Made by Me Files: Mini Wardrobe Pieces Four, Five, and Putting Them All Together.

I also could have entitled this post "I MADE LEGGINGS, you all!"

But that seems super lame, and unless you sew, you may not realize that making leggings is actually kind of a hurdle to pass through.  But more on that later.

First, before I begin, I wanted to let you know that a ton of great Boden reviews have been coming through the Boden Reviews tab here at the blog, I have seen some great reviews at other friend's blogs, and I have received a few messages, too, so I am very excited to get the next roundup started, tomorrow am.  Bright and Early.  The children willing, of course.  ;-)  CC, ever the best blog friend, commented on the last blog post and let us know that you could use the code 4Y4D to receive 20% off.  Thank you, CC, for the code.  If you have a review you want to send this way, you can email dinagideon AT aim DOT com or leave a review at the Boden Reviews tab, whichever is easier for you!

Okay, onto the mini wardrobe conclusion.  Reminder, the first post on this (pieces one, two, and three) is here.

I struggled a bit trying to figure out what the fifth and final piece of this mini wardrobe was going to be.  For a hot second I considered a cardigan or a scarf, but wasn't really feeling either of those since I really wanted this to be a true summer wardrobe. 

And although I don't make it a regular practice of mine to wear leggings in summer, because DC HOT/HUMID/UGH, but I also have been known to wear the shorter variety with a long tank or flowy linen blouse under the right circumstances.  So that's when it hit me, make the leggings. 

I knew that making them was on my bucket list of things to make since I love them, need them, and don't really love paying over $30 for the good ones at J. Crew, which only ever come in black/grey/navy, anyhow.  And the cute colorful ones at Target are (forgive me, Target) crap.

Thing about sewing leggings, or any fitted knitwear, is that you have to sew them sew that they fit with *negative* ease because they are meant to stretch.  That means the flat pattern is significantly smaller than my measurements and if I were to have sewn these up in a woven material, they may have fit CW well.  ;-)

Add to that the fact that while you can sew these up on a regular sewing machine (and bits of this were sewn up that way), it is really great to have the serger on hand to help with sewing the knits up as the way the stitches and loops are formed on it make the seams super stretchy and means that pulling these on and off your body won't bust the seams of the garment. 

Serging also makes this project super fast.  Of course if you *accidentally* sew up the front leg pieces to each other instead of sewing the front of the leg to the back, you will have a LOT of seam ripping to undo.  Not that I made that mistake, of course.  Cough, cough.

This is not necessarily a great first project for a first time sewer, but if you really are digging sewing, and want to make up some actual functional leggings that fit really well (even over my very curvy hips!), this Kwik Sew pattern (3636) is a wonderful jumping off point.  Every bit of the directions was excellent, and I did everything suggested by them. 

Although most of my information on this pattern is at the review at Pattern review (link at bottom of this post), I highly recommend checking out this link as this sewing blogger has a good review of how she made her leggings.  Here, a fabric store in Australia wrote up a great post on the waistband application that is pretty much the same as what Kwik Sew wants you to do.  I did as asked, and it sewed up very well.

This is a button-up loose fit blouse that I sewed up using a vintage (kind of) pattern from 1979, Vogue 7088.  I was gifted this pattern by a sewing teacher, and was waiting for the right fabric to sew it up in (well, I have some Liberty tana lawn, but wanted to wait until I had tried it on something less expensive first).  Anyhow, knowing that I would want to use the Tropical Print Rayon Challis I bought from Fabric Mart, I also needed a pattern that would look equally good with shorts, leggings, and a dress.  I knew that if the top was too tight, then I couldn't wear it over the dress, and it would be comical with the leggings.  I also knew that buttoning up the blouse would help with wardrobing options (layered over a cami gives it a different look that buttoning it up).  So that is why I chose this one, it is long enough and loose enough to wear with leggings, breezy enough to wear with shorts, and versatile enough to not look super silly with a dress in the same pattern.

This blouse probably took me the longest to sew up of all five pieces since the pattern has two front pieces with self facings, a button placket, a collar, a yoke (with a facing, too), and a back.  The front and back pieces have gathered bits, too.

Surprisingly none of this was especially hard.  It may have helped that I sewed up a little boy's version of a Hawaiian shirt before this (for Rex from this Butterick pattern), and a lot of what I had to do for his shirt, I had to do for mine.  So good practice and all.

I really like how flowy it is and the gathering at the yoke looks really pretty.  Next time I will add a square shoulder adjustment since I can see the side bits of the sleeves poking up instead of hanging down.  I should just recognize that and do it every time since clearly I am thinking patterns will magically do it for me or something.

Here is the shirt inside out.  The yoke facing and collar nicely attach to one another.  Provided I take care of this blouse, it should last a long time.  Considering how much I have seen women's Hawaiian shirts retail for, I feel like I did well at around $7 for fabric, $1.50 for buttons, $3 for thread, free interfacing, time consumed (have no idea what to rater $$ for my time), and a free pattern.  :-)

I definitely became besties with my serger with this shirt and the leggings.  I managed to break one of the threads in the looper when attaching the elastic to the leggings, but considering how much I have used it, I would say that is some success.  Yay!

 

Here are nine possible combinations using these five pieces.  Admittedly # 3 and 6 are similar, as are #4 and 9, but even discounting those, there are seven solid combos here.  I may just bring these five pieces with me on a vacation next year to see if I can actually make this happen for real and under actual strict limitations.  I have worn all five pieces out and about, with the shorts being in the number one spot for most use so far.  I think the leggings will end up winning since I can probably get away with wearing them in the winter here (well most winters here, anyhow, not last winter's freeze fest).

Here are the five patterns I used. 

Okay, that's all for now.  I am off to go watch other people sew on Project Runway.

Review of the Kwik Sew 3636 leggings is here at Pattern Review.

Review of Vogue 7088 loose fit blouse is here at Pattern Review.

Review of all five pieces together for my contest entry is here at Pattern Review.

Have a great night!

Boden: Summer 2014 Preview Picks!

UPDATE (4/7/14)--Received the preorder today and had a chance to try some things on.  I didn't get a chance to photograph it all and have not published any of it to this blog, but I did show off some of the items (worn by me) over at the FB page.  Be warned, I specifically chose to show off the items with sizing issues to help other ladies out.  There is a lot of good in the preorder, but you are seeing the bad first.  ;)

Hey, all!  Happy Wednesday.  :-)

With only a few days left before the promo code PRV3 (for 20% off with free ship and returns) expires at the Boden Preview site, I figured I should do one of my favorite kind of posting--the "picks post!"

This time around I just picked what attracted me.  In the past I had a bit more time to really think about the choices from the perspective of "what will sell out fast," "what is made from super high quality material for less money," and "what will most of my readers like."  Because I have been involved in a lot of my kids' activities and subbing at their school, I have far less time that I have had in the past.  Which is fine, of course, but I just wanted to put that out there since I don't want anyone to think, "oh, hey, I should buy that right now since it will sell out!"

Anyhow, the choices will have a few words below the photo about why I picked it, and if I have any notes to add about colors, quality, price, or potential "sell out" I will include that, too.


Accessories

Chelsea Clutch.
This bag is so cheerful!  It is all leather, too, which explains its higher price tag.

Printed Scarf.
If you love the Italian seaside print that is splashed all over Boden this season but don't want it all over your body, this scarf is a great way to get the print in a more *contained* way.

Coats and Jackets

Arianna Jacket.
Well, yes, it is a bit expensive, but being a jacquard jacket, its material is worth it.  This comes in an orange shade, too, but will likely go further in most wardrobes in a navy shade.

Dresses

Abigail Dress.
What a beautiful, retro rose print!  I have no doubt that on the right person this dress will be an absolute stunner.

Arianna Dress.
I own this dress, except it is called the Daisy Jacquard Dress and was a touch less expensive (the jacquard on the Arianna is made with metallic threading).  Still, if you love dresses like this, Boden is pulling out the stops this summer for you.  (Although you may still be able to grab the Daisy Jacquard on popback.)

Gingham Shirt Dress.
It is the same silhouette as the shirt dresses that I have loved in the past from them, but this time they are making it in three colors of gingham.  I dig the navy and green, but the driftwood is a special version, since it is the first time I have seen gingham done in this color.

Jersey Maxi Dress.
Love me a good jersey maxi dress.  (See here, here, here, and here.  LOL.)  Not grabbing this one this year, but I can't *not* include it, right?

Knot Detail Dress.
Orange again!  I really feel pleased that while Boden is trying to keep their newest customers happy (the ones who don't recall a "fun" Boden line) while still keeping things bright and cheery.

Lovely Linen Dress.
Swoon.  And it has pockets!

Nancy Dress.
Yeah, this was in my spring picks, I know...but they decided to wait on its release for summer.  I had canceled all my spring 2014 picks that weren't being shipped right away, but I knew I would still grab this one when I could.  So yay that I can get it in preview again at the 20% off.  I still think this one will sell out.

New Breezy Beach Dress.
I have this from a few years back and I wore it quite a bit that summer.  I probably will sell that other one and bring this one into my closet for this summer.  It is highly recommended.  It is a great dress made from wonderful lightweight cotton.

Selina Dress.
Another dress chosen solely because I was attracted to the colors.  I have a sickness for bright floral prints.  It is a all rayon dress, so bear that in mind.  People who buy this dress love it, so I know it is rated well, but the rayon still makes me a tiny bit concerned.

St Lucia Dress.
I thought this dress was made from a woven fabric, but then I looked again and saw it is from a knit jersey, which means that it has a lot of give and comfort.  And it is beautiful.  Awesome!

Summer Shift.
If you want your pretty seaside print in a straight silhouette instead of on a a-line frock, this is for you!

Pants and Jeans (Trousers):

Drawstring Linen Pants.
I can't wear linen pants since they wrinkle terribly on me (something to do with my weird shaped hip/thigh area), but if you are less "curvy" down below, this may be a winner for you since linen is such an elegant summer fabric and is great for keeping cool while being covered up.

Tuscany Pants.
Oh I totally picked these 'cause I loved the print.  Being made from rayon I can't say they would be very practical (they could shrink, eeek), but they are such pretty pants.

Shoes and Boots

Ballet Flats.
These remind me a lot of the J. Crew printed ballet flats, which is a good thing.  Even better, you can pretty much guarantee the Boden ones will have a better made sole, even if it is manmade (the upper and outer bits are all leather, though).

Holiday Wedges.
Rose gold leather is lovely and I rarely see it used, so for that reason alone I am recommending these wedge sandals.

Shorts

Bistro Short.
Pretty print and I own a pair from the spring rollout that I love.  Fits true to your Boden pants size (I wear a 10 L).  

Skirts

Florence Skirt.
I have this skirt, too! (Sort of, anyhow!)  It was called the fun skirt back then, and even though I have sold a few of my fun skirts, this particular one I didn't sell.  (White skirts in summer--so classic!)

Nancy Skirt.
Another place where you can get your fill of the seaside print.  :-)

Poppy Skirt.
The gingham is showing up here, too.  I love it in green in this skirt the most.

Tops and T-Shirts.

Lilian Embellished Top.
I had no idea that wasn't a print on this top, from far away it looks printed, but if you look closely, the flowers are all beaded, as is the neckline.  It is also made from 100% silk, which explains why this top is so expensive.

Silky Vintage Top.
Gaw!  Vintage!  And in a shape that would make my grandmother proud...

Sleeveless Shirt.
This shirt had received some buzz but wasn't rolled out (or available for purchase) in the last preview.  Well it is available now, but I would say if you like it to grab it since I think it will sell well.

The Casual Shirt.
I am attracted to this shirt because you know--bright. flowers. pretty.  I already own a gazillion Liberty print shirts, so no go for me, but if you buy it, show it off to me so I can see it on someone else!

Vintage Sun Top.
Aw, it is another wonderful yellow top with a cute as can be peter pan collar and tie detailing at the neck.

Okay, that's it from me!  LOL.  Don't think there was enough bright colors or over the top floral prints in my choices.  :-)

What do you all think?

Remember, the code PRV3 expires this Friday, February 7, 2014 at 11:59 pm, so if you would like to order with the discount, do so before then.

Made by Me Files: Tresco Floral Top and Girl's Dress. (Butterick 5463 and Butterick 5442.)

This image may be familiar to many of you if you have spent anytime over at my Facebook page, where I debuted my Liberty of London Tresco Floral tana lawn fabric top (woo, that's a whole lot of words) after I had completed it and was able to wear it for the first time.

This top took me way too long to make (which makes me think I need these labels for all of my handmade garments), but by the end of the ten or so hours I spent crafting this top, I was beyond thrilled with it.

I ended up wearing it the first time to my son's sixth birthday party, on the assumption that I would see my stepmother, who is my sewing partner in crime.  She ended up not being able to make it, but not one single person looked at my top and said, "oh, that's homemade," or "oh, ah, my eyes, they bleed from the horrible craftsmanship."  So I guess I would call that a victory of sorts.

(BTW, my stepmother saw it a few days later and declared that she loved it, especially the shape, and asked if she could borrow the pattern.  She wears the same size top as me, so we can do that, no problem.)

I like this top belted, since it is a very relaxed shape, and not all outfits call for a loose fitting top.

If I have one thing I would change, it would be the sleeves, since I feel like I could have constructed the edges a bit better, but I was more than happy at how nicely the shoulder seams and side seams came together.

Full outfit. I love the brightness of the print with the solid burgundy and cream and grey.

From the back.  The back is a bit longer than the front, which I did on purpose to help with my frame.

The pattern is Butterick 5463 and is view c.  I changed it up, though, by shortening it.  I have plenty of longer tunics in my closet, but longer tops, not so much.  :) 

I wore it again to my first class of Sewing 2.  My teacher really wanted to see it in real life, and I was more than happy to oblige.  :)

I love it with the Zip Ankle Skimmer in the deep pink/purple shade and the pretty cobalt blue cardigan.

I wore it without the belt that day, since the pants were a slimmer silhouette than the sweater skirt I wore to Rex's birthday party.

I knew that CW would go gaga for the print, so I indulged her inherent girly-ness and made her this adorable dress (also a Butterick pattern--5442--no ruffle, though, may add one later).  I had to take a lot of time making this, since the facing on this one is more complicated than the facing on my top, but because I had more experience with sewing in general, I found this dress a bit easier to make, and the finishing on it is far better looking.

I had made a tiny mistake on the shoulder seams on this one, so I decided to add bows to the top bit, which not only covered the mistake but also gives the dress another very darling element.

Plus...I can say that I made this for around $35, and not for the $150 that this one costs at J. Crew.  That said, the J. Crew one is a bit more difficult to make, but still!  :)

Close-up of the hem, which *is* an accomplishment for me, since I find hemming so very difficult.

Okay, well, that's it for this installment of the "made by me" files. 

Do you all have any other ideas for patterns for this fabric?  I have some left over and have enough to make an accessory and maybe a skirt.