#27 Run out of beginners luck on a Dolman top Jalie 3352

After my last couple posts I was beginning to feel like everything I'd make would feel and fit great. Well, it appears I have run out of beginners luck on this Jalie Dolman top.

I did not want to show you you this but since this is a one year challenge I feel I should probably show the challenging parts. And I'll probably learn more from the items I don't care for than the items I love.

Let's start with the things I do like: 

1) Price of fabric was great. I got it on clearance from GirlCharlee. 

2) Color! From far away it looks cream, but up close there are rainbow flecks.

3) I got to use my rainbow serger thread. So pretty

4) Quick and easy pattern.

Here's where things could have gone better:

1) The knit had no recovery. When I first put the top on it was an okay fit but it kept stretching out. The neckline got lower, the length got longer. I'm convinced if I didn't take it off mid-day it would have been a puddle around my ankles.

2) The size. I know dolmans are supposed to be loose and forgiving. But I made this in a size U (already 2 sizes smaller then what my bust measured at). 

3) Length. This is my fault. I added my standard 2 inches in length and it was too long (and only became longer. I tried re-cutting just the front but then I felt the high/low was too extreme.

On the bright side:
1) I look forward to never wearing this shirt again.
2) I will try this pattern again having learned from my mistakes.

#26 Keep it casual pants Jalie 3461

In one weeks time I already have to swap out my favorite pair of pants. If you remember in my last post I did something I never thought I'd do and made jeans! Those jeans quickly became my favorite pair, but their britches victory was short lived thanks to these.

I made a few slight changes to last weeks pants and they are (mwah) perfect! I added 1" in length about the knee, 1" below the knee, and a 1/2" at the hem creating the perfect 34.5in inseam I need. I'm a size U in these pants but below the knee I tapered into a size R. They aren't exactly skinny jeans but now they could fit in boots.

The biggest game changer for the fit was widening the the waist band. I used 1.5 in elastic and went down one size in the waist. For my body type this was ideal because now they stay up really well but hold in the "love handle" region which I think helps slim.

Even though I used Jalie's Eleanor jeans pattern, I didn't use denim to make them. I used a medium/heavy weight 4 way stretch knit that you can find at fabric.com.  Think super quality not see-through yoga pants. The color is heather navy/grey and has the appearance of jeggings. These pants remind me of a pair of to and fro casual pants I got as a gift from Athleta. 

#25 Do that thing you said you'd never do and make JEANS Jalie 3461

WHAT?! I can make jeans? This is unreal.

 Not only did I just sew my first pair of pants, they happen to be my favorite, most comfortable, best fitting pair of jeans ever! I'm so so so excited and way proud of myself.

When I first truly wanted to get into sewing from patterns (only a few months ago) I told my friend who was talking me through how to read a pattern I would never make jeans. She wasn't having any of it and said it would be easy. Well largely in thanks to Jalie's Elenore Pull on Jeans 3461. It actually was very doable.

I made these in size U and added 2 inches to the length. I wish I would have added 2.5 inches because they are exactly long enough. After years of everything being too short I would have liked a little wiggle room. #tallgirlproblems. I decided to do all stitching in neon pink because it makes me happy.

I got the super stretch denim from fabric.com. Since these jeans don't have true button and zipper fly the stretch is important. I love the dark wash and apparently it loves me. I didn't notice until after I was done sewing that I had developed hypothermic palms.

And this would be me trying to show you how much they s-t-r-e-t-c-h. I used a self timer and dusted off a few cheer moves. You're welcome.

#24 Fail at New Year's resolutions

Remember how I was only going to make my clothes for a year? Well I lied. I had a rough day and went straight up thrifting for just clothes to wear. I ended up getting this cool vintage reprint tee. It says "Detroit Grand Prix...1983." The best thing was that lady checking me out at the thrift store was thrilled because she was there. She was at the Detroit Grand Prix in 1983 the summer after she graduated high school! Funny.

As a way compensate for my failure at not making this shirt I made the skirt I wore it with from scratch using sweatshirt fleece. So warm, cozy, and comfy!

I wore this outfit to church on Sunday and it just so happened our worship pastor's wife made her knit/vest/cover up so she agreed to a little pre-church photo shoot with me. Not only is it fun to have a crafty buddy, it's such a blessing to have  a friend who gets what it's like to be married to a bi-vocational church planter (Both of our husbands have full time jobs to pay bills and pour their hearts into loving people through leading in our church).

#23 Turn a baggy boy shirt into a fit girl tunic!

I told you I'd have more tunics in the near future. Even I'm a little surprised that it's this week.

As you already know this year I'm challenging myself with making, not buying any clothes. Since I work out almost everyday it's time for a work out tunic. I love the running tights trend but am not a fan of the shorter tops. Now I can run outside and not feel too exposed.

This is so Upcycle Circus of me because I got a chance use a XXL man's shirt to make my fit girl tunic. Up until this point I'd been buying fabric straight up which I will keep doing but it's fun to make clothes on the cheap. This was not a simple take in the side project. This was a complete redo into a scoop neck, raglan style, curved hem tunic.

I must have done some overcompensating knowing this was a boy's shirt and all because all of the exposed stitching is in neon pink to match my running shoes!

Oh in case you wanted to see, here is the back. I always forget that side.

#22 Make clothes that FIT!

Like every woman ever in the history of time I have a hard time finding clothes the fit me! I'm a longer than average female so unless a company sells clothes in LONG or TALL I can't shop there.

One of the main reasons I liked the idea of challenging myself with making my own clothes for a year is I get to: Make clothes that FIT!

Tunics and leggings are an absolute staple for me. I like to be modest but struggle to find tunics that cover my booty. Usually I just buy a regular person mini-dress and wear it with tights so finishing this tunic was a big day for me.

I took this Jalie tunic pattern 3245 and added 2 inches in length to the bust/waist section. Want to know a huge plus with this pattern? I felt good in it! It hid my problem areas. I mean, what problem areas?! More of these tunics to come!!!

I used a purple sweatshirt fleece and this thing is crazy soft and comfy. The first day I wore it I was out and about with a preschooler and toddler. I could play with and carry kiddos and was so glad I added the pockets.

#21 Make clothes for friends!

Yay! I got to bring a buddy thrifting this time.

With her vision of taking this outfit...

I used the elastic off these sweats and an old school GAP sweatshirt.

And my ability to cut and stitch.

I used a skirt that fit my friend as a template

And thanks to her modeling skills...I got to make clothes for a friend!