Lula Louise

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Tiered Knit Dress McCall's M5877

Here's another dress I made from my stash of new fall patterns. Back in August, I was lusting after a tiered dress from J.Crew. The pattern is McCalls M5877, view A. The fabric is a very light-weight jersey knit I bought at Michael Levine. I didn't want anything heavy because I was worried that the gathers and tiers would be unflattering.

The pattern was not too hard to make except that I became confused with right sides & wrong sides while attaching the tiers and lining.

I think things start to go wrong on step 9. These suggestions should make the dress so that the lining has the right side facing out. Instead of sewing right sides together, sew right side of top tier bodice to wrong side of lining. Then for middle tier, sew right side middle tier to right side of upper tier lining. Then sew wrong side of middle tier lining to wrong side of middle tier. Repeat for lower tier.

If I were to make it again, I'd probably make the tiers about 1.5 inches longer, to compensate for my height. Overall I am happy with the dress. I had second thoughts at the last minute, but after some styling, I decided I liked it – with booties, tights and a ruffled edge sweater.

How I styled the dress for going out.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Geometric Knit Dress

I started out making this dress using Simplicity/Built By Wendy pattern 2863. But I didn't like how loose the sleeves were. So, i recut the sleeves and armscye using the knit dress pattern from the book Sew U Home Stretch.

It's comfortable to wear. I like it ok, but probably not my favorite ever. The fabric has this geometric pattern that's kind of trippy for the eyes.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Friday Faves - Nov 20

Clutches

Buy: Anthropologie
Above: 1. Great & Small Coin Purse 2. Think Big Coin Purse
Make your own: Purl Soho via Martha Stewart

Tutorials:
Wool Beret from Martha Stewart

I'm pretty much loving everything on Design*Sponge this week, but especially these two how-to projects:
For the holiday season: David Stark's Twine Snowmen
For turkey day: Fabric Pumpkins (tutorial here)

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Knit Dress Vogue V8593

This dress is made from Vogue pattern V8593, view C. I bought the pattern this fall. As expected, it was really fairly easy to make, the hardest part being the pleated neckline.

The only big change I made was to not put in a back zipper. Initially, I inserted a zipper but it puckered and wobbled. I decided it wasn't required as I can slip on the dress without it and removed the zipper. I did put in a button at the back neck with about a 4 inch opening. Maybe if the back was more fitted, though I'd need the zipper.

If I were to make it again, I would tack down the pleats using regular stitches as opposed to the basting stitches instructed by the pattern. I kept expecting to remove the stitches but it never said to so I just left them. Overall, I'm pleased with the result.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Book Review - Beautiful Hand-Stitched Jewelry

I received a copy of this book from the publisher a while back. I've been intending to try out some of the lovely projects myself before reviewing but simply haven't gotten to it. The projects are lovely, all jewelry made using crochet and sewing techniques (mostly crochet). This style of jewelry is in fashion these days and there couldn't be a better time to crochet a necklace or bracelet.

back cover

The book is Beautiful Hand-Stitched Jewelry: Crocheted, Embroidered, Beaded by Emi Iwakiri (on Amazon). The author has a blog here (in English via Google Translate).

Below are a couple of my favorite projects. I'm sorry the pictures are so horrible. I couldn't get a proper scan.

Bridal Flowers Necklace (crochet)

Vibrant Beaded Collar (sewing and beading)

Friday, November 13, 2009

Friday Faves - Nov 13

This week is my birth-week. (happy birthday to me!) I've been terribly self-centered taking every opportunity I can to celebrate, well, me. It's been great! I'm a little tired out but there's more celebrating to be done. I've gotten some great presents. Including a number of craft books to get the juices flowing...