Spring Top - Adult Version

Spacial reasoning has never been my strong suit. I'm embarrassed to admit that I mess up almost once per project in a major way. Usually, like in baking, it has to do with the fact that I don't read ahead before rushing in, then make assumptions which turn out to be incorrect. Case in point: this simple and adorable top. You would think that with just three pieces (two bodice and one bottom) that I would get it right the first time. Oh, no! At first, I cut the top the wrong direction - being convinced that it went one way when it most certainly did not. After sewing on the biased tape, I realized my mistake. The top was too small and needed lined anyway, so it worked out for the best. Then, while cutting the second (larger and correct direction) bodice, I folded the fabric to cut two pieces without realizing the back was upside down from the front which caused me to have to cut yet another bodice (just one luckily).

It worked out for the best, as I love to size of the bodice and the fact that it is lined. I am planning on making one or two more, but will also make the bottom of the shirt MUCH smaller. If I was planning on letting myself go though, this would be the top to try to get away with it in!

The pattern is the Summer Nightie from One Yard Wonders.

Pettiskirt Success!

 Sometimes, it's hard to remember my crazy daughter is still only two. Her third birthday is rapidly approaching, and I'm in the midst of making her birthday outfit. I tried the no-sew tutu last year and wasn't very pleased with the results - it was always very static-y and never laid very well. It turned into a big ball of tulle. This year, I decided to go for the real deal and make an actual pettiskirt, using this tutorial as inspiration.

I ended up buying the chiffon rolls which are indicated in the tutorial, which was very convenient, but I didn't have any left over to work on tension! There wasn't any special instruction on tension or sewing in the tutorial, and I had a very hard time! I spent a week on this skirt, and most of it was repeating the same mistake over and over. I even swore off chiffon at one point and decided I need a new machine for my birthday (which still may be true - the machine I use is older than I am). I finally figured out, that for my machine at least, the tension needed to be just less than the mid-point (4 of 10) and that I needed to significantly increase the pressure on the presser foot. Once I figured all that out (by the time the skirt was almost done sadly), it was smooth sailing!

My daughter obviously has a purple obsession (I'm not sure where she gets that from) and loves the skirt. It has great flow and is perfect for all the spinning and twirling that she does!

Rookie Mistake

I've been casually sewing for years now, and I feel like I'm still always making obvious mistakes! I took a pair of Kyle's work pants and cut them into pants for Sora and forgot to cut two opposite pieces for the fronts and backs and instead cut two identical front pieces and two identical back pieces. The pants are intended to be used to get muddy and play outside so it doesn't matter too much, but if you look closely, you can see that one of the fronts is inside out. 

Spacial reasoning, you were never my friend.