Monthly Archive for May, 2007

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pants=skirt

Published on May 12, 2007 in a-line skirt, LuckyStitches, projects, sewing and skirt. 1 Comment

pants=skirt – front, originally uploaded by zannestar.

I made these from a pair of Rob’s pants that he just couldn’t wear anymore. They are so unbelievably soft and worn. Oh and there’s the paint and latex splattered allover, but I think that adds a ton of character. I still ahve to patch the front pockets, there are holes. and there’s a worn knee hole on one side, I’m not sure I want to patch that just yet. I’ve sewn around it – secretly – so I hope it won’t tear much more.

I really wasn’t into flattening the crotch seam, so I cut it away and inlaid a piece so the front was nice and flat.

Here’s the back:
pants=skirt - back

I think the back turned out well. I was a little worried that it would be “flippy” adding the extra fabric. And I think it slightly is, but I don’t mind it so much.

Here’s a side view:
pants=skirt - side

I was really glad that I used a jeans twin needle. I was able to double needle topstitch, and I think that allowed for really flat seams when I was attaching the inserts to the skirt.

I will definitely make more of these. I want to wear them all summer!

Caterpillars and Butterflies

Published on May 7, 2007 in Creating, design, fabric, family, garden, inspiration, photos, projects, sewing and sewing for Iz. 1 Comment

Caterpillars and Butterflies, originally uploaded by zannestar.

This is the best shot I could get today, before she tore it off! When I bought the fabric – I shared it with her, trying to get her excited about the bugs and what a great hat it would make!

I finished the hat last night, from a pattern I made. I love this hat, because of the wide brim to keep the sun off her neck and most of her shoulders. It’s a tad too big and I can tell that she doesn’t like it that way – so I’ll make a few adjustments. I lined it with a lilac tiny dot and secured it with a yellow gros grain ribbon. Not so thrilled with that, but I was desparate to finish last night so she could wear it to school today. And she did! Maybe she’ll hold still long enough for a better picture…

LuckyStitches Learn How to Sew

Published on May 4, 2007 in classes, LuckyStitches, sewing, sewing machines, totes and bags, tutorials and workshops. 2 Comments

LuckyStitches Learn How to Sew, originally uploaded by zannestar.

We finished up our first Learn How to Sew class..and let me tell you WHAT A CLASS!

I always think how cool it is that people want to learn to sew – and they are afraid too – yet they jump right in.  I know that I was standing over each and everyone of these LuckyStitchers – but they could totally do this on their own.

This was a series of 4 classes. The first class – we talked about our machines – how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine, check/adjust tension, learn and practice the many different stitches and make a button hole. There are so many cooooool things you can do with a sewing machine and a little experimenting. Like the scallop stitch – if you do it properly – you can use it as an edge!

Anyway – the next class we started our totes (instructions for all to come soon – check back – they will be posted here). There was lots of practice sewing some straight lines, turning the corner while sewing and turning corners when you turn your project right side out.

We finished up our totes by the third class – we were ready for our little pouches for the fourth and final class. First – I demonstrated how to do an applique – then the gang went to work. It think everyone was pretty happy – and kind of amazed…they all looked so cool! Even more learning about the sewing machine – getting the stitches just so – and the applique works perfectly!

Second – was the zipper and the making of the pouch. It was based on this wonderful tutorial from twelve22

I think the pouches turned out super swell….and I think these LuckyStitchers no longer fear their machines and will keep sewing!

I think no matter your level of sewing – you can take a class and learn something.  If you take a class at LuckyStitches – you’ll notice there is a skill level for each class.  THIS IS A SUGGESTION!  Don’t be afraid to learn something new.  It’s fun!

LuckyStitches A-line Skirts

Published on May 3, 2007 in a-line skirt, classes, Creating, design, fashion design, LuckyStitches, photos, projects, sewing and workshops. 2 Comments

LuckyStitches A-line Skirts, originally uploaded by zannestar.

Well – we finished! Having missed a class due to a snow storm, we met at a student’s home (thank you!) and finished out skirts! The A-Line skirt is really ultra fabulous because it is perfect for so many different body types.

First – we drafted a basic skirt sloper onto paper using our individual measurements. Then – we traced our patterns onto muslins and stitched them up. It was really fun to see everybody’s expression when they tried their muslins on – and they fit! There were a few minor alterations, but those were transferred back to the paper pattern.

Now, with our new paper patterns, we slashed and pivoted, closing the darts (this is a fitted waist A-Line skirt – and I love how they look without darts…) and creating our A-Line. This new pattern was then transferred to the muslin and stitched up. Another fun facial expression time….they still fit! and they were the shapes these girls had been dreaming of!

Now we were ready for our final fabric. We had a few curves to smooth out so our final was fab…and once that was done we cut them out. One cool trick that I learned in college (and haven’t looked back) is to cut the pattern out using the open piece of fabric, not fold the fabric in half – you wast so much fabric that way. And – we cut these on the bias. Who doesn’t love a bias skirt! Sewing was fun, I was able to share lots of fun tips and tricks and I think everyone learned quite a bit.

I do know that these skirts looked awesome on – and everyone has a pattern so they can make more…all year long. How awesome would these be in wool!!!

Skirts are fun for summer – there are two skirt-a-longs that I know of going on right now – so it’s the perfect time to GET YOUR SKIRT ON!

Check these out:
Sew, Mama, Sew!
Sew What? Skirts sew-a-long

Studio Photos (the before)…part 2. – The Mantle of Inspiration

Published on May 1, 2007 in buttons, Creating, creative spaces, design, inspiration, my house, my studio and sewing. 0 Comments

mystudio – 05, originally uploaded by zannestar.

I (obviously) collect things and I like to remember that I have them – so out they go.

Lots of buttons – mostly vintage. Pictured here are just a few of the jars. The rest are on the shelf on the staircase to the studio. And they don’t just sit there – they actually get a going through every month or so. I always need them for something.

Tons of sewing supplies, notions and goodies. Out in tins. There are more in bins. I pick some up everywhere. You never know when you’ll need anything, and now that I live so far away from supply places, I peruse the shelves when I’m there and pick up anything that might work.

Bulletin Board – full of tear sheets. There were more, but I simplified it a bit. Always changing. What comes down goes into a notebook/sketchbook. I ALWAYS refer to it. There is a reason I’ve kept the picture, I just might not know if for a while…

Can you see the wood paneling? I can’t stand it. So dark. Totally not my style. It will definitely get a coat (or 3) of paint this summer. Now to find the perfect color…

to see all the posts about my studio – click here

For more details about what’s on My Mantle of Inspiriation – click on the photo and read the notes on the image.