Crafting my own style

Personal Pillow

Posted on September 16, 2013 | 1 Comment

The kiddo no longer takes naps at pre-school, he now participates in the “story rest” where they lie down and listen to stories. Therefore he needed a pillow. At first we were looking for one off the rack, but I wasn’t pleased with the selection and since sewing one was always in the back of my head, I figured I’d do just that. So, we bought a plain pillow for me to use.

Darn, can’t rotate on the app.

I went to my stash and settled on velour, it cosy and comfortable for the rest. The colours I had was orange and purple, two of the kiddo’s favourite colours (although, he does like almost all colours). The orange, which I had more off became the shell and the purple became the letter G. He is obsessed with letter and particularly G, his letter. I decided to make is as a removable pillowcase so it will be easy to wash.

The kiddo is pleased and carries the pillow around the house. Tomorrow it will move to the pre-school. I am pleased for feeding my sewing addiction, even if it only was a small project.

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Posted in Creation, Interior, Life, Pattern, Self-drafted pattern, Sewing

Tagged pillow

Theoretical Sewing

Posted on August 20, 2013 | 4 Comments

This is not a post about sewing. This is a post about my theoretical sewing as I try to match up my fabric stash with my pattern stash. I don’t dare to sew, even if I can find a little time here and there, since I wouldn’t know what size to cut. My bust measurement is not what it’s supposed to be and I hope my other measurements can shrink as well.

Anyway, here’s my current plan for my stash:

This is a lightweight cotton print, that I just find totally adorable. It has “dress” written all over it. At first I bought it to make Colette’s Truffle Dress (which I have made once before, but this one would feature the ruffle), but then I’m slightly drawn to the City Dress of Burda 02-2013. I feel as if the City Dress would showcase the adorable print better.

This is a micro-satin, 100% polyester, in aqua. The photo does not do the colour justice. Since I have 2 metres of it, at first thought I’d make a matching top/skirt. But I didn’t know what style to make and match, so the fabric has just been laying around. Now it’s a high candidate to be a Taffy blouse. I have been toying with the idea of making a Shari dress (which I love and can’t believe I’ve never made), but I think this fabric is a bit too light-weight and drapey to hold up that dress, plus I think I may have just a bit too little of it to make the bias skirt.

This is an aubergine “party satin”, yep 100% polyester. But such a lovely colour (again, the photo does not do it justice). It’s quite heavy and not very drapey so it’s hard to find a matching pattern. I have been thinking of a wrap blouse (without the ruffle, ruffles – not my thing), would be a great fall/winter piece (although cold since it’s synthetic). But perhaps I could do something more daring such as the Blouson Jacket. Although I do need tops.

This polka dot fabric was found in the scrap bin, without a plan to go with it. It is a home decour fabric, but I think it can work for a dress. It’s a bit stiff and heavy so I figured it needs something with structure. This Boucle Dress, perhaps? Although, I’d totally leave out the fraying details.

So, there’s my theoretical sewing. Do you think my plans are any good? Have I matched fabric to pattern well? Do I need to go in another direction altogether?

It’s almost as hard to do theoretical sewing as actual sewing, but at least it takes less time.

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Posted in Burdastyle, Colette, Fabrics, Inspriation, Life, Pattern, Sewing, Style

Gone Thriftin’

Posted on August 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

For a while I’ve been itching to add to my wardrobe and I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to go shopping. At the second-hand store, of course. Today was the first day of back to regular life after seven weeks of family vacation, meaning the husband was at work and the kiddo was at pre-school. Baby E and I had no plans other than my grand plan of going shopping.

My new favourite thrift store (the selection is huge!) has a “regular card” in which you get a stamp for every 200 SEK spent, after 9 stamps you get 100 SEK off your next purchase. So I wanted to pick things out for 400 SEK, as to collect two stamps. The good thing about second-hand shopping? For those 400 sEK, you’d get one item retail, but I got seven (7!) items for that money.

I don’t buy to refashion, I buy to wear off the rack. Walking through the store I realised I have issues finding tops I like and that look good on me as well as layering. Living in a cold country, I must get past that last one and I must get past that first one because, well, I want to be fully dressed. Here’s what I got:

I wore a mustard t-shirt today and I like how it felt so I added another mustard top to my wardrobe. Although, it feels not thin enough to be a t-shirt, but not thick enough to layer, so I must figure out how to wear it. (Originally from Vero Moda)

Did I mention I live in a cold country? This grey-blue cardigan will be perfect in the winter. Plus, in my eyes, it works both at home and in the office (once I’ll get back there). (Originally from Cappuccini)

A pair of pants in a style I love, slightly loose, but not baggy. Plus I love this type of fabric. I didn’t have the opportunity to try anything on since baby E was in her carrier, but they fit based on the size. I may need to make a belt to pull through the casing since it was missing. (Originally from Mexx).

This top had no size tag (cut off) so I bought it on a whim. It’s a wee bit tight, so I’ll see how it works once I’m smaller (hopefully not too far away). Otherwise, it was on sale so it wasn’t expensive at all and it’s not a major loss if I must throw it back into a donation bin. (Originally from French Connection)

Another basic top, just white with mutton sleeves. Are these mutton sleeves? (Originally from So Much (never heard of it))

I liked the fabric of this blouse, but I’m not quite sure of it. Consider it my expermintation piece. I did like the me-made-ness of the blouse even though it’s retail. (Originally from Swedish store Åhlens) Grön tröja 2013-08-12 A great piece for layering and it’s slim-fitting and flattering. Love the colour! (Originally from United Colours of Benetton).

The great things about thrifting? It’s cheap, plus you can choose from all kinds of styles and labels under one roof. No more getting stuck in an H&M (and the likes) route. The bad thing? Finding that cute thing in a sizew too small or too big and knowing you can’t find it in your size.

I may just be converted into thrifting as my new way of shopping. Like I said, I even got a “regular” card now…

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Posted in Life, Shopping, Style, Thrifting

Tagged Seamless Pledge

Sewing Room: Fabrics, Notions and Trims

Posted on August 10, 2013 | 1 Comment

Sewing wouldn’t be much without fabric and notions. And sewing wouldn’t be personal without trims. Don’t we all have a stash with some fabrics already matched to patterns and some that were just too hard to resist in the shop? My fabric storage is the eyesore in my sewing room.

I keep my full pieces of fabrics on the top shelf,on the lower one I keep my yardage interfacing as well as scraps. This is not a good system, since more fabric makes it into the shelf than out. I need to figure out a way to keep my fabric organised.

Sewing room - trims

Trims are being stored in one of my polka dot boxes (remember the overview). I’ve bought some of the trim, won some in giveaways, otherwise I just keep about anything that comes my way, including wrapping ribbon and flower ornaments. You never know what could come in handy.

Lastly, the notions such as zippers and buttons (including snaps, eyes and hooks) are being stored in the mini-drawer. If I throw away clothes (as opposed to donating things I don’t want) I strip them of buttons and zippers before doing so. Why waste perfectly good notions?

Two installments in this series remain; tools and WIPs. Let’s hope the next gap isn’t as long.

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Posted in Life, Sewing, Tips

Tagged Sewing Room

Fall Plans

Posted on August 8, 2013 | 4 Comments

For the past seven weeks the husband has had combined vacation and parental leave, I’ve also had vacation and then my usual parental leave, which ironically means less me-time for me. The kiddo has been home as well as baby E of course, so there’s always someone needing attention.Starting Monday the husband will work and the kiddo will be in daycare, so with just one of my children at home it will feel like a vacation!

I haven’t sewn much or shopped much or done anything worth blogging about. I will continue my organising series and I’m itching to hit the thrift stores to update my fall wear, I can’t shop retail these days. I want to get in shape, I’m doing a one-year program for new mothers and hopefully it will get me there. The joint vacation and heat has meant a lot of coffee breaks and ice creams. Those kind of treats will have to stop! My goal is to wear the Leaf Dress next summer. But it also means that sewing isn’t the best thing to do since I don’t know how good I will do and what size to cut. Plus I really must learn to do an FBA.

Internet detoxing

Five days of our vacation was spent on a spontanoius trip to Denmark. Just one and a half hour away, but a necessary change in environment and totally relaxing. We rented a summer home with no Wi-Fi which meant an Internet break (since we were in another country, we couldn’t use the phone net for surfing). This was a most welcome internet detox and made me realise what I missed and what I didn’t miss. I missed Facebook and blogs, I did not miss Twitter, I’m still pondering what to do about my Twitter account. While I like the concept of Twitter, that kind of communication is not for me. I’ve left some forums that were just time thieves.

Baby E has reached the age when we can put her to sleep in her own bed and doesn’t want or need to nurse all night, so that will hopefully keep me out of the TV couch on evenings, we just need to buy an additional baby monitor.

I don’t know if this is making me any wiser, but I do have a plan to control my life more, in doing so I will have time for my hobbies as well. Wish me luck!

WordPress gave me notification that it is my 6 year blogoversary today. Hmm, perhaps an upcoming celebration will be in order. Let’s see what I can figure out.

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Posted in Inspriation, Life, Sewing

Sewing Room: Patterns and Books

Posted on July 7, 2013 | 4 Comments

The second part in my sewing room series deals with how I store by paper, ie. patterns and books. Many sewists have tons of patterns and books, I’m not there yet, as you will see, but here’s how I do things for now. A day when this system is too small will probably come sooner or later.

To get the overview of my room and the places I’m talking of, please visit my Sewing Room – Overview.

I so far only have 7 (yes, seven) envelope patterns. Furthermore, it’s only one of these that I’ve purchased myself (Cake’s Tiramisu, although I bought it from a retailer), the other six are prizes from giveaways. So, my stash of pattern envelopes is not big, and for now the reside in one of my polkadot boxes on my shelf.On the bottom shelf of my bookcase is where I store magazines, books and my inspiration files.My current books are The Colette Sewing Handbook, The burdastyle Sewing Handbook and a book on royal fashion and style (not in the picture). The ring binders holds articles on style, fashion, sewing and techniques.

The wide magazine file (is it called that? word courtesy of Google Translate) holds Burda pattern sheets as well as printouts. The two narrower ones holds the magazines and fabric catalogues. The catalogues are disposed of when in-current, I cut out the fabrics I’ve used and other images which inspre me.

This is one part of my system that will be too small sooner rather than later; my patterns. I will have to buy a new magazine file soon, because I’m guessing I won’t do the other option – stop buying magazines or printing pdf.s. I also keep my traced pattern pieces, in case I want to do them again. Plus alot of work goes into tracing, so it feels wrong to throw them away. I store them in a big box, designed for LP:s, next to the bookcase. I store each pattern in a ziplock bag and make sure to mark each bag with pattern number, size and a note on what the pattern is (ie. mini-skirt, knit top etc). It doesn’t look very pretty and this is one spot where I would like a better system. After I saw this picture, I did put all the bags upright, but they will soon be in disorder again. I know myself and my kiddo. I would like a file box with dividers so I could do skirts, pants, dresses etc. in order, but I would have to find one big enough for the ziplock bags.

There you have it, my way and wishes on storing patterns, from magazine or envelope up to finished traced and used patterns.

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Posted in Inspriation, Life, Sewing, Tips

Tagged Sewing Room

A New Pledge

Posted on July 1, 2013 | 3 Comments

I’m going to be honest now. The consumerism of today disgusts me. I read blogs about sewing (duh!), but also those of fashion and lifestyle. All they do is shop. Shop, shop, shop. Unless they are given things for free. Some of them sells this stuff to buy even more, because it’s a need to have the latest trends. Others proudly display the promotions they’ve been given, in hopes (from the company) that the readers will buy it. Factories burn down in Bangladesh, the garbage mountian grows, all so that we in the Western world can have cheap, fast fashion.

Ugh.

I, Helena, take the Seamless pledge until the end of 2013. I will abstain from buying any new fashion clothes until the end of my pledge. In stead I will shop second hand, in charity shops or flea markets, and craft my clothes myself. I want to find my own style, get away from fast fashion and I don’t want to support the clothes industry in its current state.

As you can see I’m giving myself an out by only pledging on fashion clothes. To me this means that I may buy underwear, sports wear, practical wear and to some extent basics such as t-shirts and camis. I know it may seem like I’m cheating, but these days my sewing time is sparse and I want to make fun things. When time comes back to me (in what ten years?) I may take a full on pledge, but that is not my goal for now.

Once I hit that publish button, this will be official and shopping regularly will be over. Quite a change, although to be honest I don’t shop alot of retail these days.

Let’s go!

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Posted in Life, Sewing, Shopping, Thrifting

Tagged Seamless Pledge

Pausing

Posted on June 26, 2013 | Leave a comment

I’ve done Random Outfit for five weeks now and I feel it’s done it’s job – for now. The habit of getting properly dressed each day (ie. not sweat pants) is installed in me now. But with the baby weight still on and not a lot to wear I feel repetitive and this project has played out its role.

Therefore Random Outfit will now be put on hiatus, it might return because it is great to see one self in outfits and think about what to wear and what to combine, perhaps for another season.

It’s been a good project for me and I’ve learnt things about myself. I just feel that right now I’m photographing the same outfits week after week. I’ve donated a bag of clothes to Goodwill, I will continue to clean out and donate/throw things I don’t use and I will fill my wardorbe with what I need and what I like. I will try and get back in shape, that will enable me to wear more that’s already in my closet.

It’s the end of this project, but yet another step forward in building a wardrobe I want and like.

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Posted in Life, Random Outfit, Sewing, Shopping, Style, Thrifting

My Sewing Room

Posted on June 25, 2013 | 9 Comments

I am a sucker for organising, well in theory anyway, and I love peeking into others’ houses, so I amussing that everyone else will want to see my space as well. I will do a series of how I store my things (inspired by Lelie/A Bouquet of Buttons) and hopefully I can inspire someone. Even if I think I have a pretty good way of doing things, I always get new ideas when someones writes about their way of doing it.

My series will feature overview (today), patterns and books, fabrics and notions, tools and WIPs (Work in Progress).

My sewing desk is big and has a lot of room for working. I usually do the cutting on the floor. To the right I have room to store the sewing machine, but it’s usually always out. When I buy my serger (yes, when) I don’t know how I will organise my desk.

The bookcase holds fabrics (my eyesore), patterns, books and some other crafts. On the back of the door I can hang my stuff, usually WIPs or unblogged creations. The Bow Dress has been blogged, so it really should be moved into the closet.My mini-drawer and boxes with notions, trims and other small stuff – also to be further explored.

I hope I can inspire someone or at least give anyone the satisfaction of peeking into someone else’s house.

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Posted in Inspriation, Life, Sewing

Tagged Sewing Room

Random Outfit #5

Posted on June 24, 2013 | Leave a comment

OK, all week I wear cute outfits, but the only ones I display here are the ones where I’m just lounging. This is Saturday’s outfit, the day was spent at the in-laws (OK, the picture was taken on Sunday, I wore the same outfit two days…) culminating in the annual fondue. Yummy, but it leaves an oily feel all over your clothes and body.

This is the last of this pants. On the morning of the Saturday I noticed a rip in the fabric, the back thigh, and it just kept ripping all day and continued to do so during the Sunday. Now the pants are in the trash, but not before I harvested them for notions. Six buttons in total; five matching and one odd, a zipper and the belt were taken out. There’s no point in wasting perfectly good notions, just because the pants are ripped.

Random outfit is a project in which I photograph my outfit every day and post one, randomly selected, outfit to the blog each week. This will force me to make an effort every day and also help me see what I have, what I use and what I need.

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Posted in Life, Random Outfit, Style

Pyjama Party Pants

Posted on June 23, 2013 | 8 Comments

A few mishaps, unintentional alterations and pimping that went away, but now I’m ready for Karen’s pyjama party!

Since I knew my sewing time was limited I chose a pattern I already had at home, namely Sömnadsmagasin 02-2012-115, velour pants. I was also a conscious decision to do velour pants as they come together without any seam finishes.

The pants were drafted very high in the waist, which is not the most comfortable, plus it’s a lot of excess fabric in the front crotch. This was impossible to see in the technica drawing and in the magazine they were styled with a matching hoodie so the waist part was not seen. If I make another pair (which feels unlikely right now) I will consider this. I am a bit keen on the hoodie though.

The waist has a 5 cm elastic (which has already begun pulling up. The ribbon is a satin ribbon which I cut 12 cm longer than the recommandation and every time I pull the pants over my bum I must hold on to them so they won’t go into the waistband. I must add some sort of stop feature.

There was supposed to be drawstrings along the pant at the ankle. But due to my messing up, I had to cut the bottom piece off. I don’t fear the ripper, but small stitches on velour would leave holes in the fabric. I added ruffles to the pants in stead. My husband was saying that velour pants looks very 70s, he hasn’t dared say anything about the ruffle addition.

They have a bit too much ease for my taste, a common thread for the Sömnadsmagasin patterns I’ve tried. But then again, these are pants for chilling at home, the shouldn’t be too tight either.

Project summary:

Pattern: Sömnadsmagasin 02-2012-115.
Alterations: Waistband sits about 2 cm lower, ruffles in stead of drawstrings at the bottom (both alterations due to messing up more than anything else).
Difficulty: Easy.

Fabric: Stretch velour
Notions: 5 cm elastic, satin ribbon, thread.
Estimated price: Fabric 157 SEK (€18.13), elastic 14 SEK (€1.62) ribbon and thread 5 SEK (€0.58). Total: 176 SEK (€20.33)

Project rating:
A pair of pants that I think will be cosy during autumn and winter, especially if I make the hoodie as well. Not the most perfect pants. but they do the job.

Now, with all the formalia sorted out, I’ll put my hair in braids, jump into (the kiddo’s) bed and I’m ready for the pyjama party to get started!

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Posted in Alteration, Creation, Life, Pants, Pattern, Sömnadsmagasin, Sewing

Tagged Pyjama Party Pants

Random Outfit #4

Posted on June 17, 2013 | 1 Comment

Today’s random outfit is Friday’s.

Thrifted pants, RTW t-shirt, sweater and wellies.

I was trying to do some different poses, but apparantly I can’t work my body and my face at the same time. Perhaps I was just affected by the weather. I was at home with both children, we mostly did indoor stuff, but went out a short while for fresh air and the opportunity to wear my polka dot wellies.

I need a few more t-shirts and tops and more casual easy to wear bottoms such as skirts and pants. If I had time I could easily sew those skirts, but I think I must hit the thrift stores. There’s not a lot of variation in my outfits right now. I must get in shape too, that will give me more options too.

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Posted in Life, Random Outfit, Style

Tagging

Posted on June 12, 2013 | 2 Comments

I recieved an e-mail from a company I used to order name tags for the kiddo’s clothes (of which I’ve used absolutely zero). They had kindly given us, the newsletter readers, a 10% for name tags. I’ve been toying with the idea to tag my me-made clothes, perhaps I should do it now.

People walk around with labels and brands all over their clothes and even if proper etiquette says one should remove them, people don’t and display their fashion preferences. So, why should I not?

I played around with designs, just the fact that a sewing machine can be chosen proves that this is one use for the name tags. I can’t decide if I want a modern font or a more traditional one and how big it should be. Any thoughts?

Do you label your own clothes? Where do (or woudl) you put the label, inside or outside? Sleeve, bodice or skirt? Top or bottom?

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Posted in Inspriation, Life, Sewing

Pyjama Pant Progress

Posted on June 11, 2013 | 2 Comments

With baby E taking a long nap and the kiddo at preschool, I had some time to work on my pyjama pants yesterday. I got a lot of work done, impressed by my own efficiancy and I was confident that these pants would be finished soon. Then, the first setback.

Button holes on the inside

The waistband was to be sewn in around the elastic. It meant lots of pulling to pin the waistband to the pant and stretching while sewing. In the end it turned out fine, even the bobbin thread cooperated and ran out as I was sewing the last stitch. I turned the pants back to the right side and admired my work, or at least until I noticed that the button holes I’d sewn were on the inside. I figured this would be easily fixed by cutting the waistband off and re-setting it, perhaps even redo the piece if it’s too narrow. No biggie. I would redo the waistband and the be back on track.

Drawstrings that should be mirrored

But, I as came up the stairs while the pants were hanging on the bannister I noticed the next sloppy error; one drawstring casing opened on the outside, as it should, the other opened on the inside. Did I mention I’ve sewn velour? And that I used a very narrow stitch to sew the drawstring casing? I got the seam ripper out, but 5 stitches in and I ripped the fabric. It would take forever to unpick the casings plus it would probably result in more ripped fabric.

Therefore I’m resorting to alterations for the legs. I’ve cut the pant leg off right above the casings and then I will add a ruffle in stead. And I can still pimp it with the lace, perhaps with the ribbon too.

And I won’t be naked at the pyjama party.

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Posted in Alteration, Life, Pattern, Sömnadsmagasin, Sewing

Tagged Pyjama Party Pants

Random Outfit #3

Posted on June 10, 2013 | Leave a comment

Another week of dressing and photographing. This week my random outfit was Saturday’s.

This day was spent at home, doing some chores, baking pie and so on. So, chilling in RTW t-shirt and shorts. Not a very special outfit, but I can leave the house without changing and I won’t be embarrassed if we were to get spotanious visitors.

I had worn some cuter outfits this week but they will, unfortunately be left unblogged – for now. Too bad, but the whole point of this project is that I should dress each day in the chance I’m going to be seen by someone. Looking back, I can begin to map what I acually wear and thus, what I need and should focus on. I’m giving it a few more weeks.

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Posted in Life, Random Outfit, Style

Pyjama Party Shopping

Posted on June 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

Today I was able to do the shopping for my pyjama pants. I won’t be making the classical pyjama pant, rather loungewear to wear around the house. It felt wrong picking out velour in the summer heat, but I’m confident that it will be colder eventually.

There were plenty of colours to choose from, I settled on the purple velour. I like purple and the kiddo thought I should buy it, although I’m not sure he got that I’ll be sewing for me and not him. Something for him is probably next in line (or soon at least). I did offer to buy some helicopter fabric, but he declined, surpringsingly since he’s looked at that fabric before.

Back to my pants, they will also be decked out, because working on a possibly tight schedule isn’t enough, I will also pimp my pants, nothing major though and it is according to the pattern. My pants will feature lace and satin ribbon. Today I realised I forgot to buy thread, but I can probably use some from my stash.

The fabric store has a play section and it’s conviniently located right next to the scrap bin. So when the kiddo wants to play it’s the perfect time for me to browse the scraps. Plenty of mandarin viscose jersey, but that colour is a bit too much for me. After some pondering I decided on the 2 metre polkadot cotton. It’s a home decour fabric, but I think it will work for a structured dress, which I probably can’t wear until after I’m done breastfeeding, so it’s just an addition to my fabric stash for now. The fabric is stiff but light, so I’ll probably have to line any dress I make from it.

The pyjama fabric is being pre-washed as I write and then I’ll get going. It’s not often I have a dead-line…

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Posted in Fabrics, Life, Sewing, Shopping

Tagged Pyjama Party Pants

Random Outfit #2

Posted on June 3, 2013 | Leave a comment

This week’s random outfit was Monday’s. It was a glamourous day spent grocery shopping. I was in my 3-year-pants and RTW t-shirt and sweater.

This project has only two weeks in helped me in the way I dress and also helps me see what I actually wear and need. Plus I’m never in sweat pants! This week was quite boring as I was at home quite a lot so I often wore cargo pants (the new sweat pant). But I know that any outfit I wear can be publicly posted, so I must make at least a small effort every day.

Why the picture from behind? It’s not just a pose for show, rather I blame baby E. At the store I carry her in my Beco carrier, which is great, however she was very full when I put her in it and she puked all over my sweater. Therefore no front shot today.

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Posted in Life, Random Outfit, Style

Tagged 3-year-pants

Me-Made-May 2013: My Experiences

Posted on June 2, 2013 | Leave a comment

So, I was a bit overambitious, joining MMM one month after giving birth and while nursing, even though I only committed to half of the days. But, as always, MMM is a learning experience, and this year’s edition taught me quite a bit about myself yet again, even though I didn’t see the whole thing through.

Getting lost
While it is impressive how big MMM has gotten, it is not as much fun anymore. Previous years I have been able to look at every single photograph, that has been impossible this year. I have scrolled through the group and clicked on what looks interesting from the thumbnail, which probably results in my not finding many gems. Similarily, not many people find me to give feedback, which is a shame. I simply feel lost in the shuffle.

Bad Fabric Decisions
Over the years I’ve made many clothes (my creations). However, the more distance I get to my clothes (in terms of time since I made them) the more I see their imperfections, mainly in terms of looking too home-made. Much of that comes from bad fabric choices. I need to not let my wallet speak and use better fabrics, not just because they happen to me priced down. I’m actually thinking of doing some “patterns revisited” in which I remake some already used patterns with better fabrics and other decisions.

Un-inspiring Wardrobe
Getting dressed is currently not fun. I’m not inspired by my wardrobe. Earlier this year I worked on figuring out my personal style and while I’m not quite there I’m step by step figuring it out, mostly I’m realising what I don’t like, so I will work from there. Looking at a bunch of other Me-Made-May’ers really help in inspiration.

Seamless Pledge
I’m currently working on defining my Seamless Pledge.

Dressed for Spotanious Visits
I’ve thrifted some very casual pants which I have taken too wearing around the house in stead of sweat pants. I shall never go back! I’m dressed for quickly leaving the house without changing clothes and if we get uncalled visitors I won’t be embarrassed by my appearance. Even if I’m planninmg to make pyjama pants, I know that they will not be an all day/every day garment.

Getting in Shape
We’re done with kids now and I want to get in shape, tighten up and get back. The goal is to be able to wear all these clothes again (especially The Leaf Dress, I love that dress!)

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Posted in Inspriation, Life, Sewing, Style

Tagged Me-Made-May 13

Pyjama Party Plans

Posted on May 30, 2013 | 4 Comments

Karen of Did You Make That? is hosting a pyjama party sewalong on her blog again, just like last year. I have never joined in any sewalongs so it would be fun to break that. Why I’m hesitating is because I don’t want another failure, like Me-Made-May. However, I have until June 23 and pyjama pants seems quick and easy.

(Photo Credit)

If I were to enter I would use this pattern (Sömnadsmagasin 02-2012-115), since I already have it. Plus, the pants are in velour so no finishes are needed which would speed up the process. I actually did trace the pattern this morning, but I can’t get to the fabric store until Tuesday, earliest. Do I have time to make the pants? Or rather, will baby E allow me the time to make pants, it could go either way.

I want to join, but I don’t want to fail. It’s hard. Not to mention I must decide which colour velour to use…

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Posted in Life, Sewing

Tagged Pyjama Party Pants

Random Outfit #1

Posted on May 27, 2013 | 2 Comments

Last week I took pictures of all my outfits, knowing that one of them would end up here. It did change how I dressed, I made an effort every day, even the one day that would have been a typical sweat pants day, the kiddo was home sick.

Anyway, via random.org I selected what day to feature and it was Sunday.

Dress – Thrifted (KappAhl/Vintage Stories)
Tank – H&M (“refashioned”)

I actually wore this dress for two days, on the Saturday it was a family renunion for the husband’s family, and then on Sunday this was donned again due to convinience. That said, I love this dress! I found it a few weeks ago while thrifting, I was supposed to buy pants but I couldn’t resist this dress. Plus all denim was 50% off. The dress is from the Swedish store KappAhl and part of their 2011 SS Vintage Stories collection.

I love this dress, the pockets, the waistband, the sleeves, everything. Hopefully I will loose some more baby weight and it will fit better and I can button the top button (breast-feeding is also a culprit here). But this was definitely a good buy and I’m getting more and more hooked onsecond-hand shopping. I may soon officially take that Seamless Pledge.

Now it’s a new week and new outfits.

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Posted in Life, Random Outfit, Style

Wonky Droid Covers

Posted on May 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

I wanted an instant gratification project today and while the outcome is not perfect it’s good enough – for now anyway. I wanted covers for my phone and tablet so I found some fake leather in my stash and got to sewing. I started with a phone case which are just two rectangles sewn together and hemmed at the top. Since I have never sewn in leather (real or faux) I didn’t know how it behaved and the case is not completely perfect. Like I said, for now, I don’t mind.

Moving on to the tablet cover, I folded it over so the bottom is not sewn, just the sides. Also for this I wanted a closure so I made a triangle piece to fold over.

I added a button, I thought the red went well with the leather, but I, for some reason, only put a button hole in the bottom closure, so it’s hard to close and the button is not seen when the case is closed. Yeah, I’m not very smart sometimes.

The back of the leather is fleece so my phone and tablet are nice and comfortable while in the cases. (The seam allowances of the clousre were trimmed after this photo was taken).

So, my cases may be a bit wonky, but they do the job. And they are Droid covers, in this household we are Droiders (my phone is Samung, the tablet is ASUS).

Project summary:

Pattern: Self-drafted (traced the gadget and added a bit for seam allowance)
Difficulty: Easy when choosing an easy fabric.

Fabric: Faux leather
Notions: Button, thread
Estimated price: Fabric 15 SEK (€1.75), button and thread 5 SEK (€0.58). Total: 20 SEK (€2.34)

Project rating:
I really like

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Posted in Accessory, Creation, Life, Pattern, Self-drafted pattern, Sewing, Style

Bow Dress

Posted on May 21, 2013 | Leave a comment

Ah, my bow dress. It felt as if it ran a risk to be overdesigned when I had the flu, since I just kept adding more and more details (such as the bias tape down the front) but in the end I really like it. Perhaps taking a break isn’t a bad thing after all, since you get some distance to the project.

The pattern is Burdastyle 10-2011-129, which I have modified quite a bit. Not the basic shape, but the original pattern is a maxi dress with long sleeves, so just by the first picture it’s obviously altered. I shortened the dress, made it sleeveless, removed the side zipper (I think the buttons are enough closure) and used a bunch of bias tape. The bias tape along the back neckline and armholes are used as facings, the rest are purely decorative.

I have made up this pattern before, as a blouse with a peplum, but I’m thinking of turning it into a dress as it didn’t work very well as a blouse. I just need to find a skirt fabric, which so far hasn’t been a priority. That blouse however showed off the feature I like about this dress which is the drafting of the bodice. The neckline is unusual and I love the look of it, it’s flattering and not too low cut. I also like the pleating along the waistline. It feels like a bodice drafted for those of us with some curves on top.

The fabric is a lightweight viscose with printed bows (hence the name of the dress) and I also used buttons, interfacing and bias tape. The skirt is cut on the bias for a little extra flow, however I do worry that it ended up too short and too flowy as the bias tape stiffened the hem. There is also a small gaping at the neckline. All in all I’m pretty pleased with my dress, but afraid of the length being too short. I also think a belt, I have a black Obi-belt, would flatter the look.

Project summary:

Pattern: Burdastyle 10-2011-129, Boho Crepe Chiffon Long Dress
Alterations: Shortened skirt, omitted sleeves and side zipper, used bias facing in neckline and armholes.
Difficulty: Intermediate. There are some tricky details such as the inseam pockets and pleats and the instructions are a bit hard to decipher.

Fabric: Printed viscose.
Notions: Buttons, interfacing, bias tape and thread
Estimated price: Fabric 99.88 SEK (€11.87), bias tape 19.95 SEK (€2.37), buttons, interfacing and thread 10 SEK (€.1.18). Total: 129,83 SEK (€15.42)

Project rating:
I really like the drafting of the bodice and I think my alerations tyrned out pretty good. The pockets and length of the dress do worry me, but perhaps it’s all in my head.

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Posted in Alteration, Burdastyle, Creation, Dress, Life, Pattern, Sewing, Style

Tagged Bow Dress

One End and One Beginning

Posted on May 20, 2013 | 6 Comments

After some thinking I’ve decided to end my Me-Made_May experience for 2013. I’m not feeling inspired and my nursing-friendly me-made wardrobe is sparse. I’ve still learnt a lot and I will post about my experiences later. Theoretically, I could probably fulfill my pledge of 16 days wearing something me-made, but it would just be repeat outfits of what I’ve worn already. Therefore I am withdrawing.

However, I thought of another way to force myself into thinking about what I wear and how I look. I’m going to do a “random outfit” series. Every day I will take a photo of my outfit. After each week I will randomly pick a day and post that outfit here along with my thoughts on it. This will force me to dress properly (ie. no sweat pants!) each day and think about what works for me, without turning this into a daily outfit blog.

I’ve already taken my photograph today and next Monday I’ll randomly pick which of this week’s outfit to dissect.

Sewing is currently taking a back seat in this blog, but by fall I hope I can start sewing more regularly again, right now it’s very sporadical. Until then I will focus more on style.

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Posted in Life, Random Outfit, Style

Chirp, Chirp

Posted on May 17, 2013 | 2 Comments

As you can see in the right coloumn, I’ve joined Twitter. I’ve fallen for the group pressure. Now I just need to figure out how it works, how to communicate with others, hashtags and any other possibility I do not yet know of. I’m a total novice!

Follow me @eitchy_82!

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Posted in Life

Heavenly Nursing Dress

Posted on May 15, 2013 | Leave a comment

Boob*, eat your heart out! I made myself one more nursing garment, this time a dress. I made use of what I learned during the making of the Cassette Nursing Top and therefore this version has some minor differences from the top. To get a definition of the dress I put an elastic in the hem of the shorter front. The shorter front on the dress also comes higher than on the t-shirt, I wanted to shorten it compared to the top, but it became even shorter as I missed to catch the hem in my twin seam. It came out perfect, I think. The elastic is also shorter in the dress version than the t-shirt version.

I made the dress sleeveless, so I attached the two bodices both along the neckline and the armhole. For the back neckline and armhole I stabilised it with interfacing bias tape and hemmed it with the twin needle (I’m so glad I took the machine to the shop and finally figured out how to sew knits).

The fabric I used is a light blue, ecological fine rib knit. Since I hadn’t tried out the tutorial before buying the fabric I chose as cheap as I could get, without cutting back too much on quality. The fabric is very soft and drape-y, more so than the cassette fabric (which probably wouldn’t have worked so well as a dress). Plus, it’s the colour of my hometown’s football/soccer team, usually called heavenly blue, hence the name of the dress.

Just like the t-shirt I used my TNT knit top/dress pattern Burdastyle 01-2009-106 (both a top and a dress pattern, just elongation and shaping). I do however need to find new top patterns.

Project Summary:
Pattern: Burdastyle 01-2009-106, dress version.
Alterations: Altered into a nursing top using Christina’s tutorial. Removed sleeves altogether.
Difficulty: Easy

Fabric: Ecological light blue fine rib knit.
Notions: Self-made interfacing bias tape, thread, elastic.

Estimated price: Fabric 100 SEK (€), notions 10 SEK (€). Total 110 SEK (€)

Project Rating: I really like this dress and hope it will fit me well come nursing time. Right now it’s, obviously, a bit clingy, but the fabric has a nice drape and I think it will be a summer favourite for me. I love the softness of the fabric, I will remember to look for more fine rib knits as my store’s selection usually are a bit heavier.

*Boob is a Swedish brand, focusing on maternity and nursing wear in organic materials, with prices for dresses ranging from 500 SEK to 100 SEK (€58-116) . My fabric is also ecological and with a material cost of approx 110 SEK, way below their prices. I didn’t spend many hours on this, but I don’t know how to price my time.

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Posted in Alteration, Burdastyle, Creation, Dress, Life, Maternity and Nursing, Pattern, Style

Tagged Heavenly Nursing Dress

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Random Outfit #5

Pyjama Party Pants

Random Outfit #4

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Random Outfit #3

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Me-Made-May 2013: My Experiences

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Random Outfit #1

Wonky Droid Covers

Bow Dress

One End and One Beginning

Chirp, Chirp

Heavenly Nursing Dress

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