happy feet

Last fall I learned to crochet. My first project was a granny square pillow. The original plan was to add crochet detail to the knitted projects I planned on completing. Now it is fall again, and I've yet to complete one knitted project.
I did discover that I really like to crochet.
I expressed at one point how it is just too bad I can't make shoes - as the shoes I covet are usually way out of my budget.
That's right, now I make shoes. I tried two different versions. The black version has hemp on the bottom and can be worn to the mailbox. The yellow pair has wool on the bottom and I consider it more of a slipper.
I know, hippie shoes.
I found this pattern on ravalry. It is for sale on etsy here. The pattern is well written and has lots of high quality pictures.

If only I could make them look like these.
These shoes are from anthropologie - this season

Bound Buttonholes

Armed with only my Singer Sewing book copyright 1949 and high hopes I re-visited bound buttonholes. I love this detail when I find it on vintage clothing. I've done this before a couple of times. It is not like riding a bicycle - you know, some things come back to you naturally. Some things you just forget.

this bound buttonhole is welt style

So if it's looking a little shabby it might have something to do with the three times I picked it out before I was happy (enough) with the results. Oh go ahead, I know you want to - click on it to enlarge so that you can see the needle marks that are still in there. ;)
I plan to enter this dress into the Mad Men challenge. Can you guess which character?

The huge pencil skirt pattern review

The first pencil skirt pattern I tried was the hot patterns version. Let me just say for the record I really, really, wanted this to be the one. Not only that I love the idea of supporting these indie pattern companies, but Trudy and Jeremy have really gone the distance to make their patterns user friendly. If you haven't found them on You Tube you are missing out on some pretty creative stuff. I have had good luck with the hot patterns I've used. This one not so much. The pattern has some really great details, I just couldn't get the fit right. I found the shape very bulbous at the hip line. Then when I adjusted for that, I could never get the front darts quite right. I liked the curved waistband, the hem (deep bias cut facing) and the back kick pleat.

Skirt number two: New Look pattern 6758
I cut this out in my usual size. It's big. Never assume. You know the saying. So I have to re-size after it's almost done. Is this really going to happen? Maybe yes, maybe no.
Funny, after I made this, and while I was looking up the info, I found this post. My sentiments exactly.
note to self: check pattern review site first!!

So finally, in this case the third time being the charm, I've got it. This skirt is from a burda pattern. I first saw it made up here. I will make a this one again. I am going to borrow the elements I liked from the hot patterns skirt and make a few changes. The back slit is just the seam finished, and I don't think it will hold up well and I don't like the look. I'll add the vent. I'm also going to add the bias fabric hem.
So... as promised there you have it, maybe this will help someone looking for a go to pencil skirt pattern.

leave me a comment if you've made any of these patterns, I would like to hear about your experience

I danced with a dolly with a hole in her stockin'...

and her knees kept a knockin'
while the band kept a rockin'
I danced with a dolly with a hole in her stockin'
we danced by the light of the moon

referenced in this post

Inspiration

All of these images are J.Crew. I am enjoying the use of unusual fabric. It reminds me of vintage sofas - in a good way. I have some of this unusual fabric in my stash. So I was on a quest for the perfect pencil skirt pattern. After several attempts I am happy to report I think I've found it!! So, in my next post I'll share the skirts that didn't make the cut, and then the one that did.

Birds in Flight

Another example of freezer paper stencil. Any simple image can become fabric art. The bird image is just clip art. There are tutorials all over if you've not tried this yet.
I listed a few of my favorites in this post.

photo by Tomoe Natori

Isn't there a nursery rhyme that refers to a hole in her stocking? Does anyone know it?
Maybe it was a little song? Maybe I dreamed it?

photo by Tomoe Natori

Anyway... I thought this was a good photo to end with.

Mad for Plaid...More Print and Pattern

This plaid dress came from a junk shop. I found it in less than wearable condition. There were many issues. A lot of the seams had failed and had to be sewn up. I also re-sized it and took the hemline up.

I don't mind the issues when I am lucky enough to find vintage. A little mending/darning just gives it character. I added a little character with this fix of the hole in the skirt.

photo by Tomoe Natori

Rosie's off to market with a Stone Free Farm tote, made with vintage drapery fabric. I've lost track of the number of bags we've done, but it is somewhere in the upper thirties.

Pattern

Sometimes... too much of a good thing, is just a good thing.

Small little side note: The bed cover is Waverly curtain panels. I purchased them from Target
online. The panels are lined. I thought that they were very reasonably priced, and the shipping was free.

It's a wrap...

I finally put some print and pattern photos into flickr. These were taken at Stone Free Farm. If you want to see more you can also access my account using the button in the sidebar. The handbag is one that I thought I'd sold. Now it will make it's way back into the shop. The dress is vintage.

The only thing the dress is lacking, is this yellow crinoline from anthropologie. I know that I could make it. In fact I should. Instead I am using my get out of jail card from the wardrobe refashion challenge and buying it new. gasp...
Somehow I cannot wrap my brain around gathering all that tulle to save $38.00.
I will post more from the photo shoot. Right now there is a mellow yellow crinoline with my name on it.