Delightful DIY: Madras Madness

It's Sunday, the weather is finally AMAZING and I've crossed the two giant projects off my list for summer (getting my invites out and finishing my two Red River College workshops). I know I keep going on and on about it but I feel ready to just enjoy the summer, do things on my own time and do lots of fun creative projects.

Remember how I finished my straps last weekend on the maxi dress? Well I picked out my very first pattern to do from start to finish and that's what I've been up to the for the last day and a half. Obsessed much? Yup!


Pattern: Simplicity 2593 
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pattern $: 5.95
Fabric Cost: $13.00 

I picked out this 'easy' simplicity pattern with a design by Cynthia Rowley (fashionista to the end!!).  For the fabric, I went with a super summer madras plaid cotton in a feminine pinky-brown colour palette.

I won't pretend to be able to do any sewing tutorials that will actually help you but I when I feature my sewing on Delightful DIY, I'll share my pattern details and lessons learned! For this shirt, i had big plans to do the twisted collar on the cover shot but I ended up losing steam after finishing the basic tank top.

A few things I learned:
-the size is really the size Lenore so you don't need to add extra inches all around (hello boxy!!)
-I don't need to pin the pattern to the fabric to cut it, just weighting it down is enough and saves tons of time
-always, always practice your seams on scrap fabric (good think I picked out a patterned, textured fabric to hide all my flaws!)
-patterns tend to be too short so I always make my length longer then pin to fit perfectly
-adding darts is not so hard - thanks google!
-there is no satisfaction like making my own clothes...so so cool!

Here's some pics of the finished product. Forgive me for I'm make-upless...how's that for brave??

So yes, it's definitely on the boxy side and it's a big big in the neckline but all in all - for under twenty bucks it was a great first project.

What are you up to this weekend friends? Hope it's lovely where you are!

Say hello to my new baby...

Good morning lovely people! How are you doing? It's grey and raining here and I wish I could cuddle up under my duvet and stay in bed! I know I haven't been blogging too regularly these days but there is just so much going on. Do know that I still pop into my RSS reader on my iphone every night and read through all your blog posts? I love hearing what you are all up to even if I don't have time to comment on everything!

So now that my wedding invites are complete (thanks for all your sweet comments!), I've decided to take on a new creative challenge. I know you're probably thinking - what about your Etsy store?? - and the truth is, that is still in the works (slowly but surely). But I was really just craving something new and so I got myself this beautiful (almost-new) Brother XL-3200 sewing machine off Kijiji for a steal! Check her out...

I know I've mentioned this before but my younger sister Lindsay is a sewing SUPERSTAR and I long to be able to do what she does. Plus now that I've had a taste of tailored clothing, I love the fit and would like to make myself a few things (hee hee, see how I turned my shopaholic ways into a creative weekend project?? J won't notice...).

Can I sew, you ask? Why yes I can. My mom had a sewing machine growing up so I dabbled with her plus I took Grade 9 home ec! I also went through one of my flights of fancy in my early 20's that involved sewing so I already owned this of course:

You know me, love to read the books! Regardless of how well this new endeavour goes, I'll enjoy the creative journey. I hope to post a few projects on here as I go, but nothing too regular. After all, there's only so many hours in a day right?

My very first project is to add straps to this lovely strapless summer dress I ordered from Shop Ruche. I knew I needed straps but I couldn't resist the pretty material and long flowing maxi style. I'll be sure to show it off when I'm done!

 

So what's your most recent creative obsession? Have you been longing to try something new? What's holding you back or propelling you forward?

Have a fantastic week friends!!


PS: I taught my very first Red River College workshop this weekend on 'Intro to Social Media' and my mind is still swirling from the experience and all the things I learned (yes learned - teachers learn too!). I'll share more but I'm still digesting it all and it will take it's own blog post to say it all! Plus I'm gearing up for this Saturday's follow up workshop 'Learn to Blog' - if you know anyone who might want to sign up, send them the link!