Pleated Shirt Experiment

I love pleats. In everything. So I decided to take my basic shirt pattern, add some inches to the front, and get to pleating. First version turned out pretty good. I might decide to make my own bias tape and redo the neckline, since pleats add a little bit weirdness to a regular hem. I'm mostly glad the pleats are all even and it's wearable.

Love the green color. Next, I think, is my first patternless knit shirt. 

Trees Scarf in the Shop

Cotton silk blend scarf featuring my trees pattern. One available!

New Year's Eve Shirt

So, the dress turned into a shirt. I'm really happy with it. Just not with the pictures...I remember when I had a great camera. I'll be honest, part of the reason I don't blog is because of the picture quality.

Anyway, here's the random terrible photos.

Shoulder details (lace)

And the lace back with a better view of the color.

Easy Scarf How-To

Whew! What a long break I took from sewing.
Here is a little how-to for the circle scarf/cowl I made a few weeks ago. (Thanks, Shannon! I totally forgot what awesome stuff I had in my stash till I went looking for something to sew up.)

I started with a quarter yard of fabric. This will make a skinny scarf. If you want something thicker, use a wider length.

Fold the scarf in half lengthwise (hotdog fold?), iron and stitch along raw edges.

Turn inside out and press.

Fold insides of one raw edge in and press. If you wanted your scarf shorter and closer around your neck, now is the time to measure and trim off excess from the end with the raw edges.

Tuck raw edges into the end with the folded in edges and stitch shut. Now separate the tube and iron out the crease in the middle to give it some volume.

ta-da! Easy right?

Now that I've gone through my fabric again I realized how many pieces I want to make into shirts. I also realized why I haven't been sewing. I've had a pattern sitting on my desk for about a month now and I really don't want to make it. I might not be all that into following patterns and more into either figuring things out or making simple shirts from wild fabric. It may be because I'm not much of a complicated dresser...Instead of ruffles and zippers, I like combining colors and texture. I also don't want to make anything into a skirt or take time to add buttons to anything...Maybe I'm just a simple sewer.

Anyway. I also had kimchi for the first time tonight and my stomach is not happy.

Small Projects

Let's address some things.

I haven't been sewing very much. Since moving to Portland and becoming single (yes) I've had more to do and more people to meet. I've actually been able to make friends which is something I wasn't able to do at all in Utah for the whole year I lived there. I've also gotten involved in the design community here which is also something that Utah lacked.

So I've been busy.

Another thing, the camera I used to use to take beautiful pictures never belonged to me. It belonged to my ex. So now I take really shitty photos. BUT I'm getting the iPhone 4s tomorrow in the mail and the camera is supposed to be EXCELLENT. It'll suffice until I have some dough to drop on a camera.

So here's what I've been up to:

A green shirt made from fashion-show-leftover-fabric found at Wal-Mart ($5 for a whole bolt!). It's strange. It's mint. It's sheer. I'm not sure I like it.

AND I altered a pair of my pants into skinny jeans. They were initially supposed to be skinny jeans but when I bought them in 2006, I was not all that sure skinny jeans were going to take off. Or that I'd like them. Or that they are sort of necessary for petite women without curves. So I bought a size up.

Now these bad girls are rock-and-roll ready.

Before: (blurry, yes. left side is old pant leg. right side is new)

After: LEGSSSS!!!!!

Whew..felt good to blog. I have no work today and tomorrow and I'm planning on sewing so stay tuned!

Western Shirt Redo

Let me tell you about my day so far. My blowdryer shot fire at me and then stopped blowing hot air. And that wasn't the first time fire came outta there onto my head...it's just now causing a problem because my dryer doesn't work.

And THEN I cut my finger with thread. Yep. A good little cut that hurt and felt more like a burn. So yeah, my life MIGHT suck today. And don't tell me people have it worse. That's all subjective.

Anyway, my husband is awesome at finding sweet old clothes and wearing them regardless of trends. He recently passed on this old western beauty to me and I had my way with it.

Not the best picture but I had to post it so you could see how much of a creeper my photo-bombing dog is. Super creeper. He just wants to love...what's so wrong about that? (Everything.)

And here is the transformation:

The print is pretty manly, so I wanted to go to extra lengths to still feel girly in it. I slimmed it down A LOT so it could hug my hips and give some definition in that area. I also shortened it. (duh) I cut the sleeves, shaped them more, and added tabs to hold them up because I thought that would be more feminine than just rolling them up or making a cuff.

New favorite shirt!

Plaid, Plaid, Puke

So here it is...My awesome 70's shirt in plaid. Don't be fooled..those sleeves are puffy. I even fitted them better and they're puffy. I like how nicely this shirt turned out, but I don't think I'll be wearing it any time soon. I might consider making it in a solid color and with regular cap sleeves since it was a relatively easy pattern (except for the *#!* ##@** pleats). So...anyone want a crazy plaid shirt??

Btw, I used this pattern.

90's Skirt Refashion

I found an awesomely 90's maxi skirt at the thrift store a while back and decided that it MUST be converted into something playful. So feast your eyes...or try to...

It's ugly (maybe even fugly) and bright green and sorta floppy but I love it. Eat your heart out, Forever 21 - you can't top this!

I may have also stolen some poses from Vivat Veritas.

Oh and I forgot to tell you that we adopted another lil Chihuahua - this one is Max and he's a Chihuahua/Terrier mix. He's super tiny, only 9 months old, and my little sidekick. He hasn't quite warmed up to Jake yet, and I hope he never does!!

Cranberry Dress into Sassy Pencil Skirt

I have many pieces in my closet that are 4+ years old because I couldn't think of a good reason to get rid of them. My style and preference changes so much that when I get rid of all my dresses, I want them back. Same goes for my ugly plaid button-ups.

So this dress: obviously I couldn't let it go last Thanksgiving even though I was repairing the waistband right before leaving for my sister-in-law's house. Obviously.

I bought this in 2006 or 2007 for a work party and have worn it for holidays since.

I love the cranberry and the knit fabric is so stretchy and comfy. So I made a pencil skirt using C&C's tutorial.

So sassy, right? My husband calls it a "stretch pants skirt" for the reason you are about to see...

Oh hai, butt! It seems as though this skirt has defied genetics and given me a butt. However small, it is there and it is SHOUTING at you. So take a good look. Because I might not be wearing this skirt that often. I might have to get used to being so sassy...

Oh yeah..and enjoy that stupid mismatched hem. What an amateur. I think the side seams bunch because the fabric should probably be used for underwear instead of a shapely skirt.

Totally Totes Tote

Looking for my giveaway?? Here it is.

My latest project was a tote bag. I used a fat quarter of the geometric fabric I designed and made a pattern for a bag with two pockets inside. This is probably the most well-made item I've made to date. I took a lot of extra care with it and was thrilled that it came out so clean and nice.

I'm excited to get my fabric designs out into the internet world and see what people think.

Also, I wanted to share with you the outfit I made up yesterday. I loved Kristen Wiig's pairing of a blazer with a dress in Bridesmaids and I've read a few blogs that noted it as well. I'm pretty new to accessorizing and dressing up and making an effort so I'm still really amped when I come up with something I think goes really well together but wouldn't be my first choice. AND since I work at home and don't see anyone, I must share.

Necklace: Forever 21
Jacket: Thrifted (Ann Taylor)
Dress: Ross
Shoes: Payless

AND I thought I'd show the true functionality of this outfit by posting a picture of how good it looks even when I'm fixing my hair.

Oh Blessed Friday

I'm not sure why I care so much about Friday today. I haven't worked very hard this week on anything besides staying sane. I won't really be kicking back this Friday because I've sort of done that all week.

Truth is, I haven't felt too creative this week outside of my freelance work. I'm hoping I had a good break to start in and get a few projects done this weekend.

I did bake though. I made these Cheddar and Black Pepper Biscuits and served my husband breakfast for dinner. Huzzah!

Don't forget about my giveaway either...

I also turned one of my husband's old shirts into a cute tank top that I then promptly wore out to meet friends. But not before I also whipped up a prototype for a wallet. (photo of shirt "before" is after I cut the neckline. oops.)

Simple, not super great but I love the stripes.

Have a great weekend!!!

Rocket Dress to Skirt

I know, it probably seems like I just got done with a giveaway but I just found out about May Giveaway Day on Sew, Mama, Sew and since I'm working on a lil something special, I decided I had to participate. So be ready - Monday, May 23 to Wednesday, May 25 - win something special. Something special that might be wearing a skirt.

Now, on to business. I have a pile of clothes that I want to refashion into wearable pieces since various parts seem to be falling apart. This "rocket" red dress (below) was just a little too big/low cut/not really my thing anymore. Since the red color is still fun, I decided to take some of the leftover knit fabric from my latest creation and change it into a skirt. And what a skirt it is.

Simple project but I'm happy to lengthen the life of this dress even if it's just for sitting on the patio all summer.

New STUFF!!!

(Looking for my giveaway? Here it is.)

I'm not much of a runner or exerciser at all. I like to get my exercise by doing things I already like to do rather than putting myself on a schedule.

With that said, I'd like to relate my little experience this morning. Today was a self-proclaimed vacation day. I woke up, read, bugged my husband to wake up, woke up the dog to bug my husband to wake up, and decided I'd go for a jog with my little friend.

I put on my shiny new Puma shoes that I inherited from my sister-in-law due to some sizing misunderstandings, put on my little black workout top with a built-in bra, and some black shorts. I stood in the mirror and was already jazzed about how fit I was. I looked at myself, posed a few poses, and decided I'd make running an every day thing for sure; It already felt so good.

Finally, I'm outside with my dog, quickly running behind his little Chihuahua butt that can run at speeds I wasn't anticipating. About 2 minutes later, I'm running through the baseball field behind our house thinking to myself "This little SOB can run. Forever. WHY?!"

After about 20 minutes of recovery with a glass of water on the floor of our living room, I was decidedly against fitness, sweat, and feeling like my head is going to implode and that the lights may be dimming - are they even turned on? Where am I?

So there you have it. I'm Lorena, I'm 24, and I am not going to try to pretend that I'm some sort of crazy exercise person EVER again.

There's some new stuff in my shop! A cowboy bear with a vest and leather details, a silly floppy-eared bunny (fabric I designed on the ears), and...could it be?! Yes, the boyfriend with a removable beard is BACK! And I'm very excited.

I also got some more proofs of my designs from Spoonflower! Very happy with these - expect to see some fabric in my shop soon! Well..like in a month because it takes forever to get it.

Also, did any of you watch the Office, episode 23 recently? Did you see Erin's AWESOME shirt? If not, here it is:

Is there anywhere I can buy this? No, is there any way I can make this? I'm going to ponder the last question and get back to you. Any ideas? Seems simple enough - like you could just sew a little piece of fabric there to hold the top down and the bottom up. But it does look like it goes through the front of the shirt..hmmm

I love Erin and Angela's style on that show. They're always wearing something really feminine and making great color combos.

Earring Round-Up

I'm not into accessories very much, especially if they're sort of over the top or too dangly or big or make too much noise. I usually have to remind myself to wear one of the few necklaces I have or a scarf. But I will wear earrings everyday. I hadn't bought earrings in a few years, so I decided to do a little shopping on Etsy.

The fun thing about buying from Etsy is the care and detail taken in the packaging of the items. It's so nice to get a little gift wrapped up in a box with ribbon and sometimes a few extra goodies :) A few of these sellers, too, I've continued to talk to and read their blogs, so it's a lot more personal.

1. White Drop Earrings from Sparkling Bliss
2. Pebble Gray Sterling Silver Studs from Allison Moore Designs
3. Gunmetal Bow Earrings from Reverberate
4. Silver Lotus Flower Earrings from Piixl Jewelry
5. Olive Pom Pom from SoukySuz

Drafting a Pattern Day 2

And now we come to the finished product! I'm very pleased with how it came out. The right strap is a little droopy because the arm needs to be adjusted a little but not a big deal. I plan on making a few more variations with the fixed strap, maybe some pleats, maybe less billowy.

And this is how I dressed it up for going out on the town. Now it's just time to start going through the weird yardages of polyester I have and destash a little by making a few more of these.

Mustard Marie Skirt

I tackled my second project with a zipper and this one turned out way better. I got the pattern for this Marie skirt from Burdastyle. The fabric is actually a (very clean) old sheet, so the skirt is kind of thin. It would work better with a thicker cotton for sure, but I love the mustard color.

I also had to add some room to the waist since the pattern called for 34 inch hips and a 24.5 inch waist. Thankfully, I had my copy of The Art of Sewing Creative Design (thanks, Dad), which has tips on how to add/subtract inches from a skirt/blouse/etc. In the end, it ended up being a little loose around the waist, but I'm getting closer to creating a piece of clothing that fits correctly.