Fall projects
It probably seems like I gave up sewing, it's been quite some time since I have posted anything I have made. But really I like to post everything at once. The intent is to pressure myself into meeting a silly deadline, but lately it really hasn't seemed to work. And it isn't because I haven't been sewing, I just am now taking a couple weeks to finish a project instead of a few hours. Too many holiday activities, too much running around, and really I am just too lazy. But I have managed to squeeze out a few things over the last couple months.
Dress # 1
This is inspired by a couple of things. I would say most of the clothes I sew are inspired by A.P.C., one of my favorite brands. Simple, and unfussy. This particular A.P.C. knockoff actually was a shirt that I thought would make a great dress. I used an old vintage pattern, and made several adjustments. I also wanted to give the dress sort of a vintage feel so I chose a replicated feedsack print I found in Utah while fabric shopping with my friend Kelly.
I will say though, as much as I love dresses, I love layering even more. I prefer most of my dresses with something over them. Much more interesting.
Dress # 2
This dress is inspired by a Phillip Lim 3.0 dress I found on ebay. Unfortunately it was too fancy and overpriced but I loved its pleated cream bib and plaid fabric. I wanted to make something similar but a little longer and with fabric that reminded me of fall. Katie actually found this fabric first but after I saw it, I knew it was exactly what I had in mind for it. The tough part was tracking down a JoAnn's that actually had more than a half a yard. I finally found some in Arizona and had it shipped. I like how it turned out but of course I would change a million things if I were to make it again.
Dress # 3
I have to preface by saying, I'm not crazy about the fabric either. Last year I saw an A.P.C. corduroy dress that I really liked, but like all dresses, it was just too short. I later saw another dress by them that was in a floral corduroy. Subtle, but nice. So since then, I have been looking forward for fall so I could make myself one. Again I found myself at JoAnn's while I was in Utah and while browsing the corduroys I apparently was possessed and bought the craziest floral pattern in the bunch. I knew after they cut it I had made a terrible choice but I went ahead with it anyway. I don't hate it, I just wish it wasn't so florally.
I used another vintage pattern for the skeleton of the dress. I added an inset with tucks, buttons, and cuffed sleeves. Unfortunately the fabric pattern hides all of the details I like so much about this dress.
I will probably only wear it layered with a black sweater.
& Shirt
This was actually a birthday gift for my sister. And I did make it in a few hours. This plaid was actually what I initially bought for my bib dress, but it just didn't seem right for it. I thought a shirt/tunic would be cuter. I used the same vintage pattern for the first dress but with several different adjustments. I thought it needed a little something extra so I also added a peter pan collar inspired by Jenny from Wiksten. She has a tutorial for the collar that you can find here. It's a little tedious but worth the effort. I love how it turned out.
Sunday, December 9, 2007 at 3:31PM
Reader Comments (12)
Gorgeous, gorgeous! Every item you made is darling and I want one of each. You are such a talented gal. And, I am loving wiksten-made.
master sewer. I have taken a break from making clothing and these projects are making me want to start up again!
How much would it cost for you to make each one of those dresses for me? I really want to be able to say "I used an old vintage pattern, and made several adjustments."
Usually I say "I am following the pattern EXACTLY and still can't figure out what I did wrong."
I really, really love the shirt you made for your sis. What if I wanted to buy one of your handmade shirts? Because I really, really want one.
fabulous fabulous deep fried fabulousness!
ps- looks like you have some customers for an etsy shop opening!
Your win the award for following through and finishing projects!! I can't believe how much you do... even if it is over a matter of time. If there was an award for buying the supplies and semi-starting a project but NEVER finishing -- I would WIN that one for sure with flying colors!! :)
Love the dresses! So sad that you will be leaving so soon... why didn't I come down more!! I will have to squeeze in one more trip before you go! :(
-Hillary
I am so impressed...
One day I will finish a project that I a not forced to do for school!!
I must agree, I too love the shirt you made for your sister. How lucky am I that I am that sister that gets to wear it whenever she pleases? Answer: Very. It is even more cuter on me. I mean not more cuter than it was on you, just more cuter than these people think, that's what I mean. Just another added bonus to being your sis. And Leesh! That dress with the bib looks even more darling now that I can see the whole finished product. So cute. And I love all the layering. Everything is so delicious.
I am glad I'm not the only one who can't finish sewing projects...by the time I have looked at it so long I no longer want to wear it! It would help if my projects turned out as fantastic as yours though Alysha, there would be some motivation. My favorite is the dress with the bib. And I love the dress/tights/boots look! You always inspire me...maybe I will make it fashionably through the winter.
I saw you in one of the dresses and I wanted to ask where you got it. And now I know! You are so talented and those dresses are so co cute.
Alysha, you are so amazing! Seriously, I love each and every one of those things you made. You seriously blow me away with your talent and good taste. Would you give me permission to post a couple of your photos on my blog? I want everyone I know to see them because they are so inspiring. Also, where did you get that black cardigan in the second photo from the top? I've been looking everywhere for a cardigan exactly like that.