#34 Back at it with the Jalie jeans! Red all about it.

Based on number of uses, the Jalie Eleonore jeans are my favorite pattern. You already watched me Do that thing I said I'd never do and Keep it casual. And now here is round three in RED.

I originally bought this fabric because it said "coral." When I hear coral I picture a more subtle orangey pink, but these are straight up red in my book. Outside of my affinity for neon pink I really don't do bold colors or patterns.

I made mine in size U, added 2.5 inches of length, and went for the wider waistband. I think the thing that keeps me coming back to these pants is the waist band. Usually for pants to be fitted in my legs and hips they are too tight in my waist. The elastic waistband completely eliminates that issue but doesn't make me feel like I'm wearing "elastic-waist jean." Good on ya Jalie.

I would love to make these is white, grey, and black denim and then I would have no need to wear any other pants ever again. I would be perfectly happy with that because the fit of these jeans is SPOT ON.

#33 Pattern test like you mean it

The Megan Nielsen Axel skirt pattern has officially been released. I can't even tell you guys what a privilege it was for me, with little experience, to get to be a part of the process.

I did the first option from the three skirt styles shown above. The second I saw this pattern I knew I needed it in a yellow knit. I feel like it can easily be dressed up or down. And again the biggest thank you to Megan Nielsen for the priveledge and featuring me on your blog.

#32 Hack THEE summer dress

I love the idea of shopping at the designer athletic stores, until I see the price tags. One of my main goals in doing this one-year-clothes-making challenge was to get those types of items for WAY less.

I simply needed that hemline!

Today is a VERY very proud day for me because I feel like I actually accomplished that in this Athleta Seeker Tank Dress. Retail $69 Metail $14 for fabric (and time which I never know how to account for.)

I took the basic Jalie racerback tank for my bust and waist. I heightened the neckline, as I do. I'm super grateful for this tutorial because it made adding the binding super helpful.

For the layered asymmetrical  hemline I had to use a bit of ingenuity. I made two front pieces with opposite hems. My pattern pieces aren't pretty, but they're mine, and I like 'em.

I opted not to add the rouching up the side because I liked how it fit as is. In hindsight I probably should have to make it more flattering but I have a feeling I'll get a chance to make this again soon.

Big day for a little beginner seamstress! Now bring on the warm weather.

#31 Sew a seaworthy skort

It's been established that I like navy, white, and nautical. I found this skort on a recent thrifting expedition  It was $6 which is a little pricey for a little penny pincher like myself but it was so cute I couldn't turn it down.

 Here's the before and after! It was a skort and not a skirt like I originally thought which means I had to take in the shorts on the inside. Slightly more complicate but not impossible.

While I was buying this little number and feeling right at home in the ol' cheap and dirty habits, I found a used. toothbrush. on. the. floor. Being a huge advocate of laughter I had to share it with you.

Enjoy!

#30 Apply for (and lose) a fabric contest.

You win some. You lose some. An online fabric shop was having a contest starring spring floral fabrics. Essentially, You had to send in a couple pics of something you made out of their fabric. I happened to have some of their spring-time prints and nothing to lose.

First, I zipped up a staple for me: a TUNIC to wear with leggings and boots.

And next I decided on a color block dolman top with a cowl neck.

I very seldom wear prints and don't feel like myself in these clothes. I like to stick to my three main comfort colors: grey, navy blue, and neon pink. Sigh! Even just typing those colors makes me feel better.

It's a post like this one that makes me grateful to be doing this one year challenge because I'm more okay with failing and having others see my failures. And those are difficult words for someone who doesn't like to make mistakes.

#29 Ship. Shape.

If you spend a hot second in my home you will know I like SHIPS and really all things nautical.

So when I saw this large mens' shirt with a boat just floating around at a thrift store near my home, I bought it! At the time I was thinking of turning it into a pillow. I ended up turning it into a ladies' tee rocking a curved hem. I'm pretty into the curved hem these days. I also took off and reattached the sleeves after making them more feminine.  And now the new SHAPE fits me (tongue click and double finger guns) just right! It will totally be an anchor in my wardrobe.

Here's a little before and after action for ya. Ship. Shape.

#28 Show you how it's done: Jalie Cora Running tights 3462

A few people have asked what it looks like to make something from "scratch" so in this post I'll just show you how it's done. I'm still a beginner and have a lot to learn but this post you'll get to see the process as I continue to be in the process of learning.

This is the Jalie Cora Running tight Pattern I decided on.

It's really fun for me to get all the colors and thoughts swirling around in my head onto paper and these are the colors I laded on for this pair of tights.

Here is the sneak peak of the treasure map that is a sewing pattern. My husband commented that just looking at this stressed him out and couldn't imagine how this is at all fun for me.

Jalie patterns are meant to be reused so a smart friend told me to use the table paper from the Pediatric office I work at. I trace over my size and then cut out the pieces of paper.

I transfer those paper pieces onto fabric and cut.

The rest is like putting together a tedious moving puzzle. These capris have a hidden phone pocket and a super flattering booty which (sorry not sorry) is for my husband's eyes only

Lastly, I get to wear my creation. It is so fun to think, dream, design, and in my case make mistakes along the way to FINALLY get a clothing item I love.