sewing

sewing the shirt

by Lara on October 8, 2011

in crafty

I finally sewed that damn top! Honestly, the whole thing was a friggin disaster that frustrated me like you would not believe!

I haven’t sewed clothing in a long time and have never made anything without a store-bought pattern so, this was a great refresher and a major learning experience.

This isn’t going to be a full-on tutorial because well, it’s not. I will give the basic steps though, dotted throughout a bunch of bitching. This was mainly a trouble-shooting process that drove me insane. Like lying in bed at night and thinking of ways to make this work insane because… uhm… it’s impossible to line a tank top like I wanted to. Seriously. Impossible.

I had to give up on the lining and do interfacing.

Oh yeah, here’s the Badgley Mischka top I was attempting to copy:

Soooo….

First off, I used a top that I already had for the pattern. It has a similar shape, the arm holes are perfect on me and I can pull it over my head. I was really hoping I could avoid a side zipper and I DID!

I pinned it taut to some pattern tracing cloth.

This pattern tracing cloth is great. I bought a few yards of this years ago and never used it. It’s semi-sheer so you can line up fabric designs and it won’t tear. It’s cat proof! This is important considering Ulti was hellbent on helping me every step of the way.  Regular craft paper is fine too, of course.

I cut around the top, making it longer and giving myself about a 1/2″ seam allowance all around and folded the pattern in half. Of course the 2 halves didn’t match so I trimmed up a bit and cut it down the middle, keeping the side I liked best. I was using the same piece for the front and the back (and lining and later just the top part for interfacing). A lower cut version may be in the works for the future.

 When I cut out the fabric, I folded it in half and laid the center line of the pattern on the fold. A lot of store-bought patterns work this way and half-patterns guarantee an even piece if you’re making your own.

I cut the lining fabric too but all that got tossed in the trash after I figured it wouldn’t work and then cut out long interfacing that addressed the armholes later… much later.

This is neck interfacing in case you have no idea what I’m talking about. When you flip it into the garment, you have a clean line at the neck with no top stitching. Those little notches cut into curves prevent bunching:

via

I pinned the top together and put it on (carefully) and I was really happy with the fit but gave up on the side ties because the fabric looked too drapey. Then disaster happened over 2 nights of sewing.

I began to sew and everything went to hell. There is not a single tutorial online to show you how to line a tank top like I wanted. I ripped out seams so many times! There was no order in which to sew the pieces to be able to turn things right side out and have the wrong sides facing the correct way with clean seams and zero top stitching showing. To the trash it all went.

I cut everything out again, going with the interfacing instead, sewed it together, hemmed by hand and tried it on. It was so boring without the side ties so I gave em a shot. Thankfully I still had some more fabric. (2 yards would do the trick.) I eyed out and cut long triangles and on the 4th night of working on this, I then ripped the side seams out again, sewed up the side ties, tucked them in, pinned in place, sewed this bastard up, ironed it and it’s done!

So over it.

 

Seriously though, I’m really happy that I stuck with this. I’ve had a bad habit of starting things and not finishing them so I’m trying to be better about that. I also have a great pattern and when I make another one, it won’t nearly be as awful as this whole mess was.

{ 11 comments }

when you give a cat a bow tie

by Lara on September 22, 2011

in crafty

… he will try to destroy it because he was so excited about you sewing, that you’re lucky you even got it made. He now has a thirst for plaid fabric and he’s hell bent on denying you a good picture.

Your boyfriend will try to help distract him so you can finally get a half-way decent shot.

Then you will promptly take it off so he doesn’t rip it to shreds. A half-hour of work for 2 pictures. This is my life.

{ 5 comments }

sewing again

by Lara on September 20, 2011

in crafty

I’ve had the sewing itch for a while now but I couldn’t think of anything I wanted to make. I have enough pillows and they’re kinda boring to sew. Then, a few days ago an old friend emailed me asking if I could make her Halloween costume. She wants to be Wilfred the dog:

How cute right?

I need to get her measurements and we’re going to pick out furry fabric in a couple weeks. The pattern I’m using, I’ve already made 2 costumes from. Here’s my friend Bobby and I from 2008. I was a hamster.

It’s soooo easy and you can customize it in a lot of ways!

purchase here

Soooo anyhow, this costume will be quick and I still have a desire to make something for myself. I’ve been checking out all the Spring 2012 shows coming in and I saw this top by Badgley Mischka. I am totally doing this.

I’ve never made my own pattern that required lining. I need to figure out how this puzzle is going to get put together. Brainstorming time.  Maybe a hidden side zip and sew the tie flaps into the side seams. A light synthetic blend linen? I think I’m actually going to have to sew a muslin/prototype first.

Wish me luck!

{ 14 comments }

recent pins

by Lara on July 26, 2011

in beauty,decor

Here are some recent things I’ve pinned. Are you on Pinterest yet? Need an invite? Let me know.

I gotta get busy with the scotch tape – via

I really want this cat/mushroom print for my kitchen – via

I want all of this happy happy summer celebrating gear via Let’s Die Friends. You know I love her!

A HUGE INFOGRAPHIC OF SUNSCREEN INFO

Painting on sketch paper by Blue McRight cracks me up (should go in my bathroom) -  via Drollgirl. Are you following her yet? You should be. She’s rad.

video tutorial on how to sew an elastic band skirt in an hour – measured to fit YOU! via

{ 7 comments }

how to add pockets!

by Lara on June 16, 2011

in crafty

Hey all! The lovely Lindsay from Broke and Beautiful and I were chatting on Twitter about adding pockets to dresses and I agreed to make a little tutorial for her blog.

Check it out!

{ 1 comment }

easy zipper pillow cover

by Lara on June 11, 2011

in crafty

It’s been a week since I got that weird fabric from IKEA and I finally made the pillow I had planned. Here’s a little tutorial so you can make one of your own!

First, choose a size. Since this is a removable cover, size will be dictated by the insert you get. I bought a 20″ x 20″ insert so I made a paper pattern that was 22″ x 22″ – giving me 1/2″ – 1″  seam allowances all around + some shrink room for future washes.

Iron your fabric if you need to. Then take your pattern and pin it onto your fabric, lining it up just the way you want.

Here are my two pieces cut out.

Place one piece on top of the other, right side in with the orientation correct – basically as if those two pieces were an open book and I closed it.

Sew along the bottom seam only.This is where your zipper will go.

Now, open your two pieces up and flatten the seam down on either side (iron if the fabric won’t stay).

Pin your zipper face down on the center of the seam. I got a 9″ zipper but it was almost too small.

Now sew the bottom end of the zipper, securing it (never sew over pins) and turn the piece around (lifting the foot up with needle in fabric) and sew all the way around your zipper, removing pins as you go.

I didn’t use a zipper foot, which caused my stitches to be a little bit messy and uneven. You know what? I don’t care! I could’ve taken my time, but when have I ever done that?

Now, you take your seam ripper and remove the stitches down the center front of your zipper. Then, OPEN your zipper!

Next, match your pieces back up (pin if needed) and sew the rest of the way around. Turn right side out, stuff with your pillow insert, zip closed and you’re done!

1 yard of fabric was $8, insert was $2, zipper was $2. I made a pretty sweet pillow for $12 and an hour of my time!

{ 7 comments }

mini ikea trip

by Lara on June 5, 2011

in decor

We made it out of Herndon Fest alive and on our way back to Richmond, bf wanted to visit a friend who lives off the IKEA exit so, he dropped me off to shop and I let him know when I was done.

I didn’t NEED anything but when has that stopped anyone?

Oh, I did need pillow inserts for the pillow(s) I want to make. Do you know how crazy expensive they are at fabric stores? Those things plus the fabric and effort into measuring, cutting, pinning and sewing can discourage a lot of people from even bothering. I ended up grabbing two 20″ x 20″ pillows for $1.99 each when I could’ve spent $15 each at Hancock Fabrics.

I checked out the fabrics and they had some crazy stuff. Did you know you have to cut your own and write down all the info? No biggie. I’ve done it before at Wal-Mart (and figured out the hand held scanner/printer thing after waiting for 10 minutes for some help, and cut another lady’s stuff too). I got a yard ($7.99) of this nutso Annamoa fabric. I want the squirrel on one side and the fox (with his tongue sticking out and a party hat?) on the other. I mean, c’mon! It’s fantastic!

Cork coasters. 4 for $1 and we actually did need these.

3 melamine serving bowls. I have their mixing bowls in the same color. $4.99.

36 tea lights in fruity scents – $2.99 & Lingonberry preserves!

The bf has a twin down comforter that we used to keep on top of the queen mattress (the surface area is the same size) until his sis got us a Tempur-Pedic topper. The old comforter needed a duvet cover so we can use it as a blanket. I grabbed this silly Seuss-esque  cover for $19.99.

Lastly, I’ve always wanted a table in the bathroom. The bf has a collection of bathroom books (sorry but I get my business over with asap and get the heck outta there). They’ve been all over the floor and when I saw this silly little Jetsons bedside table for $14, I had to grab it. I think they’re discontinuing it.

So that’s that! Get anything good at IKEA lately?

 

{ 12 comments }

fabric

by Lara on June 1, 2011

in crafty,decor

How could I have not gone to Quilting Adventures before? Holy hell their fabric selection is amazing! I could’ve taken pics of a hundred awesome fabrics but these jumped out at me in the few minutes I breezed through the store in a rush.

Now I need to make up my mind and make a big square pillow for my bed! Help me decide!

{ 14 comments }

sewing kit

by Lara on May 12, 2011

in crafty

I love to sew and actually sold a ton of my own sundresses at the very first Need here in Richmond, when it was called Blues. (I frequently kick myself in the ass for not keeping that up.)

Now, I’ll make the occasional pillow and hem or mend something. Major clothing ideas pop in my head all the time but I never get off my but and make anything happen. I keep thinking that I MUST have a dress form to do what I want correctly. Then I wonder if that would just be a crazy expense for something I’ll probably get bored of quickly, like I usually do with crafty endeavors.

It’s nice knowing how to do some basic things though and if you’re feeling helpless to alter your own clothing, fear not. Here are some things every person should have tucked away in a tidy box and basic tips for attacking that mending pile I know you have! (If you have a sewing machine, you probably already have these supplies and a basic grip on sewing. Here, I’m talking about hand-sewing to save yourself in an emergency and avoid paying a tailor.)

  • All those buttons that come attached to your clothing – save them. Even if you never need to replace them, you may be able to use them for something else.
  • a pair of new cheap scissors you only use for sewing
  • pinking shears – scissors that cut in a zig-zag pattern and will keep tightly woven fabrics from unraveling (most expensive sewing supply – you can find them the cheapest on eBay – only needed if you plan on hemming pants/skirts and don’t have a serge stitch or serger)
  • a small pack of needles in various sizes (smaller for delicate fabrics, larger for denim, etc)

  • tailor’s chalk/pencil in blue & white for light and dark fabrics – this brushes/washes off

  • hem gauge – use with the chalk – it is a lifesaver!

  • pins (I like longer ones with colored heads)

  • A few spools of poly thread (won’t shrink) – in basic colors like white, black, brown, navy, beige, red…
  • iron-on hem tape for emergencies.

All of this should cost less than $30 if you shop smart and I swear, you could sew anything with ease with these simple supplies.  Everything else is just a gimmicky gadget. I still haven’t found a thimble that didn’t drive me insane.

There are a ton of tutorials out there with fancy pics so I’m not going to teach you but here are some universal tips.

  • Before you do anything, launder and iron your new clothing for shrinkage.
  • If you have taken a hem out or pinned up a hem, iron before every step!
  • Try on your pants with the shoes you plan to wear with them when you pin.
  • Fold under and pin one leg at the length you want, in front of a mirror. Take your time. Since you’re bending over, you may have to do it a few times to get it perfect.
  • Take the pants off and fold them in half perfectly and match the other leg to the one you pinned.
  • Unless you have a serger or a (decent looking) stretch stitch on your regular sewing machine leave stretchy fabrics to professionals, unless it’s a quick mend.
  • When hemming by hand, you want to do stitches that are teeny and barely catch the facing fabric and are well-spaced. a short video here
  • Hemming jeans should be saved for a sewing machine. Match the color of thread to the original contrasting thread and practice your stitch length on a scrap first.

If you have any questions about sewing, feel free to leave a comment!

{ 4 comments }

+ & –

by Lara on October 28, 2010

in + & -

  • Oh dear I love these shoes called the Robot by Ruthie Davis for Dennis Basso ss2011!! (via)

  • I finally brought my sewing machine, box and spool holder from my parent’s house! I never thought we had the space here but I made space. My mom kept her machine in a closet and just sewed at the kitchen table when I was kid. That’ll do! I need to be able to work on projects here in the evening or I will go crazy. Sewing is the only craft hobby I’ve stuck with since I was a kid. Now… do I need an adjustable dress form?
  • Hey! If you like edgy fashionable DIY projects, you should be reading Outsapop. Really. Would I wear these feather shoulder epaulettes? Hell yes I would!

Dmetal

  • Soooo Marie Claire posted an article about how people feel uncomfortable watching overweight people on TV kissing or whatever. It got a bit cruel, garnered a TON of pissed off comments and media attention, and the author had to update and apologize (weakly). There has been a lot of fat-acceptance talk on the blogs lately and I think it’s great. NO, it’s not great to be unhealthy but it is great to not hate yourself because of how you look. I think some of the anti-fat-acceptance comments have been missing this point. It’s not “Yay fat! I love fat! Let’s all love fat!” It’s about still being strong and confident when you’ve put on some poundage. Appearance and self-worth are two completely different things that a lot of people get confused in darker moments, including myself. Something about morbid obesity that makes me incredibly sad though: Every morning when I commute like clockwork, I see a very large woman with a few small children about to cross 4 lanes of traffic to get to the school bus stop. The children dart across the road and she has a terrible time keeping up with them. I think about how she probably can’t play with her children as much as they would like, and how tired she must feel all the time. Growing up with a disabled parent, I can empathize with the kids.

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