Signature Style...What's Yours?

I couldn't put a name to mine but some outfits make me feel more like myself than others...this one just feels like me. From the skirt shape, to the graphic tee, to the leopard print clutch..... I like every piece, individually and together as a whole. So much so, that if I had actually finished this skirt on time I would have entered it in the Project Sewn's Signature Style sewalong. There were some great looks in that challenge!

 In case you are wondering what pattern this is...it's McCall's 6707. I won't go into a full review (because I have done that already here, here and here..oh and here) but I will share with you a few details of this make. 

First, the fabric...I found this beauty in the drapery department. I can't really explain why I am drawn to a fabric but I just get sucked in. Eeeeeverytime. Even when it doesn't necessarily don't fit into my wardrobe. I lined this one with a piece of shiny polyester something that I had in my stash. I obviously need to work on my fabric identification or at least take note when I buy it...  Oh no, not me...I'm practically dancing my way out the door with my precious new fabric dreaming only of what I will make. Never thinking about its content. NEVER. EVER. ever.

I decided to significantly increase the width of the waistband to accommodate the pattern of the fabric. I love the high waisted look! I made this one according to instructions by putting in a side zip and I added an inseam pocket on the right side.....you know how I love my pockets. If I can't have two, one will have to do.

Now let me share a little secret about this skirt pattern. It is great for any fabric that has a straight repeating pattern like this one and it also works great with horizontal stripes and border prints. I think I will try a border print this spring. 

Skirt:self-made T-shirt:Sunfrog shirts Shoes:Joe Fresh Clutch:Rickis

So there you have it....what I would call my signature style. Well, at least for the moment, cause you know it's always changing. That's the fun in dressing right? It's also the reason many of us sew. We can make whatever our imaginations dream up!

What kind of outfits make you feel most like yourself?

A Refashion and a Rant

I spoke too soon about all our lovely sunshine... we are in the midst of a long stretch of rain but we did get a brief reprieve and I ran outside to snap some pics of this refashion.

I picked this skirt up at my favorite thrift shop because I really liked the fabric and pattern. 

Geez...love polka dots much? 

This skirt was a VERY easy refashion. I reused the hemmed bottom because well... who wouldn't?? I measured up from the bottom hem to my desired overall length, added two inches for my elastic casing and cut. I knew that I wanted a full skirt so I didn't take it in at all. I turned down the waist to make my casing, sewed it around and inserted the elastic. Easy.

My usual choice would be to wear a bright pop of color with this skirt but I am liking black and brown together so I paired it with a white tee and brown belt and shoes. I have been wearing my skirts with t-shirts quite a bit this summer. I find it easy and comfortable to wear, plus I don't feel so "dressed up". Well more to the point...other people don't see me as soooo dressed up. I love wearing dresses and skirts because they are really easy and comfortable, especially in the summer but I will get the odd comment.."Why are you dressed up today?" Ummmm I'm not. I'm just dressed. Just not in pajama bottoms. I know that I am not the first to rant about pajamas in public! It is such a pet peeve of mine! not going to rant..not going to rant.. So... lady in the PJ`s at the grocery store...the t-shirt is my compromise. I might even wear it to bed tonight.

Walking on Sunshine

With all the summer sunshine, staying inside sewing hasn't been happening as much as maybe I'd like but here in Canada we have to enjoy it while its here! I did however complete this unfinished project and I love it!

This skirt became an unfinished project when it was almost done and then I realized that I wanted pockets. Let's face it, I always want pockets. So instead of getting right at it and taking it apart, I tossed aside for awhile. It happens...right?

McCalls 6706

McCalls 6706

I used McCalls 6706, a now favorite pattern but it doesn't have pockets. sad face. I added a back seam so that the zipper could be moved from the side seam to the back, making it possible to put my beloved pockets in. The front and back pieces of this pattern are the same piece so I didn't cut the back piece on the fold and added 1/2 inch for seam allowance. Fairly easy. I'm not sure why I didn't tackle it sooner....

The fabric I used is actually a drapery fabric and it's very sheer, so I underlined it with a cotton sateen, treating them as one piece. I love the volume it created. I also made it longer then the pattern because I wanted the stripes to be balanced and I think it is a chic length. For these pics, I paired it with a simple grey tee to tone down the dressiness. This skirt may be a little over the top but I feel so great in it!

Skirt:self-made Tee:Joe Fresh Shoes:Walmart

MMM Day 25 Pink..It's a Whole Lot Of Pink

I love color. It's no secret. Especially bright bold color! I really like to blind my sister with my bright colored outfits and I just know she would love this one...okay maybe not but my niece would LOVE it! I'm a star on the five year old scene. Yup, I am.

More details here.

MMM Day 22 A Long Time Favorite

I love this skirt. It's comfy, pretty and I always get compliments on it.  You can see where I have worn this before here and here. Thanks to my beautiful mom for taking these pictures for me.

MMM Day 20 More Rain

Skirt: refashioned from a dress Sweater: Old Navy Rain Boots:Joe Fresh

Just a quick pic of my MMM outfit today. It's raining again and I went for something warm and comfy. You can see the details of this refashioned skirt here.

MMM Day 17 Something A Little Different

McCalls 6706

This skirt is a great example of why I love to sew some of my own clothes...I'm not likely to see another like it and it's fun to wear something a little different. Two ladies ( french teachers ironically) complimented me this morning and it felt great, especially knowing that I made it. After they were out of earshot, Handsome asked my why I didn't tell them that I made it. I shrugged. I guess the self satisfaction is enough. What do you do in the same situation?

 I found this print in the drapery section and pounced upon it immediately!

 I knew exactly what I was making with it. No hesitation at all. I took what was left on the bolt and skipped off to the cash (literally skipped..Handsome was mildly embarrassed).  At the cash, the clerk asked me where I had found this fabric, puzzled by her question, I told her, and she proceeded to tell me about another lady who had tried to hide it so she could take time to decide whether or not she wanted it...oh. I felt bad... I'm okay now.

My review:

Pattern: McCalls 6067

Fabric Used: A "linen like" drapery, think burlap that softened nicely in the wash

Sizing: I cut it to my usual size and it was a tad big but I do tend to cut  patterns too big on a regular basis so don't go by me on this one. I have to remedy this.

Instructions: Were easy to follow and worked out perfectly.

If I could change anything: Pockets. I love pockets but with the side zip little more tricky and I wasn't in the mood to try and also a stiffer waistband fabric. I used a black linen I had but even with interfacing found it a bit too soft.

Repeat worthy? Yes. I already have a similar skirt I'm in the process of making using a self drafted pattern that I will now pick apart and rework with this one.

Skirt:self-made Tank:Joe Fresh Cardigan: J Crew(thrifted) Shoes:Franco Sarto Hat: Aldo

*UPDATE I have decided to lengthen this skirt...after seeing it in pictures, I think it would be better a bit longer. Tonight's project!

Canadian Summer

Yesterday's temperature went up to 10 degrees ...and when the weather gets that warm, I'm going for a skirt and bare legs. I will likely get a few "are you crazy?" looks.. but for the majority of us hardy Canadians, it's just time to bring out the summer wardrobes. 

This week, I was impatiently waiting for spring and decided that snow flurries or not, I was digging out my spring and summer clothes. It's always like Christmas for me to open those plastic totes that have been home to shorts, sundresses and all my other summery goodness. I often have forgotten what I have packed away and this skirt was one I hardly remembered having, let alone making. I had to go digging to find the pattern I used for this cute little skirt.

The rounded yoke waistband and pleated front details of this skirt get a little lost in the print but the upside to that is... you can't see the wrinkles either. Score! I used this Simplicity 2451 and don't remember having any problems making it. Then again...I didn't remember having this skirt at all.

Skirt:self-made Shirt:Old Navy Necklace: Lia Sophia Shoes: Payless