#37 Dolman top time Jalie 3352

You watched me K.O. my first dolman top and now (ding ding) contestant two enters the ring. It looks so simple in black until you see the punch of color in back.

For me this is an ideal shirt. The front is simple black jersey knit cotton, which means I can wear it with jeans. And yes, you have seen those jeans above before.  

The back is a poly lycra spandex which means I can work out in it and it's stretchy and breathable. I have a very hard time sitting still so it's fun to have a shirt I feel totally me in.

#36 Eat an elephant (Chi-Town Chinos)

In our home, we have a question that we ask each other when a task seems too big to accomplish.

How do you eat an elephant?

One bite at a time.

It essentially means you better stop complaining, start working, and little by little see it through to the end. And that's the way I made these Chi-Town Chinos.

I love that the designer of the Chi-Town Chinos, Alina, had no formal fashion education (like me) and manages to not only educate is her pattern instructions, but empower. She wrote, "If you can stitch a straight line...you can make clothes" As, I was seam-ripping I'm sure I muttered to myself several times, "I can stitch a straight line." "I can make these." "How do you eat an elephant?"

And bit(e) by bit(e), stitch by stitch I finished these shorts and the skills learned are more precious because it cost me more to gain them. Call me crazy but I hate mistakes, so I learn from them.

These shorts had a lot of firsts for me: 

First time sewing a pattern with woven fabric

First time making bias tape (thanks Kathryn!)

Belt loops

Bar tacks 

Slash pockets

Pocket lining

Pocket flaps

Button holes

Adding a zipper

How have I been sewing all my clothes for 6 months and never run into these things?!

So to steal Alina's words once again, "...I'll be your biggest cheerleader. I've been where you are-and if I can do it, you can too." I may have needed an extra dose of cheerleading which is fine because we are in-person friends not just inter-web acquaintances.

Seriously, a huge thank you to Alina for letting me pattern test and learn so much. My next post will have even more details about the cuteness of these shorts, but for now check out this amazing designer!

#35 Are you ready to rummage?

We got swept up in the frenzy of people, smells, and used items (like the spinach bits in my blender from that mornings' green smoothie). A couple minutes of confused wandering passed before I stopped Jacqui and I dead in our tracks, "Look at us acting like a couple of amateurs!"

We have priorities. We need a map. Let's make a plan. Are you ready to rummage? 

Hecks yeah!

The big goal for the BIG rummage sale was fabric and embroidery supplies

Obviously, we got to the sale near the end so everything was 1/2 off, obviously. The craft room was our first stop where we were informed that everything was 1/2 off (as we planned) OR we could do a bag sale (come again?). A bag sale is when you buy an empty garbage bag for $5 and fill said bag with anything in that room, so long as it fits, so help me God, Amen.

I'll take it!

I guarantee nothing else could fit in that bag. Sadly we ripped the handles.

So for a measly paper Lincoln: I doubled my fabric stash,  got oodles of felt, found amazing metal embroidery hoops (and thread to boot). We also experienced the high of a cheap and dirty time.

My beautiful mountain of fabric

I'm looking forward to showing you all the things I'll be making with my new stash including something for my rummage buddy.

#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!