Blue Blue Electric Blue

As I looked at the cover page of my Lucky magazine for April, I knew cobalt blue would be my color choice for the season. I have since followed this trend by sewing myself a blue plaid dress, a blue shirt, and purchased blue ballet flats. Obsessive? maybe.

Over the last 2 weeks, I managed to squeeze a few more blue projects out. Lucky for me, the predictions for fall are bright jewel tones, which bright blue clearly exemplifies.

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This skirt is a rip off I saw in a boutique while I was in Chicago. The price was well over $300, and I knew if I found a simple skirt pattern I could adjust it and maybe pull it off. I couldn't find a decent picture of the skirt anywhere online, so I emailed the company, and asked for it. It couldn't have been better, I was able to copy every last detail.

Although this dress isn't all blue, it captures it in the details. I made it as an unbirthday present for my sister Tara, who is a very dedicated Brooklyn Bean reader and commenter. Hope you like it Tara, you should get it today!

And of course, I couldn't resist making another turban in blue, and I also didn't feel so great about how the first one turned out. I made some adjustments and this one seems to be a bit closer to the real thing.

Some looks for less

Anyone that has known me for some time, knows I love, as much as I hate to use the word, "fashion". It gets over used and in my opinion most people that claim to love it, really don't have a sense for it. Most hard core fashionista's however would most likely argue that I am not a true representation of the term, but I am ok with that, I prefer landing somewhere in the middle. Most days you can catch me at the park in my salt water sandals and if you are lucky, some skinny jeans, but when I feel up to it, and I know I won't get covered in dirt or food, I try to keep up with most budding trends.

I am just like any other girl on the subway reading her US weekly, a friend told me to pronounce it U.S. Weekly so I sound smarter, however I look at it just for the celebrity fashion. I love the quirky ways they put things together, of course they being their stylists they pay thousands of dollars for. I of course then try to find my own ways to put some of the looks together, sometimes splurging for the real thing (handbags, denim,& marc jacobs), or now making my own similar pieces.

These are a few things I knew would be simple to make but very expensive to buy.

My $20 version, in grey. When I saw it last fall, I knew I had to make it even though I hadn't made anything for myself in over 10 years and I didn't have a pattern for it.

Prada's spring silk turban

My $2 version, good enough for me.

Next up, this black vest. Kinda wished I kept my one from middle school.

I also waste time browsing some good fashion sites for inspiration. I usually begin my day here then go here then here and finish up here. 

An easy gift idea

About a year ago I took my 2nd sewing class. My first being in high school where I learned to sew a kite and then progressed to a fleece vest, yes I graduated in the mid-90's, in Utah. I really didn't care much for sewing until just last year when some friends were going to take a class from Heather Ross learning how to make little girl smocks, tunics, and pants. Sounded fun, even though I didn't own a sewing machine or a little girl. But, I did learn how to make this very cute and easy summer smocked dress. Granted, the method she taught us included cording and a zig zag stitch, not too easy for someone that hadn't used a machine in 10 years, but it got me jump started. She later taught another method, using elasticized thread. Much, much easier, and not so homemade looking. Here are a few below I have made for friends.

How to:
*You will need fabric 1 1/2 to 2x's as wide as the babies chest. The bigger it is, the more full the dress will be. You will also need elasticized thread. Gutterman makes some, but JoAnn's carries a few different brands. If you search online just type in the elasticized thread and it should come up. Depending if you want straps the same fabric or not, you will also need the fabric for them or using single fold bias tape makes the project a bit easier too.

1. Cut a rectangle of fabric as wide as you need and as long. I suggest hemming the top and bottom of the dress first. I find it easier to hem before you sew it up the back. I typically do a 1/4 inch hem on bottom and 1/8 on top.

2.  Use regular thread for the top, and hand wind the elastic thread onto the bobbin and place in machine. With right side up, line the presser foot with the top hem and sew with a loose stitch along the length of the garment. Your first stitch will not be all that smocked but you can always pull on the  end of the elastic to get it to gather more. I don't recommend doing this until you have completed all of your rows. Line the presser foot again with the stitch you just did and sew along the garment. Do this for at least six rows. I usually do between 7 and 8.

3. Trim excess threads and sew up the back inside out. I usually just finish it off with a zig zag stitch, and will run it along the smocked threads a few times to secure it.

4. You are almost done. If you use fabric to make the straps. Measure an inch and a half and cut two pieces about 10 inches long. Fold both raw sides of the strip in with an iron about 1/8 of an inch. Fold together, iron, and sew down the side of the strip. Finish ends. Sew onto front for a halter tie lining stitches up with smocked thread. I usually secure it with 3 rows of stitching.
If you use bias tape. It is already pre-folded, just fold it in half again, stitch down the side, and finish the ends.

If these instructions seem confusing you can email me at alyshasmith@mac.com.

some summer projects

As the summer weather is getting hotter and stickier, I am inclined to wear the least amount of clothing as possible. Lucky for me, the "dress", is becoming increasingly popular. The week before I left to Utah, I made myself a crazy goal of 4 dresses. Probably no big deal for a expert seamstress, but for a beginner, it was a bit lofty. I completed three before I left and then one while I was there. Here they are in all of their glory. Let me know if you want the pattern info.

As you can see, I prefer cropping out my head. And thank you to Tara who in her half comotose state, took these pictures.

I also have really come to love the Built By Wendy top patterns. The inset is a little tricky, but the elastic neck pattern takes Katie only an hour, me a couple.

This last skirt isn't really worth posting but it did mark the first time I lined something. I used a regular a-line skirt pattern and extended it to make it wrap.

Crafty fun

I have a fairly new church calling which I am really loving. For several reasons really. My top two being I love getting to know the ladies and having the opportunity to reach out to those I typically wouldn't, and CRAFTING. We have started up a few clubs that meet once a month. Our first project: envelope pillows. Very simple for a first project. Luke clearly enjoys his.

Our second project: freezer paper stencils. So easy, and so fun. Find fun shapes online, or even with cookie cutters (Katie's ingenious idea), trace them onto freezer paper, cut them out, iron the negative stencil on your fabric, paint, dry, iron again, peel, and whala, a great gift!

Next month we will be sewing tote bags.Lotta Jansdotter has a great book out with several fun projects that seem quite easy including the bag, apron, oven mitts, and more. I can't wait!