hi.
things are so, so busy. in the past month, I've been to Chicago (for fun) and New York (for work, and fun). I've also been teaching knitting classes at the yarn store, and sewing like a woman obsessed. (because I am.)
After I had some small successes with the Spring Ruffle Top, I decided to branch out and try some other clothes. I started with a skirt.
This is from the book Sew What! Skirts. It's a book without actual patterns in it - you take your measurements and draft your own pattern using the formulas they provide. It works pretty well, because you don't have to worry about picking the right size pattern - you just have to take your measurements right!
A-line skirt.
I totally recommend this book - I see myself making many more skirts using it.
So, after the skirt success, I got excited and decided to try for a dress. My first try was a dismal failure ... documented here ... but I decided to chalk it up to the pattern and fabric and try again.
The second time resulted in a wearable dress.
Simplicity 2925.
I learned a lot on this one - I put in a dress zipper, worked with curves, discovered that my upper and lower body are NOT the size in Simplicity dress patterns, and just got more comfortable trying a commercial pattern. I've already worn it to work!
And then I sewed a few more dresses:
1. 365.2.155 simple sundress for me., 2. Simple sundress., 3. Simplicity 2587, 4. Simplicity 3778 - without sash
The top two dresses were made from a free online pattern, Heather Ross's Simple Sundress. If you are on Flickr, you've probably seen this dress and heard lots of discussion about the pattern. For me, it was one of the easiest things I've made thus far, but I did have to wing on a few things, mainly the seam allowance (there isn't one in the pattern) and hemming the dress (there isn't a specific way mentioned in the pattern.) The shirring at the top is created by hand-winding your bobbin with elastic thread and using that along with regular thread. Despite those things that could possibly cause you trouble, I still think it's a good beginner pattern, because it's basically just two pieces of fabric, shirring, and voila! dress!
Commercial patterns are still very hard for me - I hate cutting the pieces, and all the fiddly bits that go along with it. But, three of the dresses on this page were sewn from commercial patterns, and I'm slowly learning to not be afraid. Simplicity has been my friend - the easy Simplicity patterns are actually easy - or easier - and I've been able to make wearable garments so far. All of this is to say, be not afraid if you want to try to sew clothes! Obviously all of these dresses have issues (sketchy zippers, uneven hems, and oh lordy the raw edges on the insides!!), and I still have a lot to learn, but I'm feeling more confident with every piece I sew. and OMG I am having so much fun.
Lest you think I've TOTALLY abandoned knitting, I have a finished knit too!
Featherweight Cardigan!
I finally finished this sweater, and I love it. (More details on Ravelry if you're interested.) It's perfect for wearing in the air conditioning in my office and I think it will be warm when it's cold outside too. I'm seriously considering making another one - it's just so wearable.
In other news - did you know that I started my knitting blog on June 5, 2003? here's what my first blog post said:
june 05, 2003. 3:18 PMso here is my first attempt at having a web log. or a blog. i'm really doing this so I can keep track of my knitting. Can you believe how many people have knitting websites? It's a craze of monstrous proportions.
i am a brand spanking new knitter, and i still make lots of mistakes, but i really really love doing it, and i want to get better, so i can knit fancy cardigans and bee-yoo-tee-full sweaters,
and i have nothing better to do at work than surf the net for knitting pages, knitting patterns, knitting blogs.
my left hand actually is hurting from knitting, and probably from typing so much. (because I am a secretary, not because I am a crazy blogger. remember? this is my first one!)
email me with any good patterns that aren't too hard. or anything else you wanna say.
HAHAHAHA. that makes me giggle. That also means I've been blogging for 6 years earlier this month. I had plans to do a sappy blogiversary post but then work got busy and I had to travel and I just didn't have time. I just discovered my very first blog posts on my old geocities website a few weeks ago, and it was really fun to read through them and see where I was then. I'm so glad I have those posts to remember that time in my life, and I'm so glad I wrote that first post, because having this blog has literally changed my life - I've met some of my dearest friends through it, and tried many things and visited many places that I never would have otherwise.
So, thank you, bloggy readers, for making this such a fun thing to do for six years. We all have reasons for blogging - and I do it mostly for myself - but it sure is nice to have a fabulous community of people to share it with. Thank you so much!
Comments (40)
OMG I'm so freakin impressed by your sewing! If only my sewing machine and I got along... I might make beautiful stuff too (alas it is in storage currently).
Posted by Nerdy McGerde | July 20, 2009 12:18 AM
It is very easy to sew your own dresses, especially when you use the patterns that Burda is selling on their website. You can basically make 10 dresses using the same pattern but different fabrics and slight creative modifications.
I like the blue fabric with white flowers a lot! Very summer!
Posted by Ana Amour | July 17, 2009 10:32 AM
Oh my gosh, you're prolific as well as talented!
I may dust off the old sewing machine. Thanks for info about the skirt book!
Posted by Mary Lee | July 16, 2009 10:45 AM
Hi I love your blog. I'm a knitter and sewing enthusiast too. glad you have shown off you sew what skirts. i have the book, know what i want to make, fabric and everything, yet it remains unmade...
I think your skirts and dresses are looking great. well done! :)
madj x
Posted by madj | July 9, 2009 6:46 AM
Hi
Love your blog. Glad you are loving sewing. I'm a sewer ans knitter too. I have the sew what skirts book too, but haven't made one yet. have the fabric and everything, just no time... anyway, your skirts and dresses are turning out great - well done
xx
Posted by madj | July 9, 2009 6:42 AM
Love the skirt at the top. Excellent pics. Congrats on making it 6 years in blogland.
Posted by Cassy | July 2, 2009 12:25 PM
i love how it started with knitting all the time and now it is sew sew sew. i love the dresses and used your links to find some that i might have to try. you have given me courage, girl. happy 6th bloggy day. i have always really enjoyed reading here. :)
Posted by mamie | June 28, 2009 4:16 PM
i love how it started with knitting all the time and now it is sew sew sew. i love the dresses and used your links to find some that i might have to try. you have given me courage, girl. happy 6th bloggy day. i have always really enjoyed reading here. :)
Posted by mamie | June 28, 2009 4:15 PM
Happy bloggiversary!!! Beautiful sewing and your sweater is so cute.
Posted by Lulu | June 28, 2009 2:37 PM
Congrats on 6 years - that's amazing!
Posted by Melissa | June 26, 2009 8:03 AM
Happy blogiversary! Your blog was one if the ones that got me started blogging! I've thought about ressurecting my blog lately, but I digress... Your dresses are sew awesome! Har! Seriously you are super talented.com!
Posted by Biglug | June 25, 2009 9:13 PM
Girl, you've been BUSY! Those dresses are beyond cute, honestly, why wear shorts/capris when you could wear such cute frocks! Said it on FLickr, but will say it again, I want that cardi *and* it's luscious shade of purple!
Posted by knitbugVal | June 25, 2009 12:27 PM
happy blogiversary!!! i remember you from the beginning. you've been very busy with your amazing work. you and monica are SO making me want to begin sewing. i love it all.
Posted by lynette | June 25, 2009 11:27 AM
Happy Blogiversary Carrie! And all your sewing projects are SUPER cute! I can't wait to get my sewing machine and start making all kinds of fun things too!!!
Posted by Francesca | June 24, 2009 3:14 AM
yay for your sewing, and your blog! i can't believe you've been doing it that long, either. crazytimes.
Posted by cathy | June 23, 2009 7:23 PM
Your dresses are beautiful!! Congrats on your 6 year blogiverary!! Your cardi is beautiful too!!
Posted by Natalie | June 23, 2009 4:57 PM
Wow! Six years! Happy blog anniversary to you. And can I tell you how jealous I am of all of those dresses? I'm not sure which is higher -- my envy or how impressed I am by your sewing skills.
Posted by Gina | June 23, 2009 3:27 PM
Happy Bloggiversary. I've missed your posts. Also, congrats on the sewing AND knitting. I've been bit by the sewing bug, too.
Posted by Susan - Knitters Delight | June 23, 2009 2:12 PM
Happy Bloggiversary. I've missed your posts. Also, congrats on the sewing AND knitting. I've been bit by the sewing bug, too.
Posted by Susan - Knitters Delight | June 23, 2009 2:03 PM
Congrats on it all, the blogiversary, the sewing, the sweater, everything. All the stuff you've been showing on Flickr, sewing wise, has been inspiring me. I totally want to sew something NOW after seeing all that stuff but I just packed my sewing machine up last night. Grrr.
Posted by Stacey | June 23, 2009 1:57 PM
You have been a very busy girl!! I somehow missed your Sew What Skirts skirt on flickr - brava! well done! I love that book so much. My absolute favorite skirts are the ones I've made from that book (esp. the side-zip A-lines). And all your dresses look fab.
And the Featherweight!!! Awesome. It makes me want to get started on my Whisper. Right. Now!
Happy blogiversary! 6 years - dang! that's a long time!
Posted by earthchick | June 23, 2009 9:47 AM
Such cute things you're cranking out there girl! May I also suggest you look through the Burda patterns. Those are nice and the easy ones would be a good starting point. They also have less ease and are easier to work with (at least imho).
Happy 6 year blogivesary!
Posted by sil | June 22, 2009 11:43 PM
Hee. You are so stinkin' cute.
I LOVE the red & black flowered dress! So cute!!
(PS - I miss you on Rav! :( )
Posted by Jen | June 22, 2009 9:09 PM
Wow what a lot of fabulous dresses!!!! I almost bought a dress pattern the other day, but thought it would be abit beyond my sewing skills. I am not going straight out to buy one, gotta give it a go...... Love your Featherweight cardy, colour is gorgeous! I am knitting one myself at the moment, just finished the body so it's onto the arms. Happy Bloggy Birthday to ya... X
Posted by Julie | June 22, 2009 7:42 PM
You are productive! So much cute stuff you're a' makin'-lots to be proud of. I love that heather ross dress. When I break out my sewing machine again someday, that's going to be one of the first things I try. And... congrats on so many years of blogging! I know what you mean about blogging being life changing—it's been the same for me (even though my posting has severely dropped off). :)
Posted by maya | June 22, 2009 2:15 PM
Six years of blogging! WOW. I am super -impressed. I am more impressed by all these awesome dresses, though. I am putting a sewing machine on my birthday list STAT .
Posted by Haley J. | June 22, 2009 2:12 PM
I have enjoyed your blog since Fluffa linked to you back when the Stitch N Bitch book came out in... egads, 2004? I have been a loyal reader of your blog ever since. I have truly enjoyed your evolution from knitter to blogger and loved watching you get married and move and get degrees, etc. You rock. And my god, your sewing skills are to be admired. You go girl!!!!
Posted by Amanda | June 22, 2009 2:04 PM
Well, journey of a thousand miles and all that ... I love the black and white shift dress - very classic.
And a belated happy blogiversary!
Posted by AmyP | June 22, 2009 11:54 AM
Dresses = gorgeous. The sweater is terribly cute, too.
I'm getting ready to make another one of those tops, and the Socialite Dress, too (Anna Maria...)
So crazy about the new Joel Dewberry fabric right now!
Happy Blogiversary!
Posted by amanda | June 22, 2009 11:36 AM
i love that skirt so much. i have to check out that book because i hate commercial patterns, too. i really, really loathe cutting fabric. also, happy belated blogiversary! :D
Posted by mai | June 22, 2009 10:35 AM
Happy six-year anniversary, you crazy crafty maven you!
Posted by ann | June 22, 2009 10:28 AM
Wow, lots of great sewing! Loving the patterns and fabrics you've chosen. And congrats on six years of blogging!
Posted by Elizabeth | June 22, 2009 9:19 AM
you've done some amazing sewing!! and that featherweight cardi is gorgeous.
Posted by Julie | June 22, 2009 7:33 AM
you are so stinking cute, lady. it's really nuts. and you are such a sewing & knitting inspiration to me!! for reals!! :) yay you schmoo!
Posted by carolyn | June 22, 2009 7:16 AM
Holey moley! You are indeed a woman obsessed. That is a lot of cutting out! I bought that book this week-end and cannot wait to get started.
Posted by ruthee | June 22, 2009 6:41 AM
Happy blogaversary!
Love the dresses... I haven't managed to get my sewing maching out since the move (yeah, almost a year ago), but one of these days I will! And then I will make things as bee-yoo-tee-full as you :).
Posted by Sarah | June 22, 2009 2:36 AM
Wow, your sewing is quite impressive!!! I am just about to give up trying to sew for myself. My latest attempt does look a bit like your failed dress actyally. :) But you give me new hope.
Posted by julia | June 22, 2009 2:08 AM
Holy crap! You just whipped out more dresses than I have in my entire closet, and they all look super cute! Good job!
Also, happy blogiversary, old lady! I just hit my 2nd so SIX is a very impressive number to me. :)
Posted by Clumsy Knitter | June 22, 2009 12:29 AM
Look at all those cute dresses! I so wish I had the space (and skills) for a sewing machine! They all look fab on you. And I love your featherweight cardi. I'm mid-way through a Whisper Cardi by the same designer.
Posted by Lisa | June 21, 2009 10:17 PM
SIX YEARS!! Crazy! you are now officially a knitting and sewing machine. :D congrats on your bloggiversary!
Posted by michelle | June 21, 2009 9:51 PM