I Get By With A Little (Fitting) Help from My Friends

Yes, yes...the amazing blog post titles continue! So it's seems to be all about Grainline Studio patterns up in here lately, and prepare yourself because I am sure there will be more to come (ahem..Archer..ahem...cough). Here is my latest finished object, Scout (complete with goofy grin):

I've made a few of these before. In fact, a Scout was pretty much the first real garment I ever made. I screwed up the first one while inserting the sleeves (I cut into the bodice with my serger), then I made another one which came out perfectly sewing wise, but it was 2 or 3 sizes to big for me. Finally I made one that fits okay. I still have it, and I wear it occasionally, but it's definitely not my finest work, and the fabric is an iffy polyester from Fabricland (but it has little horses on it, so you win some, you lose some). And now I have this one, and I really like it.

I wanted to use a more flowy fabric, and this floral rayon challis from Fabric.com worked perfectly. I also would have really liked to do leather sleeves, but I'm way too intimidated by sewing leather, so I settled on a plain black cotton. I had some scraps in my stash from something I made (but I can't remember what) so I think that this little baby qualifies for Sewcialist's Scraptember. (Yay!! I finally made something for a Sewcialist theme!) I also added a pocket to this version to tie everything together. I used the pocket piece from Grainline's Tiny Pocket Tank.

So just in case you are a wondering, this is a straight size 10. If I chose the correct size based on my measurements, I would be a 14 maybe graded down to a 12 at the hips. That was the combo size I made my first couple times out and it was way too big. I get that this is supposed to be kind of swingy, but I don't think it's supposed to be huge all over. Is it? This is where the help from my friends comes in (ahhh, yes. now you get the title). Based on where the shoulder hits me on this one, I think I could even go down to an 8. What do you think? I feel like the ones I have seen around the blogosphere are more fitted - at least at the shoulder. Maybe Jen just designs everything oversized (I have a feeling my Archer is going to be on the big size too).

I am still a beginner at fitting (and sewing really), and sometimes I can figure it out, but sometimes I can't. The pugs try to help, but I have a hard time understanding their barks when it comes to fitting - when it comes to food that's a totally different story. Unfortunately, I don't have any sewing buddies near by, so I have to rely on my blog and instagram for your guys' helpful hints and tips. I also consult my myriad of fitting books, but they can't see/listen to me and see what I'm talking about. That's the frustrating part. If only I could find some sort of bewitched Harry Potter sewing book.

I still really  like this one, despite any size issues, and I see myself wearing it quite a bit. You can never have enough tees right? I have plans to make another one in chambray, because I cannot get enough of chambray, and I want to use it as an excuse to practice topstitching and maybe do some cool contrast stitching, but I'd like to get the fit a bit better. Cause isn't that the point of making your own clothes - having them fit well?

Anyway, enough babbling. Hope you all are having lots of fun September adventures,, and that the weather hasn't turned too chilly yet.

Oh almost forgot, here's you gratuitous pug pic. Doesn't she look super impressed? She hadn't had her morning coffee yet.

The Grainline Hemlock and Espresso Leggings

Have you ever had one of those days where you just feel blah? Well that was how I felt all day today. I woke up and my stomach felt yucky and my arms and hands really hurt. I've been having lots of trouble with them lately - too much sewing (and knitting and putting together pdf patterns) I guess. So I laid pretty low and didn't do much of anything. Lucky for me, my only boss is my husband and he's pretty lenient with me. So I spent most of the day surfin' the net, catching up on sewing blogs and watching Netflix (am I the only one who cried watching Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt's wedding? I'm the biggest baby ever). I always end up feeling really guilty when I'm sick or if I spend the day doing nothing (there's always so much to do!), so I decided I should at least do some blogging.

I have wanted to make Grainline Studio's Hemlock tee for quite some time, and I finally got around to it yesterday. I was hoping for a nice boxy oversize tee to wear with leggings, and while that is what I got, I'm not sure it suits my figure. I think I might be a bit too breasty for it. Is that a thing? I can't complain too much as it's a free pattern and only one size. I actually really liked how it looked in the mirror, but I'm not loving it on me in these photos. The pattern is a free pdf, and it all goes together quite nicely. Instructions aren't included but Jen has a great tutorial on her website to go with it.

I decided to go with a colour-blocked version, and I'm happy with how it worked out. The blue fabric is from Girl Charlee. It's a tissue knit and it's super soft. I wasn't overly impressed with it when I first took it out of the box, but it grew on me. The grey is a lightweight knit I got from the guy in front of Sainsbury's at Walthamstow market in London (if you ever go to London, let me know and I'll tell you all about shopping at Walthamstow - it's great!). It is also incredibly soft.

Can you tell I took these photos myself? I balanced the camera on the retaining wall of our garden, so some of them are a bit off kilter. The leggings are of course the Espresso Leggings by Cake - my go to pattern for leggings. I love being able to make custom fit leggings for myself and it's a bonus that I can make them out of funky patterned fabric.  This is another fabric from Girl Charlee (I just can't seem to resist Girl Charlee, damn you adorable prints and great website!). I'm a bit of a sucker for galaxy prints, and while the crosses might be a bit much, they really spoke to my inner 90's grunge-rock teenager (what can I say, I'll always love Wayne's World, Pearl Jam, plaid shirts and doc martens - it's my curse).

Anyway, this fabric is nice and soft with fairly good stretch, but it's a little bit on the sheer side for leggings, and after wearing these guys for a few hours they started to bag out a bit (no recovery). Plus the colours have already started to fade after one washing, and I bet next time I wash them they'll pill. They were great for lounging around today though. I probably would have been better making a t-shirt out of this fabric, but hey, I play by my own rules.

Sweet pose right? I'm trying to show you the underarm seam - I'm a pattern matching genius, no? LOL. And it wouldn't be a legit blog post with out gratuitous pug shots, would it?

Both of these projects were super quick and easy. I used my serger to put them together, and because the leggings were made pre-coverstitch machine, they got the double-needle treatment, but the Hemlock got treated right and I was thrilled to have no tunnelling using a lighter weight knit in my new machine. Knit projects are great for instant gratification.

Oh and just in case you are wondering where my third pug is, she stayed in the house napping. She's not a big fan of the paparazzi.

How do you feel about one-size fits all patterns? Or one size garments for that matter? Have you tried the Hemlock tee?  Also have you planned your Fall sewing yet? Based on the crazy blizzard that's happening back home right now, I think I better get my but in gear and sew some warm stuff.

The Tale of the Plantain and the New Janome Coverstitch Machine

Yep, you read that right, I got a coverstitch machine! I had been contemplating one for awhile, and every time I sew with knits I think, what am I doing? I always struggle with my double-needle, I am never happy with how hems look with it (and sometimes they pop) and I always end up thinking that the garment would look so much better if I had the proper tool. After making all those t-shirts with ripply hems, I chatted with my amazingly wonderful and supportive husband, and he agreed that I needed to add this machine to my sweat shop and so off I went to the sewing store.

I had already picked out (read: fondled) this machine last time I was at the store, so I knew exactly what to buy. I have a soft spot in my heart for Janome. My first real sewing machine, John bought me back in 2007 was a Janome and it still runs like a top. My serger is also a Janome, and I love it too. (The regular sewing machine I use now is a super amazing Pfaff, the Creative Performance, and it does everything but the dishes. There now you know all my secrets.) I read a bit about coverstitch machines on the internet too, and was happy to discover that this baby got some good reviews. I ended up buying a clear foot, and a seam guide to go with it.

You might be asking yourself, what exactly is a coverstitch machine? Don't worry, I had no idea what it was either. I thought a serger could do what it does, and some combination serger-coverstitch machines can, but that's not what I have. Basically, a coverstitch machine hems knit garments with one or two needles. You can use it on wovens as well, but usually it's used on knits to create that stretchy hem. Take a look at the hem on a RTW t-shirt and you'll see what I am talking about.

Of course I was pretty anxious to make something with this bad boy, so I turned to the Deer & Doe Plantain. I've made about 3 Plantains so far (two are blogged here) and been really happy with them all. I had been dreaming of making one with contrast sleeves and a large pocket, so off I went. The coverstitch machine uses the same thread as my serger, so that's pretty handy. And it's really not difficult to thread. It only has one looper and then the needles - easy peasy.

I picked up some more serger thread while I was shopping and I just couldn't resist this rainbow variegated thread. It's so pretty, and I know that I will be the only one to see it, but it makes me happy. There's a secret rainbow party going on inside my shirt. LOL

I used the coverstitch machine to top stitch around the neckline and it worked beautifully. You can see the grey thread I used above and here it is on the right side of the garment.

Doesn't it look beautiful? Here's a look at the sleeve hems. I used the narrow 2 needle option, but there is also a 3 needle option, or a wider 2 needle option. You can also use one needle for a decorative chain-stitch.

Look there's no lump in between the stitching, no skipped stitches, and the hem is laying flat. Hallelujah!

Doesn't that look so professional? I love it! It's a bit tricky lining the hem up with the edge of the fabric, but with a little more practice I am sure it will be a breeze. There's always a bit of learning curve when I learn a new technique. So far, I am super happy with this machine, and I can't wait to use it more.

As for my Plantain, I cut my regular size 42, but for some reason this one is a bit more fitted than my other ones. I'm thinking it might be due to the fabric (or it could be all the slurpees and ice cream I've eaten this summer. Nah! Let's go with it being the fabric's fault). The grey is my favourite cotton spandex from Girl Charlee, and the lovely mint is a weird mystery knit that I picked up on Goldhawk Road when we were in London during the spring. It's a lovely weight and colour, and it has an okay amount of stretch, but pretty much no recovery. This shirt is still totally wearable, but I wish the mint was nice as the grey.

I used the pocket from Grainline's Archer and it didn't turn out quite as I imagined and I should have placed it a bit closer to the middle, but I'm still happy with it. I didn't want to unpick it and replace it, because I am sure there'd be little holes left in the fabric.

Seeing the back of this shirt, really makes me wish I wore a different bra for these pictures or that I had given myself a little extra room, but I didn't. You live and learn, and I know I will totally still wear this one a lot. It also got a tiny bit shorter than I had wanted.

So there you have it. If you are on the fence about a coverstitch machine, jump off and go buy one. If you sew with knits a lot then I think it's totally worth it. If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask. I promise to do my best to answer them. Hope you are enjoying these last days of summer. John and I are kind of gloating because it's supposed to snow in Calgary tomorrow (and Tuesday and Wednesday), can you believe it? But at the lake, where we currently are, it's still nice and warm! Woo hoo!

Happy Sewing!

The Jalie Dolman Tops

So I decided that my me-made wardrobe is lacking in basics. I really need t-shirts (and shirts in general) so enter the Jalie Dolman Tops (a pattern I ordered a while ago, but then completely forgot about). I generally like the look of Jalie patterns and I've made the raglan tops/tunic before which turned out really well, and they're Canadian so that' great too! These were super quick and easy to make, and I am totally digging the high- low hem. I chose my size based on my bust size, shortened it by 2 inches and away I went. I made a wearable muslin out of a super cheap knit I bought somewhere - it's pretty got pretty colours but not it's very high quality. I think I bought it on Goldhawk Road, but I'm not 100% sure. In person, the purple stripe is like a tissue, see-through knit, and the blue stripe is a heavier opaque knit - it's weird. But I'll probably still wear it.

The fit was not bad, but I thought it was a little big, and so did John, so I went down two sizes and made this one.

This one is made out of a gorgeous rayon knit I got from Wanderlust Fabrics. It's so soft and has a nice drape.

I love that high-low hem. I think this size fits much better. What do you think?

After the floral one, I was hooked. I find with t-shirts, especially ones without set in sleeves, that once you have the pattern traced, it takes no time at all to whip them out. So, I decided to try a long-sleeve one, and I'm really not in love with it. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I cut the sleeves (I probably wasn't thinking at all), but I feel like I look like a circus tent.

I feel like John took a hundred pictures of me, but none of them turned out overly well. I had attempted to take photos of myself without a tripod on the balcony, but they were terrible! Anyway, these two were the best of this top. The fabric is lovely. It's a bit thin, and it doesn't have a ton of stretch, but it's super soft and I am happy with it for a t-shirt. It came from Girl Charlee. I truly have mixed feelings about Girl Charlee. I always find the fabrics to be not quite as described when I finally get them into my hot little hands, and I'm usually disappointed when I first go through my order. But then I end up using them anyway, and am pretty much always happy with the garment. It's weird. It's not always the case. I do have a few fabrics from there that were god awful before and after I sewed with them, but most of the time, once I sew them up, I'm happy (and I get lots of compliments).

I am usually a stripes girl, but this top is my least favourite of the bunch. I'll probably chop off the sleeves and then maybe I'll like it more. I was originally planning a Grainline Hemlock tee out of this fabric so that could be the problem too - it's just not what I visualized.

The next two are my favourites. Why make one color- blocked tee, when you can make two? Both fabrics are from, you guessed it: Girl Charlee . They are both a cotton spandex knit that I have ordered twice before and been consistently happy with. It only seems to come in solid colours, but it's spongy and stretchy and it's lovely to wear. I have a long-sleeve plantain out of it, and also a long-sleeve renfrew out of it that I really like. And my contest winning Hudson's are made out of it too. Plus, I love love love this Jungle Green, it looks exactly as it was represented online. Yay!

I'm not sure what's going on with the fabric in this ˆ picture - I think it's just wrinkly from sitting in the cupboard.

So after I made these, I started reading about t-shirt fitting and full bust adjustments. I have never done an FBA, and according to what I've read, I'm kind of borderline for needing it. There is about a 2.5 inch difference between my bust and high bust measurement and my waist measurement is usually in a bigger size than my bust - what can I say I have a fat belly and weird proportions. Anyway, I am looking for a bit of advice. Do you think that this size looks right? Should I be choosing a size based on my high bust and then doing an FBA? Also any advice for rippling? Check out that ripply hem - is that something I'm doing wrong? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

So now I have all these lovely t-shirts and we come home to Calgary, and it's freezing. Okay freezing might be a bit of an exaggeration but it's cold and rainy and John even has the fireplace on. It's crazy! Plus there was snow in parts of the province - what up with that?!?! I'm not ready for winter. I still want to make more Alder Shirtdresses! Have you started planning your Fall/Winter sewing yet?

Hope it's warm where you are!

Think You're Cut Out for Doing the Blog Hop? Take this Quiz.

Spoiler alert! There is no quiz. As you probably know, I am terrible at coming up with catchy blog post titles, so this time, I did what I always do when I'm in a pickle, I asked the Google. (Well usually I ask John first, but he already does enough for me with this blog, so this time I went straight to the Google.) And I found this: HubSpot's Blog Topic Generator. What? It's pretty ridiculous, but it makes me laugh every time, and then I wonder if people actually use it. Then I used it - so yes, people do actually use it. Anyway, I am thrilled to be nominated to do this little Blog Hop that's going around about the writing process. I am thrilled not because I now get to answer questions that I have no good answers for (takes me back to high school exam time), but because I was nominated by one of my favourite sewing bloggers Heather at Handmade by Heather B. Have you seen her blog? It's awesome! Also, what you might not know (unless you read all the comments on Heather's post):  I had already been asked (via email) by one of my other favourite bloggers Gillian but she didn't get her post up before Heather soooo I'm not sure what happens now. Oops! Anyway, I know it's not an award or anything, but I am feeling all noticed and special and I like that!

I found this too, see the Google is good for lots of things.

Okay enough with the procrastinating, and onto the actual Blog Hop. I'm not sure who started this, but I have seen it on a number of blogs already. It's just 4 questions about writing. So here we go (please imagine these questions being asked in a James Lipton voice, but not the real James Lipton - the Will Ferrel James Lipton - much more my style):

1. Why do you write?

I write because I have always written. I've kept a journal for as long as I can remember. Not because I am an amazing writer, or because I aspire to be one (although that would be nice.) But because sometimes writing helps me to process and just get things out. I also like having a record of things. Way back in 2007, I got into knitting and discovered the world of blogs - mostly knitting blogs, but also other blogs. My love affair with knitting kind of died out, but I really liked the idea of blogging. My sister-in-law suggested that I start a blog about travel. John and I love to travel and I agreed it would be a great activity to write about, plus it would allow me to share my experiences and have a record of where we went and what we did. So that's what I did. Then I found other things I wanted to blog about so my blog became more of a lifestyle blog I guess, and then at the beginning of this year, I started this mad obsession with sewing and it was only natural for me to blog about that. So now I write to share and catalog my projects, but also to connect with other sewers and bloggers. As an introvert this works perfectly for me. I am much better one on one, than in a big group, and this vehicle allows for it to always feel like that. When you communicate with people via writing you have time to go back over what you typed and make sure you are saying what you want to be saying (and hopefully not sticking your foot in your mouth as I often do). It doesn't always work out, I don't always convey myself exactly as I hope too, but most of the time it works for me. Sometimes when I really need to get something out, or tell someone how I feel, I still write a note, or an email. Some people might feel that that is less personal, but for me it's the best way to get my true feelings out. If I did it in person, I would be a stammering mess. Anyway, did I get too personal? Does that make sense?

2. What are you working on?

What am I not working on? I always having something on the go. This week has been all about comfy knits and basics. I've made 5 t-shirts and 2 pairs of leggings and I have 2 pairs of Hudsons cut out and ready to be sewn up as we speak. I seem to always be fluttering from one thing to the next, so I am trying to work on cultivating a style - although I'm not sure I want to stick myself into a category and be stuck there. I love to wear fit and flare dresses sometimes, I love button downs and jeans, then I love retro blouses and pencil skirts, and leggings and tunics and....and...and....I guess I dress for how I am feeling that day, and that's how I sew too. So maybe that's my style - a little bit of everything. I am also trying to get myself in Fall sewing mode. I popped out to Fabricland yesterday and bought some awesome flannels to make Archers out of, but I'm not quite ready to start working on them yet.

3.  How does your blog differ from others of it's genre?

Um....it doesn't. My blog is pretty much like most blogs out there. I try my best to be creative and funny, but I'm not sure it really differs all that much. I try to make it my own by being my own unique self and by being honest. I'm not really sure what else to say. It has pugs, does that make it different?

4. How does your writing process work?

Well first, I sit down and make one of those brainstorming webs they taught you make when writing stories as a kid, then I write a double-spaced rough draft on looseleaf paper, then I edit it, have my husband proof-read it, then it's ready to be typed up and put on the blog.... Just kidding!! I don't really have a process per say. Usually, I make something, or do something, or eat something, take a picture or two, and then I tell you about it. I don't really plan in advance because I'm not that organized, but I am trying to be consistent and post at least once a week. I have been able to maintain that pace over the summer, but I don't know what will happen in the future. John recently asked me what I will do when I've sewn myself a whole new wardrobe and I have enough clothes. Ummm...since when can I ever have enough clothes? But seriously, I too wonder if my sewing will slow down, or if I will hit a wall and not want to do it as much anymore. I certainly hope not! Because I LOVE it!

So there you go, my addition to the blog hop - now for my nominations:

Nominee #1 is Sarah at the Creative Perfectionist. Sarah is a fellow Canadian who loves to sew super cute dresses and all kinds of wonderful things like purple chambray pants! She too, is working on cultivating her style and doing a fine job at it,  I might add. She just made a really awesome dress from a Japanese sewing book that looks fantastic on her. She also has a super cute pixie cut and an affinity to pink hair. I'm looking forward to hearing her answers!

And in the spirit of keeping it Canadian...

Nominee #2 is Sue from A Colourful Canvas. I would love to hear about Sue's writing process. She comes up with the coolest fabric combinations, and her bubbliness always comes through in her blog posts. I kid you not, it's like reading sunshine! She also loves a good bird print, a girl after my own heart.

So there you have it, mission complete! Thanks Heather (and Gillian) for the nomination!

Alder the Second

Ba da da da.....(prepare yourself for some super sunny pics, super white legs and silly, derp faces, oh and pug butts.)!

This is my second attempt at Grainline Studio's Alder Shirtdress, and this time I am in love. While I really liked the purple chambray, it was not what I had envisioned for this dress. I had always intended the chambray to be a wearable muslin/practice garment, and this lovely cotton paisley to be the actual dress.

I made a straight size 14 (gasp! now you know my size), with no alterations except to shorten the pattern by 2.5 inches (I think that we have already discussed that I'm short!). I am really happy with the length and I think it's closer to the length it's meant to be. I apologize for the super sunny photos, but I have been very anxious to get this bad boy blogged about.

What do you guys think about the fit? I think it fits how it should although it's a touch wide at the hips for me, but then my stepmom (who is staying with us right now and knows nothing about sewing I might add) said it's too wide in the shoulders for me. I think she's out to lunch but I can't help but second guess myself.

What do you think of my new sneakers? John is not sure they go, but I feel super hip wearing them with this dress, and they make this outfit feel casual and much more me (as much as I'd love to be, I am just not a heels girl except for my clogs and some low heeled boots). I think I also feel like I am breaking some kind of rule about only wearing dress shoes with dresses. What can I say, I'm a fashion rebel. There is one picture at the bottom of this post with me wearing my black flats with this dress and they look good too, but I love my sneakers! Am I crazy?

I am super in love with the paisley pattern on this light cotton. I wish I could tell you more about the fabric, but I don't know much else about it. I picked it up on Goldhawk Road when we were in London in the spring because both John and I were attracted to the colours (Yup, I have the best husband ever, not only does he come fabric shopping with me, he picks fabric out for me too!). It presses really well and was super easy to sew with.

I wasn't sure what colour of buttons to use, but John suggested a rust or bronze colour (he's so good), so off to Fabricland I went. I ended up with these metallic orange buttons, and I think the look really great. Turns out there are perks to being short: you need less buttons (I only needed 8) and of course less fabric.

This time I used Andrea's collar method, and it was so much easier/better looking than the traditional method. I was following along with the Alder Sew-a-long, but I got impatient, jumped ahead and finished this dress. It really did help with the button bands thought (I wasn't sure if I made them right on my first go) and I made sure to carefully mark my pocket placement before sewing the darts this time so everything went much smoother. I am looking forward to seeing how the variations Jen mentioned at the beginning of the sew-a-long are done, because I am now really happy with this dress and want to make more. I think John is even coming around.

So that's it. I am taking a break from Alders to make some t-shirts. I have discovered that my Me-Made wardrobe is bursting with dresses, but lacking basics, so I want to get a few of those made. I love dresses, but sometimes I just want a t-shirt and jeans.

What are you up to this weekend?

Alder the First

So here it is, my Grainline Studio Alder Shirtdress! I loved this design the minute I saw it on Jen's instagram feed,  and I bought it pretty much the second it went on sale. Then it sat and it sat and it sat, and I couldn't drudge up enough courage to make it. I had so many fears: how would it look on a curvier shape like mine? I've never made a collar with a stand - how would that work? What fabric would I use? What if I put in a bunch of time and it looks awful on me?? It seemed easier to just dream about it and let it sit on the shelf, rather than try it out and possibly be disappointed (or thrilled). Silly, huh?

I finally just bit the bullet and decided to try it out late last week. I went with View A first, but I do have plans to make the ruffle butt (View B) version too.

Oh my goodness, do I ever need a haircut!! I took these photos last night as I wanted to get them done, but I'm looking a little rough and perhaps taking photos after a big steak dinner is not the best idea in the world.

I used a super soft purple chambray I bought months ago out of the clearance section at Fabricland. I had planned to make a practice Archer out of it, but I decided it would probably work really well for an Alder wearable muslin. I'm not sure I am crazy about the colour on me, especially as a solid dress, but it's okay.

The construction of this baby went well. The collar is far from perfect, but it's not awful for my first try,  and I had a bit of trouble with positioning the pockets (note to self -be sure to make pocket markings when cutting out, not when it's already sewn). I also feel like I may have screwed up the button band. It seems like the sides of this shirt are not symmetrical, but it might just be me. My husband couldn't see what I was talking about, and he's pretty picky about those things.  Jen's instructions are very good, and if you've made a button down shirt before, I am sure they would be enough, but because I haven't, I feel like I needed a little extra hand holding. I'm pretty confident that once all the sew along posts are up, they will clear up any issues I had. So I am very much looking forward to that.

I didn't make any adjustments, except to hem it up an extra 2 inches. I didn't shorten the pattern because I wanted to see the original length on me, but it was of course too long, and I actually think it's meant to be even shorter. I think the fit is pretty good, but next time I might grade down a size in the hips as I feel like there is a bit too much fabric there. I debated adding side seam pockets, but I decided against it as I like how streamlined this version is. I think on the ruffle butt version side seam pockets would work really well.

I can definitely see myself make a ton of cute shirts from this pattern, or even shortening it to a tunic length to wear with leggings. John said it just looks like a really long shirt and would be much better if I just chopped it off at the waist. So needless to say he's not a big fan. I'm not sure what I think. It's cute and comfy, but does it flatter, or just make me look like a big blob? I love how it looks from the front, but when I turn to the side, I'm not so sure. Perhaps it's because I'm not in love with the fabric. I think maybe in a patterned fabric I might feel differently. I have loved all the ones I've seen around the interwebs - they are all so cute.

What do you think? Can you help me decide? Is it a keeper?

2 Monetas for the Price of One....

Okay obviously I am terrible at coming up with blog post titles, but I think we've already established that. Anyway, I made these two dresses a couple of weeks ago, but haven't had a chance to take photos or blog about them until now.  We are back in the city and yesterday I went out in the backyard with the tripod to take photos and was startled by a landscaper who had come in to start lawn maintenance - awkward! I smiled, grabbed the tripod, and high-tailed it back into the house until he was gone. Blogger problems! Anyway, I am quite happy with how the photos turned out. Here is my first version:

For my first Moneta, I went with the short-sleeve view in this pretty galaxy print I got from Girl Charlee. It's much thinner than I thought it would be but it is deliciously soft. Like flannel pyjama soft.  So what it lacks in weight, in makes up for in prettiness and softness.

I really like how comfy this dress is, and I feel that while it's still casual, it makes me feel a bit more put together than shorts and a tee. I was on the cusp between sizes, so I went with the L, but am wondering now if I could have gotten away with the M (it's a touch big in the shoulders). I chopped a whopping 2 inches off the bodice so it would hit at my (very short) natural waist, and then I took 1 inch off the skirt. What can I say? I'm short. My only real issue with the Moneta is figuring out which side is the front, and which side is the back. Looking at these pictures, I think there is a distinct possibility that I have it on backwards.

I guess I'll have to put a little tag in it or something. I wore this dress the night we went to see Guardians of the Galaxy and I didn't even clue in until we were leaving the theatre and someone gave me this knowing smile - and then I thought - I'm such a nerd, I wore my Galaxy print dress to the Guardians of the Galaxy! Cosplay and I didn't even know it. LOL. Not really, but I thought it was funny.

For my second version, I went with the sleeveless bodice and no collar. I feel like I have a ton of dresses with collars and I was worried about how the collar would lay in a knit, so I ditched it.

Are you sick of looking at pictures of me yet? Sorry to bombard you, but when I look at sewing/fashion blogs, I like to see all the angles so I can figure out how the pattern/outfit might look on me. Do you do that too? Plus, if you don't like to/have time to read you get a good idea of what's going on based on the pics.

This guy is also made out of a cotton lycra knit from Girl Charlee. It's super soft and I love the print. This bodice is lined and the Colette way of finessing the neck and armholes really is ingenious, but tricky. Thank goodness for the video, or I never would have figured it out. (Note to self, if you are going collarless, finish the neckline first!! And/or read through the entire tutorial before you start so you don't have any surprises at the end.) I have a bit of gaping at the neckline and armholes on this dress. And I am wondering if it's because the bodice is just a bit to big, or if I need to do some minor alterations - but alterations seem like such a pain in a knit dress.

I don't know, maybe a size down would be too revealing of all the lumps and bumps? Am I the only one who gets bra induced back fat? Is that okay to ask on the interwebs? Okay, maybe not bra induced but bra accentuated. And what is going on with the back of my hair? I need a haircut!

So that's it for my Monetas. I really like this pattern and I can see myself making it again - in fact I have some fabric already earmarked for a couple more. It's super quick to make and although I thought the elastic gathering at the waistline was kind of weird (and tricky), I really like the effect it creates and how it gives the waistline a bit of structure too.

I'll leave you with a couple of more pics of how I would wear this dress around town. Unless it is smoking hot out, I don't really love having my arms exposed in public so this is how I would wear this dress to run around - plus sometimes air-conditioned places are freezing! Hope you are having a great August so far!