Something Blue

Hello Chickadees!

I have something pretty and lacy to share with you today.

Recently, one of my mother's coworkers asked me if I would be willing to make silky robes for her and her bridal party. I jumped at the chance, because I thought it would be a fun project. She chose a pretty grape coloured satin for her bridesmaids, and white satin for herself.

I thought it would be fun to make "matching set" of lingerie for her, because what bride would not like pretty lacy things to wear? Mom and her co-workers were throwing a bridal shower for the bride, so I thought this would be the perfect chance to sew up a little chemise.

I used Vogue 8888, and it came together perfectly. It's a fairly simple pattern with a pieced waist band, 2 piece bust cup, and skirt section cut on the bias to hug the curves. Quite a fun sew! It whipped up quite fast on my serger.

I wanted to make this extra special for her, so I added some personal touches. The fabric is satin charmeuse from Fabric.com, but as I was putting it together, I felt like it was missing something. I dug around in my stash, and found some leftover lace from my Mom's wedding dress.
This corded lace is so pretty, and Mom and I agreed that it added a bit of a special heirloom quality. And of course, I added a little blue bow, for something blue.

She loved it! And she was even more excited to know that it will match her robe. Hurray for happy customers!

This little project has opened my eyes to lingerie sewing. It's really fun! I look forward to more little lacy projects in the future.

Have you sewn lingerie? Do you have any tips and tricks?

Love,
Rachael

The Pants Project Part 2

Hello Chickadees!

I know y'all are probably pretty tired of hearing about pants. So am I! I promise there are other, more exciting posts coming in the future. Silky things! Sweaters! Unselfish Sewing! Please hang in there, I promise it will be better.

This is my latest adventure in pants fitting. I wrote a whole long post about all of the modifications that I made in Part One of the Pants Project.

So far, these are my favourite pair of pants. They're comfy, and surprisingly versatile. Unfortunately, Mister does not appreciate them as much. He thinks they're "too loud." Psh. Somebody please tell my husband that leopard is totally a neutral.


These pants are made with stretch denim, which makes them super comfy. If you spend any amount of time with me, you know that my preferred method of sitting is what's known in the grade-school world as "Criss Cross Applesauce." These pants make that easy, thank goodness! They also allow me to do silly things like jump in the air and dance, which are surprisingly important in my every day life.

Of course, a pair of pants made by me would not be complete without pockets. It's nice to have a place to store things like tissues or your phone.
Does anybody else have a hard time photographing pockets? I find it difficult to get a good angle without looking too inappropriate or awkward.

Fitting a "larger than average" derriere is a tad on the difficult side, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. There are still some small tweaks I'd like to make (darn swayback!), but I think I'm getting there. The next pair of pants will hopefully be in something warm like wool for autumn/winter.

Ok. This is the end of the pants posts. For now...

Love,
Rachael

The Pants Project Part 0.5

Hello Chickadees!

Guess who finally got around to shooting some actual blog post photos?! My camera is back from it's extended vacation, and Mister and I had some free time to take photos. Cue the crowd cheering!

 My last proper post was about pants (or trousers, if you're across the pond). Before I did the whole pattern hacking/alteration/slice&dice, I did try to make a pair of denim shorts. Shorts are nice, because they're like pants, but with less commitment!

 

I did a bit of a hack job on these guys, and they're ugly on the inside. Luckily nobody sees that! I started with Mrs. Depew's 1940's Shorts, made up in stretch denim. I removed the darts, and instead used pockets, cause pants without pockets are no fun! I also added a bit of length to them to make a deep hem.

I'm still working out the kinks in the whole pants fitting thing, so there are a few fit issues. Figuring out crotch curve when you're sewing on your own with no mannequin or body double is HARD! Also, I've come to terms with the fact that I do need a swayback adjustment, cause there's that crazy amount of extra fabric at my lower back as you can see in the previous photo. Sigh. Also, the zipper on the side seam keeps buckling and causing strange wrinkling, but that I think is more of an issue of a seam that is not properly supported. Live and learn, right?

Mister insisted on a booty shot.

   The top is a me-made as well. Right before Canada Day (July 1st for those of you non-canucks), I realized that I did not own a suitable piece of red clothing! How unpatriotic! So I whipped up a Sewaholic Renfrew to wear. 

I don't know why it took me so long to make one of these guys! It took me about an hour from cutting to finishing, and it's so comfy! Many more of these are planned for the future. And BONUS! It goes with one of my favourite brooches that has been passed down from my Grandma.

 

I'll leave you with this goofy shot. I was telling Mister how I thought I needed more "real" photos, instead of the same poses over and over. Half of the photos from this shoot were silly photos like this one. I can't decide if it looks like I have to pee, or I'm really excited. Maybe both?

 

 

Love,

Rachael