Early Fall Wardrobe
09 October 2009 | by Jen in Sewing
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? | ♥ 18 Comments
You are so pretty Jen !!!
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! =)
That little dress is adorable and I love the little calico covered buttons!!
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!
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!
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!
I’m kinda surprised you didn’t try the round pockets. I will have to remember those for the future. Love the shoes too.
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.
The skirt and dress turned out so pretty! You left me wanting to make something for myself.
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.”
i like your style! that skirt is too cute
Sew cute! Why don’t you post a tutorial and show us how you make your buttons?
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!
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! 
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!
[...] my own larger pockets because I thought the ones in the pattern were kind of shrimpy. And I like flaps like hers. With [...]
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……..
[...] my own larger pockets because I thought the ones in the pattern were kind of shrimpy. And I like flaps like hers. With [...]