Little blue dress

Hey! I made a dress! Remember when that happened all the time? I got some crafty gift cards for my birthday so I had an excellent excuse to jump back into sewing. However, get this, when I was checking out with my fabric and patterns, a super sweet lady in line behind me bought everything for me! She said she supported what I was doing she thinks more young people should sew. She was so kind and even though I tried to say no over and over she insisted on buying my things for me. We walked out to the parking lot together and she told me about her older daughter who was going to school for art and her younger daughter who she was trying to get into sewing, but didn't seem interested. Her younger daughter was in the car, she refused to go into the store with her mom. It made me a little sad, I know sewing isn't "cool" and all, but dang! One day she'll be grateful and thank her momma for teaching her how to sew. Just like I am extra grateful that my mom taught me. Although I was (am) a nerd and liked sewing.

So this dress means a little something extra to me, because it was paid for by someone who loves her daughters. Someone who went way out of their way to touch my little life. Someone who made my day and reminded me that there is so much loveliness in this sometimes not so lovely world. Thank you random stranger, you're the best. I'll pass it on I promise!

The pattern is SUPER simple. I plan on making other versions, it was sooo easy to make. And it came out nicely! I love the simple clean lines and of course, that collar. I used bright blue and white poplin that was pretty much a joy (and a breeze) to sew on. After taking a rather long break from sewing, this was the perfect dress to get me back into the swing of things. Oh and please excuse my man arms and awkward stance. It was actually real chilly out and apparently that's how I stand when I'm cold.

I AM SO PALE. I promise I am wearing white tights, the scary part is my arms are the same color. But I mean really, I cannot get enough of that scalloped collar. Collars on everything.

Also, cat sweater!!! Thanks Kristy, that sweater is the bomb. Also, an actual cat:

This is the second time we've run into this fellow behind South Congress! If it happens again we might have to take him home. He's super sweet and so handsome. He wouldn't show the camera his eyes, but they are the prettiest sea foam green. Gives Greg a run for his money.

And kudos to my main man for taking pictures of me and my dress. And kudos for sharing cupcakes with me too.

Little checkered shirt

My sewing machine and I finally got back into the swing of things and made something! I churned this baby out in a couple days. This shirt was a lot of fun and a challenge to make. It's from a "vintage" 60's pattern set that was re-released by Simplicity. There are coordinating pencil skirt, jacket, and cardigan patterns that go with it. I'm sure I'll get to them at some point. Until then, SHIRTS WITH BOWS AND CUTE COLLARS!

 Please excuse my face. And my hair. This is post-work hair, not so fab.

 

Cutest bow ever? Possibly. It's a big mofo for sure. And I LOVE the little collar. I plan on making another version of this shirt without the bow. The collar by itself is so cute! 

Even the back of this shirt is cute! I love how much detail there was in this pattern. The back is just as tailored as the front, something that doesn't always happen.

I love it with a cardigan (everything is better with a cardigan). I felt a little like a grade school teacher, but I dig it. When I make the next version I plan on lengthening the whole thing just a tad. It feels a little short on me, but that may just be because I'm a tall lady. I also want to try it in a gauzy/sheer-ish fabric. I've never sewn on anything like that before and I think I'm up for the challenge!

As always, Greg wanted in on the photo action. He's just too darn cute to stay away from the camera.

 

And because Greg and I don't want you to think we take ourselves too seriously, I'll leave you with this gem:

Photo cred as usual goes to my dear husband. Although he sometimes has the patience of a 5 year old, I wouldn't be able to share my sewing projects without him!

Pattern prices

I know a few people who read this blog are actually interested in sewing so I wanted to share some tips of the trade! Not that this is a secret, just something I wasn't aware of at first. Maybe everyone knew this but me, and I'm just over stating the obvious. Who knows, hopefully this is helpful!

Here's the deal, don't ever buy patterns (or fabric for that matter) full price. The marked price on most Simplicity patterns (I'm not sure about other brands, but I'm sure the same goes for them) is usually $16.95 which is absolutely insane. Most fabric and craft stores always sell them at 40% off which brings them to about $10, which is still crazy. Online you can get them for about that price, sometimes a little cheaper. BUT, the way to do it is to wait for sales. I know Hancock Fabrics and Hobby Lobby do this, I'm sure Joann's does as well, but every few weeks the patterns will go on sale. And by on sale I mean they are $1-$2 each. The best is when they are 99 cents. NINETY-NINE CENTS Y'ALL. There is usually a limit of how many patterns you can purchase, I think it's like 10, but you can get 10 for the price you'd usually pay for one! Worth waiting for, I promise. Hobby Lobby, Hancock Fabrics, and Joann's post their sales ads online, it's a good way to find deals on other things you might need too (like fabric!). Usually it's different brands of patterns at different times, I'm partial to Simplicity patterns. Today at Hancock Fabrics Simplicity patterns were on sale for $1.99. I got five. After I paid and was waltzing out the door, super pleased with my purchases, I glanced at the sales ad the cashier handed me and saw that this weekend they'll be 99 cents. I was a little irked but still, $1.99 is still legit and these will keep me busy for a while.

My purchases! Obviously I am partial to dresses. I am super stoked about that second one there. RETRO AS HELL Y'ALL! Look at that cute ass bow on that shirt! It also has a cardigan pattern! I LOVE cardigans! But I mean, who doesn't? My main goal was to get a pattern for a holiday dress I want to make with the leftover red plaid I have from Ren Fest. I think I'll be using the second to last for that. The others are just for future use. There are like at least 4 options for each pattern, think of the dresses I could make! And the Walmart by us just started carrying fabric again and it is SUPER cheap, although I'm a little concerned about the quality... I'll have to investigate further. The price of fabric is the limiting factor here, it gets pricey very quickly! Especially for pretty/good quality fabric. But for now I've got a bunch of scraps to put to use and I am excited to get to work on this holiday dress! Sew on!