Let's Do this Again

Simplicity 1419 again, that is.

Last time I mentioned I thought the neckline was too high; this time, I fixed it.

'Cause I can.

And I added stitching at the neckline...

'cause I can.

And in linen (wrinkly linen at that)...

'cause I can.

That it all.

Radio Silence

Holy cow!  School started about a month ago, and believe me when I say this is my first gasp at a full breath in about five weeks.  It's pretty usual for the start of a new school year to be pretty helter skelter, but this year in particular feels like I'm only holding on for dear life!  I'm not going into details here, mainly because a) that'd be like reliving all over again, b) that would take a whole 'nother bottle of wine, and c)  no one wants to read about someone complaining about work.  Isn't that why we read blogs?  So we don't have to think about work?

Since I was last here, this child, this one right up there, started preschool.  

How is that even possible?! 

This one is back for second grade.

(Sorry for the grainy phone pic, but that is seriously the best smile I've gotten photographic evidence of for quite some time...)

And me?  Perpetual 7th grade.

I'd apologize for the post-work, post-dinner, post-homework, the-sun-will-set-in-20-minute photos, but you know what they say, 

"You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit." 

Also? 

Life's too short.

The Details

Fabric: something cotton canvas-y I purchased at Hancock's about 8 years ago, tried to make into a failed skirt, and recently resurected. It may, honestly, be light home dec.

Pattern: Simplicity 1419, but just the skirt part. 

 I'd say I drafted a waistband, but really, I just cut a really big rectangle.

Notions: interfacing, a zip from the inherited stash

Notes:

Because of limited fabric, I knew I wouldn't be able to match across seamlines.  I didn't care so much about the sides, but thought it might be too much craziness across my butt.  I decided to cut the back pattern piece on the fold, and added an exposed zipper into a slot, basically following this tutorial.  

They had me at "The Full Monty".

Also, can I say I'm impressed I had a zipper that exactly matched that blue in my inherited stash?

(The zipper may look/feel/actually be 175% labratory created, but hey, it's basically a free skirt.)

The sweater is also a perfect match, but I can't claim that.  

I can claim, however, being asked by a student if I'd put it on backward.

Hmm.  

Kid must be working with my husband.

In other news, I've been working on a new coat for the last I don't know how long.

It's hot pink Sangria wool, not nearly as eye-blindingly bright as pictured below.

I'm including this "proof-of-life" photo in order to help motivate finishing.

 If you don't hear from me in a while, it's because I decided to try bound button holes, and haven't yet worked out if I should finish bagging the lining and THEN hand finish the button holes, or if I should attach at least 1/2 the 16 buttons before finishing the lining and buttonholes, or if I should finish the top stitching along the front, then cut buttonholes, and then finish the lining.  Feel free to weigh in. 

Also? I don't intend there to be nearly as many Legos on the floor 

when I finally get to wear it out of the house. 

April Showers bring Blue Flowers

I had originally intended this dress for the Project Sewn Floral challenge, but life got busy, we went on vacation, and ultimately, I'd decided I'd rather have a nice dress than a fast dress.  

And, let's face it, I'm not very fast with sewing.  

And I'm totally okay with that.  : )

The Details:

Fabric: floral cotton voile from Mood, ivory lawn for underlining

Pattern: Simplicity 1419, Lisette's Round Trip Dress

Notions: 22" invisible zip, 1 super special button, interfacing for collar

+ knit interfacing for zipper support, cotton twill tape to stabilize waistband, vintage flexi-lace for hem

Notes

First off, the pattern went together fairly easily, it just took me a while.   

In this one, I made a straight size 14.  I went up a size, because I'm kind of ashamed to admit it, but I think I've been measuring myself incorrectly.  I think the trouble I've had with uncomfortable shoulders and sleeves are related to sewing too small a size.   I would have previously grade from a 12 at the bust to a 14 at the waist.  That means for Sewaholic patterns, I actually need a 10 on top and an 8 everywhere else.  

(Mind blown)  

I don't know why I am totally okay with grading up a size to accommodate waist or hips, but never once considered grading down a size from bust to waist.  

This dress is not designed to be very closely fitted, which is actually perfect for a cotton summer dress. 

Who wants to be all sweaty in a dress? Well, in this kind of dress? 

I didn't think so.

Second, I added a bunch of extras here. 

 I underlined it, because the fabric was pretty sheer.  That meant I could invisibly slip-stitch the facing down to the underlining, as well as the bias finish at the armscye, and the hem. Jeezum Pete, though, they stuck together, and that was a trial in itself.  I also added twill tape to the waist seam allowance before serging the seam to keep the thin fabric from stretching out when I slump in my chair.  Third, I used zipper interfacing to supported the thin fabric for the weight of the zipper and make it go in easier.

The only think I had problems with was that button loop.  

I'll be honest, I gave up trying to turn a 1" by 1.5" bias loop (incl. seam allowance) right side out. 

I just cut another piece, folded it in half, then pressed the edges to center fold and topstitched it. 

Life's too short to spend that much time cussing an inanimate object.

Changes for Next Time 

For next time, though, I think I'll lower the neckline a smidge.  It's wearable, but still a hair high.  

Or maybe I just have a low neck, who knows.  

In any case,  I'll amend that on the pattern before putting it away for while. 

Also, I would consider using a scrap of interfacing behind the button, so it doesn't flap when open.

And, in the interest of photogenic honesty, my husband was out of town the day I first wore this, so my 7 year old kindly agreed to take a picture for me.

He did a good job, but I will admit that for every picture of me, there were three of the dog.

I can't complain, though; he is a pretty great dog.