Giraffe Skirt

I finally finished my giraffe circle skirt! Check it out:

I followed the same pattern as my black and white checked skirt, except this time I added some ties on the side.

Circle Skirt

I think this circle skirt project was just the thing to to take my mind off the two projects I have halfway completed (short skirt made with Anniversary Fabric and the red and white Hawaiian dress). With some gorgeous wool, black and white check fabric from my aunt and some help with construction from sewing-guru, Amy, I was able to whip it up in mostly one evening.

We used one of Amy's circle skirts to cut the shape out on the bias of the fabric:

 I sewed up one side of the skirt, then held it up to my waist to see where to sew it up on the other side. Some of the fabric at the top had to be cut off so it would fit around my waist. Then I sewed the other side, stopping approximately seven inches from the top to allow for the zipper. After that was in, I added a waistband.

After a little hand-sewing to touch up some areas, I pinned it to a length I liked and hemmed it with the steam-a-seam stuff and it was done!

It's the perfect length and weight for fall and winter!

I'm thinking of making another, fuller one with the Anniversary Fabric. What do you think?

Bike Pack Cover

I haven't found the perfect pattern yet for my new fabric. I will get to it, though! In the meantime, I whipped up a little something tonight. It's a cover for the pack I have attached to my bike.

I started with this cute fabric from Hobby Lobby (or Hobby Lobotomy, as my husband calls it).

I cut out a circle-ish piece for one end and a long piece for the cylindrical part. I didn't bother with being too careful about the look of these pieces. All of the ends would be tucked in anyway because I used only topstitching for this project. The end with the zipper I just left alone. It's easier that way.

Despite my best intentions I completely forgot to take ANY pictures of my steps along the way. I guess it's good that I was really in the zone.

I sewed the two pieces together first. Then I cut a slot on the end because there is some velcro there, which runs along the side of the pack. I left this area open as well. Then I sewed all along the edge by the zipper so it won't come off.

Buttercup is ready to hit the road in style!

Easy Skirt Alteration

I have been massively impressed and inspired by Marisa at New Dress A Day. She buys cheap thrift store outcasts and alters them to adorable, one-of-a-kind pieces for her own closet. Over the years, with my craft projects, I've been trying to not just see the object in front of me but what it could be, e.g. taking an ugly, gaudy mirror or sunburst clock and painting it for a modern look.

So, today, when my husband and I hit a thrift store, I tried to think like Marisa. I looked for fabrics and patterns I liked, no matter what the size. Luckily, I found a dress that already fit me perfectly, but I also snagged this $3 Old Navy skirt that was too big.

This was an easy alteration - just taking it in on one side (the other side was the zipper and I wasn't messing with that). Now I can wear it without it slipping off!

What city do you think is depicted on this skirt? Buenes Aires?

Tropical Dress

I finally finished Dress #2! I used McCall's pattern M5845 and fabric my aunt gave me. This dress was definitely a challenge. Since there is a lining, it's like making two dresses and doing double of everything, including pesky darts. The darts made it look polished and tailored though, so they're worth it. Having only done two before in my life, it was daunting to do about 30 of them, in total, some of which were topstitched.

Now I am on the hunt for a wide brown woven belt. It has been surprisingly hard to find just the right one!