Learn to stick to what I like...

I 'finished' my Pendrell top a few weeks ago. I say that in quotations because I have yet to hem it. The thing is... it's not my favourite. Why did I ever think wearing anything in a stretchy polyester would be my thing?Though sewing this top was very straight forward, there are a few things I have done wrong.

Firstly, I have made the wrong size; I'm pretty sure about this. There is too much fabric around the waist and the back, even for a tucked in top: I like things more closely fitted. I still have no idea if I should be attempting an FBA on some patterns. It seems like a lot of work.

Secondly: wrong choice of material. Even though I was trying to upcycle an old dress...the lining was a lining for a reason. It's stretchy, thick, and does not iron flat. Actually, none of seems are flat. Lesson learned. Choose cottons. I like cottons.

Third: there are too many ruffles for me. I should've listened to my sister...but the other tops I've seen look so great. Well, maybe I'll try the bell sleeve next time.
However: I am still learning. It was not an expensive project. Following a Sewalong was so helpful. Pattern was really easy to understand. On to the next project. :)

My first sew-along...

I have a new project on the go... I have decided to take an old dress from high-school (can't believe I held on to that for so long!) and upcycle it into a new outfit. I am hoping to use the main pattern to make a skirt, and I am currently in the process of making a top from the 'innards' of the old dress.

The black 'innards' is made of a stretchy-polyester-type, not quite enough for a whole top...but I was able to find the exact same stuff at the fabric store (and discovered a 50% off sale...my luck!). I am following Tasia's Pendrell Blouse sew-along and making view B. Ruffles galore! I must say... I am not usually the ruffly type gal, but hey... the skirt bottom will have some ruffly-swing to it, so why not?

I love sewing a pattern with a sew-along! It's like having an expert right there teaching you, and then I can read all the comments and prepare myself for mishaps before they happen. (And I like that a lot...as a newish clothing sewer I pick out a lot of stitches). I am surprised at how quickly this top is coming together.

Oh, and I do realize that the actual sew-along happened awhile ago, but I can still follow along, right? :)

It all started with a jacket...

I am a fan of up-cycling. Sometimes it works, sometimes I learn and sometimes, if I'm lucky, I'll gain a 'new' piece of clothing. Well it was the jacket that got me started on all of this. I wanted a nice jacket to wear, but being a saver I went and searched the racks at the thrift store. I found this:
Unfortunately the lining was all ripped, so I haggled for a discount, and then spent the money on fabric. :) I carefully took out the lining in sections, and then used them for my pattern. Slippery little buggers.

The fabric I chose is the bright red and yellow floral print (my partner says it reminds him of Fresh Prince). I just think the plain grey jacket needs a little pizazz. :)

I was able to machine sew the whole jacket in except the sides, which I hand stitched. With all this warm weather I've been able to wear the jacket all winter, it's a bit snug, so I can't wear any thick sweatshirts underneath. The hood is still lined with the old lining, I'm not sure whether to replace it. And how about those buttons, replacing them might be tricky. Ideas?