Marigold Dress by Melly Sews {SSW16}

It feels so good to finally have another project for "Out & About" my Seasonal Sew Wardrobe collection with the Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests group done! 

The Marigold pattern was also this month's monthly sew along. 

The Marigold pattern comes with a dress option, just a skirt option and a peplum blouse. Every option has varying details to choose from.

Of course,  I had to sew the dress!

The Jolly Rancher Skirt {Brooklyn Skirt} & An Orange Pop Top {Simplicity 1364} (Out & About - SSW16)

Is there such a thing as "Photo shoot cabin fever"?? Because I think I have it!

The vast majority of our photos for the blog are taken outside and I'm a lot more comfortable taking pictures of my outfits outside then inside in front of a blank wall. (Which in our house is hard to come by…) As of late, my poses have be mediocre and the lighting isn't as good as all natural light. 

I also love blue skies and sunshine which obviously isn't attainable inside! haha 

So hopefully when Spring rolls around I'll be more relaxed then I seem to be in these inside photos… :-/

But that really does't have that much to do with this outfit but... Maybe I'll rephotograph this outfit when there is green grass outside! :)

Anyways...

AccompList / 2016 Make Nine Edition \

I have a ton of goals for 2016. 

I also have a lot of goals for the month of January. 

This year I am the stereotypical goal maker. Making way too many and (most likely) un-achievable goals. ...Some in an exceptionally short amount of time but let's put that aside... ;)

2016 Make Nine

  On Instagram, the hashtag #2015BestNine became popular - sharing nine best photos from the past year. Many people were doing their most liked as the best nine, many makers did their best nine projects and then there was me...trying to figure out what mine were of either category. 

  Until Rochelle from Lucky Lucille posted her nine with this caption:

"Instead of #2015BestNine I'm doing a #2016MakeNine! What are some things you'd like to make this year?"

  Now that hashtag is SO up my alley!! 

  I jumped on it right away and here are my projects:

1. White Shirt Dress:

I love shirt dresses; they are probably my favorite style of dresses! When I came across this image on Pinterest I knew it was something I wanted to sew! 

The pattern I'm going to be using is a 1950's reprint Butterick 5556 because I already own the pattern and it will give it a slightly less "white button up shirt with a skirt attached" type feel to the dress.

My plan for the fabric is to use one of the white vintage sheets that's in the stash. 

Update 05/27/16: See the finished dress HERE!

2. Another 1950s Dress for TaMera:

Kimberly was looking through Instagram when she saw this 1950's vintage dress for sale at a vintage shop. The dress is the same style as Simplicity 1459 (reprint of a 1950's pattern). 

I've made it twice with varying details for TaMera and this dress shows another way to change up the same pattern. 

3. Phoebe Dress by Colette Patterns:

Phoebe was just released last month and I fell in love...fast and hard.
In celebration of the release they offered a 15% discount off the pattern. I knew I was going to buy the pattern sometime so why not buy it on sale?

It's a simple design and I think that's another reason I was drawn to it. So many of my dresses have lots of gathering or pleating for tummy coverage and this one just has a simple subtle flare with the two darts on the front.

Update 02/22/16: See the finished Phoebe HERE

4. 1960s Shift Dress for Tiffany

In the off chance that Tiffany actually reads my blog...I'm not going to say to much about this project because I want it to be a semi-surprise.

(I found the perfect fabric in my stash and can't wait to get started on it!!)

Update 01/04/16: See the finished dress HERE!

5. Something With Lace

I feel like I'm to the level of sewing where I can try something with lace or sheer fabric and then I read this article which says, according to Met, that a trend this spring will be lace and sheer fabric. Uh...perfect timing!!

Now I don't have any patterns in mind or even any fabric...I just know its something I want to do!

6. Camden Cape for Mom

In November when I received the email exclaiming that the new Seamwork issue had been released the first thing I noticed was the cape!! I showed Mom and she said
"Okay, you can make me one too!"
and replied with an excited "yes!!"
I've only sewn one thing for Mom so far and can't wait to sew the cape for her!

I also have it the back of my mind to make one for myself but I'm not sure if that will happen this year.

7. Cat Overall (Dungarees)

I don't remember how I came across this pair of overalls on Instagram but I did and instantly took a screenshot! 

Overalls are another thing that I want to sew sometime so why not make them a fun pair?

I like the way the bib is quite small compared to other styles of overalls. Which is a detail that I like. 

I saw a tutorial on drafting your own pair of overalls and I think I'm going to try that on this project. 


UPDATE 03/14/16: Read the current plan for the Cat Overalls HERE

8. A Button Up

But not just any button up...A well fitted button up.
For my body shape, button ups are either to big or to tight in some area of my body...that's why I'm super excited for this month's sew-a-long in the Sewing Contests and Sew-A-Long Facebook group! Because we are going to be sewing button ups lead by master shirt maker David Page Coffin! I'm am literally giddy about this!! Just so "sew" excited!!!
(You can see his preview post here)

That is why I am pretty certain by the end of the year I will have a well fitting button up tailored just to me!!

9. Zinnia Skirt

When I first found Colette Patterns maybe two years ago? (I know it was before really started sewing) I really wanted to make this skirt but I didn't buy it at the time. I think because it wasn't time for me to. I needed better skills and an understanding of fabrics more then when you've made one apron. ;)

I almost didn't order it this time around BUT because of the Phoebe pattern and the Seamwork Annual (more on that later) it was going to be just a few more dollars to purchase it and get free shipping too!
This flower child (zinnia? this baby? okay, it's a stretch/bad joke from Kimberly) is going to be made this year!!


Well, that's my sewing plan for the year of 2016 ...however, this post doesn't include my crazy sewing plan for just the month of January... *nervous laugh*

Let's AccompList stuff this year!

-'- Jewel

Little Rough Around The Edges... {Simplicity 1196}

It was cold this morning when we took these photos. I'm surprised you can't see my goosebumps in the pictures! (Promise, I didn't use airbrush lol) I wanted to get the photos taken so I could work on finishing the skirt that was also on my sewing desk. (The skirt is finished, photographed and waiting to be written up! Yay) 

This dress was supposed to be a changing season type dress rather then a sun dress, It wasn't supposed to be sleeveless but the long sleeves with the pattern came out tiny!
(The pattern did give arm measurements)
Since, I'm trying to use the stash fabric I didn't have enough to make bigger sleeves.

The image that I had in my head (for the dress) was really cute and I still wish it would worked out.
...I'll have to keep it in mind for another time.

The pattern is Simplicity 1196 and the fabric is all from my Grandmother.

I'm glad that I actually stuck it through on this dress...even after the mountain of problems.
I named this post "Little Rough Around the Edges" because frankly it is.
Up close and on the inside you can see the "roughness". lol

It didn't come out at all like I planned...but it's still alright!
I might not wear until the spring though. haha

 For my next project, I really want to sew a pair of Moji Pants from Seamwork Magazine. They would be great for work pants! :)

I'll also be joining in on the Japanese Knot Bag sew-a-long (here) you should join, too! It's going to be a ton of fun!

Smiles!

-'- Jewel

Fabric busted on this project: 3 1/8 yards (2.8575 m)

Fabric busted since March 1st, 2015: 63 1/8 yards. (57.7215 m)

See Jewel's pledge and get more information on the 2015 Stashbusting Sewalong HERE

We would love to hear from you! Say a quick "hello" in the comments!

Tickled Pink Dress

When I came home over Easter, I brought just a carry-on suitcase to cut down on traveling costs. I was only home for a few days but still managed to run out of things to wear. Jewel & I are very different body shapes, (especially on top) but she prompted me to try on her cherry dress. Wonder of wonders, it fit!

She had always said she didn't want to make me a dress until I was home so she could fit it just right. But when we found out this pattern fit perfectly, she sewed one for me! 

Needless to say, I was just TICKLED PINK.

I think I was seven or eight the very first time I read The Chronicles Of Narnia. This week I've been rereading them for probably the hundredth time. The Horse & His Boy is still my favorite, but I have a new found appreciation for The Magician's Nephew (my photo shoot co-star.)

Jewel made this dress from the Simplicity 1419 Lissette pattern, the same as her Berry Cute Cherry Dress. 

This chair is one of three given to me by a friend. He was cleaning the garage and yard of an elderly woman when she asked him to bring the chairs to Goodwill. Knowing my love of vintage, he asked if he could give them to someone he knew instead. I was very, very excited.

~ Kimberly

Sewn in April of 2015.

Fabric busted on this project: 2 3/8 yards (2.286 m)

Fabric busted since March 1st, 2015: 29 1/4 yards. (26.7462 m)

See Jewel's pledge and get more information on the 2015 Stashbusting Sewalong HERE

A Yellow Gingham Blouse

I made my first blouse and in no way my last!

When I found this yellow gingham in the stash, I knew right away it was going to be a blouse!

There was about a yard and a half. Making my choices very limited.

Simplicity 1364, (A 1960s Jiffy reprint) fit the bill, perfectly.

I was hoping to have enough to add the sleeves or make the tie belt. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. ...Still, a little sad about that. :(

I tried pre-washing the fabric, ironing it, steam ironing it, and have come to the conclusion that the creases are from being folded and stored in the tote for so long.

Another good reason to get that stashed used!

-'- Jewel

From the stash:

- 1 yard yellow gingham fabric

- thread

- pattern

Fabric busted on this project: 1 1/4 yard (0.9144 m)
Fabric busted since March 1st, 2015: 5 1/2 yards (4.8006 m)
See my pledge and get more information on the 2015 Stashbusting Sewalong HERE

Oh, So Many Flowers Skirt

This project is a total stashbuster! You can read more about it (aka, what that means) HERE. :)

From the stash:

 - 3 1/4 yd. cotton fabric

 - 7 in. zipper

 - thread

 - pattern

The fabric I used is from my Grandma Carol. She gave me a bag of fabric remnants. 

I didn't have enough of the fabric for the facing. 

To fix the problem, I used a white cotton instead.

Which didn't cause any problems since you aren't supposed to see that, anyway. ;)

The pattern is Simplicity 4188 skirt E.

shirt: little mountain print shoppe  /  skirt: handmade  /  sneakers: payless  /  earrings: forever 21

Smiles!

-'- Jewel

Fabric used in this project: 3 1/4 yd. (2.9718 m)

Fabric busted since 03/01/15: 3 1/14 yd. (2.9718 m)

See my pledge and get more information on the 2015 Stashbusting Sewalong HERE

I Heart Sweatshirts / Wears

Kimberly and I had a photo shoot, back in January, before she left for college. Our outfits work great for a Valentines post! :)

sweatshirt: old navy  /  scarf: handmade gift  /  jeans: (gap) scout dry goods  /  boots: shoe sensation 

sweatshirt: ross dress for less  /  scarf: handmade gift  /  jeans: old navy  /  boots: shoe sensation



Happy Valentines Day!

-'- Jewel

Photography: Jewel & Kimberly

White 'N' Red Stripe Dress

Tuesday's Thrift Store Score was the fabric I used for this dress. If you want to be blown out of the water with how much it was, go read "White 'N' Red Stripe Fabric". You will not regret it!...and maybe you won't think it's as awesome as I do. But, hey! That's fine too. lol

There is another Thrift Store Score throughout these pictures. Have an idea of what it is?? Click HERE to see!

-'- Jewel

Photography: TaMera

Sunflower Dress from a Vintage Sheet

I made this dress back in March of 2014 for Easter. It was ready to wear the day before!

 I found the sheet at Goodwill in Austin, Texas for $5.99.

Mom and I had to put two patterns together because the skirt of the dress pattern was too full for the sheet.I used McCall's M6745 (C) for the bodice and McCall's M6706 (D) for the skirt. After making the dress, I still had a good amount of sheet left and decided to use the sheet for the bodice lining.

Hope you enjoyed this peek at this sewing project.

Happy Saturday,

-'- Jewel

Photography: Jewel & TaMera

A Berry Cute Cherry Dress

I bought this cherry fabric a long time ago for a pioneer dress. It was copyrighted in 2001 so I am not kidding how long ago it was! lol

I still love the print today and waited for the perfect project to use it on.

My last pattern shopping trip I found it, the perfect project for the cherry print fabric! A dress from Simplicity. Simplicity 1419; a Lisette, Sew Your Style Pattern to be exact.

The sewing process went smoother than I thought it would! Yay!

I was going to make it sleeveless but Kimberly talked me into the sleeves and I'm glad she did! I feel as though they help make the dress!

There were a bunch of sewing firsts for me in this pattern.
An invisible zipper, the collar, the sleeves, a blind hem, the facing and pockets.



I LOVE my dress so much!

-'- Jewel

Christmas Wears

Christmas Day we went over to Tiffany & Jeff's! It was so much fun!

For the occasion we dressed all Christmas-y!
 

/ TaMera / earrings: shopko / shirt: $4 4th of july sale - furor moda / skirt: home & closet / brooches: thrifted vintage / shoes: goodwill /

/ Jewel / sweater: old navy / skirt: ross dress for less / leggings: target / bow: forever 21 /

 / Kimberly / jacket: ross dress for less / dress: gifted square dance dress / tights: target / shoes: plato's closet /

Jeff and Tiffany are still one of the cutest couples in my opinion! :)

 

Hope you had a fabulous time celebrating!

-'- Jewel