Inspiration on a shoestring budget

Ok, I should be rich.  I want to be rich but reality is, I'm not.  So, I'm sewing this skirt for $14 and not $78.  Yes, my time is worth money but with a serger I estimate the time will be about 30 min.  Here's my inspiration:

(Photo courtesy GarnetHill.com)

I didn't find the exact color but something beautiful anyway- this is a close color but the one I picked is sold out.  It is an 11 oz. Rayon Jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics.  I love their knits- soft and light- just like RTW.

(Photos courtesy Gorgeousfabrics.com)
The pattern I selected was Simplicity 2184

(Photo courtesy SewingPatterns.com)

Simplicity 2184

I'm making view E.  The Garnet Hill skirt has godets so this pattern was perfect.  If you have average length legs then you will want to make a longer view to get the same effect.  It's short but so am I.  I would like the skirt to hit right above my knee.  This view has the model wearing socks with the boots (have the boots already) but I'm going to knit a pair of "boot toppers".  This might be the answer to leg warmers but they don't make the leg too warm and keep the boots from feeling sticky where they fit close.

Time: Cut-out- 10 min
           Threading the serger- 30 sec
           Piecing it together- 5 min
           Serging- 30 min
           Hemming (with narrow zig-zag)- 5 min (after hanging the skirt)
Total Time: 45min (It's a 2 hr sewing only skirt)
$14 fabric
$1.99 pattern
$25 time (ok, I want to pay myself a lot per hour:)
Total cost: $39.99 (*$78 plus shipping for the original garment)

Changes to the pattern:
I love skirts which have a wide band at the top so you can wear it shorter or longer or even roll it over the skirt.  So, I made a waistband 3" wide to add on top of the skirt.  Gentle gathers on the sides were added to make the turn-down more gathered. 

Conclusion: Time to find a nice cardigan.  I'm so glad they are back in vogue.  I used to be called "twinset girl" because that's what I always wore.  They are back again and perfect for so many occasions.  I have an embroidery design of a Koi fish that would look great on a nice dark cardigan.  Time for some shopping for things I won't be making!

More photos when it's finished.

Decisions, Decisions

I've let myself go.  Ok, it feels better to say it.  Where did the woman go 15 lbs ago in such a short period of time.  Ok, laugh.  My friend did Boot Camp and looks like a million bucks!!  I'm jealous and a little ashamed.  That was me a mere 5 years ago.  Now, I work long hours and can come up with many excuses.  Who wants to sew for the "new" person I've become?  Sigh.

So, not to wallow in pity.  What in the world am I going to do to kick start myself back into what I can be? Do I commit to running nightly again?  Yep, I now run a whole mile and that's it if I get to it at all.  Eating- yeah, when I do it's dinner and then some coffee throughout the day.  I could eat better too.  See, I've fallen apart.

Well, to address other things I've been doing- dropping the Burda magazine.  I once loved it and couldn't wait for the new issues.  Now, I don't even look at them when they arrive.  The pattern sheets are frustrating and the styles are far from spectacular.  La Mia Boutique is better but I haven't traced a pattern yet.

Knitting:  I'm almost done with my first lace project.  It has been a very bumpy road.  It was frogged 10 times and is being finished with errors.  It has to be finished this time or it will never be done.  On to simpler projects.  I must admit, it wasn't hard but why did I have trouble?  On to another project of written instructions and predictable fitting/knitting.

Now, what to sew?  I love dresses but work in an environment where it is nearly impossible to wear them.  We, as dentists, must sit in a somewhat stance resembling the splits.  Yes, a long skirt is fine but try working in one and not dragging the ground when you sit.  I really don't want my skirt to drag on the floor in a dental operatory- yuck.  Slacks are fine but look at paragraph 1 and get back to me.

Yes, I could sew tops and am in desperate need of them to wear with the tight slacks I own.  How fast can I get back into shape safely?  It's depressing- frustrating, especially since my sinuses are constantly clogged and getting my breath is difficult.  Oh to be so negative- believe me, I see the glass half full the majority of the time.

Where to go from here?

Cleaning up some things

When is there a better time to take an inventory of what you have and clean up a little?  No better time then when it's 100 degrees F?  Well, that's what I did.  Amazon got some listings, Ravelry got their share too.  I'm no longer a member of PR so no classifieds there.  I've decided to rid myself of a few of the BWOF.  Most of the issues I have are from 2008 to present.  If you're looking for one, message me.  I'll look to see if I have it.

Time to clean things up.  It's nice to see space where other things once occupied.  Next comes the basement...  not much to sell there.  The fabric has been destashed already.  A few skeins/hanks of yarn but mostly garage sale stuff.  Anyone need a wedding dress???

Hayley Hoodie

Finally, pictures!  The Hayley Hoodie was finished a few weeks back and I've finally taken really bad camera photos for your viewing enjoyment. It's also reviewed on Ravelry.

This is my first garment and I learned a few things. First off, mark your rows. It seems so obvious now... Next bind off in purl.

I love this hoodie and will be making it again for friends.  The hoodie is behind the garment in this shot so it looks odd.  The way the light was coming in the window it looks worn.  Really, it's the clouds.

Hoodie is behind so it's lumpy.

Photos of me wearing someday...

Time Flies

Ok, it's really been since April 30th.  The Haylay hoodie is done and I've worn it several times with multiple compliments.  No pictures- camera battery charger is MIA.

Starting on the wedding dress.  After several responses, I've decided to wear the turquoise dress from the Montana wedding but will wear the shift for dinner that night.  I feel like such a princess to be switching outfits for one event.

Knitting-wise I started this top:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/v-neck-lacey-tunic

Photo slurped from her website

This is something I want to finish for my birthday celebration.  I think it will cute with little cap sleeves so I'm going to try to figure out out to make them from this pattern.  I think I might just extend the shoulder portion and add increases to make a sleeve.  Still thinking on this one since I'm still very new to knitting.  It's a beautiful pattern and is knitting up quickly so wish me luck.  Oh, the yarn, it's this one by Cascade Cotton Rich DK:  (I know, no originality in regards to color...)

Pictures of the progress on the shift this weekend... if I can find the charger.  ARGH!

Wedding Dilemma

Is it appropriate to wear a sleeveless black dress to a daytime wedding?  My mother-in-law is getting married in the early afternoon in a small chapel wedding and I'm contemplating on wearing this pattern.
(Photo courtesy of Voguepattern.mccalls.com)

Vogue 8647

The newest magazine had a great idea for a little black dress with lace overlay- perfect for summer.  So, I got black crepe and a beautiful lace with a little sparkle.  Now I'm second guessing myself.  Should I have gotten the champagne crepe instead?  I don't want to look like I'm mourning at the wedding.  

So, fellow sewists and non-sewists alike, is it appropriate to wear black to a daytime wedding?  

Another Little Girl's Dress

New Look 6819 (Courtesy SewingPatterns.com)


I can't believe this is discontinued.  Talk about an easy and creative pattern.  This fabric is from Joann Fabric, Etc.

I can't say I looked at the directions other than to determine the length of the straps.  Adorable and easy pattern.

On to the little boy's shirt...

Dress Done!

First item in months that I've started and finished.

(Photo Courtesy New Look)

The dress is made of quilting cotton, lined with cotton batiste and biased with polka dot cotton.  I love the feel of the batiste.  I lined it to help it keep it's shape, hide seams and make it less see-thru.  I always worry that a dress that is too light will not look right when worn.  Hopefully it won't be too hot for the little girl.

The buttons are pink and green with swirls and polka dots.  Boy, are buttons expensive now days...  I added a piece of ribbon on the back since I don't have labels at this time.

Finished dress.  Quick project.  I hope she likes it:)

What's on the needles, both sewing and knitting

I will force my mojo back one way or another!  After a wadder that derailed me completely, I've been promising myself to get back on the horse and forget the past.  (still waiting)  To those who have been so patient as to follow me through this frustrating time, it will pay off.

So, without preamble, I present the projects of April...

(Courtesy Simplicity.com)

Definitely not for selfish me but rather a friend's little girl.  It will be a cotton covered with strawberries and accent piping.

Next, a boys shirt with Thomas the Tank Engine cotton.

Photos after the projects are finished.  I'm hoping to get them cut-out and done this weekend since the weather is going to be less than favorable.

To the knitting needles...

Currently I'm working on the Hayley Hoodie by C2Knits 

(Photo courtesy C2Knits.com)

This is on the needles using Berroco Vintage in Blueberry.

(Photo courtesy Yarn.com)

I'm loving the blueberry color.  It's a deep royal blue.  The yarn is a little splitty and not twisted tightly.  This does make it nice as far as blocking and elasticity so it is a "go-to" yarn for me.  The hoodie isn't hard but being a little of a literal person, I mistook some of the instructions and had to contact the designer.  She is a huge help and responds quickly.

Next on the needles this month, is Strawberry Social from Verena Knitting.

(Photo courtesy Verena Knitting.com)

The yarn is still up for grabs.  I'm thinking a nice cotton/silk but still unsure.  It is calling for a DK weight yarn.  My dream yarn is Madelintosh but I don't want an $80 tank for summer.  Craziness!  

Finishing up some knitting

Ok, I'm finishing up the Queensland sweater that I've posted on Ravelry here.   I'm just about done with one front but have the ribbing and belt left to do.  It's really not bad as far as cabling is concerned but this is my first attempt.   I'm making it out of Cascade 220 Heather in Corodovan.  In real life the color is a rich mahogany red-yum.  It's not a green as the picture portrays.

Since I've gotten a little bored and ready for Spring, I have started a quick project by C2Knits.  It's called the Haley Hoodie.  Hoodie

I'm using the following yarn: Cascade 220 in Twilight Blue.  In real life it's very royal blue.  It doesn't feel like wool so I really like it.  Unfortunately I bought it when it wasn't on sale.  Now it's on sale at Yarn.com.

On Ravelry there is a lace knit-along going on.  Yes, I'm reaching out and expanding my horizons.  Cables for the first time ever and lace this year too.

For my lace project I picked a quick one to knit from Verena.  Of course, my luck proves the same.  I sold this issue 20 months ago.  Figures!  So, now I have to buy the magazine or pattern again.  Teaches me...  It's called Strawberry Social .  I'm thinking of making it in a cotton but still not sure about this one. It's a DK weight yarn.  I did see someone make it in a fingering weight but seriously, I don't have patience for that:)

Sewing needs are still there.  Again, I need short sleeve shirts.  Honestly, I have t-shirts and that's about it.  Don't get me wrong, I love t-shirts but need wovens.  So, be on the look-out for some nice fabric and maybe some Burda blouses this Spring.

Now on to the summer sewing.  I did get a Simplicity pattern for the infinity dress.  There was a store here selling them for $98- again, easy to make and will get lots of wear out of it.  Burda has disappointed me this year and I think I'm going to stop my subscription.  La Mia Boutique is nice but I'm at a loss for what's next for me to sew.  Suggestions are appreciated.  Mojo is still missing.