Wednesday, October 28, 2009

95.

So recently I've had a hankering to sew. I don't really know how to sew but, I figured, if I can knit clothes - I can probably sew them.

A few months back I found this pattern on the Yarnaids blog and kept in the bookmarks section for a rainy day. After months of leaving my sewing machine on the bottom shelf all covered up, I brought it out, dusted it off and made this:


Trying to figure out how to take photos of myself in a dress was kind of tricky but, I managed. The material is some kind of cotton blend that has a little stretch to it. The pleats were the hardest part for me because they kept coming loose after I'd try it on. I went over them a couple times, hopefully they'll stay.


I've worn it out once so far and got a compliment! I'm a little terrified to wash it considering the pleats came loose from me just wearing it, but I think it will hold up ok.

In leui of my success on this top, I decided to try and recreate this shirt from top-shop that they don't carry anymore (sans pocket)


But, with the feel of these tops (and long enough so that I don't neccessarily have to wear real pants under it).



(images from oak nyc)

My boyfriend says I kind of look like an optical illusion and there is a bit more work I need to do to it (seam the collar, seam the bottom/back up an inch or two) but, I am pretty happy with it thus far:



I'm open to suggestion on how to finish this top to perfect it...

Anyway, I have some halloween costume sewing to catch up on.

What is your favorite website to buy yarn from online? Namely chunky yarn? Of good quality?

fin.
ern.
x.


7 comments:

acommonthread said...

both of them look so perfect! i can't believe this is one of your first projects. did you use a pattern for the second one? or just freestyle it?

right now, i'm using cadena yarn from knit picks to make some floor cushions. it's kind of a sturdy yarn, but i've heard that it will soften up after soaking it. i also like shine from knit picks and wanted to try their shine bulky. also, maybe try elann.com i don't think i've tried any specific bulky yarns from there, but they usually have some great deals.

yoel said...

Love the dress, and the pleats look perfect!

Team Knit said...

wow, amazing!! I've been wanting to learn to sew, I can use my machine but not well enough to really feel confident to sew an article of clothing yet... but your projects make me want to learn!!

- Julie

craftivore said...

Both of these look fabulous. You could wear a paper bag and it would look chic.

Nettie said...

That is seriously awesome work for a brand new sewer!!!

I love the striped shirt!! I am a stripe girl!

Rima said...

Super cute! I love that green! The pleating detail is just awesome.

andrea said...

I love them!! When you start sewing worlds will unfurl before your eyes; things that were "too big" or "cut weird" at the thrift will suddenly be almost ready to wear!

As for the pleat situation--it sounds like the stitches aren't grabbing all the fabric, so what I would do is: lay everything all flat and sew a seam about 1 cm in (or even less) so all the fabric will stay put. Then maybe zigzag over that. Do you just have a regular machine or a serger as well? When I got my serger it was like happiness and rainbows; everything was suddenly SO EASY. I can't wait to see what else you make!