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!

Forget the 3-Hour Sweater, how about the 2-HOUR SWEATER?! This lovely 1930s model (seriously, isn’t she adorable?) is wearing a little pullover that the pattern claims will only take you a mere two hours; visit hardrockzombie for the pattern (via Ravelry).  You know I’m going to have to try this out (and it looks like it’s going to cut in line in front of most of my knitting projects).

Also, via Ravelry, I found this wonderful doll shop: Little Black Crow Studio.

I’m truly inspired by all of her deliciously spooky, vintage-looking handmade dolls - they have so much personality.   You can see the love and attention Blackcrow has put into them and I really appreciate that.  They are seriously making me want to revisit my bag of forlorn patterned doll parts (a.k.a. “graveyard of souls”) and try my hand at doll-making again.   I mean, I’ve collected more than enough fabric for them!

Greetings, dears!  October is only a few weeks away and Halloween, for me, always marks the start of the holiday season.  So, I thought I’d celebrate a little early and give away 1 copy of AntiCraft: Knitting, Beading and Stitching for the Slightly Sinister.  Not only does this book contain the original publication of my Brier Rose Scarflette pattern, but a TON of other cool and creepy projects.

Here’s what you do: from now through Monday, September 21st midnight PT, leave a comment in this post describing 1 of the following:

• Your favorite Halloween costume that you have ever worn (and if you made it!)
• Your Halloween costume for this year (And, of course, if you plan to make it)
• Your favorite spooky story or book.  (Ok, you don’t have to tell me the whole story, just the name and general plotline!)

A winner will be randomly picked and announced Tuesday, September 22nd.

Update:

You know, it just occurred to me that I should have posted a photo of one of my favorite Halloween costumes when I originally wrote this - ha!  I just so happen to have one:

That’s me in the angel costume.  My dad made the halo and wings (you can’t really see it but both are sparkly with gold glitter) and my mom made the dress. My parents did not like putting me in store bought costumes and made ours (mine and my brother’s) whenever they got the chance.   I’m not sure I knew then how lucky I was to get such nice, homemade things but I certainly am now. (Next to me is a friend as a Barbie bride; I think I was jealous of her costume.)

Good luck!

a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M5dKBd5_Vfk/ShWkOjO5OVI/AAAAAAAAA_A/aNbJj7GvnxQ/s1600-h/3470933302_2153279964_o.jpg”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 347px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M5dKBd5_Vfk/ShWkOjO5OVI/AAAAAAAAA_A/aNbJj7GvnxQ/s400/3470933302_2153279964_o.jpg” alt=”" id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338353503200426322″ border=”0″ //aAnother reason I was anxious to start blogging again (as I eluded to in my last post) was to share my very exciting crafty news with all of you.br /br /First, my vintage-inspired bathing suit design in a href=”http://www.amazon.com/dp/1600594662?tag=vickiehocom-20amp;camp=14573amp;creative=327641amp;linkCode=as1amp;creativeASIN=1600594662amp;adid=1MPEVSCF17789VXSGSX9amp;” target=”_blank”Vickie Howell’s Pop Goes Crochet/a (which is now available). Weee!!!!br /br /I created this crocheted retro design back while living in Austin. I was a little nervous contributing to this book; I mean, a href=”http://vickiehowell.blogspot.com/” target=”_blank”Vickie Howell/a is, like, mega-famous in the craft world! But she’s also really sweet and made sure to let me know that she was super happy with the design. When she sent me this photo I was blown away. span style=”font-style: italic;”Wow, that’s my suit??/span I was thrilled to say the least. Then her pal Jennifer Perkins of a href=”http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2009/05/pop-goes-crochet-book-review-and.html” target=”_blank”Naughty Secretary Club/a (if you love retro and bright/fun colors, you’ll love her a href=”http://www.naughtysecretaryclub.com/shop/” target=”_blank”shop/a!) said some really cool things about it on her blog, which again, is thrilling! I can’t wait to get my copy which is on its way!br /br /Onto the second thing, art-related. My a href=”http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16180154″Spirit of the Forest print/a is featured in the May/June issue of a href=”http://dujourmag.com/” target=”_blank”Dujour Magazine/a!br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M5dKBd5_Vfk/ShWoY0TMhwI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/pfNOxP7ei5M/s1600-h/dujour-blog.jpg”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M5dKBd5_Vfk/ShWoY0TMhwI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/pfNOxP7ei5M/s400/dujour-blog.jpg” alt=”" id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338358077627074306″ border=”0″ //abr /a href=”http://dujourmag.com/” target=”_blank”Dujour/a is a new online and limited edition print magazine about emerging artists, designers and so forth. And it’s gorgeous! I love some many things in this magazine (I got the online subscription) and I’m especially loving this collage here; I’m completely flattered that my print is included in this mix. Wow, there are so many talented and wonderful artists out there.br /br /Anyway, thank you for letting me a boast a bit. I couldn’t help but want to share these happy, craft-related things with you! And thanks for the sweet welcome too on the last post - it’s so good to hear from you.br /br /Have a lovely and long (hopefully) weekend.