Palazzo Palazzo

Another happy make ... Parisian Palazzo Pants, by e-beth designs.

I don't know about you, but this style of pants suits me well.  I love the way wide leg pants feel and look.  Classic in my book!  How could you go wrong? 

This has to be the easiest pattern ever.  With only 3 pattern pieces, it sews up really quick too.

For my first pair (because I made 3) I used this really pretty floral fabric. 

Obviously, the pants are not on me, but on my friend!

I learned some thing along the way.  Like... elastic is tricky.  While I followed the directions for cutting my elastic smaller than my waist ... I apparently didn't cut it small enough. 
Because of the way the waist band is attached to the elastic, there was no way I could even attempt to fix it without destroying them. 
So what's a girl to do?  Gift them of course.  To a friend.  And don't they look great on her? 

P.S. I am wearing my basics dress here by Califaye.

 

My second pair ...

Another floral! 

 

My favorite!!!!
 

And my third ...

Cropped because I accidently cut them on the shorten line.  Whoops!
 

Okay, so few things I learned after the 3rd pair ....

Pay attention when cutting out your pattern pieces.  This is the second time I hacked off the bottom part of my fabric.  I don't know why I was distracted :(

The waistband piece is cut to the width you need by 3 1/2 in length.  After the first pair was a little fussy, I just cut my fabric with 4 inch length instead. It made a big difference when it came time to finishing the waistband.

FYI ... I made size medium and the fit it awesome.  I just finished another pair for a friend and made size large according to her hips.  The fit is spot on for her in the waist, crotch and rear, however the legs are super wide.  Maybe next time taking out a little bit of the width will help. 

What do you think about palazzos?  If you are a fan, I highly recommend this pattern.

xoxox, Lisa

Southport Dress



 Well, what could I say........ except that I LOVE this dress.

The pattern: Southport Dress by True Bias.  I am a huge fan of Kelli from True Bias. I Love reading her blog and love her patterns.  This dress does not disappoint!!!!!! I chose the maxi version of course.  It's a perfect fit for my wardrobe. 

I made this dress a while ago, right when the pattern was released.  I followed the sew along as well which was really awesome.  The hardest part for me was the button holes.  I really try to avoid them at all costs ... Sigh ... but in the end I was not defeated!

The fabric is Italian linen.  Stripes + Linen = LOVE

Ohhh and the slit in the front... that slit!  Just the right amount of skin to show.

In this picture it almost looks like a jumpsuit.  I have a feeling there might be a tutorial for this sometime soon.  If it's not, well Kelli, can you please, please, please, get on it?!??!  LOL!

xoxoxox, Lisa

 

 

 

 

 

 

My First Me Made May 2015

When I signed up for MMMay 2015, I endeavored to wear or work on unfinished projects at least 5 days of the week.  I definitely reached my goal thus far and I feel so excited. 

There are quite a few garments I will definitely share with you in more detail.  For now ... here is a recap of my days...

Southport Dress, Yoke Top, Burdastyle 6771

Gathered top, Top down Cardigan,Recycled t-shirt headband

Oslo, Simple headband, Alice Top

 Clutch, Tova, Palazzo's & Basics dress

Astoria, Palazzos, Staple Dress

So far I haven't worn a repeat, but I am getting close!  I am going to try to finish the month with a different item.  I will be back soon to share the rest. 
It is a lot of fun to see what everyone else is sharing on social media.  I definitely have been challenged and inspired!

xoxox, Lisa

Me Made May 2015

 'I, Lisa, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '15. I endeavor to wear one or more me made item, at least 5 of 7 days per week for the duration of May 2015' ... I also commit to finishing up any works in progress ( not all, haha ) before the end of the month.


I am very excited to be a part of MMM for the very first time. 
Pretty sure everyone in the blogging world knows about it ... but if you do not, just go on and read all about it here.

In the spirit of all things hand made, I am excited!!!  I have finally started adding garments to my wardrobe that I really love.  Sewing brings me so much joy.  I look forward to sharing with you over the next month.  Not Every day, mostly because I am the worst at dedicating computer time.  I would rather be sewing.  Or feeding my family, or cleaning my house which is not often lately because I can't stop sewing!!!!

See you soon, xoxo, Lisa




 

Alice top, LOVE

I have finally started to create my spring/summer wardrobe.  Collecting patterns and gathering fabric has been way too much fun, along with patterns in my stash and fabric in my stash!

So far I have sewed up a pair of palazzo pants and 2 Alice tops.
The pants are super awesome!  I'll share pics of those after I sew up my second pair. 

On to the Alice top! 

I LOVEEEEEE this shirt so much.  It is definitely my style as it is feminine and loose fitting. 
Even though I has a small waist, I tend to like loose fitting tops especially when they cover my bum!  So this is perfect. 

First try ....  I used similar fabric as in the picture on the tessuti site.  I love stripes and when I saw the fabric at the shop, I knew it would by perfect.

 

                Made the XS and barely hemmed it as I like the long length!

 

 

                                    Side view!  Ummmmm, hello NOT prego lady!

 

                                       Back view, not too bad.

                                                 Tucked in, seems to look not as big.

 Second try!!!!  Better fit.  Made the XXS this time.  Definitely better fit in the arm holes and overall!

 

 

  I still love cozy plaid ... and this fabric is really light so I think it will work great for the spring and maybe long sleeves under in the fall, or with a cute sweater and boots!

 

 

                       So glad I made you ALICE! 

Here's to my spring/summer wardrobe!  May it be full of fun beautiful garments.  xoxox, Lisa


P.S. 

Dedicated sewing space ...

I am on a streak .... Woohoo! 
Last week after staring at my sewing machine (on my dining room table), I decided to make a space for my machine to stay out permanently. 
I really love to sew, and when I start a project, my dining room is the place I cut and sew.  Not really fun when the day comes to an end and it's time to clean up.  Sometimes I leave it all a mess for the next day so I can keep going.  Not ideal since this is where we like to eat our dinner.  :)
Soooo, I rearranged.  Set up shop in the front room of my house.  This is also our family office space and I selfishly removed our small couch to make room for my table, which really is a console table. 
I did put an old chair in place of the couch in order to have somewhere to sit hahaha!
I must say, It is encouraging to have my machines out in plain site.  I have already sewed up another garment and the best part ..... I didn't have to clean off my dining room table when it was time for dinner.  It's the little things, you know?!  I am HAPPY!!!!

Found this old photo of my dining room in use!  What a mess!

Another mess of a sewing day!

And now, this is where they will stay! 

 The drawers definitely are useful for keeping things handy. 

Cereal boxes ... just the right size for keeping things tidy inside the drawer.

Working at my sunny spot!

:)

Me SOOOOOO Happy!!!!!!! (even if I'm not smiling lol!)

 

 

 

I think I can live with this arrangement.  Yay!!!!  xoxoxox, Lisa

Seamwork Magazine

I finally got around to sewing this past weekend.  I really wanted to get started right after the new year ... Oh well.  I am glad that I busted out my machine and got me some MOJO!!!

I subscribed naturally to the on-line magazine Seamwork, when it first came out.  Ummmm... hello... this is their 4th issue.  The first one came out in December and I had plans to make so many things. 

Better late than never, I'd say. 

So without further ado .... I give to you, Oslo



 

 This cardigan is from the first issue.  I am so glad I made it finally.  It's described as beginner and versatile.  Definitely fits the bill for my style and wardrobe.

 

 

The fabric is a stretch sweater knit, and it is cozy and pretty.  layered with a long sleeve underneath, it's perfect for colder days.  In the spring and summer nights, it's perfect with a tank.

 

 

I made size small and kept the largest size length.  I think for spring it's the perfect length for my needs ... covering my bum!!! 

Definitely see another one in a really cozy warm fabric for next winter.  I will definitely lengthen the sleeves.  I didn't measure this time, and they are a little short for my arms.

 

 

I'm a happy girl!

 

Next on my list to try:  The T-shirt from this last issue, and if I am brave ... the camisole from the lingerie issue. 

 

 

 

HAPPY SEWING, xoxoxo Lisa

 Come join the fun ...