Tuesday, December 08, 2009

More Sewing Projects and a Few Mistakes

New Look 6748I had another post lined up for today and wouldn't you know it? I messed the entire thing up. Long story but you can bet I let out a wail when my hour of work went down the drain. I'll have to try it again for next week but to hold you over I'll share this instead.

I was kind of proud of this one because I had an old dress pattern from several years ago (New Look 6748 if you're interested) that I'd been holding onto and then I happened to have yards of fabric left over from Grace's Halloween costume last year.

So I put the two together and came up with this. Kind of like the peanut butter/chocolate marriage thing and I think it works--at least I felt kind of fun wearing something that felt a little more exotic than my standard dark winter wear.

New Look Pattern 6748However, the whole thing was not without its irritations as well because the pattern called for a knit fabric. I was worried that my normal size would be too small for a woven pattern so I cut it larger and when I was done it looked like a tent on me.

Great. So I spent the next day taking the whole thing apart and cutting it down to size (the good news and the bad news, right?) Well after I'd spent a second day of sewing putting it back together I realized I'd messed up yet again and cut it too much--it was now too small. I could hardly breathe.

So I took it off, took a deep breath (trying not to say the words that came to mind) then I took it all apart yet again and spent a third day of sewing to put it back together, complete with hidden inserts for expansion. It was quite an ordeal.

So how did I know it was a success? When my daughter wanted to borrow it for the dance. Nice try Grace.

***

As for last weekend's VTech toys giveaway, I ended up having to redraw a winner which was Karen of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Congratulations to her and to Stephanie at Metropolitan Mama who won this weekend's TOMS Shoes Giveaway.

Sponsored by Beau-Coup for unique baby shower favors.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Definitely a success! I noticed you wearing that dress at church and I think it looks fabulous on you. I've made a few items of my own clothing and whenever I wear them, all I can think of are the mistakes, even if they are "hidden." It makes me feel like I'm not wearing "real" clothes! But your dress looks gorgeous. When I saw you wearing it, it never crossed my mind that you made it. Good job!

Michelle Glauser said...

It looks great! How are YOU doing?

Flea said...

Very nice! I love the hemline. I'd have tossed it after the second shot.

Lori said...

That is an excellent benchmark

Janelle said...

Ugh, how frustrating. That is a good sign though, that Grace wanted to borrow it. That makes you a cool mom, I guess.

Tammy said...

Very pretty! Frustrating to have to sew it three times, but the finished piece was worth the extra effort!

gerwegirlie said...

the color is luscious. i love it -- great way to fight the winter blues (and greys!).

Oldfangled said...

Oh, I hate ripping things out and putting them back together. I probably could have managed making it smaller, but I'm no good at making things bigger. The fabric is very pretty -- nice and vibrant to spice up the winter!

Anonymous said...

That is gorgeous! Sorry about all of the frustration but it paid off in the end! :)

CountessLaurie said...

You clearly are more patient than I. After the cutting down and not fitting, I would have been done for.

Looks great! Well done!

chelle said...

Ooo it looks fabulous!

Kristen M. said...

Cute dress. You must have a lot of patience!

Mirien said...

Well done. And hats off to you for sticking with it until it fit just right! I haven't sewn for myself in a long time, for that very reason.

gretchen from lifenut said...

Third time was the charm. What a gorgeous dress. I love the color and shape.

Teenaged daughters won't borrow just any random piece of clothing.

jacjewelry said...

Too funny! Third time is the charm!

Stephanie said...

Gorgeous! And I think you have a good deal more patience than I do.

Wanda said...

Gorgeous! Love the green! Job well done, friend!

Chris said...

good job, and the color is wonderful for you......

Cheri said...

Wow, it is a beautiful dress! I love it. I am really in awe of your sewing abilities!

Janet said...

That's a beautiful dress, but you're much braver than I am, letting your legs show in the winter!

Stephanie said...

Michelle! You are so glamorous in that dress...and you have great legs to go with it!

Congrats on making such a totally wearable holiday dress. I am in awe.

stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

Unknown said...

It's darling. Love the color.

I just would want it about 6 inches longer...don't like worrying about showing off too much leg. :)

Unknown said...

And you really can't complain for having to make is smaller. HELLO..every girl's dream.