I’ve been rotating hiatuses this summer.  For a while I stopped sewing and went on a writing binge.  After I got stuck on my story, I went back to drawing and writing my comic.  In the last few weeks or so I’ve been back into sewing.

Just three weeks ago, I finally got around to making a hat from the Vogue pattern I bought at the beginning of the year.  One night at 11:00pm, I just had a sewing itch, and stayed up super late to cut out the pattern, iron the interfacing and pin it together.  The next evening I couldn’t wait to come home and finish it up.  It was  a good time and super relaxing.

Remember that green wool pencil skirt I made?  I used the remainder of that fabric to build a bonnet-like bucket hat.  Or a bucket hat with more of a bill.  However you want to think about it.  (Yes, I’ll post pictures, but I need a model.  Any volunteers?)  I was a little surprised how rigid and sturdy the wool turned out once I added the interfacing.  It really was the best fabric to make this type of hat.  Also, I surprised myself with how well it’s stitched together.  It’s a little plain, but well made.  I think the only problem is that it doesn’t look very good on me.  The shape just isn’t right for my head/face/hair.  At this point, I’m looking for a good home for my little hat, so anyone who wants to try it on, just let me know.    I had a lot of fun making this as the entire project took me two nights, which I spent chatting with my boyfriend in between stitching.

In fact, the hat project went so well, that weekend, I dove into the large khaki curtains I bought at a thrift store and made a long narrow skirt.  The khaki was super worn and very soft.  Snow had gifted me a beautiful long skirt pattern back in May because she had duplicates.

I needed to add an inch or two to the pattern, so I pulled out some parchment paper and remade the pattern.  This went pretty well, because the pattern was so simple – basically four rectangles sewn together. I figure I’m going to evolve this pattern making process, so I’m looking for tips and tricks. I used a ballpoint pen, but I think next time I’ll just use a sharpie.

This was the first time I made a casing and put in a draw string.  Which was annoying.  Super annoying.  And I’m not doing that again.  I’d rather make a zipper and button or even a brand new belt than do that by hand again.  A lacing tool to pull draw strings through is now on my list of “needs” for sewing.  As it turned out, the casing looked lovely, the skirt fit, the stitching was perfect.  And then I gave the drawstring one last tug before tying it.. and it snapped in half!  I’m sure my face just fell at that because my boyfriend immediately came over to hug me.  It’s okay though.  I have plans to just sew in some belt loops.  The stitching for the casing is so stylish, I’m cool with just leaving it intact and sinching the whole thing with a new belt.

Oh, one last thing on the sewing front.  I went to a sewing panel at AnimeIowa this year.  A seamstress who specializes in complex costumes was giving a presentation on common sewing problems, so I made sure to get a good seat.  Always ready to learn more about sewing, right?  As it turns out, I knew most of what the group talked about.  This was a bizarre validation that I’m on the right track when it comes to sewing new garments.  I did get a whole list of interesting websites for buying fabrics, trims, corset equipment and patterns, though.  All in all, it was a good panel and I had a good time.  (even though I was super shy and didn’t talk to anyone.)

I did get to hang out with Snow at AnimeIowa, too, which is always a good time.  Someone came up with the wonderful idea to build Rainbow Brite costumes but design them with a Victorian flare.  After seeing some Victorian dresses and designs, I’ve fallen in love with walking dresses from the 1880′s.  I will try to make something similar to a Rainbow Brite character, because it would be nice to cosplay with everyone, but I think I’m just more interested in making a pretty dress.  Still throwing around ideas, but I know I’m super interested in making a corset.  Not sure if I’m super interested in wearing a corset though. Those things hurt. XD

If I get to make this project, I’ll probably need lots of help!

<3 Allie