Built by Wendy shorts (Simplicity 3850)

Wooohoo!  I am so proud of these dang things, lemme tell you.  So, I had the pieces all cut out and sitting in a pattern folder for, like, 2 years.  No lie.  I’m hanging my head in shame right now, trust me.

I’ve been eyeing some shorts patterns on the internet for a little bit, and then I remembered that I already had one… so I busted it out to see what still had to be done on them.  Turns out that I had already cut out the pieces and the interfacing, and the markings were all still there (shocking!) so I just had to sew them up.

The zipper gave me fits, but in the end I smacked it down real gooood and it turned out well.  My machine isn’t being cooperative with button holes, so I figured the hell with it and used snaps instead.  I actually really like it with snaps.

The hems are supposed to be bound and split at the side seam.  Um, no.  I wanted to keep the length and wasn’t about to even try to fuss with the bulk of a bound leg, so I used bias tape to finish the seam.  Smart, right?

I super duper love them.  I just now need to shave my legs and bust these bad boys out. Holler!

I also took some time to make another quickie pair of pj pants out of a thrifted sheet.  You guys, I cannot TELL YOU just how much I absolutely ADORE pants made out of vintage sheets.  They are so comfortable they will make you cry.  And if I thought I could get away with it, I would wear these things out in public, like, all the damn time.  Oh man, it’s a beautiful thing.

Ack, projects!

The kids go back to school in a few short weeks, and I have yet to sew them a single thing for school.  Gah.  I at least need to make them their typical “first day of school” dresses, and I was hoping to have a few extra things thrown in there for good measure (shorts, tees, casual dresses?), but I’m running short on time.  

Also, I know a few people having babies soon, so I wanted to get some handmade gifts squared away for them.  I’ve started the sweetest afghan pattern ever, and thankfully it’s working up quickly.

I also have my eye on this sweater and this bonnet, but I seriously doubt with my slow-ass knitting skills that I would be done in time.

And that doesn’t cover Halloween, either.  I’m making 3 custom costumes again this year, and they’re pretty ambitious, involving lots of material and hand-made pieces.  I have to sew a leotard.  I’ve never sewn a leotard, people.  I must be losing my mind.

Ah, well.  Too many projects? I wouldn’t have it any other way. :)

Washi Tunic Loveliness

Rae (of Made by Rae) recently came out with the Washi Tunic and Dress pattern — when I saw this entry on the pattern in maxi-dress form, I knew I had to have it.

I bought and downloaded the pattern on Friday, and spent the evening printing out the pages and taping the pattern together.

Saturday I traced out the pattern pieces, made a quick muslin of the bust to check the fit, and then sorted through my stash for some appropriate fabric.  I have some incredible dotted swiss that I almost used, but it was far too sheer.  Then I came across this squirrel fabric I had purchased during my L.A. trip and decided it was perfect for my top.  I originally bought it for the girls, but I figure I’ll get more mileage out of it.  Right?  Right.

The tunic came together very quickly — and at the last minute I decided to add piping to the neckline for some added pizzaz.  I almost added some piping under the bust as well, but didn’t want to futz with it.  I’ve only used piping one other time, and was too afraid I’d mess it up.

In my stash search I came up with 2+ yards of black broadcloth, and I knew that I wanted to make a sleeveless black version next.  So, on Sunday, I sewed one up!  It took me less than 2 hours from tracing and cutting to hemming, and I had enough time and energy left to sew Thea a quick little dress as well.

On the black top I deliberately folded the pleats away from the middle instead of in towards the middle, and I’ve decided I like it both ways.  

I’m quite addicted to this pattern!  It’s very flattering and has nice details with the shirring and the pleats to add interest even with solid fabrics.  I’ve basically worn my Wiksten tanks every single day to work, and now I can throw these into the rotation.  

Also, do you like my new, shorter hair?  I decided to chop it all off since I was sick of dealing with it.  18” shorter, baby!  I wasn’t too thrilled with it at first, but I’m getting used to it now and have decided that the length suits me. 

Hooray!

Winning

On Monday night Shaun (our assistant manager) and I attended the Stevie Awards event.  It was a pretty incredible evening, and you can read more about it here.  

We took one or nine pictures to commemorate the happs.

Also? Dressing up like this makes me feel silly.  So the husband made this adorbs little animated GIF to represent how seriously I’m taking my outfit.  Cute, right?

w00t!

Belle goes to Junior Prom

Read: AND THEN I DIED.   Our biggest big kid is 14, and in 8th grade.  Which means junior prom.  Lemme tell you, there is nothing junior about how old she looks now.

I did her hair and nails.  She did her makeup.

She bought her dress, I bought her shoes.

She borrowed my cardigan and handbag.

*sigh*  I'm so scared for the real prom, you guys.  I need a pause button right now.  PAUSE PAUSE PAUSE.