All I want to do is sew clothes.  I have many ideas for other crafty projects, including shop stuff, but at the end of the day I just want to make a skirt or cut out a new blouse.  Life has been a bit crazy lately and sewing for the pure fun of it is my therapy, I suppose.

The clothes I’m working on are fall items I can wear now.  Because, you know, it’s not really going to get chilly here ’til late October or so.

Here is a blouse I made combining pattern pieces from McCall’s M5977 and New Look 6022.  I shortened the sleeves, drafted the v-neck and made the bows.  I don’t recommend attaching sleeves to bodice pieces meant for a sleeveless top (which is what I did) because the armholes aren’t quite right but I don’t think it’s noticeable and fits comfortably anyway.

The original design had 5 larger, pointier bows going done the front.  Even after testing the placement I didn’t get a feel for what it would truly look like until I had made and attached all the bows.  (You might be able to see bias tape stitched down the center front on the inside; this was placed there to support the bows.)  But I didn’t like it afterall.  Don’t know why, it just seemed too stiff or something.  So I re-cut 2 of the bows and attached them just near the v.

The skirt is my favorite of the 2.  The colors look blown out in the photo where I’m modeling it but the fabric really is so pretty and has a nice, slightly coarse texture.  (By the way, I probably wouldn’t wear those shoes with this skirt out and about because they are too orange but I’m currently without dark brown pumps.)

And yes, I used Simplicity pattern 8418 for this skirt.  Of course!

I’m so glad it’s Friday.  Do you have any fun plans for this weekend?

Another summery project from my favorite skirt pattern, Simplicity 8418.  This pattern is just so good, the possibilities are endless.  (The green is not quite as vibrant as they are in these photos; it’s more like a deep grass green.)

Rounded pockets lined with baby blue and white gingham.

I’ve also converted a couple of vintage pillowcases into grocery bags.  I got tired of the green ones I had.  You know, the ones you get at the store, sometimes for free.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice that many stores offer those reusable bags but they aren’t exactly pretty or machine-washable, which is gross.  And who wants to hand wash their grocery bags?  Not me.

I’m ready to move onto fall sewing.  I figure if I start now I’ll actually have new things to wear in time for cooler weather!

This skirt must be shy because I had a heck of a time trying to photograph it!

I think it has to do with the color or perhaps the fabric (err, or both).  Overall I’m happy with the quality of the construction but the camera picked up wobbliness in the fabric that I cannot see with my own eyes.  Is my stitching too tight or is that just the way the camera captured the light reflecting on the fabric?  Eep, oh well.

I’ve made this skirt a couple of times before, you can see my first version here.  It’s a great vintage pattern, Simplicity 8418, c. 1969:

This pattern works really well in lightweight denim.  I made another denim skirt after the first one that is a bit longer and with rounded pockets (and navy sailor buttons) that I wear ALL the time.  I don’t have many work-appropriate skirts (2 to be exact) and thought I should make one myself as the ones I’ve been seeing in the stores lately are boring ol’ pencil skirts that are overpriced and do nothing for me anyway.  (I need the slight flare of the a-line skirt to give me shape.)  I wanted something bright and happy!

Like the others I’ve made from this pattern I omitted the waistband.  And in this version I took out some of the flare (just a little).  Also, I lined it as this fabric is a little sheer and perhaps the tiniest bit scratchy (since it’s wool).  The spring-summery colors inspired me to draft some tulip-like pockets:

This photo has been lightened so you can see the details better.

I actually have another skirt cut out, ha!  It’s Kelly green corduroy with baby blue and white gingham-lined pockets.  (Notice a theme here?)  Perhaps I’ll get to it this weekend.

Speaking of this weekend, all of L.A. (OK, the media that I know of) is talking about Carmageddon; this is where part of the 405 freeway is shutting down tonight through Monday.  Shut down a freeway in Los Angeles and it’s the end of the world.  Good thing I don’t drive much.  I’ll be sewing or drawing (and very likely, cleaning!) anyway.  Do you have any fun plans?

I mentioned the other day on Facebook that I was going to start going through my sewing to-do pile.  I can’t help but collect pretty vintage things that need repair or alterations, or start and stop sewing projects.  But then I end up with many garments (things that languish at the bottom of my fabric stash for months, years even) that could be rather fetching when done–eep, if they ever do!  It’s a bad habit I’m trying to break; alas, it’s difficult since I get so excited by new ideas and outfits.

Please excuse the crappiness of these photos.  Taking pictures of one’s self can be quite the challenge and it’s something I haven’t taken the time to master.  I’m for sure making the goofiest faces in these so I must continue to bombard you with headless images.  (Oh, but don’t you love this bag?  It was a bargain and a birthday gift to myself last year!)

First up: this $5 1960s blouse.

I don’t like long sleeved blouses and there was a stain near one cuff anyway so I just chopped the sleeves off to create short ones.  The hems stuck out in a funny way so I threaded some 1/4″ elastic through them.  I thought about changing the buttons and maybe even widening the neckline but that’s a lot of work and I think it looks OK as is, especially if I leave the top button undone. (I don’t like tight necklines; I feel too closed up!)  The rows of lace and eyelet are the best parts.

Now the skirt:  I started to make this before Christmas, from vintage Simplicity pattern #7869 (View 5, specifically):

It’s of fine wale red corduroy.  I didn’t finish it in time for the holidays because, ha, I gained some weight and could not zip it up!  (Yes, before the sugar cookies and turkey and such.)  Shame-faced, I tucked it away only to find it again while reorganizing my fabric stash.  (Which is something I have to do periodically as it can get quite messy and chaotic in there.)  Thankfully I’ve lost that extra cushion around my middle and was delighted to find that the skirt fit; all I had to do was hem it.  The hips seem a bit big now and I wish I had clipped and notched the seams of the waistband  a lot more (especially in the front) since the thickness of the fabric is creating a ridge that is a little too obvious for my liking.  Oh well, not all my projects need to turn out perfectly and at least it’s wearable!  (I was, however, able to install the zipper in one take which is pretty darn fantastic as that’s one of my least favorite things to do and it’s always a headache for me.)

I do like how the vintage ivory and gold buttons look against the red:

It’s a bit like Christmas in the spring!

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!

Phew!  It took a little while to get all of this up; I wanted to get the shipping as accurate as possible as well as list all necessary details for each piece.  I’m just making my September 1st self-imposed deadline!  Anyhow, please take a look when you can.   I’ve got some really beautiful things in the shop for really reasonable prices.  Just wanted to note: I’ll reimburse shipping overcharges that exceed $1.00 USD.  That might be especially helpful if you are combining goods.

Also, if you order over $20, I’ll include a free vintage hankie in your shipment! (Unless you only order crochet patterns since I can’t email you the hankies, hee hee.)  I’ve got a bunch of white hankies with simple designs that I just hand washed so they are ready for new homes.

Happy looking!

» fable* on etsy

The weather keeps changing on on down here in the Southland.   We had some really lovely fall-like weather and now it’s back to HOT.  I guess this back and forth has gotten me to focus a little bit on my wardrobe.  What to wear, what to keep, what to give away!  I have a bunch of vintage things, many of which I have never worn, that I’ve decided I need to part with.  For those of you that collect vintage clothing, you know that can be quite the challenge!  My closets are overstuffed as they are; as much as I love these finds I’ll probably never get around to cutting them down to fit me or perhaps the full skirt look I adore so much really doesn’t suit my frame.

Anyhow, this is good news for anyone looking for the right vintage item to add to her wardrobe because I’ll be putting some pretty things up on Etsy soon, including what you see here as well as a coveted nylon blouse (or two!), a sweet bag and maybe some trinkets too.  I’ll let you know when there’s a shop update!

Ok, I may need to cool off with an icy drink – and it’s only 11 am, ha ha!  Have a wonderful weekend, dears.

This image is an oldie but goody.  I love this skirt though I hardly wear it;   I think I like it better on the form!  Anyway, I was going to post a lesson or talk about my wedding dress today; I have (had?) this wonderful picture of my family from the 50s that I was going to include in the post.  But I can’t find it.  My fiance’s sister was in town a couple of weeks ago so I “straightened up” my room and, of course, I put things in seemingly logical places that are far from them.  The worst part is I’m an avid recycler (Ok, not’s not really a bad thing) and I’m wondering if it ended up in the recycling by mistake (being in a nondescript off-white note card-type frame).  So then I started to freak out and cleaned up my room for reals this time and I still can’t find it!  Then, naturally,  I ate too many chocolate chip cookies to cope and now I have a stomach ache.

So, ANYHOW,  I’m posting a few links for you in lue of a normally scheduled sewing lesson post:

Must-read: Alicia shares some words of sewing wisdom

See Casey’s completely awe-inspiring Alice dress

Check out what Elizabeth made for her daughter Caitlin – as always, lucky girl!

Wish me luck finding that photo!  I really hope it’s in here somewhere…

a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M5dKBd5_Vfk/SRqX1x8gSFI/AAAAAAAAArw/JAamT2-2-U4/s1600-h/751086_copy.jpg”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 400px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M5dKBd5_Vfk/SRqX1x8gSFI/AAAAAAAAArw/JAamT2-2-U4/s400/751086_copy.jpg” alt=”" id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267689664359188562″ border=”0″ //aNot sure how, but I stumbled upon these production shots of a href=”http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1014759/fullcredits” target=”_blank”Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland/a. (I grabbed these photos from a href=”http://infdaily.fusebox.com/2008/09/our-first-look-at-tim-burtons-alice-in-wonderland.html” target=”_blank”INF Daily/a. I hope they don’t mind!) Anyway, take a look at that rick rack skirt. Weee! I would totally wear this outfit span style=”font-style: italic;”out and about/span.br /br /I checked the IMDB site but there is no costume designer listed which is strange since they have the rest of the costume crew listed. Should I just assume a href=”http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0041181/” target=”_blank”Colleen Atwood/a has teamed up with Tim yet again? If not, I’d love to know who.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M5dKBd5_Vfk/SRqZaRSsCUI/AAAAAAAAAr4/xwVHaCWSV2U/s1600-h/751064_copy.jpg”img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M5dKBd5_Vfk/SRqZaRSsCUI/AAAAAAAAAr4/xwVHaCWSV2U/s400/751064_copy.jpg” alt=”" id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267691390760651074″ border=”0″ //aSo pretty. I love the soft periwinkles. (I love to say span style=”font-style: italic;”periwinkle/span too.) I think I enjoy looking at theatrical costumes like these as much as I enjoy eating sugar. span style=”font-weight: bold;”Sheesh, perhaps more!/spanbr /br /Oh, back to rick rack, did you know there’s a href=”http://www.jkmribbon.com/wrights/rickrack/bulk_rickrack/1747120.html” target=”_blank”span style=”font-style: italic;”embroidered rick rack/span/a?br /br /And thank you for the blog-love lately. As always your comments make me smile.