It's all in the details.

It's all in the details, baby, as my friend Nicole always says.  

As soon as I finished my first Gallery Tunic I started plotting my next one.  I wanted to change a few things up to give it a little different look as it would be my third gingham shirt in my closet, one RTW and the other I made.

So I decided on a larger scale for the body with a smaller gingham and a polka dot thrown in the mix.

Abby is getting better with the camera, though I am still nervous she will drop it- hence the awkward face, I was trying to give her instructions.

At first I wanted to go small gingham collar with polka dot cuffs, but on flickr Masha suggested the collar and cuffs be the same.  I liked that idea better and knowing the placket is more of a hidden or less noticeable detail, I used the polka dot there.

I used a solid black for the under collar, another hidden detail, but I like knowing it's there.

Gallery Tunic.

As soon as Liesl showed the preview of her new Gallery Tunic + Dress I knew I need it in my life- immediately.  I have a RTW shirt that is similar that I absolutely love and wear every time it is clean.  It is in a lightweight slightly textured navy gingham.  It's so comfy and easy to wear, though I am sure soon enough it will be too warm around these parts for it.  Which is also why I wanted to get on this one asap, get as much wear out of it before it turns hot- like in a week or two, ha! 

Our local fabric shop (which hilariously is also a hardware store)  has all kinds of lightweight gingham.  The selection hardly ever changes, nor does the amount of fabric on the bolts, so I sometimes wonder if I am the only one who buys it.  They have different sizes of checks and colors and way back I bought up a large assortment, because you can't beat $4 a yard, I think it may have been on sale too.  I have used the red, yellow and black for the girls in the past, and this one was intended for Abby buuuut I stole it.

I was so excited when my patterns arrived yesterday (go paper!) I got to tracing this one immediately, then life happened so I set it aside until this morning during nap time.  I completely forgot to do the FBA!  Sadly not the first time it has happened to me, and I am sure not the last.  I used a 1/4" SA around the chest to give me a little more room.  It is definitely still wearable, I just know that next time I will be doing the FBA.  In fact, I should go alter my pattern piece now...

I chose to do a contrast placket, or maybe it was chosen for me as I didn't have a big enough piece left of the check.  I didn't actually look at my yardage, I just started cutting, hoping I had enough and knowing there was still plenty at the store if I ran way too short.  Ah, keeping it real here people.  I almost wish I would have done the collar white too, but maybe I wouldn't like it if I did... I am so indecisive, but since I only had enough white out of my fabric room (aka master bedroom, aka place the baby sleeps) for the placket I left it.

It turns out it is rather hard to take a picture of your own backside, the things I do for a pattern review, ha!  So, the front and back length aren't really this drastic, it is mostly the way I am standing, though the back is longer.  Long enough to cover your bum and maybe even get away with leggings, because leggings aren't pants (right my FTF friends?;) ).  

So TL;DR, buy this pattern, it's awesome sauce.  

Recent makes for me.

I tend to get on kicks when sewing for a certain person.  No matter how hard I try to implement Nicole's rota system I just can't, and her sweet Hugo even made me a chart.  (I swear I will put it to use Hugo... someday).  So lately I have been sewing for myself. 

I made myself a few Bento Tees.  I have one more cut out and another one planned.  I added 3" to the length as I prefer my shirts longer.  This is a favorite and I have worn it quite a few times in the week it has been made.  This knit was initially ordered to make something for the twins, but once I made my first Bento (see below) I had to have this for me, no regrets.  I even eeked it out in less fabric than called for with some creative cutting.

This was my test run Bento.  I found a heathered mystery knit at a local shop that I planned to use for a Parachute Polo for one of the boys, but I decided to give it a try for me.  I love it.

This Cappuccino Tunic was made during the sew-along, though I didn't get it photographed until much later so you'll just have to believe me.  I made it in a really drapey fabric I have no idea of the content, though I wish I had paid attention to the bolt because I love it.  I forgot the FBA on this one and it is a little tight across the chest, but I still wear it occasionally.

Last night I got this crazy idea I needed a new dress to wear to church for Mother's Day.  The worst part was I had been thinking about making it all day but was trying to talk myself out of it.  Then as I was putting the kids to bed I decided it had.to.be.made.  So I did.  I made most of it last night and finished up the side seams, hem and sleeve hem this morning (yay for one o'clock church).

Mr. Sam wasn't so happy today so he got to be in the picture too.

I was worried that I would need to lengthen the dress, but I had Ben help me with the tape measure last night and saw that the finished length would likely be alright for my preferences, which was a good thing because I couldn't figure out where to lengthen the pattern and I didn't want to take the time to read through all the instructions to figure it out (because of the time crunch).

 The very first thing Georgia said to me was "Pockets mommy!  You can take my Elsa Barbie to church for me in your pockets!"  I found that pretty hilarious.  This time I remembered the FBA.  I used this fabric and absolutely love it.  I was worried about how much it might wrinkle but decided to go ahead anyways and am glad I did.  It did wrinkle some as the day went on, but not enough for me to be super annoyed.

I can't remember the last time I wore a dress.  Well, I should say a knee length dress, I did have a maxi dress I wore during my pregnancy with Sam.

Aaaand I pretty much want another one of these, it's so comfy.  It doesn't work for nursing, though (obviously).  So it's either a home dress or a short time away from home dress.

I also made two muslins of Rae's new pattern that is coming out later this month and am dying to make a real one now.  It's so cute, and the short sleeve version (with no contrasts) is such a quick sew.  I also tried the view with 3/4 sleeves and contrast hem, sleeve and placket.  But since I literally made them in muslin I am not showing those photos off, ha!  So, sorry to the rota, but I think I may put it off a little while more...

Everyday skirt + Metro tee.

I am on a roll!  It's selfish sewing week, so I decided I will do just that, sew for me!  It has been fun and I may be getting a little obsessed (I really should be making the kids pants and jackets).  

So, ignore the random light on my boob, I still am not great at using my remote and this was the only decent shot of somewhere close to twenty.  Ugh.

The top is the Liesl and Co Metro tee in some fuschia polka dot from Girl Charlee that I had left over from making a maternity tee (that was never blogged).  The material didn't hold up great, unfortunately, but I was wearing it 2-3 times a week (because it fit) so I am hoping if it gets washed less it will last longer.  The pattern is great, so great.  But I think all O+S and L+C patterns are the bomb diggity.  I made an XL and didn't change a darn thing.

The skirt is the Liesl and Co Everyday skirt in a Robert Kaufman Essex yarn dyed linen.  I have made this one twice before but didn't get a lot of wear out of them because two weeks or so after they were made I found out I was pregnant with Sam!  I love the skirts and they are so comfy so I "needed" another.  I made a Large with again no mods.

I have another Everyday Skirt cut, a Traveler view B and a Weekend Getaway so expect some more awkward photos of me to show up here.

Weekend Getaway tunic.

I have been sewing for me a little bit lately, though this is the first I have blogged.  I started wearing my blue Weekend Getaway again, and while it is a little tighter than when I made it (thanks Sam) I decided to make the same size as I have finally started to loose some of this post baby weight.   I decided to make it in a tunic length, I bought my first pair of leggings ever so I wanted something to go with it, though I think I will need to loose a bit more before I dare wear them out of the house, haha! 

I used this lightweight shirting I picked up forever ago, I think it was meant to make Ben a Negroni, but I never dared (though it is on the list now).  Adult clothes take up so much material so I was intimidated.

I made the size 14 with a FBA for my giant nursing boobs (well, giant to me).  The blue dot one doesn't have a FBA so it is a little tight in that area.

I added black to the sleeves to tie in the facing and cut the sleeve on the bias because I was sick of trying to match the plaids.  It would have been a quick sew if I didn't have to do that, but I can't stand when stripes/plaids don't match.

I was also a little intimidated by the FBA the first two times I made this so I skipped it, but oh my gosh!  Liesl's method and instructions are soooo easy.  Seriously, don't skip it if you need it!

I am still not so sure I like the whole showing my face and trying to use my remote (getting myself in frame can be tricky!), but I have a whole list of things to make for me so I better get used to it;)

Blue.

So I was so excited after wearing yesterday's Weekend Getaway I knew I wanted another. Immediately.  So last night I cut one out of some yummy Lisette Lawn I had in my stash.  Originally it was bought to be a Washi, but I have managed to misplace my pattern (downside of paper patterns).  I have the red and blue colorway, but I thought the blue looked more "fallish", the other reminds me more of spring. 

 

 

I had left all my supplies sitting on the counter and had already finished the front facings, the darts and the back the night before.  I tend not to sew while the girls are awake, with two of them I need eyes on them at all time (BIG troublemakers).  Well, I left one in the kitchen while she was eating breakfast and changed a diaper, then switched girls for the next diaper.  When I put them down for naps and went to sew on my front facings to the front bodice, I noticed 5 giant triangular marks.  Scissor points, to be exact.  Sigh.  Luckily I had enough to cut another front bodice (only one was destroyed), so I sewed on the facings and went to the next step- sewing the shoulder seams.  I was crushed to see there were also cut marks on the back of the blouse (and the pattern instructions).  Again, sigh.  I did have enough left to cut another back- barely.  Moral of the story?  Keep scissors away from the two year olds. 

 

 

So while it seemed like the blouse was doomed, I am so, so happy I had enough (as this fabric has now been discontinued), and so glad I didn't use the red color way because no way I had enough of that!  

 

Okay, after my long, sad story, a reminder that I made the Liesl and Co Weekend Getaway.  I again made the size 14 and was lazy enough to skip the FBA that I *should* have done (remember the first one?  I took a smaller side seam allowance to make up for the FBA laziness).  After wearing the first blouse for a few hours I realized I would like it a bit longer, so this one I lengthened by 2" (5'4" over here).  I don't mind the length of the original pattern, but while chasing twins and getting up and down from playing toys I just felt like I wanted a little more coverage.

I was also too lazy to take up close pictures of all the other details since I did that yesterday, plus the fabric was really hard to photograph in the mirror.  In case you haven't seen the fabric before, the white dots have green spots inside them. 

So, have you bought the pattern yet?  If not, you should! 

Weekend Getaway.

I realize most of the online sewing community are spending all their free time this week trying to make a bunch of clothes for their kids, and don't get me wrong, I am sure at some point this week I will sew for them (Halloween) but I sew for them all.the.time.  So I decided to be a rebel and make something for me!  I am getting a little more confidence in sewing for myself after two successful skirts (here and here) so I decided to try another one of the fantastic Liesl's patterns, the Weekend Getaway Blouse.  I found a soft pink gingham check shirting that has been in my stash foooorever, because then if it didn't fit I wouldn't be too sad! 

 



 

 

But guess what?  I love it!  I made a size 14 and while I should have probably done a FBA, after talking to Nicole about her dress (and now blouse)  I curved out to a 3/8" seam around the bust rather than take the time to adjust my pattern- but there are fantastic FBA instructions included in the pattern. 

 



 

I did mess up the box pleat on the inside a little (top right corner of the picture), but that is the only thing I wasn't happy with, and I could have unpicked it but I noticed after the back facing was attached.  I do like the nice clean finish on the inside. 

Speaking of the pretty pleat.  It gives the back a nice shape.

I chose the 3/4 sleeve (view B) since it is fall and I pretty much love all sleeves 3/4.  It may be hard to tell, but the sleeve is folded up 2" to create a cuff.  If you go with the short sleeve option there isn't a sleeve piece- does that make any sense?  It is a kimono sleeve so nothing to set in or mess with unless you go with the 3/4.

 

 

So all in all, I like the blouse.  How great would it look with the Everyday Skirt??

Corduroy.

 

Hello again!  After making my last skirt, I knew I would be making more (many more), but up first I started with a gray corduroy.  (I used the Everyday Skirt, size Large). I was a little worried about how it would hang since it was heavier than the plaid homespun I used for my previous skirt.  While it is a little bulkier, I don't mind it, plus it is perfect for fall... if it ever shows up in my part of the world! 

 

 

Yep, headless selfies again.  So I can't decide, brown boots...

Or black?  Can you believe I have never actually owned a pair of boots?  That is, until today!  And now I own two pairs.  I think I like it better with the blacks (and the cardi).

 

 

So anyways, not much to say that wasn't said in my last post, love the skirt and expect to see some more of them soon:)  I have another cord cut, this time in a flower print and lighter weight than this one, a denim and a gray mystery material (those last two are in the was being prepped before cutting).  Hey, with that list I will almost have one to wear everyday, ha!

Everyday skirt.

Are you ready for a set of slightly awkward, headless shots?  Yeah, I am not a fan of getting my picture taken and guess what? No one was home to take them for me anyways since Ben was at work and big kids were at school.  So I guess I should say, no one I would consider letting touch my camera. 

 

 

Okay, with that disclaimer aside, let's begin.  Have you heard the awesome news??  Liesl of Oliver and S fame has come out with patterns for women this fall! You have probably noticed (if you are a regular reader) that I don't really sew for myself, only a handful of times over the last year have I made anything for me.  But, they really appealed to me!   So I snapped up the skirt and the tunic first thing and got started on the skirt.  I saw the plaid version (scroll down a little) on the blog and knew I would be shamelessly copying complimenting her take.   

 

 

I have a thing for purple lately, first the pants, then the coat and now this skirt!  Either that, or I am getting really good at using what is in my stash! (You're welcome, Ben)

I cut the side panel on the bias, and also the pockets, not that you can tell because they are pretty much invisible (which I love).  But trying to match plaids makes me want to bash my head in.

So can I just profess my love for the skirt and get on with things?  It is so comfortable!  I love Liesl's description of it, a lazy days skirt for grown ups.  That is so true.  I could see myself wearing this skirt all.the.time. (means I will have to make a few more!). 

Yes, I found a kids chair to stand on in the bathroom and photograph myself so I could show the length.  'Cause I am awesome like that.  (just kidding, I am a nerd).  I am 5'4" incase anyone out there is wondering.  Also, the skirt is size Large. 

I don't typically wear my skirts this high (at my dropped waist), I typically keep them on the hips, but this was really comfortable here- though I am pretty sure I wont wear it with the shirt tucked in.

I love the waistband.  Flat front with two rows of elastic (1/2" wide) in the back.  The construction is basically the hopscotch, I love it, such a nice, clean finish on the inside. 

So in reality, this is how I will wear it.  Still at my dropped waist, but shirt untucked. (and probably slightly wrinkly, just like the pictures.  Keepin it real here)

So normally I am not a fan of pockets, I never use them and don't like the added bulk.  Well, guess what?  I love these ones!   They are practically invisible- and fairly deep too! 

I am already dreaming of another skirt in gray cord, a denim one, maybe a mustard color... I really should have been Halloween sewing (or cleaning house) but those other things just didn't sound as fun...