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!

Testing, Testing, 1 2 3 {Salamanca Cropped Jacket & Seville Skirt by Itch To Stitch Designs}

I had the honor of testing two of the four new pattern from Itch To Stitch Designs. The Salamanca Cropped Jacket and the Seville Skirt! 

The picture above right is the only good photo of the skirt that I got out of 18! It was not a good day to get pictures…apparently. ;)

Anyways…in celebration of the four new releases you can get a 20% discount on every pattern in the Itch To Stitch design store! Get the code and all the details on the Itch to Stitch blog HERE.

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

July 4th Attire

First off, I want to say Happy Independence Day! I know it's a couple days late. 

We celebrated yesterday because I got home from my three week trip Sunday morning at 12:40am! :)

Here's what we wore to the cook-out! 

Joe B. skater skirt (Gordman's - $12.99)

Jockey Person To Person black tank (gift)

Nicaragua leather & copper wire bracelet (market - C$40 [US$1.47]

Lacy headband (Shopko Hometown - $2.38)

Last week, I had an entirely different outfit planned out to wear to the cook-out. When Friday rolled around, I realized I wanted to wear something more patriotic and not the outfit I had in my head.

I didn't want to go shopping...the other option was sew something. Except, I was in Texas at Samantha's...but wait she has a sewing machine and the basic supplies! Yay!

All I needed was the materials. 

Samantha and I went to Hancock (on Friday) during their 4th of July sale and bought what I needed. 

I choose Simplicity 1133 frankly because it's a "Super Jiffy" pattern, its one piece, and no zippers. 

The pattern was an odd length on me and I thought the solution was making it longer...uhh...yep. Nope. That's wasn't right. 

Although, it doesn't look horrible as a dress. You can tell something is off and it felt like an overly covering apron. :-/ Not what I want to wear to a cook out with hamburgers and hot dogs. Lol

The real solution was making it shorter than the pattern was.

I pinned the bottom up to a good length, counted how many squares it was, cut it and double rolled hemmed it. 

Now that's what I had in my head to look like!

After I got off the initial shock of "I sewed this on Friday, flew home Saturday, changed it and wore it on Sunday"...I actually really liked the way it turned out! It's a comfortable shirt to wear, too!

Blouse: Simplicity 1133 | Fabric: Hancock Fabrics

Shorts: Levi's (Thrifted)

Sandals: Payless Shoe Source

Tank Top: Gordman's
Shorts: DIY Bleach Shorts
Earrings: Gift

Happy(?) Monday!

-'- Jewel

Thrift Store Score - Vintage Red Polka Dot Dress

"Exibit A. This is the logo of a fantabulous blog called Jewberly Emiris."

When I saw this dress on the hanger I didn't like it.

After I brought it home and tried it on...that all changed!

The dress is so comfortable!

It fit's like a glove!
(okay....tangent alert. 
Why do we say fit's like a glove? Because I tried a pair of gloves on the other day at Salvation Army Thrift and they wouldn't even had fit in my dreams!!!
anyways...*radio announcer voice* Back to the regular scheduled program.)

The dress is from "Oops California."
haha Maybe, the best name ever! ;)

$3.50 well spent!

Thanks for reading!

-'- Jewel

Bottle Necklace Refashion {DIY}

Last year, I bought a set of best friend necklaces for about $2. 

I'm a little old for them but they were cute and cheap. Maybe, nobody would notice? 

After further inspection, I found that they were little pieces of paper held on to the bottle by transparent tape. I was able to peel the "labels" off and "ta da" We have two empty bottle necklaces!

Scroll down for one of the DIY's!

I call this "The Note In The Sand" incredibly original right?!? ;)

It was simple and I don't know why I didn't do it earlier! 

First, I put some sand (from our trips to Alabama) in the bottom of the bottle.

Next, I cut a piece off of a strip of a photo paper, tightly rolled it, and secured it with tape. 

Lastly, taking a red marker. I carefully drew a bow, put the note in and popped the lid back on. 

Done! 

A quick 'n' easy way to change the look of it,

-'- Jewel

Wearing: Moon's in a White Sky 

Thrift Store Score - Vintage Bow Back Dress

THIS DRESS FITS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay! ...All it takes is some pulling and a little skin pitching from the zipper as it makes its way up.

At the store I could see that it was going to fit around the hips (where I usually have trouble) but never in my life would I thought the bodice wouldn't fit.

Most of the time dresses (and shirts) are too big in the bodice  (bust) area...not small!

With a little shuffling, as you  see, we can make it work!

The dress has a b-e-a-u-t-I-f-u-l bow back and a high V-neck neckline. The skirt is tea length and is gathered at the waist.

The dress was made by Lang Originals in the USA!

Wearable Thrift Store Scores are my favorite!

-'- Jewel

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

Thrift Store Score - Detailed Blouse

This was one of those buys where you saw it checking out and put it on the counter.

I do not regret the decision at all! 

The detailing on the front is what sold me on it and the piping on the collar and cuffs!

Absolutely, lovely!



It is a size or two big. But, I kind of like the really loose feel of it. 

Maybe one day, when I'm feeling  daring...I'll try altering it. 

But today is not that day! 

(^ Read in Aragorn's voice ^)

Happy Tuesday!

-'- Jewel

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