Early Fall Wardrobe
09 October 2009 | by jen in Knit & Crochet, Sewing, Vintage
Top: F21
Skirt: Handmade by me!
Shoes: Remix
Bag: Vintage Koret
I’ve previously eluded to having done some personal sewing and here it is! I had also started a bunch of small pattern projects (some of which I actually started months ago, even last year!) for the shop but I constantly have shop/work on my mind (maybe that’s why my joints are all out of whack with too much computer use?) and some selfish sewing is always good for a break.
I love denim skirts because the right one is like a favored pair of jeans: goes with everything, comfortable and durable. And since autumn in L.A. is more like late summer in a lot of places, a short denim skirt and sandals is not at all inappropriate. (Although it’s quite grey and cool today - love it!)
Here’s the pattern, from 1969:
I made version 1 with a few modifications: I omitted the waistband and finished the opening with some single fold bias tape on the inside; moved the zipper from the side to the back (to avoid that sometimes awkward bump a zipper can create at the bottom); used contrasting striped denim for the pockets (like something a train engineer would wear!); and used 2 buttons per pocket instead of one.
This skirt was fairly easy and light weight denim is a dream to sew - so easy! And what you see is the skirt after I was* washed it which really left me worried - sometimes flappy pockets get all crumpled up post-washing but these stayed nice and flat - *phew!*
I liked these pockets so much I put them on my latest (and ubiquitous) Built by Wendy #3835 dress:
This time I used a floaty, medium weight dark grey linen with white pinstripes from Joann’s, from 2 years ago. Made it the same way I’ve done in the past. I was on the fence about adding the elasticized waist band but after seeing the photos I like it with without* it (this version anyway). I made the length short to avoid that house dress/muumuu look and pairing it with some leggings seemed natural (and logical in this changing weather). You know, there was a time that I said I would never wear leggings again! I mean, I wore them in the 5th grade (with a chain belt and over-sized, button-down pastel plaid shirt) and I really thought I was over them (plus, I’m not into the 80s trend). BUT, here, I think they work. Like the skirt, this dress has been washed; I didn’t press it because I know it’s unlikely that I’ll iron this dress every time I wear it but the wrinkliness doesn’t bother me - it is linen after all.
I also made the covered buttons from vintage calico:
I was thinking of putting some similar buttons in the shop, just for kicks.
I have the darndest times taking photos of myself - do you? Eeek, I had to take a bunch to get any decent ones; I really don’t feel that I’m that photogenic and when you combine that with bedhead and it being first thing in the morning, well, a lot ends up on the cutting room floor. There were actually a few photos I thought were hilarious (where I look drugged, annoyed, coquettish, etc.) that I wanted to share with you but I really don’t want such silly (and embarrassing) images on my blog.
The photos I take for my blog are all ones I take myself, without a tripod but still utilizing the timer. I end up in all kinds of funny stances. On trips and such my husband must help me out, suggesting that I bend my right leg, turn to the side, etc. because often times I look like a five year old - standing stalk still, knees locked with a goofy look on my face! I think I’ve gotten better though but it’s still tricky when you can’t see yourself on the screen. But blog photos of home sewing projects are a little different than typical vacation pics. I mean, they’re action shots, right?
Happy Friday!
*Note to self: Make sure to be fully awake when writing posts!
What are your thoughts, dears? | ♥ 
09 October 2009 | Stéphanie says:
You are so pretty Jen !!!
09 October 2009 | Nuri says:
Oh i love both the skirt and the dress, they are super cute! 1969 patterns, vintage rocks! i love love love that skirt. You look lovely! =)
09 October 2009 | Jennifer says:
That little dress is adorable and I love the little calico covered buttons!!
09 October 2009 | Modern Crush says:
Stunning Jen, absolutely stunning. Both outfits fit your body amazingly too. I wish I looked like you! The buttons on the second dress are my favorite part - you should totally sell some! XO!
09 October 2009 | indigorchid says:
Oh, I feel the same way about taking pictures of myself - sometimes I do want to put up the sillier ones, but I don’t know if they’ll be funny to other people, haha! I do the tripod thing too, running over to look at the screen and edit my pose, but often I overdo it and look like I’m trying too hard. Which is really what I’m doing anyways.
Great sewing jobs by the way, very nice-looking!
09 October 2009 | Ann says:
Jen, I love that first outfit! In fact I think it’ll inspire my date night outfit tonight… You’re so right about the leggings. I also wore them in late elementary school and thought I would never see the day they came back. But I’m kind of embracing it now - you can wear shorter skirts with opaque leggings!
09 October 2009 | lsaspacey says:
I’m kinda surprised you didn’t try the round pockets. I will have to remember those for the future. Love the shoes too.
09 October 2009 | reilly says:
I’m glad you got some time to sew for yourself! The skirt and dress are both great, and I love those shoes!
I know how you feel about the pictures! I feel awkward getting someone else to take one for me but I haven’t mastered the art of turning random objects into tripods at the perfect height and distance, haha.
10 October 2009 | Lola says:
The skirt and dress turned out so pretty! You left me wanting to make something for myself.
10 October 2009 | Lisa says:
The alterations to the patterns you made definitely improve the end product, and you have an enviable knack for choosing what suits you. Also - love the shoes!!!
I have similar feelings about leggings - but they are practical and comfortable, and their time has come again (that’s not to say they won’t look absolutely ridiculous again in 5 years). In the last legging hey-day when every mom in suburbia was wearing the big shirt over leggings combo, a friend of mine labeled the look “rooster wear.”
11 October 2009 | Lilee says:
i like your style! that skirt is too cute
11 October 2009 | Lydia says:
Sew cute! Why don’t you post a tutorial and show us how you make your buttons?
11 October 2009 | Elizabeth Mackey says:
Very cute Jen. the dress is so comfy looking and I love the pockets on your skirt. I agree with having a good denim skirt, I have yet to find a nice one, guess I will have to make one!! I love your shoes too
I just bought some fabric for a couple of shirts I want to make for myself, I got so fed up with what is out there in the stores right now!
13 October 2009 | Casey says:
Oh my! I love how both these projects turned out–especially the dress! I just love the slightly wrinkly, artsy vibes of the linen.
I feel the same way about leggings… I keep going back and forth about whether to buy a pair or not.
You look super cute sporting them! 
13 October 2009 | SteffanyF says:
I absolutely *adore* this style of dress (and it looks so great on you!) but am always afraid it will look strange on me because my hips are large-ish. I wish I had more patience to sew, because your projects always look so amazing!
09 February 2010 | Craft Patterns Blog » Blog Archive » Simplicity 3835, second try says:
[...] my own larger pockets because I thought the ones in the pattern were kind of shrimpy. And I like flaps like hers. With [...]
09 February 2010 | Fran says:
Love the skirt and the dress - especially the flap pockets! Have made one dress using the Simplicity 3835 pattern, can see I’m going to have to make some more……..
09 February 2010 | Simplicity 3835, second try says:
[...] my own larger pockets because I thought the ones in the pattern were kind of shrimpy. And I like flaps like hers. With [...]