Siara Sews Ginger Jeans (Take 1)

Thanks to Christal Bridge Photography (www.christalbridge.com) for the photos!

It's been awhile mostly because baby and I have been sick... but now that we are almost better it's time to share another piece with you....The ginger jeans! The title says take one, but these pants were more like take 1, 2 and 3 all in one.  I have never owned a pair of high waisted (ish) skinny jeans before, and since I made a vow to not buy any newly made clothes this year and to either 1) make it myself or 2) thrift it, I decided to make my own pair. It seemed easier than thrifting a pair and trying to figure out how to take it in to fit me, so making it from scratch was my method!

I realize that there are many fit issues with these pants... I understand what I need to do for my next pair so my next will fit much better than the first. Just don't look too closely and we will both be happy ;)

Pattern: Ginger Jeans by Closet Case Files 

Size: 0/2 I did a lot of adjustments. I think if the denim wasn't so stretchy I would be more a 2 

I did a lot of research on what jeans pattern I wanted to do. I was terrified of making pants, but because it's one of those clothing items that I wear ALL the time it was time to learn. That being said, it was not easy for me. These pants took 15 or so hours, and were redone a few times, even picked apart after all the top stitching was done. It was a really intense learning period for me about fitting pants and working with pant patterns, and I think in the end I really learned a ton and it was totally worth it. I plan on making another pair of these with a few more adjustments and hopefully the next pair will be even better!

I also made about 3 pairs of muslins trying to get the fit right. In the end it paid off, but I also know what fitting issues I still have and know what to change for my next pair. I did a couple of crotch, butt and hip adjustments because 1) I have no butt 2) I have skinny hips 3) I have a "long" crotch area. This pattern was meant for more like pear shaped bodies, but because of all the rave reviews I knew it was a good pattern to start with. In the end I traced my darted muslin on to a new piece of paper and now have a whole pattern fitted to "me" hanging in my closet. There are still a few adjustments I need to make to it though.

When I took in my 3rd muslin at the crotch and butt areas, I didn't realize that when I retraced the pattern, it changed the grain line of the pant legs. That was my biggest mistake on these jeans, and when it came time to put them back together the pant legs twisted around my leg because they were off grain! I had to do some messing around with the legs which included taking in the seams on one side and letting the other side out, and easing in the inside of the knee so now it is all bunched up. I figured it was better than having my seams curve around to the front of my leg. Knowing that, I will definitely be fixing how the leg hangs off the top part of the pattern before cutting a new pair. I also noticed that the back part of the jeans come way higher up my hips than the very front, so I will be making another adjustment with that and raising the front waist about an inch for my next pair. Even through all of these flaws, I have worn these almost every day for a week already! I love them!

A note on the pockets... I probably did these pockets 3 times trying to figure out the best placement for them. Still not sure if they are perfect but it was the best out of the many places I tried. SO that's that!  I also noticed that the way I sewed the zipper and button together makes it so the top of the zipper shows when I zip and button the pants. Next pair will be fixed for sure!

Seeing as I am a self taught sewer through and through, and have been sewing for less than 4 months it was a great accomplishment for me and I really enjoyed the process. There will be more pairs of jeans for sure in the future, I'm just waiting patiently until I find some more affordable denim to work with. Sadly, denim fabric isn't too popular to find at good will. One day for sure!

What do you think of making your own pants? Would you do it? And do you have any tips for me in the future of my own pant making-capades?

Good Will Dress Refashion!

A couple of days ago I went to Good Will looking for a vintage dress we wanted for a photo shoot. Turns out we got that and more! Christal picked out a green dress for me, but it was totally gigantic. She said too bad it was too big because it would have been so cute... but wait. I can do that! I took it home and put it on. I was drowning in it. But after pinning my size and taking it in on the shoulders and sides, it looks great on me! I love it! (Also, the white shirt underneath was from Goodwill too on the same day. I hit the jackpot!)

I just wish I had gotten a before shot, but trust me. It was huge.

And because Christal is such an awesome photographer, there are lots of pictures! Thanks Christal! 

Check out her website here: www.christalbridge.com

  

  

 

The Birthday Dress (McCall's 7038 Vintage)

I made a dress, but this time it wasn't for myself. My mom and I share the same birthday month (May). And if you're wondering why in the world I would make a dress so early before our birthdays, well... I like to plan ahead. And usually it's way ahead. Once Christmas is over, I immediately start preparing for the next present, which in this case is my mom's birthday!

This dress is totally not me. But it IS totally my mom. Which is really great, since it's her dress. 

The sun was going down, it was baby's bed time and I really wanted to get these photos out of the way so I could pack the dress up so I donned my nerd glasses and new haircut and no makeup to show you my wonderful stitchery. 

I am incredibly happy with it! It was a big leap. We had been talking for a month or so about a dress she would like for her birthday. I can't surprise my mom, we plan her birthday presents together. I had also made her a table runner with "Whitman" quilted through it which is pretty cool. She wanted a table runner, I made it cooler :) 

I had a small budget for this project. I used a vintage pattern I already had. It was a gamble to use it because it was only one size (size 10) and it was almost a size too small for her. Luckily its a loose fitted dress so it worked really well. PHEW. I also was on the look out at Goodwill for a fabric that would scream "MOTHER". What's really crazy is found it! The only problem was there wasn't much of it. The solution? DO IT ANYWAYS. 

And guess what? It was a curtain. I love curtains. 

Pattern: McCall's 7038 

Size: 10

Fabric: 100% Polyester Curtain from Goodwill (3$) 

Pattern changes: I lengthened the the dress to be floor length so my mom could hem it to the length she wants. We are the exact same measurements, except she is 2 inches taller. Makes it easy for me to make her clothes even when she's states away. I also widened the skirt after the pockets so the floor length wouldn't be too tight. 

This was also  my first time doing buttonholes, so I consider this a great success!

This pattern has really cool yokes at the top, and I was hoping it wouldn't turn out too "western" when working with a really nice floral fabric. It turned out to be a really nice detail that really adds to my mom's style. 

If you look closely, you'll see ironing ridges on the bottom of the dress. I attempted to hem it without cutting off fabric but it was just too thick from all the folding and the drape was way off. So I just kept it floor length. So this dress is ALMOST finished, it just needs a hem and the bottom ironed out. 

A lot of it was top stitched over
the seams, which adds even more detailing to it. It almost seems like a RTW. No one would ever notice it was hand made ;) 

This was  such a labor of pure love. I hope my mom has a wonderful birthday and loves her new dress. I love you mom!

The Gabriola Skirt (Sewaholic)

After finding a few sewing blogs to inspire me to make more clothing, I found the Gabriola Skirt by Sewaholic. This was my kind of skirt. A well fitted, high waisted maxi skirt that actually has form. 

I've always loved long skirts and dresses, but I hated the "straight" boring ones out there. Too... bleh. 

They're just nothing special. Until I found this one. 

I can't tell you how much this skirt sang to me sweet songs of joy when I found it. I had been pining over the skirt for a couple of weeks, dreading about the cost of the pattern. I even went to Good Will before I bought the pattern and found the PERFECT fabric for it (ahem... it was a bed sheet) all for just 1$! 

Then... I saw that sewaholic was having a sale!!! I was so stoked, I went to go buy the skirt and it came out even cheaper than I thought it would. So all together this skirt cost me (with ALL costs in mind) 5.50$. Oh yeah. 

Pattern: Gabriola Skirt, Sewaholic 

Size: I cut a size 0 in waist and 12 in length. I did end up cutting off an inch or two, but I knew I was a little taller than the model who wore this skirt on their website and wanted to be safe.

Fabric: Queen sized bed sheet from Good Will 1$ (cotton... maybe?)

Alterations: As mentioned before, I lengthened it a bit and I also cut out the waistband a little thicker since I like a thicker waistband look. I loved the end result :) 

I only had one zipper in stock, and it was blue. So I did it anyways. I think it adds a little charm to the skirt, with a little blue zipper peeking out. 

I love the fit, I love the color, I love the print, I love the feel, I love just everything about this skirt. 

Awww yeah look at these modelling skilz. And incredibly skinny looking waist. Woah.

One thing that drew me to this skirt was the beautiful yet simple yoke detailing on the top of the skirt. Cut on the bias makes a gorgeous line for your hips. This is what I think made the skirt so special. 

Umm.. what's with my creepy elbows? 

Would I make this again? In a heart beat. Already have big plans for this guy. 

Like... one in blue, grey, black, oh heck every color. I WANT THEM ALL.

Is this a pattern you would love to see on yourself? Go check it out and let me know what you think of my rendition :) 

Photos by my lovely hubby, Nate. 

The Ultimate Wool Coat (Simplicity 1254)

I needed a coat, really bad. I only had one leather jacket which wasn't warm enough for me! This coat was lined with another layer of wool, so its pretty warm. I initially really wanted to do the hood with this pattern, but when working with the two layers of wool it just wasn't laying well AT ALL. So I cut it all off and made my own collar. 

Technically it still isn't finished yet, I need to tack the lining to the outer layer so it doesn't puff up when I wear it. But I hate hand sewing... so it might get done. 

Pattern: Simplicity 1254 (Altered)

Size: 8 I really wanted a fitted jacket. Size 8 was almost too small for me, but after wearing it for a few days it fits me pretty well.

Fabric: Wool from GOOD WILL yep I said it, this is good will fabric that I got for a buck. Nice 1 dollar jacket no? Oh yeah... the pattern was a dollar too. Two dollar jacket. 

Alterations: I lengthened the sleeves by about an inch, I must have long arms. I also changed the original collar as it wasn't gellin with my flow. I really really wanted the collar to work, it just didn't. 

Ok so... this is my first time working with plaids. I got the up and down right, but the left to right grain I forgot needed to be matched up. Well, it isn't. My plaids are all over the place! It doesn't really bother me, since I can't see it while I'm wearing it. But I'm sure to the trained OCD eye it's driving them mad. 

This is probably my most worn piece as you know... it's pretty cold outside and this is my warmest coat, out of 2. 

Also, like my foot high heels? It feels like I was 6 feet tall at least! I was bound for an epic fall. 

What's the most sad about this coat is that the plaids ALMOST match... I feel like that makes it worse LOL. It's so beautiful. 

Another confession... I used like 4 different colors of thread for this jacket. I forgot to buy the right color, and was running out of all my original thread I had... I will need to redo that outside zipper because it doesn't match in the slightest! Also,.... I may have used a forest green color at one point. Kudos to me.

 And you have to have a headless photo. Adds to the drama ;)

Dang I need a hair cut. 

 Nice and warm! I love my rendition of this coat. And what a score for super cheap patterns and fabric! Double win!

Lovely photos by Christal Bridge

My pattern review: HERE

The Dorothy Dress (Simplicity 7177 Vintage 1975)

 A friend of mine passed down some really fun vintage patterns, and this was one of them. We are basically the same size, so everything she gave me is near perfect for me! 

Size: 12- I did tinker with the bust and waist, since I am pretty skinny and took it in about an inch and these patterns only come in one size 

Time to make: 4 Days on and off sewing

Fabric: Cotton blue and white plaid from Joann's. Can you tell why it's my Dorothy dress? I wish I had sparkly red shoes to go with it ;) 

Issues: The only issue with this pattern I've noticed so far is I can't raise my arms SUPER high. It's not terrible, but I wouldn't want to play football in this dress. 

Ahem... this is my second dress and second piece of clothing ever made. It has... character. But nothing is wrong with character right? 

I chose the view on the left, view #2. 

I think I am now the master of collars... since I've done 3 so far (future blog post on the 3rd collared item in the future!). Let's just say I like things with collars. It gives it a finished, classy feel.

Another thing I love about this dress are the lengths of the skirt and sleeves. They are just classic lengths, and look good on virtually anyone! 

And there's ALWAYS an outtake. Simply divine. 

 Photos by Christal Bridge
Here's my pattern review link as well: HERE

Peter Pan and Pockets (Simplicity 1419)

Sew Siara. String Theory. Mary Bobbins. What Siara Made. Pleat and Thankyou So. Many. Puns. 

All names that were up for grabs for this blog. I guess I just stuck to my incredibly boring side and chose an incredibly boring name. Well here it is folks, in all it's glory.

Siara Sews.

Let's get to it.

I made a dress! But not just any dress.... MY perfect dress. I had to have a peter pan collar. Had to. So when shopping, I skipped everything that didn't have one. I was on a mission. Then I found Simplicity 1419 The Lisette Dress, I instantly fell in love and said "THIS ONE." The best things in life come in pairs right? Well this dress has pockets. That's right. Freaking pockets. I can't tell you how insanely excited I was. Literally jumping up and down in excitement (in my head at least). The two things in life I've ever wanted! A peter pan collar dress with pockets!

Here's the catch though.... I've never made a dress. I've actually never made a legit piece of clothing before. I just got a sewing machine for Christmas... and it was the week after. 

Ok. Let's do this. 

My mother in law, Sandi is pretty much a master seamstress, so I decided to make my ultimate dress with her while I was visiting that Christmas. Well... we cut it out. Hah. It was so incredibly hectic, my 4 month old was not sleeping very well in an unfamiliar environment, Sandi had to cater for a funeral and everyone was always bustling about. I was so excited for my dress, I couldn't stop thinking about it. But alas, I went home with a bunch of fabric scraps and the words "I'm supposed to put this stuff together?" 

Well thank goodness for instructions right? That's right.... I made my first dress ladies and gentlemen all on my own! (And a couple of you tube videos) 

I gave myself a pat on the back.... with my new dress on. It felt fabulous. 

Ok enough talk, here's a little review and how I made it along with some photo love by the lovely Christal Bridge. 

Size: 12

Fabric: Cotton Poly (?) From Mother in Law's Stash

Changes: I lengthened the sleeves and added cuffs of my own making

Time Sewing: 1 Week 

Things I would change: 

1 Inch Longer- Accidentally cut it a little too short),

Wider neck- (which I will be changing, I'm going to snip the stitches I have keeping the collar together and just moving it down about an inch for some breathing room)

Size 10- I think I could have downsized by one size, but in reality this size really does suit me so I'm not sad about it. 

I think this pattern took me so long because it was seriously my first pattern ever. I read every step like 14 times, with a confused dazed look on my face. I pretended like I knew what I was doing, and I guess faking it until making it worked in this situation. I prepped this dress like I was doing surgery.... so incredibly carefully. I could NOT mess up my favorite dress. 

Over all I'm super happy with it, and will probably make another version of this in the future with no collar and cap sleeves and with a solid color. 

Next up? My Dorothy shirt dress.