Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Ethnic Patterns

I just ordered some patterns from EthicPatterns.com. I finally resolved in my mind to simply finish Cherie & Chris' el-wire pieces, and to make up at least one each of these new patterns. This, with my existing tribal pieces should get me thru BurningMan.

All three can be found here: http://www.ethnicpatterns.com/tropical.html
I purchased the Moroccan (Magic) Sun Dress, the short Wrap Dress, and funky wrap Island Pants.

My mom used to make a version of these pants back in the late 60's-early 70's in beautiful luxury fabrics as "hostess" or "lounging" pants. The Wrap Dress will be made up from some existing fabric in my stash, probably a batik or faux tye dye. The Pants and Moroccan Dress might be made up from some cool sari materials I have. The saris are light, airy, with good drape. I think I have at least one paper silk in the stash. Hmmm I might make up all three patterns from my saris. I've been holding onto the fabrics for over a year, this might be their time to shine :)

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Latest Skirt

I've been totally inspired by Diaryofasewingfanatic to start sewing some cool summer skirts for work. I found these cute fabric during my last Joann's raid:


I'm using New Look 6496: I made up the striped fabric into D (mid-length with gores). In retrospect, since this was the heavier of the two fabrics, almost a lightweight denim, it might have been better as the shorter non-flared version.

Since I'm quite curvy, I had to add some to the hip and remove some from the waist. The directions called for simply turning the waist down and stitching but I varied from that. I still felt like the upper edge was too loose after my fitting. I remembered an article years ago in Threads Magazine about Chanel suits. Evidently she added elastic to the waistband to even fitted skirts, it was just enough to give that custom fit. Taking that as my inspiration, I sewed down some thin lingerie to the top edge before I turned it down & stitched. It doesn't really gather it but just makes it fit a tad better.

Pictures soon as I give it a good ironing LOL

Tonight I'm cutting out the blue print. I'm hoping I have something I can use as the lining LOL I think I have some beige lingerie knit that I might use. Plus some el-wire came in yesterday - woot! Can't wait to start putting it on the wedding dress and mardi-gras costume. The costumes are for a couple of friends for BurningMan this year.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

First Blogger Post

OOoooo testing out the new blog for my creative stuff - beads, bbw sewing, costumes, papercrafts, etc.