Green paisley skirt refashion, S1619 pattern, refashion #50

For this next refashion (hey to 50 refashions BTW!!) I neglected to get a before pic. But it was essentially it was a big o'skirt like this one

But this skirt was a lovely mix of green, blue, purple, and red. I just love paisleys. I opted to use it as a fabric piece and use one of my patterns and make a shirt. I chose this one from Simplicity, S1619

I would have just enough fabric to make the top. Though the binding was not on the bias. All good. I proceeded to sew- I was proud as this was my first V-neck. lol. I pressed it out more.

It also had an odd button loop thing. I don't know if I will keep it or not. But here is my new blouse from a big skirt. Here it is closed....

I can play with the sleeves too with pulling the cords. I should tie them into a bow. 

I like it more opened up. 

You can see the loop where it connects to a button. 

Not bad. This pattern is made for a knit but still worked with this fabric. I also cut a size 8 as I had a gut feeling this top would be big. My gut was right (thank you gut!). This would be great with a knit. Wheels are turning and I will definitely use this pattern again with a knit, I just recently purchased some great knits on major clearance. Some small yardages so this would work fabulously!

Cheers,

Lauren

And here's to being officially halfway done! :) Happy dance!!!!

Maxi dress, Simplicity 2692

I am attempted to sew. I am truly. For me, it helps relieve stress. I finished this garment at the beginning of May but took forever to get an end photo. This crazy psuedo animal print in multiple colors, I believe could only be justified as a maxi dress. I opted to turn it into a 1 shoulder dress using the simplicity pattern 2692.

It was an easy sew. Really. I did no pattern modifications other than not gather as much in the bust. Which lead to the zipper issue. I corrected this by adding an invisible zipper that somehow I made magic happen and it completely hides in the seam. I was so excited! Also with the middle band I had no idea if it was going to work or not. It barely worked!

My new dress, which is light and silky feeling. Perfect for summer!

messy hair!

I also was part of the Clara Dress Sew a Long. This also took up  some time. I am almost complete. Post soon to follow! I am still struggling with my blog. Please bear with me, a lot has happened in the part few days.

Cheers,
Lauren

White Jean Sad Sack Dress #2, Refashion 31

So I found another sad sack! Not that I am super proud of that but it is pretty sad...

And the back of buttons was not going to work. I mean how am I going to put this dress on when I am by myself. What if something shows? This was not going to work for anything. Plus the bodice was just MEH..

Now big white jeans, I wanted to combine the 2!

Yeah these are huge!

To undo the seams, this was solely a job for scissors. Just cut everything away.

I decided to use this pattern. My initial thought was the peplum top but instead I made my version of the dress. 

 I used the top with no collar with the white denim. Also I had fun with my overcast foot on my sewing machine. I didn't have my serger at the time (long story).

Instead of making the skirt to the pattern. I just cut off the bottom part of the dress. Removed the buttons and holes. and attach. I added an invisible zipper and I am done! I didn't even have to hem! Yeah :)

Best part I got to keep the pockets. Man I love pockets.

Trying out a belt...

Love my new dress! 

Recap! 

Cheers,
Lauren

Crazy striped pants, simplicity 1663

Oh these pants....

I have been seeing a lot of fun crazy pattern pants. I wanted to give it a try. I used this simplicity pattern with this fabric.

I selected the long pants. I liked how this seemed to fit and flare. And didn't look like a glorified PJ pant pattern. I cut my normal size. And after sewing it together they were MASSIVE. went and removed a lot of fabric, even from the center seams. I got it as best I could and realized my fantasy idea of pairing it with a lovely top I had from Ann Taylor

To what this was in reality- a pair of lounge pants. No way I would wear this to work. 

My baby... :) Yup so with a t-shirt. Hanging out at home with my cats. 

Yes. Lounge pants. 

I cut a 12 and this is after removing many inches. I could have easily cut a 10 or lower. I have an idea on how to modify this pattern. Plus this is a thicker cotton fabric so there is no drape. The crazy tribal fabric may be making another appearance. You have been warned. Stay tuned!!! I think with a thin knit fabric, coupled with some slice and dicing- I can make this work.

Cheers,
Lauren

Easy Peak Open Top, simplicity 1589

Trying out a new pattern. It is one of those easy "learn to sew" patterns from simplicity. I really thought this shirt was cute.

I had some scrap fabric that literally I was scrambling to make it work, but I did for both. The pattern didn't call for fusible interface so I decided to add it to the back. I might not do that next time. So I selected just cotton. Both are different thicknesses and you will see the difference in how it hangs. As you can see here I have little fabric left (just those silvers).

Here's the flower pattern. This would be cute with my bright blue pants.

Actually those pants would work with this version too! 

Easy top. Sewing it was ridiculously fast. Cute and fits well. I would like to try this with something thinner that would drape better. I think it would fall better. But I like the shape of it. I love the way it looks from the back!

Cheers,
Lauren

Anthropologie Inspired Plaid Skirt, simplicity 1690

It is funny how when you want to make something and then you see it being sold for a lot of money. Take this Kenley skirt from Anthropologie. $148 for just the skirt. Really

As you can see there is an overskirt sort of looks like a bow.

Here is how to knock it off, for a fraction of the price. Check out this pattern from simplicity. It is similar to the anthro skit. Simplicity 1690

Now I got all fancy. Or out of my league. I decided to make this skirt with purple and black plaid CHIFFON. Yes you heard me right. Chiffon. And plaid. 2 really hard things to sew with. But hey things were shut....

While I was sewing, which has a black chiffon lining. I got really excited when the 2 overskirts matched each other. Like the Gevalia coffee commercial..... TOOT TOOT

In all actuality I knew the overskirt would match but the under skirt will not. I am totally fine with that. Here is after the pleating. I pinned and basted the heck out of this skirt!!! 

Next add the waistband. This I actually modified for myself, I needed a bit longer. Sew to the skirt. Prettyyyyy.....

Here it is on... drool

I paired it with some boots and a black shirt.

Hey I would also like to point out that I sewed an exposed zipper (and not invisible) and the cat didn't look like she attacked it. And the plaid relatively matches.

Love. I think I can totally remake this with a modified waist to even look more like the anthro skirt. Which is really a small rectangle to sort of gather it. Easy. This was not the easiest skirt but part of it was due to the chiffon and the plaid. Plus it had lining. Which made it thick. I think I may have broke a needle in one part of attached the waistband. Really happy with the results. I would definitely try again with other fabric that doesn't require lining. I think it would lay flatter.

Cheers,
Lauren