Semi-DIY Curtains, Round 2

This striped shower curtain at West Elm caught my eye online as a possibility for bedroom curtains, but supposedly the thing is sold out everywhere and backordered until August.  Bleh.  Undeterred, I chose the zigzag pattern to see if I liked it in our room.  These shower curtains cost $39 at West Elm (yowza) but they're a great weight and way cheaper than their $55-75 per curtain panel prices.

I know, my cell phone photos are totally lacking.

Before cutting.

I put the whole curtain up on the window again to see if I liked it.  With my own self-approval, I then made the cut and stitched up the rough edges, this time folding/pinning.  I totally treated this more expensive shower curtain better than the Target one.  I'm ridiculous.

They aren't blackout curtains like Duke may have been hankering for (I may order some blackout curtain liner to sew onto these later), but I really like the look!  Despite the pattern, I feel like it will match just about any bedspread I put on the bed.

I dig it.

Speaking of, I'm on the hunt for a good bedspread that's less girly.  I like grey/yellow, but not finding what I'm looking for.  Sigh.  Maybe an ikat print?  We'll see.

Semi-DIY Curtains

I think I saw something about making window curtains from shower curtains via Pinterest or Twitter or something recently.  (Was it you, JTal?)  Anyways, Duke and I were noticing how unbearably warm our bedroom becomes since our large window (and its cheap, apartment complex blinds) don't block the sunlight on the weekends when we try to sleep in.

As I was browsing Target's selection, I got a bit peeved that each curtain panel was like $30.  Seriously?  Why don't they sell them in pairs?  Weird.

Testing out the size...

Then I noticed that the shower curtains were indeed much cheaper, and they were the perfect size for our large windows.  BOOM.  So I picked up a pair and took them home.  $20 for a curtain.  I chose their blue Bird Shower Curtain in their Threshold line, available in-store.

Bear enjoys the bird pattern.

I didn't end up liking the one I chose for the bedroom (too sheer), but I did keep one for the guest room.  I hung the panel up to check the fit (Duke installed the basic curtain rods) and then I snipped the thing in half.

Cut it straight up the middle!

I did sew up the cut ends, though to be honest I didn't do any folding, pressing, or pinning.  I just rapid-sewed the thing up.  Kind of janky.  But I like the panels a lot, and I think they add something to the room to make it look more put together!

Lazy sewing...

Finished product, in poor lighting, but not too shabby!

I'm still shopping for curtains for the bedroom to solve our problem, but I'm also browsing for new, more gender-neutral bedding.  (Now that we're cohabitating, my turquoise/pink bedspread is a bit much.  Duke says he doesn't care, but I think it may be time for a change.)  So I'll post back if I figure out that situation!

Project Runway... 3 episodes to catch up on! #TeamDmitry

Lifetime

Yikes!  I'm way behind on Project Runway.  Since you've probably already been watching, I won't bore you with the details.  I'll just recap where I stand with the designers.

Lord & Taylor Challenge: I didn't get to watch!  The video online expired!  FAIL.  But based on the runway photos (before I saw the results!)  My favorite was Dmitry, least favorite Alicia and Elena.  Result?  NO ONE was out!  I agree with Christopher... why did the judges decide to save someone this episode?

Starving Artist: The teams for this challenge were rigged.  Seriously, Project Runway.  Too predictable.  But going in, Fabio, Alicia, and Gunnar are my least favorite designers.  So I kind of figured one of them would go home.  Elena is impossible all-around.  On the runway, my favorite team was Sonjia/Christopher/Gunnar, least favorite Dmitry/Elena/Alicia.  Result?  I think Gunnar did the best overall, and Christopher was good to recognize that.  Sonjia did a nice jacket, but I think Gunnar deserved it more.  I agree with Alicia going home, she just wasn't going to win.

It's All About Me: I actually really liked this challenge.   I love the idea of creating your own fabric, like you can on Spoonflower.  In terms of cultural heritage, I wish there was a Korean designer... I would love a modern take on the hanbok!  I also liked that the designers got to see their loved ones; it's such a cutthroat competition, being able to see them let down their guard a little was nice!  I really liked Dmitry's look the best (rocking illusion jacket and print!), even if it is a bit "prim", and Melissa impressed me with something different.  Ven's was my least favorite.  It just looked cheap, though I thought Tim was too hard on him.  Result?  Dmitry won, and Gunnar was out.  It was probably time for Gunnar to go, though he grew on me.

I'm Team Dmitry now, by the way.  This season isn't as clear to me as some others, but for now, that's where I am.

I've also been thinking, what if this show was more like Fashion Star, where we were able to buy the clothing we love?  I want to buy some of these pieces!!! And honestly, the Project Runway designers eventually go on to create things I can't afford.  I want a piece of the design!

Mean Girls (and Guys) #ProjectRunway

Make it shorter!  And twirly!

I'm done with Ven.  For real, from what he displayed tonight, he doesn't respect real women with curves.  He can keep designing his one-trick tailored looks for hangers and mannequins.  Ugh.  Don't say proportions are off!  They are REAL!

This was (obviously) the regular people challenge.  Not only that, these are people going through a makeover.  What an opportunity to change someone's life with fashion!

Since I've jumped ship from Team Ven, immediately I had high hopes for Dmitry, Melissa, and Sonjia. I felt like they've been growing on me the most.  As the episode progressed, I just couldn't tell who was winning or losing... I feel like Nathan, Alicia, and Fabio are at the bottom of the totem pole, with possibly Gunnar as another weak link.  But no matter how closely I watched, all the would tape was the personal interactions, not the construction, so until the runway I couldn't tell who I liked!

Photo Shoot Challenge #ProjectRunway #TeamMelissa

Lifetime

I feel worthy of watching Project Runway this week.  I hemmed pants and repaired two tops on my sewing machine, as well as cut out a dress pattern for my first sewing project in months.

The hard part about TEN seasons of Project Runway?  Coming up with original ideas for the challenges.  More "women on the go" workwear?  At least it's a team challenge and a collection, vs. last challenge.  And I love when it's Nina Garcia being a "lead" judge for a challenge.  The photo shoot twist was pretty interesting though.  It's hard to make editorial looks that work in the real world.

As for the team selection... WHO WOULDN'T PICK VEN FIRST?  And it feels like schoolyard kickball picking.  These designers took it very personally.  I say, someone has to be picked first and last.  Just don't let the emotions get in the way!

Raul was driving me nuts.  He was all for himself when everyone else was aligned to a cohesive collection.  On the other team, Gunnar was trying to make himself heard, and Nathan and Christopher were dictating.  I was surprised Ven wasn't louder, but I think he realized that he was safer than the others and ought to just contribute the quality work he usually does.  But his team seemed to have it together.  Sonjia's team was CRAZY in Mood!  As time passed, however, it seemed like "Team 6" had the right idea to play to everyone's strengths and "mix" looks.  "Team 5" had great colors picked out initially, but their Mood selections made me question their direction.

Disappearing Designers #ProjectRunway

Lifetime

So... SPOILER ALERT.

Andrea left in the middle of the night.  She is a teacher in sewing, and she cowardly disappeared like that?  Lame.  Especially since there are so many people dying to be given the opportunity to be on Project Runway.  You know?  And then Kooan decides to make his exit.  Then everyone else who starts crying and lamenting their "plight"?  Is this a result of indulgent parenting where everyone is told they're a winner?!  COME ON.  But at least they brought back Raul, because even though he blew the last challenge, I felt he was better than Kooan, Andrea, and Buffi.

As for the challenge, I thought it was a nice, "normal" challenge where the designers could shine.  I am a "woman on the go" who loves Michael Kors, so why not do a little something-something I could wear as I travel, work, and play?  The minute that Tim said "no wrinkles", I knew everyone was going to look at jersey knits.  And you know what?  That works for me.  I love a great jersey knit.

My impressions on the designers that have managed not to quit? Buffi is a one-trick pony, and they spent a lot of time focusing the camera on her, so I was predicting she'd be the one eliminated.  Her look should be in a Body Central store... not a high end store.  And you know what?  If she had takent the black chiffon from Christopher, it might not have looked so trashy.  I also haven't been able to figure out Fabio's aesthetic at all.  He dresses kind of homeless-looking... what's his angle?  What did he show them before the show to get a spot on Project Runway?

I love Ven's designs.  But he is so into the competition that he is always ready to be critical of everyone else.  He's great, and he knows it.  Can he make it through the competition?  And Christopher seems like he's on downers.  He is not the happy, energetic guy from the first episode.  It's interesting, because  initially I thought he could be a contender.

$5 J.Crew Shorts

I love clothes.  My closet is organized so I can shop every day as I get dressed!  And so you might think I go a bit crazy spending money on them.

Well, not so much...  I scour clearance racks, online super sales, and even thrift stores.  Here's an example of a haul from my local Goodwill!  For under $15 total, I got a flawless (and super-soft) Tahari tee, pink J. Crew shorts, and Old Navy shorts that look very Lilly Pulitzer.

I shortened the pink J. Crew shorts to be the same length as a blue pair I bought at LOFT outlet... and you can't tell at all that I paid $5 for the pink ones!  Retail price for pink J. Crew shorts right now?  $45.  BAM!

Comparing prices... you can't tell which is more expensive!

So you see... things aren't always what they seem!  I take pride in finding great deals and hidden steals, and then squirreling the way my money into savings and my Roth IRA.  :)

Emmy/Lexus Challenge? #ProjectRunway #TeamVen

Lifetime

Hello, shameless product placement?  The designers are working on a look for the Emmy red carpet, but you have to incorporate the color of the Lexus you are assigned?  WEIRD.

But a team challenge always makes things more interesting!  Especially with such an arrogant group of designers.  Not to mention, they're designing for PAST Project Runway designers!  Gunnar was right on... the hardest people do design for is a fashion designer.  The team pairings were kind of interesting... I felt like the matches kind of gave everyone a shot.  The pairings just didn't seem extremely skewed one way or another.

I did feel that Buffi or Kooan would go home, without even seeing what happens.  Just a hunch, because I felt like they were the weakest links.  I did feel that Alicia and Raul picked an ugly print, so that did worry me a bit.

Of all the dresses, I really liked Ven's team dress (very vintage!) and Elena's team dress (dramatic!).  I felt like those were my picks based on the sewing footage.  I thought Alicia/Raul's scrap dress and Kooan/Gunnar's weird wedding-like dress were weak.  Once I saw the runway, I picked out Ven/Fabio as my favorite, and Alicia/Raul as my least.  But no matter what, my Ven was safe!

#ProjectRunway is back! #TeamVen

I know I used to recap every single Project Runway episode, but now I watch them online... so it's not a regular, weekly thing!

Lifetime

This year is the 10th Anniversary of Project Runway, and the latest contestants were thrown in headfirst!  The 16 designers were forced to do a  runway show in Times Square right off the bat.

I think that weird hair is a theme this year in designers (afro, dreads, long in front, leopard, partial shaved, etc.); it's like they are really trying to make themselves stand out from the get-go, versus their designs.  First-episode strategy?  Intimidating their fellow designers?  Perhaps.

My questions always is, CAN THEY SEW?  (Despite whats-her-face Anya who won despite her inability to sew last year.  VIKTOR WAS ROBBED!)

My first impressions of each designer (because in the first episodes you barely get to know them):

• Buffi wants to be Betsey Johnson.  Her designs all looked like Betsey.
• Gunnar's designs look very Marc Jacobs, with a minimalist flair.
• Lantie looks like a Real Housewife of someplace.
• Elena will find a job at House of Gaga.
• Kooan is a goober who could dress a harajuku drag queen.
• Melissa loves black... but I am sure they will force her to use color!
• Ven's homework pantsuit was stunning and tailored, wearable... will he be my Viktor this year?  I think he may be a contender, off the bat.
• Christopher is the nervous, sweet college dropout with some stunning, classy sketches. If he can really sew like that, I see potential!
• Alicia will be the menswear as womenswear person... if she can make good pants, she'll wow them like Kimberly did last year.
• Beatrice lacks sewing skills, and she's nervous about it. She says design comes naturally to her.  She loves knits, which if you can sew them can do great things.  Maybe she can drape?
• Raul does menswear, but I love his feminine looks.  They look very antique-y.
• Andrea calls herself the grandma at 58, a fashion professor.  
• Sonjia didn't really make an impression on me.
• Fabio is a "freegan" who dumpster dives for his food at supermarkets.  Huh?  "Freegan"?!
• Dmitry called Buffi "loud, like her look"!  Ha!  Quiet and a former ballroom dancer.  Designs seem architectural but simple.
• Nathan made no impression on me either.

Oh, I missed Tim Gunn!  And I wanna go to MOOD!  And this token bitchiness between Christopher and Gunnar?  Dmitry called Buffi's look "diarrhea".  Yup, we're back in the workroom.

And now, the runway...

The Colette Sewing Handbook

For my birthday, my little sister sent me an amazing present... The Colette Sewing Handbook!

I've been a fan of Colette patterns and sewing tips for a long time, but I didn't actually have any other their patterns.  This book actually comes with FIVE of them, and a beautifully bound book of sewing advice, tips, and tutorials.  I love flipping through the pages, and it's going to have a permanent home near my sewing machine.  I'll keep you posted when I do my first project!  I'm loving their new patterns for this spring, and I am sure I'll be investing in a couple of them in the future.

Oh, and my sis also sent me a hilarious cookie cake... even though she didn't include her name, I knew it was her.

Snow White goes for a run...

I'm excited to be heading down to DisneyWorld this weekend to run Disney's Princess Half Marathon!  To get into the festivities, I decided I needed to run in a costume of sorts... so I decided on Snow White.  Not a full-on Snow White costume, but more of a Snow White goes running theme.  I like to be comfortable, especially for long distances, so that was my top priority overall.

I bought a yellow SparkleSkirt online, because I didn't want to mess with the shorts... spandex shorts are perfect to prevent chaffing.  SparkleSkirts has a great reputation, so I let them handle that.  :)

For the top, I purchased a navy-colored tank top on the cheap from Eastbay, and bought some white, red, and blue athletic fabrics (in tiny quantities) from Fabric.com.  My friends at Fabrika Fine Fabrics helped me come up with a plan/pattern for the collar and sleeves.  I did a cap sleeve so I wouldn't have a tight armhole or elastic around my arm, allowing for freedom of movement.  I free-hand cut the red accents, sewed them to the sleeve (I serged the sleeve edges), and did a simple gather stitch to give them a little poof.  I did a set-in sleeve, and it was sooooo easy.  For the collar, I added interfacing for stiffness, sewed right sides together, pressed right side out, stay-stitched and sewed it directly inside the collar seams on the tank top.

Whew!

All in all, it only took me about an hour or so.  SUPER easy, and I LOVE the aesthetic result.  I can't wait to wear it!  And RUN in it!  :)

Easy Bow T-Shirt Upcycle

Jason Wu for Target, $22.99

I love bow blouses.  I wish I had more occasion to wear them, especially the pretty chiffon ones!  I was at Target today, browsing their current Jason Wu line, and picked up a bow blouse for my shopping cart.  But then I realized I needed to buy Breaking Dawn: Part 1 on Blu-Ray instead, and saw another shirt from the collection for $22.99, a regular t-shirt with a bow...  What a great idea!  Especially since I'm a little obsessed with the bow that character Emma Pillsbury wears so consistently on Glee.

I checked out the construction, and it was simple enough.  This is something a novice can do!  I think it took me a total of about twenty minutes.  The shirts are super soft, and they are more casual than a normal bow blouse. I could wear these with jeans, or a coordinating cardigan!

Do you love bows, too?  :)

What I used:
-patterned fabric from my stash (I just cut a simple, long strip, based on a blouse I already had)
-two solid t-shirts (purchased on the cheap at Target!)
-scissors
-thread to match t-shirt color

My fabrics

1) Sew the bow right sides together, then turn inside out.  Finish the ends.
2) Simply pin to the inside of the collar, and sew!
Make sure your thread blends with the shirt color to hide your work.

Shirt #1

Shirt #2

The "Something Blue" Dress

Check out my latest sewing creation on The Sew Weekly!

Fabric: Blue floral cotton print from stash (4 yds.)

Pattern:  Simplicity 4343 (vintage)

Year:  early 1960s

Notions:  Invisible zipper, Hook & eye (all from stash), Double fold bias tape (3 packages!  $3)

Time to complete:  3 hours

First worn:  February 2012

Wear again:  Maybe

Total price:  $3

This is the first dress I've sewn with the vintage patterns I bought.  The fit is off, and the fabric isn't my favorite, but I wanted to just give the pattern a try to see if it was close to my fit.  It's also my first attempt at sleeves and bias tape, both of which were successes this go round!  I'm going to keep practicing (and hopefully buy a dress form to improve fitting) and start making this vintage patterns fit a more modern wardrobe.  I'm also buying a petticoat to go under these full skirts to make them look a little better.

Savannah Celebrations

Afternoon Adagio

I had spent two great days enjoying the best of downtown Savannah this weekend, all with my friend LD!

Friday night, I was invited to the New Space Party for Fabrika Fine Fabrics!  Emily and Ashley are two super awesome chicks, and their new store location on Bull & Liberty in Savannah is AWESOME.  They taught me everything I know about sewing, and I love their cotton prints!  There was a DJ, catered food, a photo booth... what a neat party.

Then, in the spirit of Savannah Restaurant Week, LD and I hit up another favorite, The Chart House.  (We went to the amazing Alligator Soul last weekend with our friend TP!)  Their 3-course menu was divine, and the few bites of pecan pie I had were the best.  It may be a chain, but the Savannah restaurant is set in a beautiful old building int he heart of River Street.

Saturday, LD and I experienced the South at its best!  We dressed up in our Lilly Pulitzer-esque finest (I even rocked some pearls!) and headed to the sold-out Afternoon Adagio at the Olde Pink House, a champagne and tea party to benefit the Savannah Philharmonic.  We sat with an amazing group of ladies (who all questioned whether we were of age to drink!) and had some amazing treats and teas.  The scones were amazing!  I felt so Southern, like a true "society" lady at this party... even the Mayor and a local news anchor were there.  It was like a modern-day scene from 'The Help'!  There were opera singers and small ensembles playing music, a hat contest, and a silent auction.  Everything was gorgeously decorated.

What a perfect couple of outings in Savannah... I will miss this city.

Lessons Learned from Sewing

credit

People often ask me why I took up sewing; even with the popularity of shows like Project Runway, most find it to be an old-fashioned hobby.  And a twentysomething single gal who takes up sewing?  Add a few more cats and it just screams SPINSTER to them.

But sewing is more than the tedious, time-consuming sweatshop work I think most people imagine it to be.

Sewing sparks creativity.  I love to shop, but sometimes it seems like the clothes out there weren't made to fit my body or personality.  I truly enjoy being able to choose a sewing pattern/design, choose a fabric, and customize a garment into something that I really like.  Sure, the fit isn't always perfect, and sometimes it takes longer than expected, but to choose how something is made from start to finish is really awesome.  Sleeves or no sleeves?  What length?  What color?  The options never end.

Sewing teaches patience and attention to detail.  Learning to sew wasn't second-nature to me.  It took me a while to learn to thread my machine without a manual!  And everything from cutting fabric, to pinning, to pressing (ironing) all along the way makes a huge difference in the finished product.  I can tell when I got tired or sloppy, because I skip the steps that make things look tailored and clean.  You have to maintain focus, and sometimes you just have to walk away for a while!

Sewing is cathartic.  It's a solitary activity, so you really fall into a rhythm with the sound of your machine.  You're working with your hands, guiding the fabric, piecing a puzzle together.  And in the end, the reward is sweet: you've created something for yourself or someone else, something you made from start to finish.  It's a great escape, and it can actually be soothing.

So you see, it isn't just an "old lady" hobby!  :)  And unlike my baking habit, it won't add to my waistline.

The "Lilly" Dress

Check out my latest sewing creation on The Sew Weekly!

My inspiration came from Lilly Pulitzer... the dress isn't perfect, but I love the print and lace!

The Facts

Fabric: Amy Butler Modern Midwest II Fresh Poppies (Sky), $8.98/yd x 2.5 yds. from Fabric.com
Pattern: McCall's 5882 (Dress F, without contrast)
Year: 1960s style
Notions: Invisible zipper, Hook & eye (all from stash), Lace trim (eBay, $6.99)
Time to complete: 4 hours
First worn: Plan to wear for Savannah Philharmonic's Afternoon Adagio in February!
Wear again: Yes!  Once I fix the crooked lace and maybe fit it better.
Total price: $30  (a real Lilly would cost $200!)

Inspiration

Aerobic-thon and Sergers

Fabrika Fine Fabrics, photo by Cedric Smith Photography

Random title, right?

Yesterday, my schedule was JAM-PACKED.  I woke up bright and early to head to an Aerobic-thon at my local gym.  It was a big event, with body fat/cholesterol screenings and TONS of aerobics instructors helping us sweat for hours!  I was totally exhausted after a the three hours of aerobics we did.  There was so much variety, including kickboxing, Zumba, hula hoop, belly dancing, and step aerobics.  How fun, right?  And it was all free!  I am happy to report that my blood pressure and cholesterol are normal, but I am still overweight; I have lost 5 lbs. since January 1st, so at least I am making progress!

Then I headed to Savannah for my serger class at Fabrika.  I absolutely LOVE their new space!  Emily showed me how to use the serger I scored on Craigslist, and I feel like a whole new world of sewing has opened up to me!  It is definitely a tool that will help me a lot in the future.  I also can't wait to ogle the cotton prints at the store for possible new dress ideas.

I finished up the day with dinner at Cheddar's with LD & PD, then headed home and PASSED OUT.  Such a full Saturday!  I couldn't have asked for a better one.

Vintage Patterns!

I recently purchased my first vintage sewing patterns!  I spent a few days scouring eBay and Craigslist, but didn't really find the perfect lot until a few days ago.  It found a sale of 30 patterns from the 1950s and 1960s.  I paid about $28, which is was a pretty good deal considering the patterns are actually in my size! I figured if I don't want all of them, I could sell them individually on eBay and possibly even turn a profit if I want.  I haven't been able to check them all for completeness, but I really hope to sew at least a few of these this year.

Here are a few of my favorites!

I want to make the version with sleeves, and I love the little bows! 

I love this illustration.  Separates!

The buttons on the back are one of my favorites.  I might have to learn to do covered buttons!

I haven't blogged much, but I had a great weekend!  I had a fun girls' night out at Jazz'd and Bar Bar on Saturday, and a great Sunday movie date to see The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (GREAT film!) and also some delicious Indian food.  Today is a lazier day, with a 1st birthday party on the agenda.  Then tomorrow I get to babysit that birthday boy while his parents pack up their house for a big move!  Busy busy busy, but that's the way I like it.  Doesn't it feel good at the end of the day to be all tuckered out and ready for an awesome night of sleep?  :)

The "Red Satchel" Dress

Check out my latest sewing creation on The Sew Weekly!

Not the best thing I ever made (had zipper issues!), but I love the dress pattern and will make it again!

The Facts:

Fabric: Cotton print (2 yd.) from Walmart, $4.44/yd
Pattern: Butterick 5450 (Dress C)
Year: Contemporary
Notions: Invisible zipper, optional blanket binding from stash
Time to complete: 4 hours
First worn: January 2012
Wear again: Maybe, if I fix the botched zipper job!
Total price: $10

What? I haven't been blogging?

What?  I haven't been blogging?  It's not my fault!  I blame...

THIS.

And THIS.

And sewing some of THIS.

But I'm not complaining a single bit!  :)