouse for my babes.  I bought the fabric from my local quilt shop.  It's Riley Blake's Song Bird by Carina Gardner.  I paired it with a navy and white chevron and navy and aqua chevron both also by Riley Blake.  I used the navy and aqua chevron to make bias tape for the arm holes and hem.  Funny thing about the bias trim: I made just over 2.5 yards of it and just barely had enough of it.  Fortunately I made it.

     I designed the shirt to be a bit A-line and a little of a tent blouse.  I added a keyhole button and loop closure in the back.  I embellished the front with multiple contrasting ruffles.  I also added a bit of elastic to the sides to cinch in the bodice to keep it from being so balloony.

     Before I forget: When I uploaded photos of this shirt to instagram, Elsie Marley was the first person to like my photo.  Talk about your excitement!!!!  I was super SUPER SUPER excited to see that.  No kidding!!!!  At any rate, what did you create for kcwc spring 2013?  I hope you were more productive than I was!

Simple Tablet Sleeve

First off I want to say I miss you all.  I feel like I have been a bad friend.  I can call you guys friends, right?  I feel like we are all friends at any rate.  I have been neglecting my poor little blog for no reason whatsoever really.  I have been volunteering at this Christian pro-life women's clinic for some time now, and Kelsey is in kindergarten.  So these events have kept me occupied.  With that being said let's jump right into this.

I purchased a tablet a few days ago.  I purchased a 7" Nextbook tablet. So far I am thoroughly pleased with it.  It came with this horrible black velveteen bag that collects all the dust in the world and is just overall ugly. I knew I wanted to make a simple sleeve for it to fit into.  I wasn't sure what style I wanted to make.  I was thinking about an envelope clutch but decided against it.

So this bad boy ended up costing me less than $2 in supplies.  I purchased some vinyl fabric sheets from Hobby Lobby for $ 1.47 a sheet and some felt sheets for $0.25 a piece. I only needed one of each.  The sheets were bigger than I thought they were.

I settled on the giraffe print textured sheet.  It's not so bad looking after all.  I was mostly just using it to test it out, but I actually like the end result.  I may try some other vinyls or leathers later, but for now it will work.

I did purchase some scrap leather, acrylic paints, and studs for a more designer cover.  Once I figure on a design for the leather, I will post the results.

What have you been creating lately?  I would love for you to share! I hope you all have a great day!!!

Err.., Happy New Year!

Hi gang! It's been a little space of time. I have been meaning to blog more frequently over this past month, but you know how the holidays can be.  All that's important is that we are here now! So how has 2013 been for you so far? I hope great.

I have been busy. If you follow me on Instagram, then you will have seen the bags and drawings that I have been working on.  I have started on some hand-lettered scripture drawings that correlate with my daily devotions.

Psalm 16:10

Psalm 91:2

2 Corinthians 12:9

John 14:6

Matthew 6:33

Hebrews 13:5

Hebrews 11:1

Jeremiah 29:11

Keeping this journal helps me in many ways: 1) helps break down the scripture in my words, 2) helps me get a better understanding of the Word, 3) helps me remember what I read, 4) reiterates God's love for me, 5) pushes my creativity, and 6) helps spread the message to others (since I post them on Instagram.) They also help to calm my spirit; I notice after I feel stressed out, I immediately want to read the Bible and do some hand-lettering.

I have also been sewing some, mostly bags though I do have some clothing wips. I have to be in the mood for clothes-making. And since I am one that hates trying on clothing, I oftentimes save clothes for the very last.

outside

inside

I made a faux leather and vintage canvas clutch. I got the idea from a good friend of mine, who said that she wanted me to make her an envelope clutch.  This was a prototype for what I'm going to make her. She wants a large one, and this little baby here would probably only hold a wallet, phone, keys, and some other small items (not that you would ever need room for much more.)  I added a little zippered inside pocket just to hold some other little items that might need to be protected.  I also attached a snap closure.  I rarely add magnetic snaps to bags because I have a fear of magnets erasing all the data out of any of my electronic devices, and we just can't have that type of chaos happen.

 

                                    

This little box bag is for my swap partner on swap-bot.  I believe it is for Sew a Pouch swap.  I lined it with a sunshine yellow and white zigzag fabric and quilted it with the same zigzag pattern.  It has a reversible zipper on it.  I just love these colors and fabrics together. I sure hope my partner can use it.

I've been working on some phone clutches as well. This idea stemmed from a phone holder that I saw at Target that really piqued my interest.  So I sought out a plan of attack to execute this design I had brewing in my head.  This is something that I needed a long time ago because I hate having my phone in places that aren't easily accessible (i.e. zipped up in a purse some place.)  It fits down in the outer pocket and is held in tact by a snap fastener while your essentials fit into the zippered compartment and your keys attach to the key fob/handle.  I have more prints and colors coming up that will be available soon.

Speaking of clothing, I made my junior some pajamas to match the vintage sheet pajamas I made for myself. I used the same pattern but a different colorway.  I also stitched some pockets onto pocket-less American Apparel tees using the pajama fabric and embroidered our monograms onto them.



Lastly, I'm going to show you guys some artwork that I did years ago.  I'm trying to get back into sketching and drawing because my mom has said if I don't use it, I'll surely lose it.  Besides I really want to do a portrait of my daughter soon.

pencil

charcoal

pen and ink (pointilism)

painting (watercolor)

Oh yeah! Side note:  Whilst perusing instagram for fabric ideas, I came across a lovely photo of jersey fabric some had taken.  Her caption had mentioned that she had picked up the four fabrics from her Wal-Mart for a buck a yard.  Since my Wal-Mart still carries fabric, I made it an immediate point to head to it as soon as possible, which was early the next morning. (BTW I rarely even step foot into Wal-Mart.  I only make the trip about once, maybe twice, a year and it's only for fabric on top of that.)

                                     
I brought home 9 yards of 7 fabrics for 12 dollars total. All but one of the fabrics were $1 per yard.  Only the jersey with hearts on it was $2 a yard.  The blue and orange striped fabric on the end is the same as a fabric at Hobby Lobby that is $7.99 a yard.  As much as I abhor Wal-Mart, I will go in there for the jersey fabric especially when I'm running low on it.

Welcome to the Jungle

I've really been into leopard print and business apparel lately.  So I combined the two and made a leopard-print pencil skirt.  I say pencil skirt but it's more of a hobble skirt.  It's the first non-stretch pencil skirt I have owned (well at least what I can think of anyway.)

This skirt cost me $3.10. Three bucks for a yard of home dec twill I bought from Hobby Lobby years ago when I was working there and approximately ten cents for the zipper. I believe the zippers were $1.00 for ten; I usually order them in bulk from eBay.

So I drafted up a fairly simple little pencil skirt, but brought it in tighter on my legs just so it could give a better silhouette to me.  If you have never drafted a pencil skirt or don't know where to begin or just scared to take the plunge, try Cotton&Curls, What the Craft, or SewPetiteGal.

Ok now for the details!  I did add a small waistband and some tiny belt loops.  It has a back zipper.  There are double darts on each side in the back, totaling for back darts.  I also added a split in the back.  One of my favorite features is The hem in the front rises slightly higher than the back.  While the hem rests at the bottom of my knee in the back, the hem in the front sits right above my kneecaps. It is exactly what I wanted in a pencil skirt (aside from pockets).  I'm rather surprised it turned out this well.

Would you don a leopard print skirt?  Or do you believe that leopard print is not appropriate in such an article of clothing?

Autumn, I Believe You Have Arrived!

I managed to get out a shirt Sunday and one Monday. They are some "hybrid" pieces, if you will.  I think they will go well transitioning from warm temperatures to cooler ones.  I pretty much will wear sleeveless get-ups all year round because I love layering with cardigans. So here are three tops that I have made recently.

L to R: Tie-neck peplum, Gathered bodice w/Peter Pan collar, Reverse button-down hi-low

I love each and every one of these tops, let me just say. They will probably get a WHOLE lotta use out of them this season.

The first blouse:  I had this red floral and navy dalmatian print silky fabric that I had purchased from a thrift store sometime ago.  I got about 3 yards for 99 cents.  I didn't realize I had that much until I started making this shirt.  When I laid the fabric out I knew exactly what I wanted it to be.  So I set out to make this sleeveless tie-neck peplum bad-boy.  I love the vintage print, and I think this style further adds to the beauty of this interesting silky fabric.  The interesting thing about the fabric is that although it has a silky texture, it also has some jacquard dots allover it.  That creates some fun texture to the top as a whole.  I really like the vintage/modern look of it all.  I needed more "dressy" blouses (that are also long enough to cover my plumber's crack).  This will look delightful paired with a cardi.

The second blouse:  I don't even remember where I got this fabric from; I think it may have been at an antique mall.  It's like a cotton blend voile that is amazingly airy (and see-through).  I also have yards and yards of this one as well.  I have been hoarding this puppy for ever since I can remember.  At any rate I finally pulled it out of my stash and decided to sew something up.  Well I was in the mood for peter-pan collars, and this is what I came up with.  The fabric is a nice shade of red with tiny little polka dots.  I'm not a red or polka dot fan but I'm getting there.  It has cap-sleeves and a gathered bodice in the front and back with a back zipper for easy on and off.  With the gathers the shirt actually is made like a tent top, but I think it's still very cute.

The third blouse:  I have been wanting a hi-lo blouse, and I finally got myself one.  I.love.this.shirt!!!! AH!  It is made from some rayon challis that I bought from Fashion Fabrics Club.  I didn't realize how grungy this top looked until I wore the button side in the front and belted it.  But who cares that I brought the 90s back. Every other decade has been brought back lately.
So just to let you know it is technically a reversible hi-lo top.  The original correct way to wear it would feature the higher side in the front (which will have a pocket when I add it) and the lower button-down side in the back.  However I was toying around with the shirt and put the button-down side on in front, and I loved the end result when belted.  It almost gave it a bit of a peplum look.  As soon as I can get my hands on more grungy floral rayon, I am going to whip up some of these babies.  Talk about comfy!!!
                                                

By the way the turquoise britches (he he) I have on in the pictures above are some cigarette pants that I made from some stretch twill.  I will have a post on them later.  Anyway I hope you guys have been enjoying yourselves some wonderful Autumn weather!  I know that I have.

Have you been working on anything for your fall wardrobe?  I'd love to see!