fabric find Tuesday #13

As part of my goals this year I plan on sewing more for myself. I don't tend to like to sew for myself  because it takes longer, it is much harder (women have curves), and honestly I am not a fan of pattern sizing (a regular size 4 can be as much as a size 10 in patterns, ahhh). But I do think that when you sew for yourself you can make a dress or skirt however you want and the style that flatters your body the best. For example maybe you have large hips and a small bust, a 50's style dress would be perfect with a tight bodice and a full skirt.

I have what I like to call an upside-down triangle shape. I have a large chest and very skinny hips. So finding dresses or skirts that look good on me can be a challenge. I know that I need a defined waist and a supportive bodice. So many times I like to mix and match the patterns to make something that will look great on my figure.

So what does that have to do with fabric? I found this great linen on fabricworm that I plan on making my first piece of the year for myself. It is a golden yellow color with white scallops.

I want to make a pencil skirt. Something along these lines with a high waist and a thick waistband. Maybe pockets too, every mom needs pockets.

Now to find the perfect pattern...any ideas?

I'm Back for Another Year 2013

WHOO, I am back and ready to start blogging and sharing. It has been a crazy month so I haven't been able to post much lately. My family and I went to Arizona to celebrate Christmas with family. During our 3 week stay we found out that my husband's parents are called to be mission presidents, my husband interviewed for a job transfer in Phoenix, and he received the job offer ready to move and start by Feb 13th. That gives us 6 weeks to move from Albuququerque into his parent's house in Arizona where we will be house sitting for the next 3 years. So time to start packing again.

If you don't already know, I have been married for 7 years this June and this will be our 8th move and 3rd state. We have never stayed in one place longer than 18 months. I am really excited to know I am moving somewhere that I will be living for at least 3 years. Needless to say we save all our boxes and are practically professional movers by this time.

I may be packing between now and Feb. but I still plan on crafting and sewing over the next few weeks. And sticking with tradition I have made a New Year's Resolution list for my crafty needs.

Remember my lists from last year?  And my furniture remake list from last year. I only completed about half of my list. But that is why we set goals right?

Here are a few of my goals for this year.

1. Finish all my half completed quilts (3 to be exact)
2. Complete some decor for the kids room (Angry Birds Room)
3. Sew more for myself (dresses, skirts, diaper bag, etc)
4. Try some more crafting projects...maybe clay, screen printing, different painting techniques?
5. Write more food related posts
6. Learn some creative organizing techniques

I am sure that I will come up with some more goals over the next few months but this is a good start and something to look forward to on the site this upcoming year.

I just want to thank all of you for your support. Our followers keep me going and striving to continue endorsing the creative side of my life.

New Years Goal- Paper Bag Skirt

I never liked setting New Year's Resolutions. I guess it is because I am constantly trying to change myself and make adjustments in my life. However, I do like to set New Year Goals. These goals cover all aspects of my life spiritual, family, and even crafting. Here is a brief list of some of the crafting goals I am excited to share with you:
1. Sew more for myself including creating a Spring Dress Line
2. Learn to use my new serger
3. Create more crafts especially ones that I can use my new Silhouette to make :)
4. Create some higher sewing level projects for Elizabeth.
5. Remake the kids room including blankets for their beds and a theme for their room.

Looking at these goals I started this year off with a simple paper bag style skirt for myself. This project is fairly simple and took me about an hour to make. I think even a beginning sewer could start with this project. This is a quick sketch of my idea for this project.

Here is what you need:
-1.5-2 yards fabric (I used Sateen Cotton, but you can also use linen, cotton blends, or even taffeta. Something not too thin and that hangs well)
-a skirt zipper
-matching thread, pins, and a sewing machine.

CUTTING OUT YOUR PIECES:

1. Start by taking some measurements. Measure your waist and divide that in half. This will be the top measurement of your skirt from the fold.
EXAMPLE: 28 inch waist / 2 = 14 inches from the fold

2. Then measure 24 inches down from the top, this is the length of your skirt. If you are tall you might want to add some more length. (Remember you will take the bottom up about 1/2 an inch for the hem.
3. Finally your last measurement will be the width at the bottom of the skirt. Add 3 inches to the top measurement and make a mark.
EXAMPLE: 14 inch waist + 3 inches = 17 inches wide
4. Now you will cut the side of the skirt connecting the top mark and bottom mark creating an a-line shape. This is the front of your skirt.

Repeat the same for the back of the skirt this time cutting on the selvage.

Here is what you end up with:
You also need to cut 4, 3x4 inch rectangles for the belt loops. You will also need a long strip for the sash. Mine was 5 inches wide and about 60 inches long. You can piece two pieces together for this but I wouldn't do more than two pieces.

ASSEMBLE YOUR SKIRT

1. Start by sewing the front and back pieces of your skirt together at the sides with right sides facing.
2. Starting at the top of your skirt measure down 3 inches and then another 2.5 inches. The first marking is your fold and the second marking is the waist.
3. Fold over the top of your skirt 1/2 inch and press. Then fold over another 2.5 inches (this should be at your fold mark) and press. Baste stitch this fold down to the skirt body.
4. Now you are going to add your zipper to the back. Start by marking where the bottom of your zipper will be by placing your zipper on your skirt with the top of the zipper at the top of the skirt. Now sew the two back pieces together with right sides facing, using a longer stitch where your zipper starts. Next sew your zipper in place and pick out the loose stitches where your zipper is in place.
5. Now you are going to add your hem. Turn the bottom of your skirt up 1/4 inch and press down. Then turn it another 1/4 inch and press again. Sew this hemline down using a regular stitch.

6. Next you are going to add the pleats. Start with the front center pleat. I usually measure this pleat 2 inches from the center on each side. Then I add another pleat about 1 inch from the center pleat having that pleat point towards the center. I add one more pleat 2 inches from the second pleat again facing the center. Once all your pleats are pinned repeat with the other side and the back. Then sew the pleats down in place going over the top of your basting stitch from before.
**This is not an exact science. Each skirt and person will like different size pleats. The key is keeping both sides equal and your final measurement for the front from side seam to side seam should be half your waist measurement (in this case 14 inches). You may need to play around with it until you get the shape and style you like.

7. Now you will create your sash. With right sides together sew along one end of the sash and down the length of the sash piece. Now turn the sash right side out, tuck the open end so the raw edges are on the inside and sew the end closed.

8. Finally finish your skirt off by adding the belt loops. Fold the raw edges of your 3x4inch pieces inward and press them down. Then fold over the ends and press.
Now with the raw side facing down pin your belt loops in place on the skirt. I put two on the back next to the zipper and two on the front next to the second pleats.
Sew the loops in place at the bottom and top of each loop.

Now add your belt and your are DONE!