The Modern Tomato: April 2012

Round 2...Simplicity 2226

Monday, April 30, 2012

I've started cutting into my next project!

If there is one thing I have a hard time finding it's skirts. They are either too short or too tight. I get so tired of wearing black pants to work so I decided to mix it up a little, black with white polka dots and to throw everyone way off make it a skirt! The fabric is a from Joann's and it's a polyester blend. The white is for the belt and I'm going to line it in black. I've seen so many reviews on this skirt and so many cute versions of it I thought I'd give it a second go. Yes I've made this skirt before. It was actually my first piece of clothing. It turned out rather well, fit well around the waist it was just a little too full for me. I think it was because I used a quilting cotton so it didn't lay quite as well. Experienced sewers??Anyone?? Am I anywhere close to being right about that assumption?

Here's Round 1 of Simplicity 2226....


Bahaha! what an awkward picture.

I ended up turning this skirt into a handbag and checkbook cover.....


Oh yeah! Vera Bradley ain't got shit on me!

Stay tuned....Round 2 to follow....

Can we go outside already?!?

Sewing

Simplicity 2147

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

From my review on Sewing Pattern Review.com ...

Pattern Description: Misses Mini Dress or Tunic and Belt

Pattern Sizing: Size A 6-18. I made size 8, View C

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Overall pattern instructions were easy to follow. I did have trouble understanding the bias tape around the neckline. I don't know if that's instructions fault or my own lack of knowledge when it comes to bias tape.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Bias tape. I ended up applying the bias tape my own way.

Fabric Used: Cotton sateen from Lisette

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Took an inch out of the back yoke because I had gaping on the neckline on my muslin. Also ended up taking in the sides an additional 1/2 inch each side to have a closer fit.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? yes with my own alterations I would sew again. Definitely doable in a couple hours.

Conclusion: I think the next one I make I'm going to try a knit jersey fabric and cut a size 6. Also have plans to make the sleeveless mini dress to wear on lazy summer days. I'm going to make a belt for my tunic using this tutorial by LLadybird.

Vote for Shanni!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Yay I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!! The Peacock Tunic I made for the Made By Rae Spring Top Sewalong got picked as one of the finalists for week 3 voting. What an honor! There was so many beautiful tops entered by a lot of talented people. To be chosen as one of the finalist makes me feel great and is a big confidence booster with my sewing abilities. Sometimes I'm a little hard on myself. A little about the sewalong.....anyone wanting to enter was to make a top for spring and upload their pictures to the picture pool. Then once a week based on judges scores tops would be entered as the "Top Tops" finalists. These tops would be voted on and the two with the most votes wins a gift certificate for fabric or what not. To vote for me click here. I'm top H. Yay...cartwheels...flipflops....rainbows and butterflies!!! Make sure to check out all the other fabulous tops as well here.

Handmade/DIY

New Look 6110 - Spring Top Sew Along Entry!!!

Monday, April 09, 2012

I finally got my first ever shirt done!! I ran home from work in a frenzy to get it done before the sun went down so I could get some pictures in it outside on our deck. My husband had no clue that when I began sewing he would become a photographer.

I used New Look 6110. I thought it looked easy enough for my first try. This is a great pattern for a beginner. Easy to understand and can be completed in a day. The only problems I had was with the gathering. I don't know why I can't get the hang of gathering. I'm always pulling to hard breaking my thread. For a quick and easy way to gather that saved me and won't break your thread look here.

How cute it is! I just love the fabric print.

I'm so proud of myself! I even did a french seam on the side seams. I think it's a pretty good fit. It even has a belt but I like it better without. I'm entering this in the Made By Rae Spring Top Sewalong.

What shall I create next???

We live next door to a Bald Eagle!

Monday, April 09, 2012

We recently discovered that we have a Bald Eagle living amongst us. One day Ryan was sitting at the table and just suddenly started screaming for me. I ran to him in a panic thinking something was terribly wrong. He said I just seen a bald eagle fly over the house. I was like whatever. We went outside and there it was sitting in our field behind the house along with it's mate. It was absolutely amazing!! We found it's nest a few days later along the river less than a mile behind our house.

Their nests can be up to 13 feet deep, 8 feet wide and weigh up to a ton! This nest was huge and all the way at the top of this huge Sycamore tree. My mom and dad came by to see the nest and take pictures. We never expected to actually get to see the Eagle!

To see this bird soaring above your head is a truly amazing site. My husband said he was starstruck. It was as if he had seen the President of the United States. He's so funny.

I wonder if there is babies up there?

PugsNotDrugs

Things I've learned about my dressform...

Sunday, April 01, 2012

I finally got my dressform out and put it to work today. I cut a muslin for one of the tops I'm making. I've never done a muslin before mainly because I don't want to spend the time on it, I'm too impatient. But I'm really wanting these tops to fit me perfectly and I want to be sure the pattern size is just right before I cut into my fabric!!

My dressform in action

I've learned the arms on my dressform are just not going to work. They stick out too far and it's hard to get the tops on and off. So tomorrow my husband and I....well my husband will be conducting a small surgical procedure by sawing off the arms. I've also learned it's not very pin friendly. I ripped the head of my pin off trying to pull it out of the form. Then I had nothing to grasp so I had to pull it out with tweezers. Not sure how to solve this problem unless I cover the form with some fabric, then I can pin into the fabric, but I don't want to make it too bulky. Anyhoo I'm excited to cut into my actual fabric tomorrow and get started on my shirt!!

Highlights of my weekend: