tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85571281961977422412024-02-07T18:16:17.604-08:00Beth Being CraftyJack of all (crafty) trades, master of none...my attempts to become a professional dabbler.bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.comBlogger319125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-87275459258374947202018-10-04T17:11:00.001-07:002018-10-04T17:11:17.895-07:00Owl Sweatshirt TunicHey, you know what I thought might be fun? Giving a blog post a shot after a multi-year hiatus!<br />
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I made this simple sweatshirt tunic as part of my daughter's back-to-school wardrobe, which included exactly three things made by me: a top and skirt she wore on the first day back, and this little number, which didn't make it out of the closet until today (6 weeks after school started, for anyone keeping track.)<br />
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I like this pattern a lot. It's the free <a href="https://wensjewat.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/lena-dress-gratis-naaipatroon-free-pattern-tutorial/" target="_blank">Lena Dress</a> from WenSJwe. The directions are in Dutch, but, it's a pretty self-explanatory pattern so I figured it out! I made the long-sleeved version and did end up needing to make the sleeves a little wider, because my daughter has very specific ideas about what feels comfortable. We also decided to shorten it into a tunic, and I love the look.<br />
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The owl print is a thin sweatshirt fleece that I got from <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a> years ago--I actually used it to make a <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.com/2014/02/crossover-hoodie-dress.html" target="_blank">dress for Little Sis when she was three</a>, and this is what I've had left over for all that time! I confess, the fact that the striped fabric she picked for the cuffs and yoke is cream while the owl print is on white drives me a little crazy, but I've learned to pick my battles on fabrics. Just squint and pretend they match, ok? The stripes are a french terry that I picked up on the knits floor at Tomato in Nippori when we lived in Tokyo, for less than $1 per yard. I bought a ton of it so it just keeps showing up in new projects!<br />
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Lest you think it's so great how my kiddo will put on her handmade gear and swan around in a delightful photo shoot, I will make sure to show you all of the lovely outtakes, which make up most of the time we're taking pics! She is currently watching cartoons, the bribe for finishing the photos with at least a handful that I can use.<br />
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<br />bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-50835622332117801292016-10-12T09:31:00.000-07:002016-10-12T09:31:03.573-07:00Last Year's Halloween Costumes--MinionsLast year, we had fun making/adapting our own halloween costumes, but I never got around to posting them. I intended to take some good pictures but never did it, and here we are a year later with still no post about what ended up being a really fun set of costumes.<br />
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So, here's the rundown: The kids wanted to be minions.<br />
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Thrift store overalls (luckily found in close-enough sizes), thrift store yellow turtlenecks (adult sizes that I cut down), goggles made from empty duct tape rolls and those rounded masks you wear to keep from breathing in dust, and stocking caps ordered on Amazon.<br />
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And then the most amazing thing happened. We were eating an early dinner, getting ready to go trick-or-treating, when we joked about how great it would be if the hubs had a Gru costume. <br />
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Then we realized...it wouldn't take much. He had a black wool car coat and scarf. He had a pair of pants that he bought in Tokyo not realizing he had accidentally purchased very skinny skinny jeans. I stuffed a long, narrow decorative pillow into his jacket's shoulders, and Voila...<br />
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Is that amazing or what??<br />
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Since hubby had not originally planned to wear a costume, I planned my outfit separately and therefore don't fit in at all, but that's ok. I was Kiki from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097814/" target="_blank">Kiki's Delivery Service</a>, a charming Miyazaki movie that you should watch this Halloween season if you've never seen it!<br />
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So that's it! This year, we're not doing homemade costumes (sniff)...the kids wanted to be characters from Harry Potter, and it just didn't make sense to make Gryffindor robes when I could buy them so easily. But there will be some surprises in store (if I get around to posting them before next year!)bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-46385277739158695152016-07-15T14:49:00.000-07:002016-07-15T23:08:50.287-07:00Well Hello There! Tank + Skirt = Dress ComboLet me get this out of the way: It's been a while.<br />
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Clearly, I have not been blogging, but I'm trying not to let that bug me. So what if I only blog every once in a while now? Just because I have ignored the blog for the last 5 months or so doesn't mean that I'm not allowed to post when I DO feel like it, right?<br />
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It's just that I've been using Instagram (I'm bkcav, if you want to follow me there) to share my sewing lately, which has been more satisfying and engaging--I can immediately see what others are sewing, and there's such a huge active sewing community there.<br />
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But THIS project requires a few more words than what fits on an instagram photo, so I thought I'd accompany my instagram pic with an actual blog post to show off what I did here. I'm pretty pleased with myself!<br />
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First of all, I ordered a yard of this great rayon challis print with the intention of making a loose tank top (I've been perfecting my pattern for a while now--I started with the free Sorbetto Tank from Colette Patterns, and have tweaked and shifted and adjusted so many times that I'm not sure you can even count it any more!). <br />
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I was pleasantly surprised to get a bonus in the mail--I got the end of the bolt, so I got almost 2 yards of it instead of just one, but that meant I was faced with a dilemma--use the extra fabric to make a dress instead of a tank, or make the tank I originally had in mind and see what was left over? I couldn't really let go of the tank, since that was what I pictured when I saw the fabric and I was anxious to use the tank pattern now that it was just how I wanted it, but I hated to waste the rest!<br />
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I have been doing a curved hemline on this tank pattern, but this time I wanted to try a vented side with straight hems on the front and back. It was a nice break from the curves--I have been using bias tape to get curved hemlines to lay flat, and this time I could just fold, press, and hem the old-fashioned way! <br />
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Well, it turned out there was JUST enough to eke out a simple gathered skirt. I did a rolled hem on my serger to avoid using fabric in the hem, and gave it an elastic waistband, both for ease and again to save fabric. I was able to make pockets (OF COURSE) from the scraps around the tank top pieces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMqFWO6RPqTLGpSoeWhDuRkpuG_VBxkwJPC3ntBr8x-HDNvNg7m1_ENWX5t4-f8R8zuV3-RTT4bScGoBUaa0Ct27DU_4KRn0rGr5ZZkoY4Hx7AuZIKQbqLJaQGKw1bQMBJ8MAUtRY6NRz/s1600/IMG_2950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMqFWO6RPqTLGpSoeWhDuRkpuG_VBxkwJPC3ntBr8x-HDNvNg7m1_ENWX5t4-f8R8zuV3-RTT4bScGoBUaa0Ct27DU_4KRn0rGr5ZZkoY4Hx7AuZIKQbqLJaQGKw1bQMBJ8MAUtRY6NRz/s400/IMG_2950.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was ALWAYS going to give it pockets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And now for the cool part--when I put the two together, it totally looks like a dress!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEle8NNywB06WxU9Lyi4d5Jgcq92TtUaJjNLApst35g04aifL1D1HCQZJ2c-EPvArgPfPajkSYGDTf465hJiyBOY7VkyD6TVg-MVLyyww0BdU1Xnx2ZN18dpy-Tg-EXSeIF__qzpBsuqMA/s1600/IMG_2922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEle8NNywB06WxU9Lyi4d5Jgcq92TtUaJjNLApst35g04aifL1D1HCQZJ2c-EPvArgPfPajkSYGDTf465hJiyBOY7VkyD6TVg-MVLyyww0BdU1Xnx2ZN18dpy-Tg-EXSeIF__qzpBsuqMA/s400/IMG_2922.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skirt's elastic waistband gives it a belted-dress look.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And not only that, I have dress OPTIONS! Depending on where I put the waistband, I can also get a dropped-waist more slouchy style:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMNKFwwz26qyJjbO2-RM_vE1fIBT7OH43FDVFyUobgQdroYwO-Z_ATFx-PYNhBUF5uLEfflFGyyUJdCdiTIEbI-yerJyQlznY-zrkkNVGLCsLnOv6EBnoE0mVvOs4YtE24M-Yye-imkYc/s1600/IMG_2939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMNKFwwz26qyJjbO2-RM_vE1fIBT7OH43FDVFyUobgQdroYwO-Z_ATFx-PYNhBUF5uLEfflFGyyUJdCdiTIEbI-yerJyQlznY-zrkkNVGLCsLnOv6EBnoE0mVvOs4YtE24M-Yye-imkYc/s400/IMG_2939.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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Honestly, this is less my style, but it's still nice to play around with it!<br />
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And I could wear the top out over the skirt as well, giving it a layered look, although one that I probably won't wear. Maybe with a belt--a sort of peplum idea?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF2D5Yy-KTd76e_iDwldCYGuLwRi67s_r0_PtYIla7EK5J_b4DVUNIqpb95leBvgIsGENvfNHjgYJAMIb2NUqWYPxjVGKaHO-_-sc85iZ1ezCJpZCBB2N-aAQOKcDw-pOISSidwRl_9im/s1600/IMG_2957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF2D5Yy-KTd76e_iDwldCYGuLwRi67s_r0_PtYIla7EK5J_b4DVUNIqpb95leBvgIsGENvfNHjgYJAMIb2NUqWYPxjVGKaHO-_-sc85iZ1ezCJpZCBB2N-aAQOKcDw-pOISSidwRl_9im/s400/IMG_2957.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who can resist this kind of variety? And I love the way it plays with my Totinette necklace too :)</td></tr>
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Anyway, I have been sewing with rayon challis a LOT this summer--it's so nice and soft and drapey, and easy to sew with! But it definitely wrinkles, which means a lot more ironing that I am used to. But I think it's worth it, so far! bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-20723196448053334822016-02-18T22:18:00.000-08:002016-02-27T08:42:20.023-08:00Shiny Pink Norah DressWell, Little Sister has been a very cooperative girl with all of the <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/" target="_blank">Project Run and Play</a> themes, some of which are things she would have never picked out on her own (although she did end up loving them anyway!) So when I saw the <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/2016/02/voting-on-designs-all-that-glitters.html" target="_blank">"All That Glitters" theme</a>, I knew I would make something pink and sparkly that Little Sister would love no matter what. She has earned it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ59qsi2-9hZoLKKCV-Bn1v2o-LZZkjhWWOjlDDcxRedSCq9mAwZO8hF6S4g4Zk490madu12iWmdUajsFvPhdPTne7b5Ln5AeF8XFC8P5gisYpsjjnb-1-rlGLT_GR9PoVDZD2mKGUfsjW/s1600/glitter+norah+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ59qsi2-9hZoLKKCV-Bn1v2o-LZZkjhWWOjlDDcxRedSCq9mAwZO8hF6S4g4Zk490madu12iWmdUajsFvPhdPTne7b5Ln5AeF8XFC8P5gisYpsjjnb-1-rlGLT_GR9PoVDZD2mKGUfsjW/s400/glitter+norah+1.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't normally go in for something so fancy, <br />
but I figured she could wear it for her birthday/Easter dress (a few days apart).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She was so excited when I showed her the fabrics. Both the satiny, slightly crinkly pink and the fun geometric-ish silver lace (I saw that it was called "giraffe" on the bolt) were in the clearance fabrics at Joanns, with an extra 50% off--you know I can't resist that kind of a deal! Even the piping was a bargain, from the clearance trims at <a href="http://www.fabricdepot.com/" target="_blank">Fabric Depot</a>--love that place!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJ8KIsM-GJP8gGTDANvkoqM6hupdCW03Pd-hlKtTZGJHOAbx2cLcz3bjIQlc7mzj2Me7egh464h3q0QqboPFPhkVZokJ46Wn8R-q0m6xl0iXE1O8wB1HgIZUtrBa_ScyZRgwQZi90syT3/s1600/glitter+norah+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJ8KIsM-GJP8gGTDANvkoqM6hupdCW03Pd-hlKtTZGJHOAbx2cLcz3bjIQlc7mzj2Me7egh464h3q0QqboPFPhkVZokJ46Wn8R-q0m6xl0iXE1O8wB1HgIZUtrBa_ScyZRgwQZi90syT3/s400/glitter+norah+2.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love it with her silver boots! It was pretty cold out today, hence the tights.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is the second time I've sewn the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/169990880/the-norah-dress-and-tunic-pdf-sewing?ref=related-3" target="_blank">Norah Dress from Mouse House Creations</a>--last time was also for a Project Run and Play Challenge--I made <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2015/08/sashiko-embroidered-double-gauze-shirts.html" target="_blank">a double gauze Norah tunic with sashiko embroidery</a> for the embellishment challenge last year, and it (and the matching one for her brother) are probably some of my favorite pieces to date!<br />
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In my mind, I envisioned a super cool mod-style button on the back--something like <a href="http://www.joycetrim.com/18mm-Rhinestone-Dome-Button-with-Shank-T-1509_p_665.html" target="_blank">this rhinestone-covered dome</a>. But alas, I didn't have a button like that, so you'll just have to squint and use your imagination since I had to use this one instead.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtSCaymuvtuxsbFzs7eF24IiRyf1zV6xI6n1VupFHkc07Ut-G9Iw6hWemeEey6NbP2CPwRmsavndtLnk2cPxEyxjdcCZIDIh-krrWMeI6WcsgBeiUGcvSE_26QL-6rrkUOy0LqH_Q5CpM/s1600/glitter+norah+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtSCaymuvtuxsbFzs7eF24IiRyf1zV6xI6n1VupFHkc07Ut-G9Iw6hWemeEey6NbP2CPwRmsavndtLnk2cPxEyxjdcCZIDIh-krrWMeI6WcsgBeiUGcvSE_26QL-6rrkUOy0LqH_Q5CpM/s400/glitter+norah+back.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cool button in its own right, but not what I had in mind.<br />
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</tbody></table>
I figured out a new-to-me technique for the sleeve--maybe this tutorial already exists out there, but I hadn't seen it before and I loved the way it turned out (and it was super simple), so I thought I'd share it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U6QJjT3TB5SqNadNneWA0zW83yd-rwmppcvXJxT6PRY8Ss602XxS7JhyCuWoe0KM7teC2g5uSX7Tv5zoFqAGA3qXiZ6X0_p4QU1DfZX6KvBL9PQWz_mMNj7X5afpALywxNEyq3jNi_FP/s1600/glitter+norah+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U6QJjT3TB5SqNadNneWA0zW83yd-rwmppcvXJxT6PRY8Ss602XxS7JhyCuWoe0KM7teC2g5uSX7Tv5zoFqAGA3qXiZ6X0_p4QU1DfZX6KvBL9PQWz_mMNj7X5afpALywxNEyq3jNi_FP/s400/glitter+norah+closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wanted to add the silver piping to the sleeve to echo the collar, but the overlay is sheer, so if I just sewed the piping on between the two layers, you would have seen the seam allowance showing through. Luckily though, my pink satiny layer was the same on both sides, so I had the idea of rolling the sleeve hem OUT instead of in, and attaching the piping there. I think it looks great!</div>
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First, I basted the overlay to the sleeve piece so it was like working with one piece of fabric. This would work without the overlay, by the way--just as long as the back side of your sleeve fabric looks as nice as the front side.</div>
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Then, I pinned the piping to the bottom edge of the sleeve on the WRONG SIDE.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMoeUM9Ymy4GYp_yGWtQkqMSDaRx-QTagNtZk4NAM0pEcCXro4V8SaBBsH9lIioar0mioC8VRv1sppxIsZAe94T_xkEXuFN64yJs2fJ_FL_EwyAWy56Tr_J8Kav8-6l598MSTWgo6HyCr/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMoeUM9Ymy4GYp_yGWtQkqMSDaRx-QTagNtZk4NAM0pEcCXro4V8SaBBsH9lIioar0mioC8VRv1sppxIsZAe94T_xkEXuFN64yJs2fJ_FL_EwyAWy56Tr_J8Kav8-6l598MSTWgo6HyCr/s400/IMG_0492.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crappy iphone photos ahoy--impromptu tutorial!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Sew the piping on, with the raw edges together. Then turn the piping to the right side of the sleeve:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOIvBrk5Zd0R9x9QrGbngjgah2Yo9Fs7xhKIdEdDxPzo5b04RvcBT0l7LzEwfXD97IAAcWHKUSTzjeJDffZHuM2vnwDBCYosTXDM-aLdiTZUBGgzgLbQcgSuae-jRtwXuAetDhbZK5ZEV/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOIvBrk5Zd0R9x9QrGbngjgah2Yo9Fs7xhKIdEdDxPzo5b04RvcBT0l7LzEwfXD97IAAcWHKUSTzjeJDffZHuM2vnwDBCYosTXDM-aLdiTZUBGgzgLbQcgSuae-jRtwXuAetDhbZK5ZEV/s400/IMG_0493.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Fold the bottom edge up again so that the piping is at the top of your "cuff." I used the edge of the piping as a guide for the width of my cuff, but you could make it wider if you wanted.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0otnz3gZovEZLAVjuslAPd6mNke3OFklmT8Z1mS_rNxot_H_W8A4nt-0HIrsR4iwxOgY283ysKSVHAR4-oAHqeYaT6u3wyiM4PgNno0-4ppHjAa3Mw7-YZV84UBn2co3HJ1AIkIUQfPvi/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0otnz3gZovEZLAVjuslAPd6mNke3OFklmT8Z1mS_rNxot_H_W8A4nt-0HIrsR4iwxOgY283ysKSVHAR4-oAHqeYaT6u3wyiM4PgNno0-4ppHjAa3Mw7-YZV84UBn2co3HJ1AIkIUQfPvi/s400/IMG_0494.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, I actually basted my layers together AFTER I sewed the cuff!</td></tr>
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<div>
Pin the piping in place, then stitch in the ditch (right along the line where the piping meets the cuff fabric) along the length of the bottom of the sleeve.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOmMraQ2tJF-OgWu2uoyCOxfmdTW2DKH19ZH-SFqidGJPsMZ0vb_BZyUZoF1yBBphK8U1MMl4gzbbRHDyvQj9CcYlID6uLtW10EygcIkKERgX76ZZ2-PGT0iwEr4XRf3RAZvZ33J4q_DE/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOmMraQ2tJF-OgWu2uoyCOxfmdTW2DKH19ZH-SFqidGJPsMZ0vb_BZyUZoF1yBBphK8U1MMl4gzbbRHDyvQj9CcYlID6uLtW10EygcIkKERgX76ZZ2-PGT0iwEr4XRf3RAZvZ33J4q_DE/s400/IMG_0495.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinned and ready to sew!</td></tr>
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<div>
You can use a piping or zipper foot to sew right up next to the piping, but here's a confession--I was too lazy to trade out my foot so I just plopped my regular sewing foot right down on top of the piping, and it worked fine! Obviously this will depend on how thick your piping is.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjLAxi5AbgYdBPDNFMfRVJN8pcRy6nxF94M4ORBv9ANhmgEidUE-bHBNHSZW6pw5nOFeIl3V1JAfae72aLYcBPQwZitYbaf5KqmniGh_1iI_VDlLrruseZpAUtp0LwBzA9mM7-fmru6dq/s1600/IMG_0496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjLAxi5AbgYdBPDNFMfRVJN8pcRy6nxF94M4ORBv9ANhmgEidUE-bHBNHSZW6pw5nOFeIl3V1JAfae72aLYcBPQwZitYbaf5KqmniGh_1iI_VDlLrruseZpAUtp0LwBzA9mM7-fmru6dq/s400/IMG_0496.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's it! When I sewed the sleeve together, I did do an extra seam to press the seam allowance down on the inside, since it's a little thick where the piping comes together.</div>
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All in all, my finished product came pretty close to my design yet again! When I showed Little Sister this photo, she said, "Hey, it's got hair like mine!" I was like, um, yeah, I did that on purpose!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuiXviodTv4EBgFnDP0GRf4UV5purGuBcXQCHD8JR0CHdQhyphenhyphencOKQIuSuNXIWWgU6gPU4P89ZGbbo6oh80VwSOd024tFXXyQSka9WLUhMAVO_xVGRVbSm7dC_rPXo5qNDXnQzTHylbFI1y/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuiXviodTv4EBgFnDP0GRf4UV5purGuBcXQCHD8JR0CHdQhyphenhyphencOKQIuSuNXIWWgU6gPU4P89ZGbbo6oh80VwSOd024tFXXyQSka9WLUhMAVO_xVGRVbSm7dC_rPXo5qNDXnQzTHylbFI1y/s400/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She even wanted to wear her silver boots since that's what was in my picture :)</td></tr>
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She did request that I leave the pockets out--I had planned to do a couple of welt pockets with the silver piping for trim. Is she crazy?? Doesn't she know that all the best dresses have pockets? But I wouldn't have had enough piping for the sleeve detail AND the pockets, so it all worked out for the best.</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2072319644805333482&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-77Qxh3l0hbo%2FVsatWwuyiqI%2FAAAAAAAATyA%2F2OsO0ih3YvU%2Fs400%2Fglitter%252Bnorah%252B1.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 220px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 114px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2072319644805333482&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-77Qxh3l0hbo%2FVsatWwuyiqI%2FAAAAAAAATyA%2F2OsO0ih3YvU%2Fs400%2Fglitter%252Bnorah%252B1.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 220px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 114px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2072319644805333482&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-77Qxh3l0hbo%2FVsatWwuyiqI%2FAAAAAAAATyA%2F2OsO0ih3YvU%2Fs400%2Fglitter%252Bnorah%252B1.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 220px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 114px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2072319644805333482&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-77Qxh3l0hbo%2FVsatWwuyiqI%2FAAAAAAAATyA%2F2OsO0ih3YvU%2Fs400%2Fglitter%252Bnorah%252B1.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 220px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 114px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-66402882309061119692016-02-08T10:35:00.001-08:002016-02-11T22:52:47.630-08:00Queen of Hearts!It's Week 2 of <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/" target="_blank">Project Run and Play</a>, and the theme is Cosplay. You would think that after a year in Japan, I would have some great anime/manga inspiration here, but for some reason I just couldn't get into that whole thing. I was thinking of sitting this week out, but then I realized that this week is leading up to Valentine's Day, and I was hit with the idea to make an outfit inspired by Disney's Queen of Hearts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1JiKIkw7cGUZgnJiLnRYlhWFGxm0t8pQTdNzj1_irUY4Mv5LY75Idi7BpwlWyPtiGjiMLY1Dez2CD7cpI1dWnUjz4p1ce974i9dxbQLOf9v0m_rJgM2tXRxwxCeattW3UQrt9YJXqxEm/s1600/queen+of+hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1JiKIkw7cGUZgnJiLnRYlhWFGxm0t8pQTdNzj1_irUY4Mv5LY75Idi7BpwlWyPtiGjiMLY1Dez2CD7cpI1dWnUjz4p1ce974i9dxbQLOf9v0m_rJgM2tXRxwxCeattW3UQrt9YJXqxEm/s400/queen+of+hearts.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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Little Sister had fun getting into character, even though she's typically sweeter than the inspirational queen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7A2ZksIG560ovT_0aOcZPYuu1waX-apUsGJwSmUx5eJ2nsF8iZSOOpucMJs16tkpeAJ1PPeTVOnBXEI3Nzr24LofMdHbS_t6MytXOqbScnzoXamaOaCGuQvK7UltWdIEIwMp2D-10nBF/s1600/queen+of+hearts+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7A2ZksIG560ovT_0aOcZPYuu1waX-apUsGJwSmUx5eJ2nsF8iZSOOpucMJs16tkpeAJ1PPeTVOnBXEI3Nzr24LofMdHbS_t6MytXOqbScnzoXamaOaCGuQvK7UltWdIEIwMp2D-10nBF/s400/queen+of+hearts+4.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aww. That's my girl.</td></tr>
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When I started looking at pictures of the Queen of Hearts's outfit for inspiration, the collar made me think of LouBee Clothing's awesome <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/125543459/bimaa-sweater-pdf-sewing-pattern-hoodie" target="_blank">Bimaa sweater</a>. I have sewn this pattern a few times, for both of my kids. I used the shawl collar and made a slightly larger size to allow for the thicker fabric (I used a light french terry sweatshirt fabric that I got in Japan for 100 yen per meter (about 80 cents)--I miss the fabric shopping in Tokyo so much!). I also extended the length into a tunic, angling out slightly for some extra room, so I made the band at the bottom larger to accommodate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2O8ratUxBVwZMWHz2r0_yEUfcg-kSW7pK39pFKmgOd0AaJbj7Ft8wP9z0ao1rJ4eyRqlDRy5X61H2_TXrhlIcS9If-zqXALXemf0MEDbXeQvJz0T78MJBM0kzqxfw1S1wFlZtJiuiwmN/s1600/queen+of+hearts+roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2O8ratUxBVwZMWHz2r0_yEUfcg-kSW7pK39pFKmgOd0AaJbj7Ft8wP9z0ao1rJ4eyRqlDRy5X61H2_TXrhlIcS9If-zqXALXemf0MEDbXeQvJz0T78MJBM0kzqxfw1S1wFlZtJiuiwmN/s400/queen+of+hearts+roses.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want the roses to be RED!</td></tr>
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I love these little half-circle pockets that allow for a pop of color. I've added them to quite a few things I've made--t<a href="http://anumiki.blogspot.be/2012/05/racer-back-dress-tutorial-ronde-zak.html" target="_blank">he tutorial is from Anu Miki, found here</a>. I had to add in the yellow--not only based on the inspiration outfit, but also because otherwise I would have ended up with two weeks in a row of <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2016/02/strawberry-tap-dance-togs.html" target="_blank">red, black, and white all-knit outfits</a>!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2linGrp_xz5M8lG0qsK44-adly1x3Ll3uJpwwtpAuxnVLNhbrmpxtc81Y8BGyt2hD05RQbpTHxLHNi5n2KUyt0OXbhphYDRwR5EXd2qsj2LgKY4BovP8XP505vAU5q9nY38m0abCKwvv/s1600/queen+of+hearts+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2linGrp_xz5M8lG0qsK44-adly1x3Ll3uJpwwtpAuxnVLNhbrmpxtc81Y8BGyt2hD05RQbpTHxLHNi5n2KUyt0OXbhphYDRwR5EXd2qsj2LgKY4BovP8XP505vAU5q9nY38m0abCKwvv/s640/queen+of+hearts+Collage.jpg" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multiple Personalities</td></tr>
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The fabric for the leggings was another 100 yen per meter find--I swear, the knits floor at Tomato in Nippori is a magical place! I have <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2014/09/selfish-sewing-week-2014-fall.html" target="_blank">a cardigan that I made for myself</a> from this fabric--it is a soft and snuggly double knit--you can sort of see the dots joining the two layers in the pic below. I sort of guessed on the knee patch placement, and I NAILED IT!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoLIbeBhgcz0G0olOgUybUC-ZRraRZFDhGGPgFSQauvwlynw7bKBie1SLfy-b7UdphwxpxKv3NjmXKDbUy_EHFL9CP9OLaB0BXwJnzMxTUuvgiuWrtPs8L7c1Ku8foseqf3vjHtFTYqYL/s1600/queen+of+hearts+leggings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoLIbeBhgcz0G0olOgUybUC-ZRraRZFDhGGPgFSQauvwlynw7bKBie1SLfy-b7UdphwxpxKv3NjmXKDbUy_EHFL9CP9OLaB0BXwJnzMxTUuvgiuWrtPs8L7c1Ku8foseqf3vjHtFTYqYL/s400/queen+of+hearts+leggings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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While I was getting ideas for this outfit, I tried out one of my Christmas gifts--<a href="http://amzn.com/0811877884" target="_blank">this awesome design notebook</a> is really fun for getting the creative juices flowing! The body outlines are all grown women, so I had to shift the proportions to give myself an idea--does anybody know if they make one of these for children's designs? Anyway, I was pretty pleased at how close my outfit came to my original design! I had to switch the direction of the stripes due to the stretch, but otherwise pretty spot-on!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6SXz0_AuAM7D0exLYxxvfdyIz5RKwz3wR2FK6LBaUXwckQk5b_aSfKqCdqQcxyv8MI-aTI7bm2-egSqJQexaRKkqMeFB8oxRC7hn8lGmNV9ZtshIkjKIb3EF9B578JX2UHUbk-Zx_2Fu/s1600/IMG_0397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6SXz0_AuAM7D0exLYxxvfdyIz5RKwz3wR2FK6LBaUXwckQk5b_aSfKqCdqQcxyv8MI-aTI7bm2-egSqJQexaRKkqMeFB8oxRC7hn8lGmNV9ZtshIkjKIb3EF9B578JX2UHUbk-Zx_2Fu/s400/IMG_0397.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, I found out today that Project Run and Play changed the method of determining the winner of the sew-along from being chosen by judges to random drawing. Hmm. I have to say, I'm not excited about that. It's still fun to check out all of the contributors (<a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/2016/02/results-announcements-and-sew-along.html?m=1" target="_blank">here they are for this week's theme</a>), but something about having a competitive aspect really inspired me to take my designs to the next level. I love having the theme and the community to motivate me to sew and get stuff up on my blog (have totally lapsed on that lately, while I've been working on getting <a href="http://www.chikuchikupdx.com/" target="_blank">my business</a> up and running), but winning (or losing) via random number generator rather than showcasing someone's skill is not very inspiring. And I hope this doesn't mean people will just start searching their archives and uploading any old thing that might fit the theme, just to get extra entries. <i>[Edited: I've been thinking about this statement more, and it's not that I really think people would try to get extra entries--it's more that I really want people to link up as much stuff as possible, because I love seeing all of the entries, regardless of skill and/or effort level, but now every entry is equal competition--I'd rather see the people who really put amazing thought into the theme be rewarded. It was fun for me when I started sewing along with really no thought (or chance!) of winning to see what the winners were doing, and after doing it for a few years I felt ready to put in that level of effort. I have won a couple of sew-along challenges over the years, and it felt really, really good to be recognized, and I also typically have some weeks where I'm inspired and other weeks where I phone it in because I still want to participate even if I'm not going all-out, and I tell you--if I won a drawing on a week where I didn't give it much effort, I would feel so bad to beat out the other amazing sew-along competitors! But based on what I'm seeing, I'm feeling a little guilty that I'm sounding like it's all about winning to me--it's not, really, but as I said before the competitive aspect helps motivate me. ANYWAY, blah blah blah! Sorry!]</i> It just feels very anticlimactic to me--wah-waaahhhhhh. And I'm not sure why the switch was made--was it so that the ladies behind PRP didn't have to worry about finding judges? If so, I totally get it--it's a lot to organize.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSr5tXgzEiDm8IhGAl_UGdLFUFZqhyphenhyphenCEPpKKWfqNFAnRMgKDFfVIh24TJ8Vp-1mo8TdVKh-v3PzwNHwhWzVRYmeT5O4n6XpmgQ3CWAO0WJItYBdkTd35eMBchhj3FTLAVxUzRy8Oii9Bq/s1600/queen+of+hearts+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSr5tXgzEiDm8IhGAl_UGdLFUFZqhyphenhyphenCEPpKKWfqNFAnRMgKDFfVIh24TJ8Vp-1mo8TdVKh-v3PzwNHwhWzVRYmeT5O4n6XpmgQ3CWAO0WJItYBdkTd35eMBchhj3FTLAVxUzRy8Oii9Bq/s400/queen+of+hearts+3.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Um, what?</td></tr>
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Didn't there used to be voting on sewalong contestants? That could be one way to eliminate the need for judges, although it can be unfair when some people have lots more followers than others. What if there was a method for voting similar to the real contestants' method--that in order to vote on the sewalong, you have to upload something? And then you can't vote for your own? Anyway, I think it was more fun for me to have the chance to be recognized for designs, and to see what kinds of things turned out to be winners.bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-3986176634109899282016-02-01T23:33:00.001-08:002016-02-02T09:44:06.981-08:00Strawberry Tap Dance TogsYou guys, <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/" target="_blank">Project Run and Play</a> is back! I get so inspired by sewing with a group of people and seeing everyone's take on a theme, and frankly having a specific project that I know will end up in front of more than my average number of eyeballs is very motivational to me. <br />
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When I saw that the <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/2016/02/project-run-and-play-season-11-begins.html" target="_blank">theme of the first week was knitwear</a>, I knew immediately what I wanted to make. Little Sister just started a fun tap dance class at a community center, and although there is nothing strict about it, we did notice that there was a dress code sign hanging up that specified tights and a leotard. Well, Little Sister didn't have a leotard but I thought it would be fun to make one. My first try was an awkward fit in pale pink stripes that gave me enough information to draw a new pattern and start designing a full knitwear look for Project Run and Play.<br />
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I'm getting down to the last bit of the awesome realistic strawberry print knit that I bought in Japan for less than $2/yard (I made <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2015/09/strawberry-newborn-set.html" target="_blank">this newborn set</a> using it, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/3H6R2VGa7f/?taken-by=bkcav" target="_blank">this tee for myself</a>), and I instantly knew it would be a perfect leotard. I could picture black and white accents for a graphic pop, and once I got started I couldn't stop!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuygch0hN8fGky22QyyzFudCCvkeoIu1cizRtccTmy62LCFAH3GmmL64WBhcAIpnbE6_yIKggasFb-LYGf6Z3fqr8L3h_WlIP_Lt-cmTB5banlukCI_u2RMiSDI_akwAw8cMOKP-nOOMV/s1600/strawberry+white+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuygch0hN8fGky22QyyzFudCCvkeoIu1cizRtccTmy62LCFAH3GmmL64WBhcAIpnbE6_yIKggasFb-LYGf6Z3fqr8L3h_WlIP_Lt-cmTB5banlukCI_u2RMiSDI_akwAw8cMOKP-nOOMV/s400/strawberry+white+background.jpg" width="383" /></a></div>
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The leotard was the no-brainer (I started with the <a href="http://shwinandshwin.com/2015/06/free-ballerina-leotard-pattern.html" target="_blank">free 24 month pattern from Shwin and Shwin</a> and adapted it--added sleeves, and made it fit an almost-6-year-old), and I wanted to make a cardigan inspired by ballet wrap tops to go over it, but with a bit funkier vibe. <br />
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I love the black and white stripes against the strawberries--so fun! Actually, all of the fabrics I used except for the black ponte knit in the cardi came from the fantastic Knits floor of Tomato fabrics in Nippori (Fabric Town in Tokyo). I decided to add a little accent on the waistband (well, rib-cage band, I guess, since it's well above her waist!)--a bit of the black stripe gathering the band up a bit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the washed-out photo--it's hard to get the details to show up in black knit!</td></tr>
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But the strawberry leotard is definitely the star of this look. The fabric is a 4-way stretch, and the legs and neck are bound with foldover elastic.<br />
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The back of the leotard dips down a bit, and I cut the legs pretty low to avoid that awkward underwear-under-the-tights bunching. And then of course we needed leg warmers--essential for dance class!<br />
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And while I was at it-- a headband too! Why not? I mean, when you start with that strawberry fabric, you go big or you go home.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYQQrDi8FKh7G6FBqBlm3R9319ZIgourFkcda_oRw8N76RAM6YJcm4VGKmG86MHHKSeXDlJPeTsGime01E4O_j_hM5oRk3-WGW9ZPQzYhdi8XCinP_zQLkpDx7-rthXPTuhb-uMbp2Lls/s1600/DSC_0311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYQQrDi8FKh7G6FBqBlm3R9319ZIgourFkcda_oRw8N76RAM6YJcm4VGKmG86MHHKSeXDlJPeTsGime01E4O_j_hM5oRk3-WGW9ZPQzYhdi8XCinP_zQLkpDx7-rthXPTuhb-uMbp2Lls/s400/DSC_0311.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This hairstyle cracks me up.</td></tr>
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Next I added a pull-on french terry skirt to throw on after class. <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2015/07/striped-bias-skirt-tutorial-and-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">The pattern is free, from Craftiness is not Optional</a>--wonder where I got the idea to use this fabric?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW6Pnl-Cs1HRdyGn5GfiKxBfFSGzfrAeVh_XgrqBUPnSH_TaGLG736fvZCiQQ3izr7WI5VHzpIN6d8aJn0XrH2rDOQ_zCzhXRbtq8FVT78vlynLQ56PDihquECSUDAzlu3rv3hb0Ylsim/s1600/strawberry+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW6Pnl-Cs1HRdyGn5GfiKxBfFSGzfrAeVh_XgrqBUPnSH_TaGLG736fvZCiQQ3izr7WI5VHzpIN6d8aJn0XrH2rDOQ_zCzhXRbtq8FVT78vlynLQ56PDihquECSUDAzlu3rv3hb0Ylsim/s400/strawberry+skirt.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
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Is it a bit much when you put everything together? I don't know...I just can't get enough of it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4uBa7T1infv6NFicmear23PlxqpNymJoqt3cA6SF2jXuF4_OqK1-GsdjU8IpbdZjbc3g82ERIX1Uff4lnZ8vrbJf-70turBEyR0M6qPfn2BECkEh0qinJrG8OFTqT9D1mprZv4YKudLb/s1600/full+strawberry+outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4uBa7T1infv6NFicmear23PlxqpNymJoqt3cA6SF2jXuF4_OqK1-GsdjU8IpbdZjbc3g82ERIX1Uff4lnZ8vrbJf-70turBEyR0M6qPfn2BECkEh0qinJrG8OFTqT9D1mprZv4YKudLb/s400/full+strawberry+outfit.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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Little Sister prefers to wear just a few of the pieces at a time, but so far she has been excited about mixing and matching them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUKAGDqkmHENFYaGARrTe2JGl2qxYbWUMDPfWPdQa-C59G9tljJ4UwN2H_R8pbS16vozKppmpNePdIyyzRrNuoDC_OzZMaP_mZTwLHb49gMIqAdHPdkm9Ak-gE-NzM2SeY1_DyRh8CAAx/s1600/full+outfit+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUKAGDqkmHENFYaGARrTe2JGl2qxYbWUMDPfWPdQa-C59G9tljJ4UwN2H_R8pbS16vozKppmpNePdIyyzRrNuoDC_OzZMaP_mZTwLHb49gMIqAdHPdkm9Ak-gE-NzM2SeY1_DyRh8CAAx/s400/full+outfit+side.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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I love all of the options! And now I want to go eat a strawberry!<br />
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<br />bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-39412113983456316372016-01-19T16:10:00.001-08:002016-01-19T16:10:49.426-08:00New Website is Live!Oh boy, I am seriously having doubts about publishing this here! But I figure if I keep trying to get it just right before I move forward, I will end up going in circles for a long time. So here goes: I published a website for my new business! I'm not ready to sell things yet, but at least now I have a web presence! Here it is!<br />
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<a href="http://www.chikuchikupdx.com/" target="_blank">www.chikuchikupdx.com</a><br />
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It is completely a work-in-progress--first up is replacing the photos with the newer version of my product--but I'd love to hear from you about which things should stay, what I need to add, and what stuff can go! Eventually there will be a shop page where I plan to sell the product in limited edition prints, and a "where to buy" page once I have retailers. <br />
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By the way, this is my product--a portable art kit featuring the fabrics I fell in love with while living in Japan last year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAv7L9SxlSq64TB7u4o5vvl-p4vA9YtpQkQ_7BUifgZ1mxX0JAHeNbnaTiF9jou0f6d95WoHJZkVr_6arvKeS-qvX5j2nspKyC7jAo4VPJtGMd-swHvlyNTRkXPJSPecDDPcDJVNpumZ3R/s1600/DSC_1189.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAv7L9SxlSq64TB7u4o5vvl-p4vA9YtpQkQ_7BUifgZ1mxX0JAHeNbnaTiF9jou0f6d95WoHJZkVr_6arvKeS-qvX5j2nspKyC7jAo4VPJtGMd-swHvlyNTRkXPJSPecDDPcDJVNpumZ3R/s320/DSC_1189.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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We used these things non-stop in Tokyo, while trying to keep my gaijin children in line without handing them the phone or iPad! On the train, in a restaurant, the doctor's waiting room...seriously, they were a lifesaver! But maybe my favorite part is that I just had to grab one item on my way out the door and I knew my kids would be entertained wherever we ended up. Seriously, getting out the door takes long enough--I don't need one more thing to think about!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjxcro0XG3H04Tq3cE0ZpJKhdNlCjXRu5by7vGHFwal5DWJjVKRRfvND_mq8QRNh2H6FH9VMEkxudaWlDPVNsESzmJDgUQdeYm_VyXoA6kEe1TPWmmEzvTsmd5Q6Afcpgi9G5hjKJD1q0/s1600/DSC_1093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjxcro0XG3H04Tq3cE0ZpJKhdNlCjXRu5by7vGHFwal5DWJjVKRRfvND_mq8QRNh2H6FH9VMEkxudaWlDPVNsESzmJDgUQdeYm_VyXoA6kEe1TPWmmEzvTsmd5Q6Afcpgi9G5hjKJD1q0/s400/DSC_1093.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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I'm taking a branding class right now, and many of the students are the same women who were in my marketing class last term. At last night's class, a couple of these awesome ladies called me out, asking me why the heck I was sitting around asking questions when I should be out selling my product. Their confidence in me and what I have to offer really woke me up--I know I have been dragging my feet because I don't feel like I know what to do as far as running a business goes, but the fact is I won't know what all is involved until I'm doing it. So rather than stick in the safe zone of sewing more sample product, I am trying to take their advice and jump in--I sent an inquiry to a manufacturer today, and published my website--two huge steps! <br />
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I'll post progress over here when it seems relevant, and <i>oh</i>, I guess I should put a link to my new site in my sidebar! <br />
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By the way, if you're wondering where the name Chiku Chiku came from, you can find the whole story on the "<a href="http://www.chikuchikupdx.com/#!my-story/cee5" target="_blank">My Story</a>" page of my new website!bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-64237383557690936592015-12-01T09:10:00.000-08:002015-12-01T09:10:17.493-08:00Another Natalie Top!I decided I wanted to make myself something special for my birthday. I had a piece of naniIro double gauze Mountain Views fabric that I got for about $6 a yard due to a small printing error, and I had been saving it for myself, so this seemed like just the thing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp16M_rkL0_f2w9Su7cy2leKf1nFgbGsJ5kRf0bmye28u7nvmZqg2QdxKZIZjFpSXdAcDn48iuPDEe8dm0Iz_ZJ9cLi9vdz_nABRt1CLsTu2qMor9RR9reFF7MTn_GhUlImtUOHeyjBqq/s1600/IMG_9664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp16M_rkL0_f2w9Su7cy2leKf1nFgbGsJ5kRf0bmye28u7nvmZqg2QdxKZIZjFpSXdAcDn48iuPDEe8dm0Iz_ZJ9cLi9vdz_nABRt1CLsTu2qMor9RR9reFF7MTn_GhUlImtUOHeyjBqq/s400/IMG_9664.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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I pulled the "it's my birthday" card and got my husband to take a break from work (he works from home) to snap some photos for me--unfortunately my camera battery AND backup battery were both dead! So iPhone pics it is. <br />
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I love how subtle this print is. From a distance, it looks like a basic off-white...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hyphenhyphen6FB5UJDBtkkfH85ILwLUI-rxtl_4r2936MtL7fYAVEbDz7or-OjZ7ntTM1H-LeNobLpnpAndyOTHjTlbTQjAf2WoCD5eJTmuWqY872FdLOjMtlYf1XGW98GsA95wGT6BlPhopLVIxv/s1600/IMG_9651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hyphenhyphen6FB5UJDBtkkfH85ILwLUI-rxtl_4r2936MtL7fYAVEbDz7or-OjZ7ntTM1H-LeNobLpnpAndyOTHjTlbTQjAf2WoCD5eJTmuWqY872FdLOjMtlYf1XGW98GsA95wGT6BlPhopLVIxv/s400/IMG_9651.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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but up close there are all of these lovely rolling shapes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQlxEY_2YogLjLTo92x-yWs4oM95cMVQRt9rgl64oAcMIpdG7fUjk_COPPXuh68bxzGXwqTvV4kqgItEzp0QpF-qg7VCuNs96cw0dwfmpuu0JSbmNb6FqJnmp2QGPgHHENtfRLA3JZ9KR/s1600/IMG_9676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQlxEY_2YogLjLTo92x-yWs4oM95cMVQRt9rgl64oAcMIpdG7fUjk_COPPXuh68bxzGXwqTvV4kqgItEzp0QpF-qg7VCuNs96cw0dwfmpuu0JSbmNb6FqJnmp2QGPgHHENtfRLA3JZ9KR/s400/IMG_9676.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I played on the soft metallics in the print and used an antique gold for the button tabs, as well as the bias trim inside the collar and around the hem. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1B0Lo2lJ2dO8m-cmwnOT-GDxgT3AOc6dqXav6fLbT-fL2olmfM6I5Kqyh8CN-e-4z_Gsy6OwKbQdHkWJ06R69iWukf78RY3jn8mrHdRd_26eeEWfgDUwWW7O49pky0K6yzavEf5KI_eoT/s1600/IMG_9680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1B0Lo2lJ2dO8m-cmwnOT-GDxgT3AOc6dqXav6fLbT-fL2olmfM6I5Kqyh8CN-e-4z_Gsy6OwKbQdHkWJ06R69iWukf78RY3jn8mrHdRd_26eeEWfgDUwWW7O49pky0K6yzavEf5KI_eoT/s400/IMG_9680.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>
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I feel like the touches of gold dress it up just a bit, although the fabric and style is definitely casual. I love the feel of double-gauze--it seems warm somehow in the winter, despite how airy it feels in the summer. How does it do that?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8BHJR0gENfaD1gGtcFP2aaw2A1Fp2mJomW3z6MTl8rytSRAkJ-vmuIxzO8HFLJBFEFNpc__svcUBN8O7QpNhh-p2KAIMYxcQEKlIfdKUR1BXl0Cgda6zkFQ4u8jKw2U_j52zAtwm8YUK/s1600/IMG_9666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8BHJR0gENfaD1gGtcFP2aaw2A1Fp2mJomW3z6MTl8rytSRAkJ-vmuIxzO8HFLJBFEFNpc__svcUBN8O7QpNhh-p2KAIMYxcQEKlIfdKUR1BXl0Cgda6zkFQ4u8jKw2U_j52zAtwm8YUK/s400/IMG_9666.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, maybe not warm ENOUGH.</td></tr>
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This pattern is the <a href="https://indiesew.com/products/liola-patterns-natalie-top#product" target="_blank">Natalie Top again, from Liola Patterns</a>. I made <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2015/10/bicycle-print-natalie-top.html" target="_blank">a silky one</a> before (which was just featured in this month's <a href="http://blog.girlcharlee.com/2015/11/girl-charlee-fabrics-november-knit-picks.html" target="_blank">KnitPicks since the fabric was from Girl Charlee</a>!), and just like that one I lengthened and curved the hem, so I needed the bias tape to finish the bottom. This time I decided to leave out the front pleat, and I love the way the topstitching looks instead! I was worried that the pleat would never lay flat in the double gauze. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh953BvyzgFcvrOIu39KGWOsUvYpvkzG3ys8Iw8NDWlVdPm4Y6ewqC-KAHesGr5DXoErfZbJvUWQBcHOd7V95pKm-ByZj3X4wVfR8Ks7ZTZliBPZPc5HojLSB6zb03ISXueIulXovqnEnEE/s1600/IMG_9678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh953BvyzgFcvrOIu39KGWOsUvYpvkzG3ys8Iw8NDWlVdPm4Y6ewqC-KAHesGr5DXoErfZbJvUWQBcHOd7V95pKm-ByZj3X4wVfR8Ks7ZTZliBPZPc5HojLSB6zb03ISXueIulXovqnEnEE/s400/IMG_9678.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
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I also adjusted the fit on the sleeves slightly--I needed to narrow them a bit between the armpit and elbow, but the bottom where they roll up was just right as long as I followed appropriate seam allowance guidelines! Last time I made the rolled-up part just a bit too tight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aNOeymqxzSNKWWvTwrlm9ZJUk7yMW7B499TDS9xjqfTeMW1bQ3pR0WAkEIX9pQ87ukW8JTT3SR_S98YuLGLCQZdwgMZLhmbuHpK4rNoC6MsyMETZ-qo4YmDALti-i-3rf-8NjerJK5ZQ/s1600/IMG_9656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aNOeymqxzSNKWWvTwrlm9ZJUk7yMW7B499TDS9xjqfTeMW1bQ3pR0WAkEIX9pQ87ukW8JTT3SR_S98YuLGLCQZdwgMZLhmbuHpK4rNoC6MsyMETZ-qo4YmDALti-i-3rf-8NjerJK5ZQ/s400/IMG_9656.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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So, happy birthday to me! I love wearing this top. Now, back to work on the business--I've been ordering stuff wholesale willy-nilly, and working on the website, and I made business cards, and I even got my woven labels, so I'm ready to start making samples before I go check out manufacturers! I'll try to post updates here as I make progress :)bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-39693328254170082882015-10-28T15:24:00.002-07:002015-10-28T15:24:28.753-07:00Gearing up for something newHi all!<br />
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I have been neglecting this blog lately, because I've been hard at work on a new project. For years, I have been sewing portable art kits for kids that I call Coloring Wallets. After getting fresh inspiration from the fabrics I found in Japan, I decided that the time is right to find out what it takes to turn this into a business. <br />
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However, I don't know anything about running a business! My degrees are in English, Theater, and Education! So since our return to Portland, I have been taking a series of business classes focused on the apparel and accessories industry, and gradually I am gathering some of the skills I need to feel comfortable investing in my coloring wallets as a real business venture. <br />
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My long-term plan is to create a model where I design the art kits and find the fun fabrics I want to feature, but my job is running the business, not doing the actual sewing. But until that happens, which could be years away, I will probably have less time to sew for myself (or at least less time to blog about it!) <br />
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In the meantime, if anyone reading this has any advice for me about starting your own business, I would love to hear it! If the advice has anything to do with the fashion/textile industry, or the Portland, Oregon area specifically, even better!<br />
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So be on the lookout for information about my new venture, which will be called Chiku Chiku. It's a Japanese phrase about sewing, referring to the sound a needle makes when it makes tiny stitches. <br />
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<br />bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-6519068920337014692015-10-19T16:07:00.001-07:002015-10-21T17:13:36.387-07:00Bicycle Print Natalie TopI took a risk and ordered some of the "peach skin" fabric from <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a> the last time they had a big sale, not really knowing what it was other than that it was 100% polyester, and this description from the website: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #663300; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Peach skin fabric has a soft brushed finish, does not wrinkle, and is perfect for dresses, top, and more!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I loved the bicycle print, and I had been wanting to try a dressier top from a silky fabric. <a href="https://indiesew.com/products/liola-patterns-natalie-top#product" target="_blank">The Natalie Top pattern from Liola Patterns</a> looked like a perfect addition to my wardrobe, and I can't wait to sew it up again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The fabric does have a nice drape and a cool finish, but it's honestly not my favorite. It doesn't breathe very well (it is polyester, after all) and it's sometimes a little too clingy--like it feels like it's sticking to me. But it doesn't wrinkle easily, which is nice, and it was easier to sew than I had feared it might be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I had a little bit of trouble getting the pleat in front to lay down exactly right, but I love having the open neckline with the pleat rather than a button placket--I get so nervous doing buttons, which was one of the reasons this was the blouse pattern I chose. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rOfRDqRxnvQDeKe3wLBp8uOUjYkAapSaUVMJ4LYP7sxP5RCjABiF9deePq98q1sSF97FMSJz-SH_VmoeHnvLESZ9w603pDLQbnF2NjoCegUYv3t-KWyF5IhlnVc43D0PbC_3IL92OWAd/s1600/bicycle+natalie+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rOfRDqRxnvQDeKe3wLBp8uOUjYkAapSaUVMJ4LYP7sxP5RCjABiF9deePq98q1sSF97FMSJz-SH_VmoeHnvLESZ9w603pDLQbnF2NjoCegUYv3t-KWyF5IhlnVc43D0PbC_3IL92OWAd/s400/bicycle+natalie+3.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can handle two little buttons that don't need to line up, however--I think the sleeve tabs are such a nice detail on this top! And a fun way to incorporate a little more of a contrast fabric. I used a scrap of painted silk that I had been holding on to from my husband's grandmother's stash, and I love how it plays off of the navy of the top.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlv9tdm1bKci6kYW1Gm1GjRhzpsa4K56K7cBxBl4ncich4zkvXE2AitMH1hj-RSK2SmsTSzI4Pn5JV5ZLNh26t9PZKJwuwbkp2JyACDfNLmb4gAgPpEc6SRaJ92u592AuQaBOTkxXC3rPy/s1600/bicycle+natalie+sleeve+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlv9tdm1bKci6kYW1Gm1GjRhzpsa4K56K7cBxBl4ncich4zkvXE2AitMH1hj-RSK2SmsTSzI4Pn5JV5ZLNh26t9PZKJwuwbkp2JyACDfNLmb4gAgPpEc6SRaJ92u592AuQaBOTkxXC3rPy/s400/bicycle+natalie+sleeve+detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNT2O9bPNfkvXJEny_1guhr1aVLueqtdJub0e4BPKWFLYqA-qz_cncIswPcvclQjyPty04ta_CYk5we-i6ggEzgKXk5cIkVmWbBKoBx08NfQqnSvdYDQKtvFlKhnT7-hQqzCoKWE9xF928/s1600/bicycle+natalie+sleeve+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="cid:B3D51220-FB1E-4EAC-B7CA-A9E7C844B2CD@hsd1.or.comcast.net." /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I made the sleeves a smidge too tight, something I will correct<br />
when I make this top again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-family: inherit;">I added some length in the form of a curved hem on this pattern. I didn't think about it until I was ready to hem it, but that meant that for the hem to lay flat, I needed to do a bias hem facing rather than just the typical folded under hem. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily I had just enough of the scrap of silk to piece together a strip to go around the hemline. It was touch-and-go, but I squeezed it out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm planning to make another one of these tops out of some lovely silk that I picked up last week when I visited the Pendleton Woolen Mill store. I can't believe I used to drive by that place every day on my way home from work and never went in there! I also got some amazing wool to make a few pillow covers for our living room--they are going to be so luxurious!</span></div>
bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-65584689455067953172015-09-17T09:59:00.000-07:002015-09-17T09:59:14.902-07:00Upcycled T-ShirtI got a new serger this weekend, which is so exciting! It has gotten me in the mood to sew knits, so I went digging through my "to upcycle" box and found a mens t-shirt with a fun red stripe woven into it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boy's turn for something new for school!</td></tr>
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I found the original shirt in a free box in my neighborhood ages ago, and I didn't get around to making it into anything before we moved to Tokyo. Now that we are back, I was ready to cut it up!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boy just learned to whistle. Can't stop won't stop.</td></tr>
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I wish I had taken a picture of the shirt before I sewed it into it's new form. The side seams were SO crooked! If I had owned that shirt it would have driven me crazy. I had planned on just folding the shirt front and back in half, lining up the side seams, and cutting out my new pieces, but lining up the side seams proved impossible so I cut the original shirt into pieces along all of the seams.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcv95rQNM39uIv5F0obln8GqO7OQhaVAjr1A3sg6ZTpV5_3sQAgbYkwDYOy6eL7DG6nHKq9VRobHxlxgZ2-MdhdoY7PrlNI1QhkhiUa6o-G4QBSC9Tlx-SAh4QH23L8V5RVR-Fk67KIxzO/s1600/DSC_0960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcv95rQNM39uIv5F0obln8GqO7OQhaVAjr1A3sg6ZTpV5_3sQAgbYkwDYOy6eL7DG6nHKq9VRobHxlxgZ2-MdhdoY7PrlNI1QhkhiUa6o-G4QBSC9Tlx-SAh4QH23L8V5RVR-Fk67KIxzO/s400/DSC_0960.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
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Turned out, because of the steep angle of the side seams, I wasn't able to fit my pattern pieces onto the fabric. But I didn't give up! I pulled another old t-shirt out of my upcycle bin and cut some black pieces to fill in the gaps. I was using the existing hem on the red shirt, but since I had to hem the black patch at the bottom, I decided to use contrasting red thread in my double needle just for fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMwaND1Hr2hPAUk7YXr4HvThLPU6gLtv_0ChbA1S0TzoEKQ9vjqbNn8A-e_jMMk0zNt8M5wWyCeXDzKeYoRoT10ack7sgiw3_oi3e4401zM1IIgkl-44BSxShNy0hxOZnz3S6okvEl4Gd/s1600/DSC_0958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMwaND1Hr2hPAUk7YXr4HvThLPU6gLtv_0ChbA1S0TzoEKQ9vjqbNn8A-e_jMMk0zNt8M5wWyCeXDzKeYoRoT10ack7sgiw3_oi3e4401zM1IIgkl-44BSxShNy0hxOZnz3S6okvEl4Gd/s400/DSC_0958.jpg" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The patches could still use a pressing though!</span></td></tr>
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I also used the ribbed neckband from the black t-shirt to create a new neckband for this shirt, bringing more of the black into the look.<br />
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I think the angled blocks add a fun element to the shirt! My son said the triangles are cool, so that's all the endorsement I need. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi_Ud2HlhIInw4EFBCiCBRpy6fMRGcJo15Nbcr7Cr83R_ykJMWRFYPutA6WKgUkqWZEikDOmxGoaBqB6NsQ248KOqM3N6P8KRk7Qe09yr943DeBzDW9KO_LCqWKLP6Hn0F2hVF2GYes33/s1600/DSC_0975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi_Ud2HlhIInw4EFBCiCBRpy6fMRGcJo15Nbcr7Cr83R_ykJMWRFYPutA6WKgUkqWZEikDOmxGoaBqB6NsQ248KOqM3N6P8KRk7Qe09yr943DeBzDW9KO_LCqWKLP6Hn0F2hVF2GYes33/s400/DSC_0975.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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He's so sweet--he wore the shirt to school the next day since I made it for him. I used one of his existing t-shirts to make the pattern--he's so long and lean in the torso, so I love being able to make shirts that fit right! Seems like a lot of RTW shirts are too wide and short.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBM4rlVGqEt8Uk0wuA3bpIMJnVqWdVDV_tF2vaVjSoC69fqpBNSW33CuSmNHntY9jAwYVOUat06qkwRr10tBpgEkGhdeiNH4dQ0GdtDrHdeyUc-E7NoKWx8AXwQYJ2dDQpK4VpIQSN_HY/s1600/DSC_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBM4rlVGqEt8Uk0wuA3bpIMJnVqWdVDV_tF2vaVjSoC69fqpBNSW33CuSmNHntY9jAwYVOUat06qkwRr10tBpgEkGhdeiNH4dQ0GdtDrHdeyUc-E7NoKWx8AXwQYJ2dDQpK4VpIQSN_HY/s400/DSC_0977.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's wishing he never taught Little Sister about the art of the photobomb.</td></tr>
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I'm really looking forward to my shipment of fabric arriving from Japan--there are so many awesome knits in there along with everything else, and now that I've got an awesome serger I am so excited to start turning them into things! bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-8163768381526284902015-09-10T10:09:00.000-07:002015-09-10T10:09:40.119-07:00Strawberry Newborn SetYou guys, it is so fun to be an auntie! And it is so great to sew newborn things without having a newborn of my own!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0KQQLYYKNVI0A-p0TuV3zJ2OggxKvWZv3x8hprxPT6s_LP4eKSUGDlQ6tUJLxCkuVE67MidiuxevBauxsJ3Fv8MTsLjCNtCLKAsWprthfoTHfU-Ohd3J0kXBeU-LO_-lImbZ5NBVtwWR/s1600/strawberry+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0KQQLYYKNVI0A-p0TuV3zJ2OggxKvWZv3x8hprxPT6s_LP4eKSUGDlQ6tUJLxCkuVE67MidiuxevBauxsJ3Fv8MTsLjCNtCLKAsWprthfoTHfU-Ohd3J0kXBeU-LO_-lImbZ5NBVtwWR/s400/strawberry+set.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We were so lucky to have my husband's sister and her husband and new baby in town when we returned to Portland from Tokyo--they live in San Francisco, so we weren't sure when we would get to meet the baby. But they were here! And we even got to take a trip to the beach with them! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblPUBiQXy92dIm84szwMbn8T9rYHGGmTWyy8kmKUoBbBNLhQzD1nYXDyhwEoGn3tuX0NsbGLiCFW78ZJZX_mf_Az4x-o1MU6FxPcyCBUIkSzvDe-qMCE1UTQnin3T-9nXpSKevC1I455J/s1600/DSC_0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblPUBiQXy92dIm84szwMbn8T9rYHGGmTWyy8kmKUoBbBNLhQzD1nYXDyhwEoGn3tuX0NsbGLiCFW78ZJZX_mf_Az4x-o1MU6FxPcyCBUIkSzvDe-qMCE1UTQnin3T-9nXpSKevC1I455J/s320/DSC_0974.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This outfit starts with a sad story though--I actually sewed the outfit pictured above in June, and mailed it to Baby Cousin from Tokyo. I also searched high and low for an infant sized jinbei, which I finally found and mailed along with the strawberry outfit. But boo hoo hooo--the package never arrived! <br />
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Luckily I had enough fabric to start over again, so I dusted off my Portland machine when we arrived and gave it a try. The old girl could use a tune-up probably, but she performed admirably!<br />
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Here's how the set turned out on the second go-round:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZoUzjKg30WnFhxx8LNRhUYWrbedwUS1u8wS-PQTmT5ZCVUkz4COb3t26ulISsBQj1IpyGvozoTAsXd8sRsGpQd8UlzVuGRvtILUeZNp3GL8tJ9WPf0963pC4EY310ASQ9hQI7lGFT7KA/s1600/strawberry+set+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZoUzjKg30WnFhxx8LNRhUYWrbedwUS1u8wS-PQTmT5ZCVUkz4COb3t26ulISsBQj1IpyGvozoTAsXd8sRsGpQd8UlzVuGRvtILUeZNp3GL8tJ9WPf0963pC4EY310ASQ9hQI7lGFT7KA/s400/strawberry+set+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was just going through the pictures of the original outfit, and I had almost forgotten that I made a second hat that was also lost--unfortunately I'll have to wait for our shipment to arrive from Tokyo to remake that one, since I didn't bring any of that fabric with me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6KfbChLCv9qKRg2tadYmtcVMZ2w1tuM3B2JF6MEK6SFNLH6teWdUPiwc20cI_4G8iUcP6RE1q2dIShkt9kKvVZz3gfP4TyoDGifUyME6dCIzKpxrIPJ0xNKHzU-9y3dg2f5vYSH3y9EM/s1600/baby+bear+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6KfbChLCv9qKRg2tadYmtcVMZ2w1tuM3B2JF6MEK6SFNLH6teWdUPiwc20cI_4G8iUcP6RE1q2dIShkt9kKvVZz3gfP4TyoDGifUyME6dCIzKpxrIPJ0xNKHzU-9y3dg2f5vYSH3y9EM/s400/baby+bear+hat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The main difference between the original set and the new one is that the first time around I made the hat reversible. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswez3J-h94pFZ7l3uxbHz0R7tZNgPxlwwiTf7GYlnE4-szUFRTDdBWuw9mcsn-TDfgRtlWxuD7NXrULw-Or4Lc7e2NKOIW38wCTQ1M-mssUFRCAcG1aZqoMvXriMhYjGYze7Ho7pFjiNQ/s1600/reverse+strawberry+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswez3J-h94pFZ7l3uxbHz0R7tZNgPxlwwiTf7GYlnE4-szUFRTDdBWuw9mcsn-TDfgRtlWxuD7NXrULw-Or4Lc7e2NKOIW38wCTQ1M-mssUFRCAcG1aZqoMvXriMhYjGYze7Ho7pFjiNQ/s400/reverse+strawberry+hat.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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I didn't have enough fabric to do that this time, but it's still cute even with only one option! <br />
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The hats are the free baby hat from <a href="http://zaaberry.blogspot.jp/2012/08/baby-hats-tutorial-and-pattern.html" target="_blank">Zaaberry's pattern and tutorial</a>. To make mine reversible, I used the pattern for the knot-top hat, but instead of cutting a separate band for the bottom, I added 1/2 the length of the band to the main part of the hat pattern and cut out two from each fabric (so four pieces total). I then sewed the two striped pieces together and the two strawberry pieces together, like I was making two separate hats. BUT, I left an opening towards the top of the striped pieces, where the knot would be tied eventually, so I would be able to turn the whole thing right side out.<br />
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Once I had the two hats sewn, I turned one inside out, and slid the right-side out hat inside the wrong-side out one, lined up the raw edges at the bottom of the hat, and used a zig-zag (or serger) to sew around the opening.<br />
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Then I could pull the whole thing right-side out through the hole in the top of the striped hat. I hand-sewed the opening closed, tucked one side inside the other and tied the knot, and flipped the brim up! Tada! You do have to untie the knot to reverse the hat.<br />
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The shirt is the <a href="http://icandy-handmade.com/2014/05/diy-tiny-tunic.html" target="_blank">Tiny Tunic free pattern from iCandy Handmade</a>. She also has another version with a contrast peplum. So cute and easy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_Zbqct8sWTKbtkoxHWsvRqypkb5msJ7h7AxbCLTKh31WDFEd-J1MUp5avZo6LJ29BY0bMjb0yDGhbS0SHngcvWE4GPkqlzZZxZYHhMJyFRbBgzUCCTnz3GUr75dcWlQXkVhtZHHkISvl/s1600/tiny+tumble+tee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_Zbqct8sWTKbtkoxHWsvRqypkb5msJ7h7AxbCLTKh31WDFEd-J1MUp5avZo6LJ29BY0bMjb0yDGhbS0SHngcvWE4GPkqlzZZxZYHhMJyFRbBgzUCCTnz3GUr75dcWlQXkVhtZHHkISvl/s400/tiny+tumble+tee.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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And last but not least, the pants are the <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2014/03/sewing-for-baby-knit-baby-leggings/" target="_blank">Just Hatched leggings from Made by Rae</a>, another free pattern!<br />
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I love how these patterns all go together, and how easy it is to combine different prints. I fell in love with this strawberry print knit in Tokyo, and I'm wishing I bought more than 3 meters--it was only 200 yen (about $1.70) per meter!<br />
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Also, check it out--all three items fit Baby Cousin at the same time! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqD4gXy3Tu-LiTLOWrkW-ABwIz8rA6KgwHMZxyur_P8BVXO68M0pfWs8PfleRahSp153ZAgVyxcaUTXPsAQ0HwGvMd_rpZsxwr9zIr18u-d1yzUOmQ_MHjG4AtoSnTgzHf7SAKn5a7eg1L/s1600/11940243_10206461590871430_983592135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqD4gXy3Tu-LiTLOWrkW-ABwIz8rA6KgwHMZxyur_P8BVXO68M0pfWs8PfleRahSp153ZAgVyxcaUTXPsAQ0HwGvMd_rpZsxwr9zIr18u-d1yzUOmQ_MHjG4AtoSnTgzHf7SAKn5a7eg1L/s400/11940243_10206461590871430_983592135_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56A_o8VqftZqNPOb5fpINHoAKPYc0sNjVMj4uZ4-_aiCwVcpTTPPUpmVcy1Bua4hi1jm_w7vv6D7hyphenhyphenphBaR-D3Eg0Q3wU8WAg3jx9AY9nVzMmaP4-iaxN4Za1H8ou1qxCvAxeZc2SLat7/s1600/11948199_10206461590391418_2111176507_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56A_o8VqftZqNPOb5fpINHoAKPYc0sNjVMj4uZ4-_aiCwVcpTTPPUpmVcy1Bua4hi1jm_w7vv6D7hyphenhyphenphBaR-D3Eg0Q3wU8WAg3jx9AY9nVzMmaP4-iaxN4Za1H8ou1qxCvAxeZc2SLat7/s400/11948199_10206461590391418_2111176507_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I'm pretty much dying from cuteness.<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-oFidvrO9dsY%2FVfG5EP2YNwI%2FAAAAAAAATgI%2Fe_XlGDlAV0E%2Fs320%2FDSC_0974.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 580px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-oFidvrO9dsY%2FVfG5EP2YNwI%2FAAAAAAAATgI%2Fe_XlGDlAV0E%2Fs320%2FDSC_0974.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 580px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-55169022809109777762015-09-05T17:16:00.000-07:002015-09-18T10:45:30.235-07:00A new dress for my kindergartener!I planned ahead this year, and made a dress just for Little Sister's first day of kindergarten. And lucky me, <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/2015/09/septembers-theme-and-linky-party.html?m=1" target="_blank">September's Project Run and Play theme</a> turned out to be Back to School clothes, so I can link this up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVGoL5U6X6QaFtRxN0lf0zyz72nWoRNzB7YWTH_H7X8BW2cO3ITBnO0ecf9f2vdzbsyfz5jfYlyuXHfn-XgI6M-0LVpxzc6t8fAHy9kCMCBSrIBGBlgg6-sMIPe-owUtt46dDS8SFbAld/s1600/kindergarten+desert+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVGoL5U6X6QaFtRxN0lf0zyz72nWoRNzB7YWTH_H7X8BW2cO3ITBnO0ecf9f2vdzbsyfz5jfYlyuXHfn-XgI6M-0LVpxzc6t8fAHy9kCMCBSrIBGBlgg6-sMIPe-owUtt46dDS8SFbAld/s400/kindergarten+desert+rose.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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I may have overplayed that point (wanted to make sure she actually agreed to wear it on the first day!), because now she thinks she will ONLY wear that dress on the first day of kindergarten--I really hope that doesn't turn out to be the case!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2z51MJ2FNoJ-WCaPC8f5gUha3p0t7JYv0oF_SgKGOXyad1rGGWG1GA2Oyquuf0cTleFtPTF9NfMWs5LQ0ZPWaJMHdis4qgdKxOqUFNAbyY239KfCQX_cLBct9A6WQaZh1XEchln7XNqp/s1600/kindergarten+desert+rose+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2z51MJ2FNoJ-WCaPC8f5gUha3p0t7JYv0oF_SgKGOXyad1rGGWG1GA2Oyquuf0cTleFtPTF9NfMWs5LQ0ZPWaJMHdis4qgdKxOqUFNAbyY239KfCQX_cLBct9A6WQaZh1XEchln7XNqp/s400/kindergarten+desert+rose+2.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fabric is a fun take on traditional Japanese prints--she loves the bunnies!</td></tr>
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This is the second time I've sewn a <a href="http://cailamade.com/product/desert-rose-dress/" target="_blank">Desert Rose dress from the pattern by Caila Made</a>. I just love the proportions of this dress! <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2015/07/double-gauze-desert-rose-dress.html" target="_blank">The first one that I made (from naniIRO double gauze)</a> fit Little Sister perfectly, but this time I sized up anyway so that it would last longer--it's really a summer dress, but I thought that with the extra room she could wear a shirt under it, and it will definitely still fit next summer. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdTEx2zChD3k0Qdt4TSxoXELBP6pjzd1lplBkVNjPr0HfgLo-aF-3oWghh6eWyoaKU_SSGdYT0lTncZcsU9PBF1avDnzWxPVKPNRhk71ft4Rydv8EPCIU24_fDReGbkamCSWF7XHuxKAa/s1600/kindergarten+desert+rose+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdTEx2zChD3k0Qdt4TSxoXELBP6pjzd1lplBkVNjPr0HfgLo-aF-3oWghh6eWyoaKU_SSGdYT0lTncZcsU9PBF1avDnzWxPVKPNRhk71ft4Rydv8EPCIU24_fDReGbkamCSWF7XHuxKAa/s400/kindergarten+desert+rose+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And pockets, of course!</td></tr>
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Also, this time I made the straight skirt instead of the angled one. It is a bit less twirly but still plenty full! She loves the big skirt on this dress. Which reminds me--I did add extra length to the skirt. It's a size 5 width but the size 8 length. I feel like I could go even longer and Little Sister would be happy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOLcwrNDOIhwkppBKPNS8Q-0fjUlb5NrxsCGey8zf1OPQZuvs002O7vC5qiDv_X9-Pp9xLpdcGNW7Oko_459yd9tb7sMKhHMCJ0EjbkwFJ3hY_sI6SWV5SdN4OezbbWdGLw4e1iQhPKR4/s1600/kindergarten+desert+rose+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOLcwrNDOIhwkppBKPNS8Q-0fjUlb5NrxsCGey8zf1OPQZuvs002O7vC5qiDv_X9-Pp9xLpdcGNW7Oko_459yd9tb7sMKhHMCJ0EjbkwFJ3hY_sI6SWV5SdN4OezbbWdGLw4e1iQhPKR4/s400/kindergarten+desert+rose+5.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFwyIw2uKL5QXgcA3xPDrP05kJ-IakZvQDq1f-4046vBwc6wOtOA_dMvMfjnHC9wTcS2fTjtHTz19AZYAn5UPtAPpneyszDBiKIqt8AFq85L9NweN5Y5a_-Rv_sl3HQI8jclSUFiRRNg-/s1600/kindergarten+desert+rose+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFwyIw2uKL5QXgcA3xPDrP05kJ-IakZvQDq1f-4046vBwc6wOtOA_dMvMfjnHC9wTcS2fTjtHTz19AZYAn5UPtAPpneyszDBiKIqt8AFq85L9NweN5Y5a_-Rv_sl3HQI8jclSUFiRRNg-/s400/kindergarten+desert+rose+6.jpg" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking it for a twirl</td></tr>
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One issue that I had this time around is that I used a pretty heavy fabric for the skirt, and since the bodice fabric was lighter, the seam where the skirt is gathered looks kind of bulky. I would advise sticking to the same weight of fabric for the bodice and skirt (or a lighter one for the skirt) to avoid this.</div>
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We found a new fun mural for taking pics by our house--but I had to be careful about which parts of the mural I used!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mWm9c9-1lqYlwCn-UgvG6SFX0U6g4VFtGo6KtrsKN6rZnk_S_OsTEaIvTLUaxxmHM2W4IeHsWxP1hqnwtn85ci0kCGqUueaCPkS12v0PunSphKuXdNLuIwdXxNpuxVUbLVCeaikQxUMZ/s1600/kindergarten+desert+rose+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mWm9c9-1lqYlwCn-UgvG6SFX0U6g4VFtGo6KtrsKN6rZnk_S_OsTEaIvTLUaxxmHM2W4IeHsWxP1hqnwtn85ci0kCGqUueaCPkS12v0PunSphKuXdNLuIwdXxNpuxVUbLVCeaikQxUMZ/s400/kindergarten+desert+rose+9.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't look now...but there might be a big wolf right behind you!</td></tr>
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We couldn't get a babysitter for the photoshoot so Little Sister had to bring her little ones with her...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnadIiAvwf8XkDivnBzDlebdnUVs2G0N7z7X5F4jzIjtyLDXRSn2vVi5hHYmnMTZvL-2bVBaNJwchzntdEOwJtGlBQMXIdxJ7KiH1RWL9eOpLy9QePi9BzyVB0C08nFesV88EPGeij_6QC/s1600/kindergarten+desert+rose+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnadIiAvwf8XkDivnBzDlebdnUVs2G0N7z7X5F4jzIjtyLDXRSn2vVi5hHYmnMTZvL-2bVBaNJwchzntdEOwJtGlBQMXIdxJ7KiH1RWL9eOpLy9QePi9BzyVB0C08nFesV88EPGeij_6QC/s400/kindergarten+desert+rose+7.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They didn't get too fussy.</td></tr>
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And here's the actual first day of school look! The weather cooled down enough to require a little sweater, her choice instead of layering a shirt underneath.<br />
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<br />bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-29049188052503895162015-08-26T23:16:00.001-07:002015-08-26T23:49:53.519-07:00Sashiko Embroidered Double Gauze ShirtsOh, I am so excited about this post!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VsiEU88ok1MUuzmMiez_TIZ7LTdQBSbcQbVOl6-7hHrZPXkHm_YEOHwhIAA1waB5_fyV5Ix7Lz5l2D3ABtlWJ9OwtNfY2TogTOG_45Dscp4SJs9OAwFCKSNklCUqt3aJHbw7WvMY3MLL/s1600/sashiko+shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VsiEU88ok1MUuzmMiez_TIZ7LTdQBSbcQbVOl6-7hHrZPXkHm_YEOHwhIAA1waB5_fyV5Ix7Lz5l2D3ABtlWJ9OwtNfY2TogTOG_45Dscp4SJs9OAwFCKSNklCUqt3aJHbw7WvMY3MLL/s400/sashiko+shirts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This month's <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/" target="_blank">Project Run and Play</a> theme was handwork, something I typically don't do. BUT one of the last things I did before leaving Tokyo was to sign up for a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sashiko_stitching" target="_blank">sashiko embroidery</a> class. It was such a fun experience--a friend and I did it together, and it really felt like sitting in on a sewing circle with several Japanese ladies. Most of the people in the class were repeat customers, bringing their ongoing projects back to work on them with some company. I started a great embroidered panel (that I've since finished; not sure what I'm going to do with it yet!) while getting tips on the technique from the woman teaching the class. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpNFVPdIL_aHErPaT0-9TZUWPZB-Jo3LNwhkUlaqVBrKC-Oh2jqM-gM7Sra-1K1DoKiTf5KSJa3npZBd4xtMIPduY9VBUlup3p2lkQHM5j-LgTaVvO2WCQaIUD85Z2tL9wFZx7mdHWhWa/s1600/IMG_8434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpNFVPdIL_aHErPaT0-9TZUWPZB-Jo3LNwhkUlaqVBrKC-Oh2jqM-gM7Sra-1K1DoKiTf5KSJa3npZBd4xtMIPduY9VBUlup3p2lkQHM5j-LgTaVvO2WCQaIUD85Z2tL9wFZx7mdHWhWa/s320/IMG_8434.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just getting started!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FG8nPZGy4snkP9G2qpGw206r-kUzN-wE1brZnyUEkr4CudaaXkFfShWoOKj62fUucGJJM85GdI6D7RUFTBOR6SvQwYM89ia_UHRSjIMkWLKN9VDvdKqQ7Ed0gBNvv0sz37Sv3J4tvUgc/s1600/IMG_8500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FG8nPZGy4snkP9G2qpGw206r-kUzN-wE1brZnyUEkr4CudaaXkFfShWoOKj62fUucGJJM85GdI6D7RUFTBOR6SvQwYM89ia_UHRSjIMkWLKN9VDvdKqQ7Ed0gBNvv0sz37Sv3J4tvUgc/s400/IMG_8500.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making progress--a great project for sitting on the patio with a friend!</td></tr>
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Those of you in Tokyo, I recommend it--the class is on the first Thursday of the month at the <a href="http://blueandwhitetokyo.com/about/" target="_blank">Blue and White Store in Azabu-Juban</a>!<br />
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In any case, my new sashiko skills were fresh in my mind when the ladies behind <a href="http://www.francessuzanne.com/" target="_blank">Frances Suzanne</a> posted <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/2015/08/augusts-challenge-with-frances-suzanne.html" target="_blank">their challenge for Project Run and Play this month</a>. So while a couple of months ago I probably would have passed on this one, I actually had some excellent inspiration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EwcdNuwnsYcnuCoO2hyphenhyphenaDUHUTxPjdA8n4qj2nLmz89i0b7j5JNk8jaY7wz5S8vq3j4KzmM4_xpHZqfCWa9z5fOfR86RZm1-qWAA_dfW9VDUIGJpxGs9SlIueEgml5_2aQ3tE-T1yiz0_/s1600/sashiko+tops+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EwcdNuwnsYcnuCoO2hyphenhyphenaDUHUTxPjdA8n4qj2nLmz89i0b7j5JNk8jaY7wz5S8vq3j4KzmM4_xpHZqfCWa9z5fOfR86RZm1-qWAA_dfW9VDUIGJpxGs9SlIueEgml5_2aQ3tE-T1yiz0_/s400/sashiko+tops+5.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, the timing was a little difficult--on August 9th, we left Tokyo after living there for 15 months, so I sold my machine and packed up all of my fabric and kissed it goodbye until our shipment arrives in Portland in October. But I held out a special piece of double gauze from Kokka--it's called <a href="http://item.rakuten.co.jp/nuno1000netshop/ne11100-101/" target="_blank">Ihme Chamber</a>, and when I visited the Kokka showroom in Tokyo I got to see the original watercolor for this print hanging on the wall!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFt-EbELqFWWfqPc-nTez5ToD3NyZLqh3P4j9jgkjfzYZVG6P9yHg4k4mtFQpcvaUGyskd8-TCAXmCSQ80VRyFIg3No8iu9F8AtWj47_cEhD-lO-Ka-bSRDGiq9mYX9hRPZX1VANcL9Dz/s1600/IMG_8347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFt-EbELqFWWfqPc-nTez5ToD3NyZLqh3P4j9jgkjfzYZVG6P9yHg4k4mtFQpcvaUGyskd8-TCAXmCSQ80VRyFIg3No8iu9F8AtWj47_cEhD-lO-Ka-bSRDGiq9mYX9hRPZX1VANcL9Dz/s400/IMG_8347.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cool!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvc14w_Hyihgi_98_C_qpJQNRgDJiB5pkSUJAny-Csqy7-_mUKauANthPi9PHtqlkaL_hGSUWaWDhgrlWPPcyiC-SVsHbzrZ6gXndQ1tg9JjtSeyMuODAl9-t4fGWugGH7Dx1-N5JJIi8R/s1600/IMG_8348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvc14w_Hyihgi_98_C_qpJQNRgDJiB5pkSUJAny-Csqy7-_mUKauANthPi9PHtqlkaL_hGSUWaWDhgrlWPPcyiC-SVsHbzrZ6gXndQ1tg9JjtSeyMuODAl9-t4fGWugGH7Dx1-N5JJIi8R/s400/IMG_8348.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The display of the different colorways</td></tr>
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I thought it would be perfect with my sashiko accents to make a really special item for returning to school this fall. I was planning on making a top for The Boy, but Little Sister really wanted to get in on the action too, and so I made one for her as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xMKWbOAhv3LSdkZyDzCQ6XYW9MRRvpfsQBorgZ3QJB4s3PuXrn66-FCWFDn_7g-OA7sEOLWjmUJKmisKgPcGDS8YFLeFEIybVdvETCEMyUINmsucpNIz9cCdwcrRVDaLbmokHSAC3WEE/s1600/sashiko+tops+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xMKWbOAhv3LSdkZyDzCQ6XYW9MRRvpfsQBorgZ3QJB4s3PuXrn66-FCWFDn_7g-OA7sEOLWjmUJKmisKgPcGDS8YFLeFEIybVdvETCEMyUINmsucpNIz9cCdwcrRVDaLbmokHSAC3WEE/s400/sashiko+tops+4.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Sister's top is the Norah Dress/Tunic pattern from Mouse House Creations, and<br />
The Boy has the Prepster Pullover from Blank Slate Patterns.</td></tr>
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I apologize in advance, but this is going to be a pretty long post since I used new patterns for both The Boy and Little Sister's tops, and I want to tell you about how they went together. The pictures are really cute though--you should scroll through just for those! ;) <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtkQTzdEUuCn4AoTwTrTYLekXGpYHOqy4xnqFCV3HtSsQyTl9535EWTb6vlpZ3q1dJ2YwWvgjkzSUVxAkGMEKGJExEMHlV64pEr-87bECKnWL_FXoAtAmuK0EgbWORe-oDDAU4ps_kLfX/s1600/sashiko+tops+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtkQTzdEUuCn4AoTwTrTYLekXGpYHOqy4xnqFCV3HtSsQyTl9535EWTb6vlpZ3q1dJ2YwWvgjkzSUVxAkGMEKGJExEMHlV64pEr-87bECKnWL_FXoAtAmuK0EgbWORe-oDDAU4ps_kLfX/s400/sashiko+tops+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both tops have the same sashiko embroidery detail on the pockets and the back yoke.</td></tr>
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The Boy's shirt is the <a href="http://blankslatepatterns.com/products/prepster-pullover" target="_blank">Prepster Pullover from Blank Slate Patterns</a> in size 8, with some extra length (instead of doing a standard folded under hem, I just did a bias facing so I didn't lose any length from the cut pattern piece). Otherwise I made the pattern exactly as written, and I really liked it! I was nervous about doing the placket (I've never done one before), but it came out perfectly and the method was ingenious and very simple! It made me want to start putting plackets on all the things. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqA_mI86Qm7NWHh6op0gsRjBiDpQ9mdF0WPE0RGk8B6I349CC6U-ySYvmmKJNPgXG2k7rbTgTbfRSygOwWenREFv3_rTHlnqv6PQ42zHC3_KUa7_yp9IOAGK5QQ0HDFJOG_Hi-r63bJtV/s1600/sashiko+prepster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqA_mI86Qm7NWHh6op0gsRjBiDpQ9mdF0WPE0RGk8B6I349CC6U-ySYvmmKJNPgXG2k7rbTgTbfRSygOwWenREFv3_rTHlnqv6PQ42zHC3_KUa7_yp9IOAGK5QQ0HDFJOG_Hi-r63bJtV/s400/sashiko+prepster.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to start 2nd grade!</td></tr>
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My only complaint is that size 8 is the largest size, and I just bought the pattern--I wish there were more sizes so that it would last me longer! My guy is 7 and a half and slim, and the size 8 fits really well in the body but I did add length as I mentioned--but he is tall for his age (and long of torso, which he gets from me). I have to say, it was nice to start with the short sleeved version since the long sleeves do involve a lot more steps--although I wonder if the long sleeves will need extra length for him too? The size chart doesn't give a shoulder-to-wrist measurement, just chest, waist, and hip, so you have to kind of guess on lengths.<br />
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I got the free printable sashiko embroidery pattern from <a href="http://imaginegnats.com/hand-stitching-sashiko-cheat-sheet/" target="_blank">the tutorial posted by Jo of Dotta on Imagine Gnats</a>. There are lots to choose from--I'm excited to try more of them! I printed the pattern out at 100% and it was a perfect fit on my pocket pattern piece for the Prepster Pullover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZnR1Tv3TWFEmgwGBdQ41wV0PJ1wrc9cOawoweQXPw0UUcDbyzklb61sss_Fpnv3cHYQXhPQtEnJ32U_W4-SIF2VzOeavJ81cpstMIsY7C1gjWuCwhpgVnK-wDXf1bU62XebK7G4zlGOX/s1600/sashiko+prepster+pocket+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZnR1Tv3TWFEmgwGBdQ41wV0PJ1wrc9cOawoweQXPw0UUcDbyzklb61sss_Fpnv3cHYQXhPQtEnJ32U_W4-SIF2VzOeavJ81cpstMIsY7C1gjWuCwhpgVnK-wDXf1bU62XebK7G4zlGOX/s400/sashiko+prepster+pocket+detail.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
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I can't remember now where I found this tip, but it worked so well--I traced the sashiko pattern on to a piece of the thinnest fusible interfacing I could find, then ironed it to the backside of my fabric. Then I had the design right there on the back!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF0GfRIMkV91gL5t1DBHuBvanotniisLuMXWFdf22eGh9MbzB-iOB0dhAa3cRZ0fdfFbXlXSetuM8JIBng8z3X2XDStNgI3lu86xcBa0WrQ_n8mInP8eWkgLVoUn-iL3e15svUed8lZha/s1600/sashiko+prepster+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF0GfRIMkV91gL5t1DBHuBvanotniisLuMXWFdf22eGh9MbzB-iOB0dhAa3cRZ0fdfFbXlXSetuM8JIBng8z3X2XDStNgI3lu86xcBa0WrQ_n8mInP8eWkgLVoUn-iL3e15svUed8lZha/s400/sashiko+prepster+back.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love all the little characters in this print--there's a cow, a swan, a fox, a frowny bird, <br />and of course the little guy poking his head out of a garbage can...</td></tr>
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The embroidery on the back yoke was kind of an afterthought--as I was putting it together I thought that some extra detail would look nice there, but I had already partially sewn things together and didn't want to attach interfacing. So I just traced the pattern with an air erasable marker and worked quickly! I'm so glad I added it back there--I think it makes a huge difference.<br />
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I had originally planned to make a dress for Little Sister. I just bought the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/169990880/the-norah-dress-and-tunic-pdf-sewing?ref=related-3" target="_blank">Norah pattern</a> when it was a Friday Fiver (yay!) and showed all of the cute options for collars and sleeves to Little Sister. She chose short sleeves, and she adamantly did NOT want any kind of collar. I made a mental plan to make the short sleeved dress with a center panel of sashiko embroidery down the front, and had my fabrics all cut and prepped for that, but...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zcnLy78EWIxzbKigXXMJxRQToh5Q4g33wnq8HTP5pru_4yIqI_Mo2nc85OkUcHWUcSyT_invYNmwYsT4eWz9rCmi4DjZQndlv7SKzOueBmrYqkOzPiJrLR8EUcnrewV5W2r143pGZ7G9/s1600/sashiko+norah+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zcnLy78EWIxzbKigXXMJxRQToh5Q4g33wnq8HTP5pru_4yIqI_Mo2nc85OkUcHWUcSyT_invYNmwYsT4eWz9rCmi4DjZQndlv7SKzOueBmrYqkOzPiJrLR8EUcnrewV5W2r143pGZ7G9/s400/sashiko+norah+2.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting Kindergarten!</td></tr>
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She really wanted a shirt, not a dress, since she wanted hers to be a close match to her brother's. She also vetoed the center panel (thankfully I hadn't started embroidering yet, or she would have been out of luck) in favor of a pocket like Big Brother's. I re-cut the front to put that big tree front and center for the tunic length with no embroidered center panel. Then she wanted a button placket too, but I didn't have enough fabric to cut another front panel out and I wasn't going to chop the focal point tree in half, so we compromised on the red bias tape neckline instead of the clean neckline with lining. Honestly, even though I would have loved to do a few things differently design-wise on this dress, it's so worth it to listen to her input because then we end up with a garment that she will actually wear. It's not worth it to make a dress my way that sits in the closet because I ignored what she wanted!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1N1I5Gg9jd5O0tL0dvJFDjbVP_A7EC2VWoFFM87Vh05rttd9iA1S7US_-_zf47TjiLCEVc_slp3DNOCC41XDjTxco7yQV7w_LNj5owseuzLzSp1uoVSlP9X2z1wE1Pfrq-RiKD9OkEdDF/s1600/sashiko+norah+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1N1I5Gg9jd5O0tL0dvJFDjbVP_A7EC2VWoFFM87Vh05rttd9iA1S7US_-_zf47TjiLCEVc_slp3DNOCC41XDjTxco7yQV7w_LNj5owseuzLzSp1uoVSlP9X2z1wE1Pfrq-RiKD9OkEdDF/s400/sashiko+norah+1.jpg" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turns out the pocket placement is PERFECT--she keeps putting things in there!<br />
I used the same pocket pattern from the Prepster Pullover pattern.</td></tr>
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I did line the back yoke using the same method as in the Prepster Pullover, so it's nice and clean on the inside. And of course she got the back yoke embroidery as well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHD_GHkH-CcIqptbCOJtEVyCr6y9dYcHTM4EVR0gGO1zVcYBFJ7ZsUxbT7Y2E4sY9WZA61Jw1WjQTXO4dTrxQzwkE2dwzGdq9BuhxOiC0ooqK-sNWUcWyJL2s4g1_HGfF3Y1MtZYluVLD/s1600/sashiko+norah+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHD_GHkH-CcIqptbCOJtEVyCr6y9dYcHTM4EVR0gGO1zVcYBFJ7ZsUxbT7Y2E4sY9WZA61Jw1WjQTXO4dTrxQzwkE2dwzGdq9BuhxOiC0ooqK-sNWUcWyJL2s4g1_HGfF3Y1MtZYluVLD/s400/sashiko+norah+back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the fit on this top--I was worried that the sleeves might be too full, but they are just right. I did french seams since I was using double gauze, so that did take the side seams in a tiny bit more. My kids are opposites in sizing--the 7-year-old is almost too big for the size 8, and the 5-year-old is almost too small for the size 4!<br />
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Oh, and speaking of fit, since I added the embroidery, I shortened the opening in the back of the tunic. But I shortened it too much--oops! I had to widen the neckline slightly so that Little Sister's head could fit through. But all's well that ends well!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnwPjr12Sp_DFyXMkoOMHAtCc-OqwU6WS0pq0O4xjgTLLrmkuErg18NwxFT1N6KNOVEsqg9MjESiTZPT8xQ7OfwtxBpX5d1bCJ8wii6RViijt-OskfnstrzVahLjfT2X1Zs-3ZBc2F-_m/s1600/sashiko+backs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnwPjr12Sp_DFyXMkoOMHAtCc-OqwU6WS0pq0O4xjgTLLrmkuErg18NwxFT1N6KNOVEsqg9MjESiTZPT8xQ7OfwtxBpX5d1bCJ8wii6RViijt-OskfnstrzVahLjfT2X1Zs-3ZBc2F-_m/s400/sashiko+backs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to school</td></tr>
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There was something so soothing about doing the embroidery. First of all, the project was so portable! We have been enjoying being back in our Portland house with a big front porch where we watch the neighbors go by, and it felt pretty idyllic to watch the kids eat ice cream on the porch swing while I sat and embroidered and drank craft beer. It's also a great thing to do while watching a movie (although you may miss some key visual effects while you're looking at your stitching). The longer I sew, the further down the path of special details and nice finishes I go--I'm working on being less slapdash and instant-gratification oriented, and this handwork inspiration project was really very enjoyable, and I love the results. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGeC7_NFuAoTDn80nWkL4xtjrcJwwMeiTbwgd3E9sWSnisDg6kgpq437CbvQCcaR8-n76yHMea3kovppi-nzaYpWDPg_EsxzZt5EzEMgxlDLVPF1WVY7cVU3WKG4UuUKCTWGyOshCKPqf/s1600/sashiko+tops+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGeC7_NFuAoTDn80nWkL4xtjrcJwwMeiTbwgd3E9sWSnisDg6kgpq437CbvQCcaR8-n76yHMea3kovppi-nzaYpWDPg_EsxzZt5EzEMgxlDLVPF1WVY7cVU3WKG4UuUKCTWGyOshCKPqf/s400/sashiko+tops+3.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you tell we enjoyed our photo shoot today?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8557128196197742241" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8557128196197742241" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-45054950095732049362015-08-19T00:11:00.000-07:002015-08-19T00:11:08.759-07:00Catch-up Time--a fun elastic-waist skirt!Wow, moving from one country to another does not go well with blogging! I have been out of it for a couple of weeks, what with getting ready to move back to our home in the US and then working through the settling-in process, and now I think I'm about ready to start catching up on blogging some of the projects I've finished in the last few months! <br />
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I'm taking baby steps--this first post will be a quick one on a simple elastic waist skirt I made. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4h9UHqokbisBpZoLnqz9X_ogOa1fY_SCDbJhzzkhBa3tncywaKOf0QmeINLREHSyO8WL3fCOPWp30x3RFD5HLdBW1TBl340XUqRa4_Mj-wCPVumSngdUwoQj4qOwIJzad_Js1hChb1Tx/s1600/pixel+bug+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4h9UHqokbisBpZoLnqz9X_ogOa1fY_SCDbJhzzkhBa3tncywaKOf0QmeINLREHSyO8WL3fCOPWp30x3RFD5HLdBW1TBl340XUqRa4_Mj-wCPVumSngdUwoQj4qOwIJzad_Js1hChb1Tx/s400/pixel+bug+skirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy day photo shoot!</td></tr>
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I used the same proportions as when I made <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2015/06/double-gauze-dotty-skirt.html" target="_blank">this double-gauze skirt</a>, but I only had wide white elastic, and I didn't like the way it looked with the more muted color palette of this lovely Melody Miller print. So I decided to make an easy encased elastic waistband this time, and I think it's a great look!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2yeF0B8Mcwht6579QeUe4BdHz8eTktGMi_OkTKuawkYrfxap81yjZoVQiI_HhRQfLYuGmTSnuZhvW7kEBgSdFvHInjPf426qHmW64-qq3-0KVISjMouoC-Y6X_MmK5OyysMO3ccXb2kE/s1600/DSC_0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2yeF0B8Mcwht6579QeUe4BdHz8eTktGMi_OkTKuawkYrfxap81yjZoVQiI_HhRQfLYuGmTSnuZhvW7kEBgSdFvHInjPf426qHmW64-qq3-0KVISjMouoC-Y6X_MmK5OyysMO3ccXb2kE/s400/DSC_0933.JPG" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought everything they had at Tomato in Nippori when I found this<br />Melody Miller print for about $3.25 a yard! I think I've got about 8 yards of it left.</td></tr>
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The waistband gives the skirt a little bit more professionally finished look, I think, than the exposed elastic waistband, although I think those have their place as well! Rather than just folding the fabric over to make a waistband, I cut one that was about 1.5 inches longer than my hip measurement. This reduces bulk at the waist while still allowing me to make an easy pull-on skirt. To figure the width, I just doubled the width of my elastic and added about an inch for seam allowances. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZy2ZwED4yHUDJZ2qKnOmsSYTdX-m29a_qsWIqwIX2QIrE59z5EwvlVjgygJPui3VmvSLCJg1iCokjgB1YC4PCNkdovGpZNCeQ2Oj1Z6WNvU890QXV2j7Wy3GnwW6TwRSmu4gIPnx2g0o/s1600/DSC_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZy2ZwED4yHUDJZ2qKnOmsSYTdX-m29a_qsWIqwIX2QIrE59z5EwvlVjgygJPui3VmvSLCJg1iCokjgB1YC4PCNkdovGpZNCeQ2Oj1Z6WNvU890QXV2j7Wy3GnwW6TwRSmu4gIPnx2g0o/s400/DSC_0934.JPG" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My classic pose!</td></tr>
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I attached the waistband to the inside first, then topstitched it to the outside of the skirt so that there would be no raw edges on the inside. I also did french seams on the sides, so everything is enclosed! These are the little things that I appreciate now as my sewing skills increase--my older garments with raw, fraying edges on the inside just aren't holding up as well as I'd like, plus they feel much more "homemade" rather than hand-crafted when the inside doesn't look nice!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD6N4P9Cj9Q78W91QAAyapNPqq905uyd7lDAqKay_T4nKQv3O9YDeT_sx_PHOlGsZ_Mz3Lj2r2w9-7MC-CCed-9FnK_Eu0Vw8elpmPFzYfLLExIdedc3Bd1reA4iIOMZpwINzTbLWRLFq/s1600/DSC_0938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD6N4P9Cj9Q78W91QAAyapNPqq905uyd7lDAqKay_T4nKQv3O9YDeT_sx_PHOlGsZ_Mz3Lj2r2w9-7MC-CCed-9FnK_Eu0Vw8elpmPFzYfLLExIdedc3Bd1reA4iIOMZpwINzTbLWRLFq/s400/DSC_0938.JPG" width="306" /></a></div>
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When I wear this skirt, I usually push the gathers to the back so that I get a flatter front and more poof in the back. Just personal preference! And I also like the way it looks with an untucked top, although I definitely only wear full skirts with fitted tops, unlike many of the Japanese women I see walking around! They can pull off head-to-toe loose garments, but they just look like sacks on me.<br />
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I had to finish this shoot quick, since I was really starting to get wet!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBuD0OEFT4a-wNq9hMsdFaQBGQTGe-hd9VAYt3Lj0RaiFSm2bisHKnTEMoXs3n0gmRSROlXeQXsfoSYW1Q7PXouVP_C-HrxqV5KxdBuDLcdZ9WiZHUXJbli34ua4dM0rmA4dQ62HUovRU/s1600/DSC_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBuD0OEFT4a-wNq9hMsdFaQBGQTGe-hd9VAYt3Lj0RaiFSm2bisHKnTEMoXs3n0gmRSROlXeQXsfoSYW1Q7PXouVP_C-HrxqV5KxdBuDLcdZ9WiZHUXJbli34ua4dM0rmA4dQ62HUovRU/s400/DSC_0935.JPG" width="365" /></a></div>
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The people walking down this street thought I was crazy! <br />
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I've got a few more things to show you, hopefully soon! I was pretty busy sewing things up before we left Tokyo since I knew it would be a few months before I saw all of my pretty fabric again. bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-20628442778389664522015-07-25T16:29:00.000-07:002015-07-25T16:29:00.265-07:00Double Gauze Desert Rose DressI love this new dress I made for Little Sister so much!<br />
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I don't have a lot of time left for sewing projects while I'm here in Tokyo (we move back to the US in less than 2 weeks!), but I knew I wanted to get this one done so that she could wear it in this hot, humid summer climate. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmxDX6Zrknx7CY-RMJXcvuGeP_FC7gAIRYnnl3MVmkcvaSROAg_IbZ-zLIqDFzoMeSe20FkLGH4SmsUU1JsKOu88rnrom0mR9QOMgR9M23RrOaIHVlN93DQsTvLHgXXwTV9W0Vom7XTKt/s1600/desert+rose+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmxDX6Zrknx7CY-RMJXcvuGeP_FC7gAIRYnnl3MVmkcvaSROAg_IbZ-zLIqDFzoMeSe20FkLGH4SmsUU1JsKOu88rnrom0mR9QOMgR9M23RrOaIHVlN93DQsTvLHgXXwTV9W0Vom7XTKt/s400/desert+rose+dress.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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This dress is the <a href="http://cailamade.com/product/desert-rose-dress/" target="_blank">Desert Rose pattern from Caila Made</a>, and I just loved it from the first time I saw the pattern. Of course, I am a cheapskate, so I just admired the pattern without buying it. In this case though, it paid off, because eventually this pattern was featured as a <a href="http://www.crafterhoursblog.com/category/friday-fiver" target="_blank">Friday Fiver</a>, and I was able to snap it up for just $5! However, this was months ago, and although I printed the pattern out right away, it still took me ages to get going on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUklF-9LMURGs1qda8phdnADZAgc7kmvRn_mrESq815KfZYompjUOC8xrip8PeJF03ah6dDAE8y0rza5RUdMsC1M17ji5IrS7NLUAG_p_M3M4BoyZprg29gFGjz-3pZWLrtdOaX9J8PniT/s1600/desert+rose+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUklF-9LMURGs1qda8phdnADZAgc7kmvRn_mrESq815KfZYompjUOC8xrip8PeJF03ah6dDAE8y0rza5RUdMsC1M17ji5IrS7NLUAG_p_M3M4BoyZprg29gFGjz-3pZWLrtdOaX9J8PniT/s400/desert+rose+3.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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The main fabric for the skirt is a beautiful double gauze by Nani Iro (called Fuccra). When I lucked into finding a 2-meter cut for less than $10 because of a small print error, I knew it was perfect for my Desert Rose dress. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcSKSuNZKmx2SG3U3BzExznfSJOX1_6T010qez6wroc60iOZLJ9ZDpmKonFzWE6Nf6F8jibR33GBcp-AFUgTbXvaqnG_vZy4v3yRQDbNCmkQrjguZmC0ULHn5UpEUSKn7rVLYO_4AbEbu/s1600/IMG_8613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcSKSuNZKmx2SG3U3BzExznfSJOX1_6T010qez6wroc60iOZLJ9ZDpmKonFzWE6Nf6F8jibR33GBcp-AFUgTbXvaqnG_vZy4v3yRQDbNCmkQrjguZmC0ULHn5UpEUSKn7rVLYO_4AbEbu/s400/IMG_8613.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See that little white stripe? That was the only error in the whole 2 meter cut!</td></tr>
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And I had a lovely lightweight coral batiste that matched perfectly that I could use for the bodice--I wanted the whole thing to be floaty and light and comfortable for the humid heat of a Tokyo summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdgaf00IPp0cZFTS8NDsoHy7eamvwpSA9-NWXWR5iiIceMHrwYk28hoeNYPaXoZHf9zXeOR45Fj3hrKucfsYoxEobLh0UwF0DqULAt2Uc-vuRl7VuMi-oBBuPgytWETqSj-EyjxlLN11w/s1600/desert+rose+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdgaf00IPp0cZFTS8NDsoHy7eamvwpSA9-NWXWR5iiIceMHrwYk28hoeNYPaXoZHf9zXeOR45Fj3hrKucfsYoxEobLh0UwF0DqULAt2Uc-vuRl7VuMi-oBBuPgytWETqSj-EyjxlLN11w/s400/desert+rose+2.jpg" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The breeze really does pick it up--it's a good twirler too!</td></tr>
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I wanted to make sure the bodice didn't gape, so I made a size 3 bodice based on Little Sister's measurements (her chest measurement matched the size 3 exactly on the chart, even though she's 5 years old) and it fits perfectly. Since my bodice fabric was so lightweight (semi-sheer, actually, so it's nice that it's lined, and I used the same fabric for the lining), I interfaced the button placket on both sides and it feels secure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPh80Pm0WWO1FpfapfqaJSMenbTQQapTxzQt4y_xULMvNsCCFDsnqvFpvGa-QXAEeDQgvvznYuU-nP-KzBbyulNYhbhDghihn_MkpVzM0wOkN3-pBORSp0rsVcaSsKLfFx8NKshwak9u9P/s1600/desert+rose+bodice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPh80Pm0WWO1FpfapfqaJSMenbTQQapTxzQt4y_xULMvNsCCFDsnqvFpvGa-QXAEeDQgvvznYuU-nP-KzBbyulNYhbhDghihn_MkpVzM0wOkN3-pBORSp0rsVcaSsKLfFx8NKshwak9u9P/s400/desert+rose+bodice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I thought I would be clever on the skirt--I used the angled tunic skirt with a size 3 at the top but a size 8 in length, thinking that would get me to dress length without printing the dress skirt pattern pages, but I wasn't thinking about the fact that the size 3 bodice is shorter than the size 5. So my dress was shorter than I wanted. Next time I'll go ahead and assemble the skirt pattern pages to make sure I get the length I want!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-FlpfN8ZAjN1xn7n9X-Zvdjjcq7gFZgRTH_MoVb9cQDS14bIuYhUFUvEraotAM6UEIsHLQydAExoETL0o0N4G9MGFMifN7YhPqGOcoVEkxEsABIz8UbjNkfMTKBnAqPh1cuWi6RGOqmh/s1600/IMG_8614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-FlpfN8ZAjN1xn7n9X-Zvdjjcq7gFZgRTH_MoVb9cQDS14bIuYhUFUvEraotAM6UEIsHLQydAExoETL0o0N4G9MGFMifN7YhPqGOcoVEkxEsABIz8UbjNkfMTKBnAqPh1cuWi6RGOqmh/s400/IMG_8614.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">However, I was able to cut it perfectly to avoid the print error!</td></tr>
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Fortunately, I really like the look of the 4" panel of the bodice fabric at the hem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlTt1ILMq5Z6Jo5AKomdUbQ3gbvSrgB0mDIuL7q9SF3XHQpGIJASiBjZ_opC7bFtVTMJAt6b5qWLv34jnFFwhr_QehiWi2aRfveEXVmbTVwXUL8sDyPmeLKJTDNcT4ORLMJFxpr5zpyQB/s1600/desert+rose+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlTt1ILMq5Z6Jo5AKomdUbQ3gbvSrgB0mDIuL7q9SF3XHQpGIJASiBjZ_opC7bFtVTMJAt6b5qWLv34jnFFwhr_QehiWi2aRfveEXVmbTVwXUL8sDyPmeLKJTDNcT4ORLMJFxpr5zpyQB/s400/desert+rose+back.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How pretty is that Nani Iro fabric!?</td></tr>
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I really liked the way this pattern came together. It all looks so professional inside! I used french seams on the skirt since double gauze frays pretty easily, so there are no raw edges on the inside anywhere. AND no hand-sewing on the bodice lining, since you topstitch the outside of the bodice instead! I loved that. <br />
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Also, this pattern has pockets--I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of them, since pockets are usually my favorite feature. I guess it speaks to how much I love this dress overall that the pockets are practically an afterthought, although they came in handy yesterday when my daughter had some drawings she wanted to carry around!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ujAclMBlakwER9F9OCHcPPVxeD_6vIe8hIApXoVvU03kqGbzf_QGnsqn80i4xmtxN-Gj-ZamRCzxwTBYuVeue_GydcbwDP9XBjuiH6HDRRutDPqkwcNRvAvdLbNIfMe3DbFxs0zIkMjO/s1600/desert+rose+silly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ujAclMBlakwER9F9OCHcPPVxeD_6vIe8hIApXoVvU03kqGbzf_QGnsqn80i4xmtxN-Gj-ZamRCzxwTBYuVeue_GydcbwDP9XBjuiH6HDRRutDPqkwcNRvAvdLbNIfMe3DbFxs0zIkMjO/s400/desert+rose+silly.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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Now I've got to see if I can squeak a top for myself out of the remaining meter of that Nani Iro Fuccra double gauze! <br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-iFmziINriPM%2FVaynoBF8KEI%2FAAAAAAAATUo%2FfWezF-bAsOo%2Fs400%2Fdesert%252Brose%252Bback.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 186px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3200px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-iFmziINriPM%2FVaynoBF8KEI%2FAAAAAAAATUo%2FfWezF-bAsOo%2Fs400%2Fdesert%252Brose%252Bback.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 186px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3200px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-89665820014440731642015-07-19T23:44:00.000-07:002015-07-19T23:44:48.838-07:00Skirting the Issue 2015: My contributionHi! This is a quick post to show you a couple of quick skirts that I made and tell you about a really cool project going on this month, <a href="http://www.simplesimonandco.com/2015/07/skirting-the-issue-2015-link-up-and-donation-resource-list.html/" target="_blank">Skirting the Issue</a>. <a href="http://www.simplesimonandco.com/" target="_blank">Simple Simon and Company</a> host this event in order to inspire sewists to donate skirts to kids in foster care, just in time for the start of the new school year, and they are collaborating with several sewing bloggers this month to provide lots of free skirt patterns and tutorials. The goal is to collect 1000 skirts this year, and if you'd like to participate the details are in the link I provided above--the basics are that you sew a skirt (or several) by August 15th and donate it to an organization in your area that provides clothing to foster kids. Then you let the ladies at Simple Simon know how many skirts you made so that they can keep track. <br />
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I made this simple elastic-waist full skirt from some fun Melody Miller Rubystar fabric:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsor4ANHQelajbrLb0rzRjumEmdsQpkR4o3M-fWS8FzazGEIpne3-iMDpN9mmRRnWavV8kBJyG3997jt0954oZED_sEcdGrsvyg1z7HDGm0IioSdhlBV3FP3pWQPxfSMQ6ydkKouIlARi/s1600/DSC_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsor4ANHQelajbrLb0rzRjumEmdsQpkR4o3M-fWS8FzazGEIpne3-iMDpN9mmRRnWavV8kBJyG3997jt0954oZED_sEcdGrsvyg1z7HDGm0IioSdhlBV3FP3pWQPxfSMQ6ydkKouIlARi/s400/DSC_0959.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">size 3T</td></tr>
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And this knit a-line skirt with a yoga waistband, using <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2015/07/striped-bias-skirt-tutorial-and-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">this tutorial from Craftiness is not Optional</a>:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlzaB5BwwLIVayM8jKA5wnKNMXgYqjTSbPH0eiuKDLkXK-5fkA5MdXzK0O0CL4fzvYg-kc3u2_a4pG3Gmacux8IdA-71Ep0MPUIVWbkrRcrqVGWZ1UZP3tPCjHbSJ1Fcno8kYb0Th55nq/s1600/DSC_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlzaB5BwwLIVayM8jKA5wnKNMXgYqjTSbPH0eiuKDLkXK-5fkA5MdXzK0O0CL4fzvYg-kc3u2_a4pG3Gmacux8IdA-71Ep0MPUIVWbkrRcrqVGWZ1UZP3tPCjHbSJ1Fcno8kYb0Th55nq/s400/DSC_0957.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this one is a size 5, but was totally too big for my skinny 5-year-old!</td></tr>
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I'll be mailing my skirts to <a href="http://withloveoregon.org/" target="_blank">With Love Oregon</a>, an awesome organization that helps set up foster parents with great quality clothing and other supplies they need to help them successfully bring a foster child into their family. I'd be happy to provide you with a mailing address for your donations if you'd like to participate!<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7kgDGY_pg9E%2FVayWlZ9qLQI%2FAAAAAAAATTs%2Fc34Y7washCo%2Fs400%2FDSC_0959.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 240px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7kgDGY_pg9E%2FVayWlZ9qLQI%2FAAAAAAAATTs%2Fc34Y7washCo%2Fs400%2FDSC_0959.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 240px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-80173123583554100132015-07-17T19:50:00.002-07:002015-07-17T19:52:03.682-07:00Summer Outfit from Free Patterns!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been struggling with getting decent pictures lately, which makes me less motivated to get new things up on my blog. For some reason, I just could NOT get the photos of this outfit in focus. My least favorite thing about doing this blog is getting photos of myself--sometimes, using the remote is easy, but more often than not I just can't get the focus or exposure right when I don't have anything to focus on. As I was going through these photos, I can see my facial expression getting more and more strained as I failed to get the shots I wanted, and of course I feel weird whenever people walk by. <br />
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BUT! I will still share the outfit, because these are good patterns and you should try them out. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9v_BqHtxZHdB7xOfk04VfxcvMZrxZZ9LD9zV-km1t2mG6V_He6JowAx2dZtS-_cdjcvRKWeylCd7JmMj_4FZR93X2y5TkEvy3oqsnF-cxH9f5rMYe_RvdhkUFuJdSp7yfEkjcNKJSRY2/s1600/tee+and+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9v_BqHtxZHdB7xOfk04VfxcvMZrxZZ9LD9zV-km1t2mG6V_He6JowAx2dZtS-_cdjcvRKWeylCd7JmMj_4FZR93X2y5TkEvy3oqsnF-cxH9f5rMYe_RvdhkUFuJdSp7yfEkjcNKJSRY2/s400/tee+and+skirt.jpg" width="363" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You get the idea.</td></tr>
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First, the skirt. This is the free <a href="http://so-sew-easy.com/pleated-skirt-pattern/" target="_blank">Simple Summer Pleated Skirt pattern from Sew So Easy</a>, and here are my thoughts about it.<br />
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1. The pattern goes together easily and looks really professional. Here's my back zip! I really liked putting it together. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX32wf2U1BLXJRpMdn7z_LCLgA5iA1KFdopNtkJqIYjXpuad3a6oF9u_Rk1H4c5jMeAS3hVTx1-Y1mcL85eJYHH0bQC8LKF1CTWeVeuqKNGoYAFsnC9czQD9VyM-w6qRpoQ99JDfWCthXg/s1600/pleat+skirt+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX32wf2U1BLXJRpMdn7z_LCLgA5iA1KFdopNtkJqIYjXpuad3a6oF9u_Rk1H4c5jMeAS3hVTx1-Y1mcL85eJYHH0bQC8LKF1CTWeVeuqKNGoYAFsnC9czQD9VyM-w6qRpoQ99JDfWCthXg/s400/pleat+skirt+back.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern matching WHAT!</td></tr>
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2. The pattern suggests using a lightweight drapey fabric, and I concur. I used a stiffer Japanese linen/cotton blend, and I'm not in love with the way it falls. This pattern is not meant for a structured skirt. You could, however, use a more structured fabric for the waistband but something with drape for the skirt. I was thinking the structured fabric would give the skirt more of a pencil look, but it doesn't. I'm thinking of trying <a href="http://www.deliacreates.com/pleated-pencil-skirt-pattern-release/" target="_blank">Delia's pleated pencil skirt</a> to get the effect I was going for here. <br />
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3. The pattern runs big. I cut out the appropriate waistband based on my measurements, and had to cut out over 3 inches altogether. Be sure to test your waistband size before you attach it to the skirt.<br />
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4. There are POCKETS! Yay.<br />
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The top is the free <a href="http://icandy-handmade.com/2012/05/tutorial-and-pattern-perfect-fitted-cap.html" target="_blank">Perfect Cap Sleeve Tee from iCandy Homemade</a>. I have made this top a few times before, and I love its simplicity. The free pattern is a size medium, and it works well for a loose top on me. This time though, I was going for a more fitted look, so I tried cutting this one smaller just by placing the pattern off the fold a little bit. That was not the best way to do the fit adjustment because now I don't like the neckline quite as much and the sleeves fit a little weird (I added the sleeve bands, but that's not the problem), but it's still baggier than I want in the torso. I will have to play around with resizing this pattern differently to get the fit I want.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCnHmBiI_wVJkVkBUAzQ6Z-q7lhBBU6IqB8bhKNCuKHo0C-Xb7dbNUCykLxeNn-voQkQCEd5PwK2L8em00nYm1hn1mdiUSK-5tuZtxwcQ7tVOFra29tts2BGeAK46u6_OBd4li6jbKTRz/s1600/DSC_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCnHmBiI_wVJkVkBUAzQ6Z-q7lhBBU6IqB8bhKNCuKHo0C-Xb7dbNUCykLxeNn-voQkQCEd5PwK2L8em00nYm1hn1mdiUSK-5tuZtxwcQ7tVOFra29tts2BGeAK46u6_OBd4li6jbKTRz/s400/DSC_0996.JPG" width="340" /></a></div>
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This fabric is a slub knit from Girl Charlee. It's almost see through but not quite--I can get away with it if I wear a nude bra. Anyway, I like this outfit better with the shirt tucked in (NOT my usual M.O. but in this case...)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPLT0iBSgsOL5YXgAO_sbl13h6SckmwlhWf8RRw-fx_bJE6-aqYmz_7-uwN9LoSCUNEecD9xVIEBmch5rsTCC4BR0oma-e9OdJBiVEX56yZ4MUjCe_XN6BNmSx08R567xkVQ1mcxYuXm8/s1600/tee+and+skirt+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPLT0iBSgsOL5YXgAO_sbl13h6SckmwlhWf8RRw-fx_bJE6-aqYmz_7-uwN9LoSCUNEecD9xVIEBmch5rsTCC4BR0oma-e9OdJBiVEX56yZ4MUjCe_XN6BNmSx08R567xkVQ1mcxYuXm8/s400/tee+and+skirt+back.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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Anyway, there's an outfit I made lately and am moderately happy with but not excited. It can't all be perfect!</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-u05qaOlmeZ8%2FVam6856y9mI%2FAAAAAAAATTE%2FndNmWTrRMe8%2Fs400%2Ftee%252Band%252Bskirt%252Bback.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 207px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1889px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-u05qaOlmeZ8%2FVam6856y9mI%2FAAAAAAAATTE%2FndNmWTrRMe8%2Fs400%2Ftee%252Band%252Bskirt%252Bback.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 207px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1889px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-u05qaOlmeZ8%2FVam6856y9mI%2FAAAAAAAATTE%2FndNmWTrRMe8%2Fs400%2Ftee%252Band%252Bskirt%252Bback.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 207px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1889px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-u05qaOlmeZ8%2FVam6856y9mI%2FAAAAAAAATTE%2FndNmWTrRMe8%2Fs400%2Ftee%252Band%252Bskirt%252Bback.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 207px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1889px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-76748733897119848372015-07-02T18:25:00.000-07:002015-07-02T18:25:00.414-07:00Sleeveless Out and About DressAnother dress--my favorite thing to make!<div>
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This dress is a sleeveless version of the <a href="http://sewcaroline.com/2014/02/out-and-about-dress-2.html" target="_blank">Out and About Dress from Sew Caroline</a>. I sewed up a <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2015/03/selfish-sewing-week-spring-2015-is-here.html" target="_blank">3/4 sleeve one from a thick knit</a> a few months back, and knew I would need a sleeveless one for summer. When I found this lightweight knit for 100 yen per meter, it was time to give it a try!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCyc2v03ojFdKtuJzLR0TCWU-jdbWpRo8LcyHOv28ISjFqU_1cm5jHCNZNIBehcsnhyphenhyphenXiQDKztwOK3BOx5li9qvMLJDtRRNMAfyMkqXrcFuJ39uFEL29CTEtamKmz30DLLqa4Z-ckVw7D/s1600/sleeveless+out+and+about.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCyc2v03ojFdKtuJzLR0TCWU-jdbWpRo8LcyHOv28ISjFqU_1cm5jHCNZNIBehcsnhyphenhyphenXiQDKztwOK3BOx5li9qvMLJDtRRNMAfyMkqXrcFuJ39uFEL29CTEtamKmz30DLLqa4Z-ckVw7D/s400/sleeveless+out+and+about.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
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I struggled a little bit with the sizing on this dress--as a matter of fact, it was an issue the last time I made it as well, but in that case I was using a more unfamiliar fabric and thought that was where the problems came from. According to my measurements, I am between a medium and large for this pattern, leaning to the large. I cut out the medium but used slightly smaller seam allowances than the 1/2 inch the pattern calls for...and it was really too big. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIni9e50zRw87XqSvjX_2sccejb5odhdoHSUAPYL9LhGsYGt0yJPop-HMwYtx5IUM9K3BTXRsCZGOBhoWqxi3sLQEuJtColudemMmhtWV-TH8OXEs3fbJF4oMVSZCPCHO9F7-OPFwJToog/s1600/IMG_8132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIni9e50zRw87XqSvjX_2sccejb5odhdoHSUAPYL9LhGsYGt0yJPop-HMwYtx5IUM9K3BTXRsCZGOBhoWqxi3sLQEuJtColudemMmhtWV-TH8OXEs3fbJF4oMVSZCPCHO9F7-OPFwJToog/s400/IMG_8132.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">frump-a-dump</td></tr>
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First I thought I would try adding elastic to the waistline on the inside, maybe giving the top a loose, blousy look. But it didn't really work; the whole bodice just seemed to pull to the back.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDqIYo8aZMYxPSauvZHaPO4RkxTPSfTn8Bys_BSEITo2XZ9Cwov_2oEjnAkknQWAmWvdcMZ86nUxAV08cVpAJyfJ0Kv__Y_CNtqnthA8LpTP0MI6PGTN9zyQ_GTUwLU60Xp4B8QMmcozx/s1600/IMG_8135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDqIYo8aZMYxPSauvZHaPO4RkxTPSfTn8Bys_BSEITo2XZ9Cwov_2oEjnAkknQWAmWvdcMZ86nUxAV08cVpAJyfJ0Kv__Y_CNtqnthA8LpTP0MI6PGTN9zyQ_GTUwLU60Xp4B8QMmcozx/s400/IMG_8135.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">well hello there, munchkin.</td></tr>
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I actually wore it out like this, with a belt, but decided by the end of the day that it was a no-go.</div>
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In the end, I had to remove the elastic and re-sew the side seams an inch further in on both sides (so removing almost 4 full inches from the bodice!) Also (and this actually made the biggest difference, I think), I shortened the bodice by about 2 inches. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0PoEaWIFsHuAAwtX5xlX-snLnCFJFtuhJR_4qdsqzpZ6S2wolj0qInGSQ29O5SrR2ksYbIsmwfwX07zphj83IBCxK9GlCpB4h0Y-W45RyghKdDoli2tvGuGGRMxyrAChvrGG0Su-VZMz/s1600/DSC_0976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0PoEaWIFsHuAAwtX5xlX-snLnCFJFtuhJR_4qdsqzpZ6S2wolj0qInGSQ29O5SrR2ksYbIsmwfwX07zphj83IBCxK9GlCpB4h0Y-W45RyghKdDoli2tvGuGGRMxyrAChvrGG0Su-VZMz/s400/DSC_0976.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's better!</td></tr>
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This was a problem I had the last time I made this dress too--the bodice just looks too long on me! It doesn't look that way in the pattern photos, so I don't know why mine keeps coming out wrong. It's also strange because I have a long torso--I am typically lengthening things, not shortening them, but I guess when it comes to a bodice seam line I just like mine a little north of the natural waist. Looks like it's time to slice the bottom of off my bodice pattern pieces!</div>
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Other modifications: surprise surprise, I made the neckline a little bigger, as usual. I also made the skirt panels about 3" narrower so that I could just use the whole width of my fabric. The pattern calls for the skirt panels to be 30" wide, but my fabric was 54" wide so I just cut two 27" panels.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOjio_qdQ6yE7zrrV0ARwyVX3Xtb9LMRQ8sNjCSiDL-4S4fIAH4-5T6Br-T38m1VSQkoY5JPWeTt27Usj5wH6B9gGGG4uJJmPIctkpXTdLgzMP_NoqbfVAOisYORdHp_UIhyphenhyphenO8tWL_frt/s1600/sleeveless+oao+pockets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOjio_qdQ6yE7zrrV0ARwyVX3Xtb9LMRQ8sNjCSiDL-4S4fIAH4-5T6Br-T38m1VSQkoY5JPWeTt27Usj5wH6B9gGGG4uJJmPIctkpXTdLgzMP_NoqbfVAOisYORdHp_UIhyphenhyphenO8tWL_frt/s400/sleeveless+oao+pockets.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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All that said, I really do like this dress and this pattern. Now that I THINK I've got the fit dialed in, this dress should go together really quickly. It's comfy and it's got great pockets and lots of sleeve and length options, so I'm glad it's a pattern that's in my repertoire. </div>
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Oh, I also wanted to show you a close up of this fabric. It's really light and soft, with a neat diagonal texture to it, and I like the way it looks on the neck and arm binding:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9Y4Ph6U2MJG-8yP5K3MyYQFenbP3q_yDWQJoTvgpQZBxOE0VIAQkpZsH1xHo3MqWb8V8NTqt_JZhidY5J7yoONTwvuctDygyKqW5CnkYfP6OLh3IeFhcUoWIOgjXkSOXotSdIPQpvIAI/s1600/DSC_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9Y4Ph6U2MJG-8yP5K3MyYQFenbP3q_yDWQJoTvgpQZBxOE0VIAQkpZsH1xHo3MqWb8V8NTqt_JZhidY5J7yoONTwvuctDygyKqW5CnkYfP6OLh3IeFhcUoWIOgjXkSOXotSdIPQpvIAI/s400/DSC_0988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm sure that part of my fit problem was because the fabric is verrrrry stretchy, so I should have cut it smaller to account for that. Ah well, you live, you learn! It's pretty great to be able to buy fabric so cheaply so I'm not afraid to just mess around and try new patterns--if it didn't work out, I would only have been out about $2! Plus my time, of course.</div>
bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-6421727254055057112015-06-23T21:28:00.000-07:002015-06-23T21:28:09.671-07:00Nani Iro Pajama ShortsI have to admit, I am not much of a shorts person. But after seeing <a href="http://imaginegnats.com/shorts-on-the-line/" target="_blank">Shorts on the Line</a>, hosted by Rachael at <a href="http://imaginegnats.com/" target="_blank">Imagine Gnats</a> for the last few years, I've been thinking it might be fun to try making some.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTrF1LdMqf61nDi8NEJ7jdFaqg1hQ2_olRNOLdaymFqeRgs08TW1PyEaHTtsr0c3yCWG6kxPAlX2WPoWtiI_Ey5omE3fojqlyxWOSGLBtbdc9_758usNnmluTJu28QKgBTd6OX1Vyj-Lb/s1600/pj+shorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTrF1LdMqf61nDi8NEJ7jdFaqg1hQ2_olRNOLdaymFqeRgs08TW1PyEaHTtsr0c3yCWG6kxPAlX2WPoWtiI_Ey5omE3fojqlyxWOSGLBtbdc9_758usNnmluTJu28QKgBTd6OX1Vyj-Lb/s400/pj+shorts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, these are pj's, so it's still baby steps--I'm not ready to try making shorts to be worn in public yet. But as pajamas go, these are maybe the best I've ever had. As a matter of fact, I made two pairs--one to try out the pattern before cutting into my Nani Iro double gauze (it's Pocho Adzuki Bean, a dark eggplant color--love it!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRfydyUGSN0opVTLtYHif6w6eFMj0yynFWbcPiQpAbBzX-jK2fKO4lsB2-JxHf2z91bXLUcNpSepl5QfpOyg2O_6LcUA3Uynr4ykmyw6gh0S1mE4NWDiQxppYzl2-MPb6vGZu4E7bhpxM/s1600/DSC_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRfydyUGSN0opVTLtYHif6w6eFMj0yynFWbcPiQpAbBzX-jK2fKO4lsB2-JxHf2z91bXLUcNpSepl5QfpOyg2O_6LcUA3Uynr4ykmyw6gh0S1mE4NWDiQxppYzl2-MPb6vGZu4E7bhpxM/s400/DSC_0992.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first pair is made from double gauze printed in Japan. I love this fun print and I have bought it in several different colors!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYcin4s1n8T-jMLu3UAnTHn-MoDbgW_JFH1CpDvQZnCa4bMmvO6HrMj8GINPwrwGCRHjD7PVod-2jAqIQrrZDW4xm1ZoUfl-EgorSxV8vk8cADCwdcFxWlABIhZCnN4eahUvbyZW5VH05/s1600/IMG_8068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYcin4s1n8T-jMLu3UAnTHn-MoDbgW_JFH1CpDvQZnCa4bMmvO6HrMj8GINPwrwGCRHjD7PVod-2jAqIQrrZDW4xm1ZoUfl-EgorSxV8vk8cADCwdcFxWlABIhZCnN4eahUvbyZW5VH05/s400/IMG_8068.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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I used the <a href="http://mellysews.com/2013/07/bias-trimmed-shorts-for-women-with-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">free Bias Trim Shorts pattern from Melly Sews</a>, and since I was using a woven instead of a knit, I followed her instructions from <a href="http://mellysews.com/2013/07/sew-pajamas-with-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>, where she makes a pair out of a satiny fabric. Basically I slit the pattern pieces in the middle and added another half-inch of width to both pieces. She says to add a quarter of an inch, but I'm slightly larger than the measurements she gives for the pattern so I bumped it up a little extra. I also added about .75 inch to the length just for the heck of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23tZUhCv9BQRGrOpsBXM4YoN0iZyPBSMuSCJzGggXjxp1PZfpZpd8cv8xyFGK-51ra0ucKM4vX8xo6ZnCCUBwxtNdNZKPQ6CsGcsG9AGDhyVhhsC0HTbBUgpujTr_98VFWdgGiaZxxhbf/s1600/DSC_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23tZUhCv9BQRGrOpsBXM4YoN0iZyPBSMuSCJzGggXjxp1PZfpZpd8cv8xyFGK-51ra0ucKM4vX8xo6ZnCCUBwxtNdNZKPQ6CsGcsG9AGDhyVhhsC0HTbBUgpujTr_98VFWdgGiaZxxhbf/s320/DSC_0996.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just what you want to see, right? A couple of pictures of my butt.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ICcVlQkPAYvw82nG_aFpOp7KtjsLlcdprMRIPzKn0oydwyraq_JGDe_uIG5EUMsvboPzKsrkSUK8lynRbb397GlSKQqE34jY70dIufPFcvalC4ousZ0pLxfEXAMtLiHWTyomYNyVreUZ/s1600/IMG_8072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ICcVlQkPAYvw82nG_aFpOp7KtjsLlcdprMRIPzKn0oydwyraq_JGDe_uIG5EUMsvboPzKsrkSUK8lynRbb397GlSKQqE34jY70dIufPFcvalC4ousZ0pLxfEXAMtLiHWTyomYNyVreUZ/s200/IMG_8072.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe this is the real reason why I don't sew more pants...</td></tr>
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I made both pairs exactly the same way--I was so pleased with how the first pair came out that I didn't change a thing for the Nani Iro pair!<br />
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In addition to changing the sizing slightly, I also used single fold bias tape instead of double fold. This was mostly for practical reasons--the bias tape I wanted to use just happened to be single fold! For the first pair, I had a package of vintage bias tape in exactly the right color, and it was a little bit silky, not a basic cotton kind. Nice for pajamas, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHGmwDZgwSse2dqoZUoTWQvLNW-OdlDkb3rFj7ZoZcomEu5Cr8Me-bAjIr33LkgunmmglvEtH_fSFMKn4MwIbeofsxUJDWhRLCjlmR2jryM4UKu8II9XNhtEqG1-ofT6PlLN9maxrj1Ij/s1600/IMG_8071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHGmwDZgwSse2dqoZUoTWQvLNW-OdlDkb3rFj7ZoZcomEu5Cr8Me-bAjIr33LkgunmmglvEtH_fSFMKn4MwIbeofsxUJDWhRLCjlmR2jryM4UKu8II9XNhtEqG1-ofT6PlLN9maxrj1Ij/s400/IMG_8071.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
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And for the second pair, I knew I wanted to use the bias tape I found at my local 100 yen store, made from traditional Japanese print fabric. Unfortunately, it only came in 1 meter packs, and I couldn't find more than 2 packs of any one print. The pattern calls for 3 meters, but after making the first pair I thought I might be able to fudge it, since some of the bias tape ends up hidden on the inside when you sew the side seams together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzYY4Q1hsyOLAUz5YrWBhdYD6drWCT0zdMn6cmVuIApwF8-cg1Gto5e4vPukVtZWM4m7PTEjGkw3lNcz5G6tebzGbr85rFlktyRkQjwuj_OhyNqBTjEXN4xC74PU1XiVSmt_CHRUELrVA/s1600/DSC_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzYY4Q1hsyOLAUz5YrWBhdYD6drWCT0zdMn6cmVuIApwF8-cg1Gto5e4vPukVtZWM4m7PTEjGkw3lNcz5G6tebzGbr85rFlktyRkQjwuj_OhyNqBTjEXN4xC74PU1XiVSmt_CHRUELrVA/s400/DSC_0995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This worked great--I used exactly one meter on each side of the shorts, and was able to hide the unfinished edges on the inside. As a matter of fact, I cut the back pattern pieces so that the exposed edge was on the selvage, so there weren't any raw edges to speak of.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuR1OoaKoVc1FXSpzjJNuJrmD03EWLPZYR4efpdG_1D6XlhTqrO1Bg7qWM2F3y_Tpe6ZZTTqo0AFNnel-FfihEAfXfh_TWf0B0os_0bLl6kMwCAa_fIBgAHLT_06AIerURyTTFPQ4aZ27e/s1600/IMG_8170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuR1OoaKoVc1FXSpzjJNuJrmD03EWLPZYR4efpdG_1D6XlhTqrO1Bg7qWM2F3y_Tpe6ZZTTqo0AFNnel-FfihEAfXfh_TWf0B0os_0bLl6kMwCAa_fIBgAHLT_06AIerURyTTFPQ4aZ27e/s400/IMG_8170.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the front and back pieces for one side, sewn together and with bias tape attached.<br />You can see the white selvage edge where I ran out of bias tape.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKCSxXuLIGvykrh8sTyM5qX4ZphJdxsKahSUzCIwoC_AZH76TFV98j0p7zKwU90VRRhk1RDiadvN-kSgkDNfSGZAY0RSYMLCynWBBP8xSGx93toq5ELKrcJgQxk-Qg8_tI9D2KnGSx-c_/s1600/IMG_8172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKCSxXuLIGvykrh8sTyM5qX4ZphJdxsKahSUzCIwoC_AZH76TFV98j0p7zKwU90VRRhk1RDiadvN-kSgkDNfSGZAY0RSYMLCynWBBP8xSGx93toq5ELKrcJgQxk-Qg8_tI9D2KnGSx-c_/s400/IMG_8172.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's how the inside looks when you use single fold bias tape instead of double.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Nani Iro double gauze I used was a great deal--I found two .6 meter cuts of it for 360 yen each (about $3) since there was a little bit of a print error. I don't know if you can tell, but some of the dots have a tiny dot of the background color on them. I think it looks fine!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qWmgwJZpesvxQholy7UhA_n_unmT_Hbm31ged9vLyeP_vnlTbqMEIxBaqzS7CMMRWhdmRG4lWmXHey3eYkMCUKDQrmF-VPPvqY5DJobr73DuUD_1Xbc_uwf_GVTIiHLHIlnf1CMAyqaY/s1600/IMG_8174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qWmgwJZpesvxQholy7UhA_n_unmT_Hbm31ged9vLyeP_vnlTbqMEIxBaqzS7CMMRWhdmRG4lWmXHey3eYkMCUKDQrmF-VPPvqY5DJobr73DuUD_1Xbc_uwf_GVTIiHLHIlnf1CMAyqaY/s400/IMG_8174.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-sewing it all together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And I still have enough left to make a pair of shorts for Little Sister (although I'll have to find a different bias tape to use on hers.) I'm actually hoping more of this bias tape will turn up, because I'd love to make a bias-trimmed tank top to go with these.<br />
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One final shot, to show how they look proportionally. It felt weird to have a whole post with no pictures of my face!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtixCezDraT5-T92IR52hIstcTM74VbMBm-6Wcq1U7v7vI9wKUQQJGuG9KFAYHRj8w4LNWGIhJ5_se-wELYLzazk33SQOkLmCS1osAAZxWdMBSB-cY9ObHAFP0b5JFWWJ-gajel0b_Vnvj/s1600/IMG_8188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtixCezDraT5-T92IR52hIstcTM74VbMBm-6Wcq1U7v7vI9wKUQQJGuG9KFAYHRj8w4LNWGIhJ5_se-wELYLzazk33SQOkLmCS1osAAZxWdMBSB-cY9ObHAFP0b5JFWWJ-gajel0b_Vnvj/s400/IMG_8188.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-09c2TaMvPis%2FVYodwIX3vDI%2FAAAAAAAATLI%2FroJpdQejv94%2Fs400%2Fpj%252Bshorts.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.36&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 90px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-09c2TaMvPis%2FVYodwIX3vDI%2FAAAAAAAATLI%2FroJpdQejv94%2Fs400%2Fpj%252Bshorts.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.36&xuid=8AqFM8nK0aTN&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 90px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-22993675709165353682015-06-21T19:21:00.000-07:002015-06-29T20:16:03.080-07:00Everyday ElsaI have a confession to make--I am <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/2015/06/june-link-up-party.html?m=1" target="_blank">linking this dress up</a> to this month's <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/?m=1" target="_blank">Project Run and Play</a>, but I didn't make it specifically for that. Edited--I planned to link it up, but I was too late! Just missed the collection. Boo.<br />
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As a matter of fact, I had been checking frequently to find out what June's pattern would be, and when I saw <a href="http://kikicomin.com/diy-frozen-elsa-dress-tutorial-materials-list-and-the-sparkle-top/" target="_blank">the Elsa pattern</a> chosen by this month's host, <a href="http://kikicomin.com/" target="_blank">Kiki from Kiki and Company</a>, I laughed, because I had just finished an Elsa dress for Little Sister literally the day before. <strike>I figured it was meant to be, even if I didn't use the actual pattern, so I'm linking up anyway!</strike> (uh...not so much meant to be after all.)<br />
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It still took me 3 weeks to get photos taken of it though, so I'm finally getting the blog post up. And another confession--I started getting worried that I wouldn't get photos done at all, so when Little Sister chose this dress to wear on her first day of summer camp today, I told her we were going to take a few pics before school. <br />
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Luckily she was mostly game, and as a matter of fact she was inspired--she pulled the curtains back and told me we should use the white sheers and pretend it was snow! We gave it a try, so these photos are her own idea.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIibNffLYvsFTy4yBvcxzbvnDXqrqcgDDyARG2A_8pOA19CoqMBa3hS9MCRFu80I1TuRtATTcSNTRllQO_Yn8g30klXR8tv-igC6ZvH3pmxRu0M-UA8EsxaSkuxIlRPvwnqUIbh8tn9ox0/s1600/everyday+elsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIibNffLYvsFTy4yBvcxzbvnDXqrqcgDDyARG2A_8pOA19CoqMBa3hS9MCRFu80I1TuRtATTcSNTRllQO_Yn8g30klXR8tv-igC6ZvH3pmxRu0M-UA8EsxaSkuxIlRPvwnqUIbh8tn9ox0/s400/everyday+elsa.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
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The fabrics are knits from <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a> that I brought with me when we moved to Japan. The print on the white fabric has a slightly Scandinavian feel to me, so I thought it would be fun to make a casual dress that was inspired by Elsa. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB6VEaUu2XvrRxrKrS-YM6Pg9u5YuYrMOcsZTyasmxFtQeI7jDJmUwSVA81woQ-qHTL44ooXG8B1kah4FjNUOl5If-PVVzjM6kcR-Pt1AH99GhZ5PZFCbDQuZCk9GH90hrwYHWw7-XTnO/s1600/elsa+bodice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB6VEaUu2XvrRxrKrS-YM6Pg9u5YuYrMOcsZTyasmxFtQeI7jDJmUwSVA81woQ-qHTL44ooXG8B1kah4FjNUOl5If-PVVzjM6kcR-Pt1AH99GhZ5PZFCbDQuZCk9GH90hrwYHWw7-XTnO/s400/elsa+bodice.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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The free <a href="http://rockthestitch.blogspot.jp/2013/06/peep-hem-dress-free-pattern-and-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Peep-Hem Dress pattern from Rock the Stitch</a> was perfect for it--I just color-blocked the bodice (and did a lettuce hem on the top layer--something I've never tried before!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SZmdH5t78Bw497zse8luqhhj9ukqhu7YRBpgFFsVVrWDSzb7sMGBwKCmzV-T-RqMkLSBEBqO74a9UGWWCbnMUIMI8746tWLAp4hOwPgH12ebj9T32GyQ6AApxCz91joT10anExZuGbVf/s1600/elsafied+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SZmdH5t78Bw497zse8luqhhj9ukqhu7YRBpgFFsVVrWDSzb7sMGBwKCmzV-T-RqMkLSBEBqO74a9UGWWCbnMUIMI8746tWLAp4hOwPgH12ebj9T32GyQ6AApxCz91joT10anExZuGbVf/s400/elsafied+dress.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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I've had my eye on this free pattern for a long time, but it's finally a perfect fit for my 5-year-old, so the time was right! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4N_x9RnclqD1iXXYzrgv4tWOL7ozfncrnq6gEzJyGpMhOAXrMKDkv8xiPz5XDzDD1ZXQA66O3H9X3Xxl0jHqUhWZiaLOsY5OB5UsiHt670dcwlgRQHHq2HT87eCBRK55h9pg-5pFjs4rK/s1600/elsa+attitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4N_x9RnclqD1iXXYzrgv4tWOL7ozfncrnq6gEzJyGpMhOAXrMKDkv8xiPz5XDzDD1ZXQA66O3H9X3Xxl0jHqUhWZiaLOsY5OB5UsiHt670dcwlgRQHHq2HT87eCBRK55h9pg-5pFjs4rK/s400/elsa+attitude.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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I can see making this dress in lots of other fun fabric combinations--with the color blocked bodice, I could even see using wovens and keeping the top of the bodice in a knit. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90uATV2f8dsRefUsxyt4_137qestIMDq0fLHKdXNwGQ6I-8uofF-JXsk_Rc4mGVx7dtdunoqrtRpj7I7lx0VhrbxKxFVRbZ4WITGG9sK4UlSHlv71YRyhcWZDx2HBq9u5nI6gcU3D6cJ2/s1600/elsa+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90uATV2f8dsRefUsxyt4_137qestIMDq0fLHKdXNwGQ6I-8uofF-JXsk_Rc4mGVx7dtdunoqrtRpj7I7lx0VhrbxKxFVRbZ4WITGG9sK4UlSHlv71YRyhcWZDx2HBq9u5nI6gcU3D6cJ2/s400/elsa+back.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back--I just cut straight across to match up with the curved color blocking I did on the front of the bodice.</td></tr>
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These particular knits from <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a> are really light and soft, so even the two-layer skirt will be great for the hot summer weather. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt63mETvaRwoQLrG6BzmTlTuxyTR-7C2ZyEUSROyntROK11Iov9nQ0R1IVl6VOIl0916MuPNKRUxvxhVmuyWRG-mxx6dc7mqblxl1gpBunWE41fY5pJsC_1KNrf2rcevkt6pInaVQNygvM/s1600/elsa+hem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt63mETvaRwoQLrG6BzmTlTuxyTR-7C2ZyEUSROyntROK11Iov9nQ0R1IVl6VOIl0916MuPNKRUxvxhVmuyWRG-mxx6dc7mqblxl1gpBunWE41fY5pJsC_1KNrf2rcevkt6pInaVQNygvM/s320/elsa+hem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I always love linking up to Project Run and Play, especially to see the other interpretations of the theme! Take a look at <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/2015/06/june-link-up-party.html?showComment=1434939821589#c1147766267266112631" target="_blank">this month's contributors here</a>.<br />
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Also, take a look at this dress in action--perfect for our final visit to Tokyo Disneyland! We made it there twice in our year in Tokyo, and really had great visits both times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5WkERxTBXk0-9VEwrrF54-G11rENgvT7r5hkWS207UnRmxDJUBRlsslLwfWOkE64CgbCT3vEIgFQ_rMXfH1lSi3276WoYKUKa0DG1hccpaXZq5wdExpeHt8RU5q999b7uNsLPG88Ibsy/s1600/IMG_8284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5WkERxTBXk0-9VEwrrF54-G11rENgvT7r5hkWS207UnRmxDJUBRlsslLwfWOkE64CgbCT3vEIgFQ_rMXfH1lSi3276WoYKUKa0DG1hccpaXZq5wdExpeHt8RU5q999b7uNsLPG88Ibsy/s400/IMG_8284.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<br />bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-29639856393041505532015-06-15T20:52:00.000-07:002015-06-29T15:45:55.944-07:00Double Gauze Dotty SkirtThis is one of those easy projects I've been meaning to do for a while, and finally got around to it. Just in time, too--the weather is perfect for a breezy, comfy, fun, bright skirt!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI1vSG4sHPpnzvqoMvJ3z8dw8sswdzBp8yf9Zo92Y9_IBtltG8WnVqAhZ518d29nhdf4CfSLeVZNdB3C5UxqEPA_gGYijxEj7WbLEaKqPvsZ7vcFzj_yr-dKME421ogCgs-RenTd2plAE/s1600/elastic+waist+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI1vSG4sHPpnzvqoMvJ3z8dw8sswdzBp8yf9Zo92Y9_IBtltG8WnVqAhZ518d29nhdf4CfSLeVZNdB3C5UxqEPA_gGYijxEj7WbLEaKqPvsZ7vcFzj_yr-dKME421ogCgs-RenTd2plAE/s400/elastic+waist+skirt.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's pretend that sign says "I love your skirt!" </td></tr>
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This skirt has an exposed elastic waistband (here's <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-circle-skirt.html" target="_blank">a great tutorial on doing one from Dana of MADE</a>), and the skirt is just a rectangle of some dreamy Japanese double-gauze (with pockets, of course!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZ32WDo44n7eZYyrjJxyw4yVk_3ADarGT8g4fWAmZOupXhhrpRlG6dWgumIVMuzIY5n-GNj78MuUSVWowr61p-bZWJN1hoZhw1YekRAS0CvmS76UmAyfz3LFXCkrlO_kqvpXr31ip1ZX4/s1600/elastic+skirt+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZ32WDo44n7eZYyrjJxyw4yVk_3ADarGT8g4fWAmZOupXhhrpRlG6dWgumIVMuzIY5n-GNj78MuUSVWowr61p-bZWJN1hoZhw1YekRAS0CvmS76UmAyfz3LFXCkrlO_kqvpXr31ip1ZX4/s400/elastic+skirt+close+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In case you want to make one JUST like mine, I'll give you some details:<br />
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1. I had just over 2 meters of a border-print double gauze (like, 6 cm over), so I cut it lengthwise down the middle to put the print along the hem. I had a tiny hem, first to use as little fabric as possible but also so I could remember what this fabric was later by keeping the selvage visible ;) <br />
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2. I wanted 2 side seams, rather than one back seam, so that I could add pockets. So I cut 2 rectangles that were each 103 cm wide (40.5 inches) and 20.5 inches long (since I had that tiny selvage hem--if you're doing a regular hem you will want to add a little length). Oh, I guess it's relevant to know that my waist measurement is about 31", so the total width of the skirt was just about 2.5 times my waist measurement. I wanted it to be full, since the double gauze is so soft and floaty!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmJxHrG2TCqmOv2-_NYmtHI5Y58zUAU-jM989IlwjDwqU6VxShR_4aGnm5NA7XnG4_xSF_1Zq71QMNRBc78oX8BaBomq0J2NXTwWg6bIN9_DzUsy7vbz9T3Kqnao6M82rpP5rMm_gHPZe/s1600/DSC_0977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmJxHrG2TCqmOv2-_NYmtHI5Y58zUAU-jM989IlwjDwqU6VxShR_4aGnm5NA7XnG4_xSF_1Zq71QMNRBc78oX8BaBomq0J2NXTwWg6bIN9_DzUsy7vbz9T3Kqnao6M82rpP5rMm_gHPZe/s400/DSC_0977.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or maybe the sign says, "Parking for Awesome Skirts Only."</td></tr>
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3. I cut out four pocket pieces (I used a basic white muslin so I could save the rest of my double gauze) and attached them 2.5 inches down from the top of the skirt. Here's a <a href="http://seekatesew.com/sewing-101-adding-pockets-to-any-skirt-pattern/" target="_blank">perfect free pocket pattern from See Kate Sew </a>if you don't already have one you like!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GOVtRd0a4wDQpjsdSMqszhVc0jErhAOO6Jrcu4uscAY4g-cpsBV0iWY9Zzb6JIX3qZqXbCzMHQLropsjs1vND72F8RPrisOj13-DWQPbGE4TyInsDJ4gVP37ea-Ba6nDj7opnxTYSqDX/s1600/pocket+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GOVtRd0a4wDQpjsdSMqszhVc0jErhAOO6Jrcu4uscAY4g-cpsBV0iWY9Zzb6JIX3qZqXbCzMHQLropsjs1vND72F8RPrisOj13-DWQPbGE4TyInsDJ4gVP37ea-Ba6nDj7opnxTYSqDX/s320/pocket+skirt.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boo on my pattern matching!</td></tr>
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4. I sewed my side seams using french seams since double gauze frays quite a bit. (<a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2013/02/how-to-sew-french-seams.html" target="_blank">Here's a french seam tutorial from Tilly and the Buttons.</a>) Did you know you can sew a french seam even when you've added a pocket? You just go right around it, and make sure to clip the curves when you turn it around to sew the second seam! However you sew the side seams together, make sure to give it a good pressing before you continue.<br />
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5. If I had a serger here in Japan, I would have serged the raw edges at the top of the skirt before attaching the elastic waist. I don't, so instead I pressed the raw edges towards the outside of the skirt twice like I was doing a teeny tiny hem, except for turned to the outside of the skirt instead of the inside. It doesn't really matter which way, but this way it's hidden under the elastic so you don't see it on the inside or the outside.<br />
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6. Next, I gathered the top of the skirt so that it was just slightly bigger than my hip measurement. I wanted it to easily slip on and off. Dana from Made ALSO has a <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2011/10/technique-gathering-fabric-the-proper-way-and-the-cheating-way.html" target="_blank">nice gathering tutorial</a> if you need it--I admit to using the cheater method whenever I think I can get away with it! I like to gather the front and back separately, just because I get nervous gathering such a large amount all at once! Once I have it to the width I want, I tie off my gathering threads then make sure the gathers are adjusted evenly. <br />
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7. Time to attach the elastic! The gathered top of your skirt should be a few inches wider than your elastic. Now's the time to look at <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-circle-skirt.html" target="_blank">the tutorial from Dana on making the waistband and attaching the elastic</a>! Hers is an easy and nice-looking method--it's for a circle skirt but this one will work the same way. But....<br />
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8. Full disclosure--I did attach my elastic differently. First of all, I started with the skirt inside out (with the gathers visible, laying on top of the elastic) so that I could make sure I had my gathers laying flat on the inside. I did a wide zig-zag grabbing the gathered top of the skirt, about a half inch away from the edge of the elastic. Second of all, I actually sewed the elastic twice. After attaching the elastic, I turned the skirt right-side out and sewed the bottom edge of the elastic down with a tiny zig-zag. Here's how my waistband looks, outside and in:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqreuK1d0YISXZvgD80CTKTh-yzAoiIRgJESCDB9skLVUWEOf5eb69qHXSirqVIP0zA_E9Npu74WiR0tZODq6AW7ipUR12RRPZ-wHNfoLkIuviVypZkaOmHeRyikxm3Tteei3M0AxPHbw/s1600/DSC_1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqreuK1d0YISXZvgD80CTKTh-yzAoiIRgJESCDB9skLVUWEOf5eb69qHXSirqVIP0zA_E9Npu74WiR0tZODq6AW7ipUR12RRPZ-wHNfoLkIuviVypZkaOmHeRyikxm3Tteei3M0AxPHbw/s400/DSC_1000.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the two zig-zag lines of stitching?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS8d2o4HhuFn3DjWixrTerLIM7zMJ2ONvqusLrCWdYUBsZndLIv7kdA6V-oewNNQWLEw7j_eNwK2SrWrc1xriWfLblFk6QWpGCCe37Vf4tz6238xJdMyt0u8mGUnugcByqnQ3pTopTY6X/s1600/DSC_1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS8d2o4HhuFn3DjWixrTerLIM7zMJ2ONvqusLrCWdYUBsZndLIv7kdA6V-oewNNQWLEw7j_eNwK2SrWrc1xriWfLblFk6QWpGCCe37Vf4tz6238xJdMyt0u8mGUnugcByqnQ3pTopTY6X/s400/DSC_1002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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9. Oh, you can see that I also covered the back seam on my elastic waistband with some bias tape. Just for fun. And then I don't need to put a tag in to find the back easily :) If you do this, put it on before attaching the waistband to the skirt!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I97z8B5whUoeOUQUcA0UsBhGiUAVVDkN6plMOpnEb6ozMyB97tCqaH3PSFgHe7n1H2j39fd8xuW05eMvQSgtY8HvK3AohVMLo_yy2IU-AChXS_K3TcBQ70SRfd-s7k4bdgI_ZSrjpiSB/s1600/DSC_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I97z8B5whUoeOUQUcA0UsBhGiUAVVDkN6plMOpnEb6ozMyB97tCqaH3PSFgHe7n1H2j39fd8xuW05eMvQSgtY8HvK3AohVMLo_yy2IU-AChXS_K3TcBQ70SRfd-s7k4bdgI_ZSrjpiSB/s400/DSC_0996.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had little one-meter packs of traditional Japanese print bias tape at the 100 yen store! I bought lots.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IUk8YLjtSq9AV4Tn1X3HlIE8pkcxaxdfGh3kK2ILJTQKIdkp3PoAlZ4rM9fnmjBGWkD3LdEBP5yNGJNF5AvIuS5_LQMpViFHjl6IWrVVasbSidVFj0lizDYb9QvdLPJ9BKwtOwSpei6n/s1600/DSC_0967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IUk8YLjtSq9AV4Tn1X3HlIE8pkcxaxdfGh3kK2ILJTQKIdkp3PoAlZ4rM9fnmjBGWkD3LdEBP5yNGJNF5AvIuS5_LQMpViFHjl6IWrVVasbSidVFj0lizDYb9QvdLPJ9BKwtOwSpei6n/s400/DSC_0967.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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10. I saved the hemming for last, so I could adjust the length if necessary. I was using a border print, which gave me less leeway than usual on how much I can hem it, so I tried to be accurate with my cutting and it turned out right on. I am 5'7", and depending on where I place the skirt on my waist it's just above knee or knee length.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqeS3oW8nm8pAUx-6NoBq7GrbU6yyXSsz4oOWdj2mZYQDg0T7mmftvMASoAriwrClcBg9pahrasSZohcfJQ9tnfsrCOhN7wD9u-u3G68dxF094kzN8jdg3HIjEOQ5txEt2smJe0Fe71xQ/s1600/DSC_0975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqeS3oW8nm8pAUx-6NoBq7GrbU6yyXSsz4oOWdj2mZYQDg0T7mmftvMASoAriwrClcBg9pahrasSZohcfJQ9tnfsrCOhN7wD9u-u3G68dxF094kzN8jdg3HIjEOQ5txEt2smJe0Fe71xQ/s400/DSC_0975.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the elastic sitting below my belly-button. <br />
I tried it at my natural waist but it just wasn't as flattering.</td></tr>
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11. I tried to find an online source for this fabric, but alas, I haven't had any luck. This was a remnant I bought at Tomato, the awesome fabric store in Nippori, so just to rub it in I'll tell you that I paid 600 yen (less than $5) for 2 meters of it. <br />
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And now, I just want to wear this skirt all summer! Or maybe I'll make a few more--I have been addicted to buying double gauze and this would be the perfect thing to make out of it :)<br />
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Oh, and one more thing...<br />
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Hey guys...guess what? This skirt just won an award!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxla05phJeLMHpO55cQ1QWEsSPiLhCpX1C0_6tvWctKDHVKHNRZJhwldq54LO1ke7bhEicL7FvqMZmsWZV8IQXrxhAZu6GdwlGgLcjPf_nOlYoqd4fOqRvFpSGQk7Ak_6LwX57z7hF18Y/s1600/DSC_0983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxla05phJeLMHpO55cQ1QWEsSPiLhCpX1C0_6tvWctKDHVKHNRZJhwldq54LO1ke7bhEicL7FvqMZmsWZV8IQXrxhAZu6GdwlGgLcjPf_nOlYoqd4fOqRvFpSGQk7Ak_6LwX57z7hF18Y/s400/DSC_0983.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that IS how I really feel about it!</td></tr>
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And from the skirtmaster herself, Audrey from Skirt Fixation! This is so cool and unexpected. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnenjhiFJ0XiqWd2EYrwcB389P5snM-F1Vhie5sF8jHEqNPi9lyfbZN8_gf_V4RvBhUMfoPwP5mBal2VPASZvK9k5tJ75rXI1kWSoC5h02nSLDbH2WPUB123wDksHRB9OZS6GBzObFezL/s1600/Woven.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnenjhiFJ0XiqWd2EYrwcB389P5snM-F1Vhie5sF8jHEqNPi9lyfbZN8_gf_V4RvBhUMfoPwP5mBal2VPASZvK9k5tJ75rXI1kWSoC5h02nSLDbH2WPUB123wDksHRB9OZS6GBzObFezL/s400/Woven.jpeg" width="392" /></a></div>
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I was awarded the Best Woven Skirt in her <a href="http://skirtfixation.com/2015/06/spring-2015-skirt-awards/#comment-3564" target="_blank">2015 Spring Skirt awards</a>. Believe me, you have got to check out the winners in the other categories--so many great skirts! I'm excited to check them out. <br />
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<br />bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-23613188657280187942015-06-03T23:04:00.001-07:002015-06-04T00:42:04.952-07:00Me-Made May 2015 Wrap UpI finished the rest of Me Made May without repeating my handmade clothes! Before going into this I hadn't realized how much of my wardrobe is actually made by me. And actually now that May is over I still have a few more things that I never wore during the month, but that I have worn since. Not even including things that are for colder weather! <br />
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Here are the outfits I wore in the second half of the month (most pics from Instagram although some are pre-square-cropping so I can show you more of the proportions!)<br />
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May 17th: I wore this dress out to tea at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku (where Lost in Translation was filmed, although we were on a different floor) with some lady friends of mine. I haven't worn this dress much, because I struggled a lot with the fit when making it. Let's just say this is the dress that taught me the importance of making a muslin, especially when the project has multiple darts, piping, a full lining, invisible zip, and fitted waistband--pretty much impossible to alter without taking the whole thing apart! <a href="http://www.bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2013/07/piped-sundress.html">I blogged about it when I first made it</a>, and I don't know if I'll ever wear it again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFonghl3IjAZrTUn7eFnSEccdUlVztTbQyuZz66neIs2l41O2u5zIejK3Xffbn-tkAhBgpu9KluCc8qLOEYemM3oC9STce9GECDw4GB7gZEbw_TAg3uzOc6EcVvZ1CW6XB1A0yapFE0To/s1600/IMG_7734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFonghl3IjAZrTUn7eFnSEccdUlVztTbQyuZz66neIs2l41O2u5zIejK3Xffbn-tkAhBgpu9KluCc8qLOEYemM3oC9STce9GECDw4GB7gZEbw_TAg3uzOc6EcVvZ1CW6XB1A0yapFE0To/s400/IMG_7734.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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May 18: <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2013/08/upcycled-yoga-skirt.html" target="_blank">Foldover waist yoga skirt</a>. I made this one out of a thrifted t-shirt and I thought I was pretty ingenious to use the square neckline to make the topstitched pockets. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx0ojtJ7sb_rawbrQiz9J-5KnhXjfPjkQql078LOSA6k_ulfbrVh26N5e5rk37pysPAkd1E5RRaLaghlmuxLv4UDeQSs7WIEie9WLIaH_0wsV37QTuW-xWVOmLUbr9E-G7SE7WDmES8dv/s1600/IMG_7752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx0ojtJ7sb_rawbrQiz9J-5KnhXjfPjkQql078LOSA6k_ulfbrVh26N5e5rk37pysPAkd1E5RRaLaghlmuxLv4UDeQSs7WIEie9WLIaH_0wsV37QTuW-xWVOmLUbr9E-G7SE7WDmES8dv/s400/IMG_7752.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
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May 19th: <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2012/11/making-skirts-on-election-night.html" target="_blank">Railroad-Stripe Milkmaid Skirt</a> (from this <a href="http://www.crafterhoursblog.com/2012/05/milkmaid-skirt-for-grown-up-girls.html" target="_blank">Crafterhours tutorial</a>) and a <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2014/02/best-excuse-for-shoe-shopping.html" target="_blank">cardigan I made</a> out of a hand-me-down wrap dress, with a RTW tank and scarf<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx-lyt7VEVCG1APDOgPd0W_jdMnHAiKPIaX9Hn9LiX1iCZ6BTweT47qcxVu3OjtlgE-AK_HD4quv7RMoy4WMhXDi2voKyFLKnED9H_qX0Jb0Fuy5HvB7veGfrDcNQLGNJPhQAjRjS6zem/s1600/IMG_7756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx-lyt7VEVCG1APDOgPd0W_jdMnHAiKPIaX9Hn9LiX1iCZ6BTweT47qcxVu3OjtlgE-AK_HD4quv7RMoy4WMhXDi2voKyFLKnED9H_qX0Jb0Fuy5HvB7veGfrDcNQLGNJPhQAjRjS6zem/s400/IMG_7756.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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May 20th: This is a <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/sorbetto" target="_blank">Sorbetto Top</a> but with a reverse pleat (<a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2014/08/a-couple-of-summer-sorbettos.html" target="_blank">blogged here</a>) and a <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2014/09/selfish-sewing-week-2014-fall.html" target="_blank">Boyfriend Cardi in some fun 100 yen per meter double-sided knit</a>, from the <a href="http://icandy-handmade.com/2012/10/tutorial-and-pattern-everyday-basics-5.html" target="_blank">free iCandy Handmade pattern</a>. I wore it to the Dirty Dish Shop in Tokyo (pictured), an awesome ceramics warehouse where everything is 40% off of retail price!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC34YjWo6Mp_TgLlJUt7QwntJKESJK3_oBUH2oUlNuCcGIoEHs-_6ssdX9LvHH0KdO-oBtcyOpvFbj3BETnDrfsZDTvKnhn7UZHp0wMhJQ8kBA6jekreWDY6dQ-pypi3joQ5Pnkc8wX-U/s1600/IMG_7761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC34YjWo6Mp_TgLlJUt7QwntJKESJK3_oBUH2oUlNuCcGIoEHs-_6ssdX9LvHH0KdO-oBtcyOpvFbj3BETnDrfsZDTvKnhn7UZHp0wMhJQ8kBA6jekreWDY6dQ-pypi3joQ5Pnkc8wX-U/s320/IMG_7761.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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May 21st: This was the first new item I made for Me Made May--a sleeveless <a href="http://shop.made-by-rae.com/collections/womens-patterns/products/washi-dress" target="_blank">Washi dress</a> with some bodice alterations that <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2015/05/sleeveless-washi-dress-with-simple-mods.html" target="_blank">I blogged about here</a>. It's also my favorite item of the month, and the one I was most excited to wear again when the month was over.<br />
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I had to show you a better close-up of the fabric too, because I love it--it's a little crinkly so it has some stretch, and it's nice and airy for hot weather. Plus it was only 100 yen per meter--can't beat that! This dress cost me about $2 to make! </div>
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I wore it for our trip to a Sumo match, one of our bucket list items before we move away from Japan! Near the stadium we happened across this giant yarn ball and I couldn't resist the photo op.<br />
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May 22nd: <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2013/05/easter-sundress.html" target="_blank">This dress was my Easter dress</a> a few years ago. It was one of my first splurge fabrics--a silky feeling cotton that was an end-of-bolt cut from Mood. I think it also marks the first time I actually paid money for a women's pattern! It's the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/73102801/gathered-sundress-pattern" target="_blank">Gathered Sundress from Pattern Runway</a>. I didn't make a muslin for this dress so the fit isn't great, but it still gets a lot of wear due to the beautiful print and the roomy pockets! I think it's about time to give this pattern another try, now that my technique has improved quite a bit.<br />
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May 23rd: Another Washi Dress :) <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2014/09/fall-2014-selfish-sewing-round-2.html" target="_blank">I LOVE this one</a> in the Melody Miller border print arrow fabric, but being my first Washi Dress I wasn't sure how long to make it, and because of the border print I couldn't shorten it as much as I wanted to when hemming. Still a winner though! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaItK2-eUWL0XF-uaqFLRBSLNvso5S5uKENiihBIYz4aaS9SriH1SgfIcLCRNioNt5YZ3FEL4sWeSRIyysrQKeRqvHeqFml2J34MRNS30aSoJHpss6Sy_LvhMrT3MgSCluY3n5CoWB5jm/s1600/IMG_7806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaItK2-eUWL0XF-uaqFLRBSLNvso5S5uKENiihBIYz4aaS9SriH1SgfIcLCRNioNt5YZ3FEL4sWeSRIyysrQKeRqvHeqFml2J34MRNS30aSoJHpss6Sy_LvhMrT3MgSCluY3n5CoWB5jm/s400/IMG_7806.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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May 24th: This skirt is another Milkmaid Skirt, this time <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2012/08/mom-skirts.html" target="_blank">made from a thrifted nightgown</a>. I rarely wear it since it's white, but I did manage to get through the whole day without spilling on it so maybe I'm getting less clumsy! Or maybe my kids are older now and don't wipe their hands and faces on me as much anymore. In any case, I think I can bring this skirt into more regular rotation now. In other news, I loved this t-shirt Merchant and Mills made for Uniqlo--it has a faux measuring tape draped around it! Of course, it's in centimeters...<br />
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May 25th: Another take on the Scoop Top from Skirt as Top's free pattern. Hmm, I guess I never blogged about this one. It uses some sheer woven fabric from a blouse I ordered online that was a terrible fit. This month made me realize how often I like to make the same pattern over and over--I have three milkmaid skirts, three (at least!) scoop tops, several Washi's, plenty of Plantains, and so on.<br />
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May 26th: The 2nd NEW item of the month! I found this fun strawberry print jersey for 200 yen per meter, and it made a great <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2015/04/strawberry-slip-dress.html" target="_blank">sundress for Little Sister</a> but I was a little afraid of it for myself. But I liked it so much I had to give it a try! I think the black and white stripe mellows it out enough to be at least somewhat appropriate for a grown-up--but it's still a little crazy! The pattern is the <a href="http://icandy-handmade.com/2014/07/diy-fun-summer-tee.html" target="_blank">free Fun Summer tee from iCandy Handmade</a>, and I haven't had a chance to blog about it yet.<br />
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May 27th: Another dress I never blogged about! I made this one here in Tokyo out of thrifted fabric that I brought with me from home. The bodice is based on the Sorbetto Tank pattern again, but I'm pretty sure I used the Milkmaid skirt dimensions to figure out the skirt. It has an elastic waist with bias casing. And pockets, because duh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhss0PRq2nlkU8L9FExqQYvUdX0FYbFPLgI97gbyjj5Vw2hBJJSWZxS6-UPhlR34CVNMdmknkDEmwFVloVNrKQ_n32-QIP0J-w6uzL5tat5aW0jDp8TTcQidq4yWME-oAhbYpCvfjDi3iA-/s1600/IMG_7842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhss0PRq2nlkU8L9FExqQYvUdX0FYbFPLgI97gbyjj5Vw2hBJJSWZxS6-UPhlR34CVNMdmknkDEmwFVloVNrKQ_n32-QIP0J-w6uzL5tat5aW0jDp8TTcQidq4yWME-oAhbYpCvfjDi3iA-/s400/IMG_7842.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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This is another fabric that deserves a closer look, because it's printed on top of thin stripes. Pretty cool!<br />
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May 28th: A basic RTW black tee with a simple elastic waist a-line skirt (with pockets, of course!). I like the ribbon detail on the hem--you can get a closer look on <a href="http://www.bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2013/05/ribbon-trim-line-skirt.html" target="_blank">my blog post about this skirt</a>.<br />
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May 29th: What's that, another Washi? This time with long sleeves! I made the elastic slightly too tight in the ends of the sleeves on this dress, so I ripped them out in the morning before putting this dress on--now they might be a bit TOO loose? Maybe I'll put in a bit more elastic and try again. This was my 2nd Washi dress and since I made the first one too long I overcompensated on this one and made it too short--and of course, I did a visible hem facing so no easy way to lengthen it either. Grr! It seems I never blogged about this one, either!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNtMMF3E8N1Fo8P4mc9Hqq0x-o-8T-l8PsZwrtYY_gRCngBH8ypXf8w6o4Kz0VwYiOvSiQlWiZc01ZyZhCpGUKtR3dIS6gl1ZLrhYaQz_BpKJfypo6BOLPQRRq1ZBvsGmT2iLn-DIfhRM/s1600/IMG_7870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNtMMF3E8N1Fo8P4mc9Hqq0x-o-8T-l8PsZwrtYY_gRCngBH8ypXf8w6o4Kz0VwYiOvSiQlWiZc01ZyZhCpGUKtR3dIS6gl1ZLrhYaQz_BpKJfypo6BOLPQRRq1ZBvsGmT2iLn-DIfhRM/s400/IMG_7870.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool double-sided 100-yen-per-meter fabric!</td></tr>
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May 30th: I based this top off of <a href="http://icandy-handmade.com/2012/05/tutorial-and-pattern-perfect-fitted-cap.html" target="_blank">iCandy Handmade's free cap-sleeve tee pattern</a>. At first I just cut the yoke straight across, but it felt like it needed more so I re-did it with the sweetheart shape and was so happy with how it came out. The knit has a subtle stripe that coordinated really well with the slate-gray cotton lace. And what do you know--this is another project I never blogged about!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8P3KChA9irQ-I3e_3BVPTXA7Vi6JUhBJeqG_Wkin7UBKsHo3m-RfLW9ymGwrpvcpQuIm_Tw-2OBcbbqqi4G8JK6xqLIOGXwiuAeO1Yqd7GDOa70nI3Zldpj4bdw74GViaNecTOBoFeZQ/s1600/IMG_7874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8P3KChA9irQ-I3e_3BVPTXA7Vi6JUhBJeqG_Wkin7UBKsHo3m-RfLW9ymGwrpvcpQuIm_Tw-2OBcbbqqi4G8JK6xqLIOGXwiuAeO1Yqd7GDOa70nI3Zldpj4bdw74GViaNecTOBoFeZQ/s400/IMG_7874.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry about the blurry pic of the back--it's hard to know when you're in focus using a phone self-timer!</td></tr>
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May 31st: My final outfit of the month was <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2015/04/matching-map-tops.html" target="_blank">my 100-yen-per-meter Bess Top</a> from <a href="http://imaginegnats.com/shop/the-bess-top-sewing-pattern/" target="_blank">Imagine Gnats</a> in this weird map print! I was pretty surprised to find that I had enough items to get me through an entire month without repeats (and then some!)<br />
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And that's it! You can see my outfits from <a href="http://bethbeingcrafty.blogspot.jp/2015/05/me-made-may-2015-halfway-point.html" target="_blank">the first half of Me Made May</a> here. This was my first year participating in earnest, and I'm pretty happy with the results--the most major of which is realizing that a lot of my favorite things to wear are actually things that I made myself.<br />
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I have a few more projects on my to-do list now, some inspired by the great looks I saw from other sewists on Instagram, and some coming from the realization that I have a few dresses in my closet that I wanted to wear all the time, and I only avoided since I was trying not to repeat myself. That tells me I need to make those patterns a few more times!bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-34393365398678939652015-05-24T21:21:00.000-07:002015-05-24T21:52:56.912-07:00Sleeveless Washi Dress with simple modsI made another <a href="http://shop.made-by-rae.com/collections/womens-patterns/products/washi-dress">Washi Dress</a> from <a href="http://shop.made-by-rae.com/">Made by Rae</a>'s great pattern! When I posted it on instagram for <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.jp/2015/03/me-made-may15-sign-up-here.html">Me Made May</a>, I got a few comments about the proportions so I thought I'd share the modifications I made to the pattern to get this shape.<br />
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The original Washi pattern has an empire waistline. I like it sometimes, but depending on the fabric that I'm using that cut can have a maternity look on me, especially since I have a long torso. So the main modification I made to the pattern was to add a little length to the bottom of the front bodice. I also tinkered with the neckline a bit, which I will show you below. <br />
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By extending the bodice just a little bit, the seam hits in a very flattering place--just above my natural waistline. At the fold, your bodice should be 1.5" longer than the pattern. Since the pattern curves a bit, the outer edge (side seam) of the bodice will be 1.25" longer than the pattern--just follow the curve of the original pattern. What I actually did was cut a size small, but with a size XL length, which adds the amount of length above.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWKtUTYgLtIgDlVR_95wM7b3k38rvrBkmJyiqmSeaMD2sIR4ctwFXvMSeBwQoc39BEc8BoTDSNrYw-vMm3XAZ_v7TCrDRCKWDghStAA8PaoBpcoJZ9nypmRNJH5ihZEWEGPvewgS0u47n/s1600/sleeveless+washi+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWKtUTYgLtIgDlVR_95wM7b3k38rvrBkmJyiqmSeaMD2sIR4ctwFXvMSeBwQoc39BEc8BoTDSNrYw-vMm3XAZ_v7TCrDRCKWDghStAA8PaoBpcoJZ9nypmRNJH5ihZEWEGPvewgS0u47n/s400/sleeveless+washi+profile.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forgot to get any pictures of the back though!</td></tr>
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You have to remember to add those inches to the back panel of the dress as well, and move your shirring on the back down slightly. I started my shirring about 1/2 inch lower than in the original pattern, and added one extra line of shirring at the bottom so that the shirring ends at the same spot as the bodice seam in front.<br />
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You don't have to adjust the bust darts--it really is just a simple matter of adding that little bit of length to the bodice. The shirring in the back gives it a lovely fit. If you go much longer than I did though, the torso portion of the bodice will start to pull and wrinkle. I tried with a less forgiving fabric--I got a wrinkled bodice whenever I sat down. If you want an even lower waistline you will probably have to make additional adjustments to the pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvkrRrlCGa9C9mRufSSmXeCSzNHlbAi-I5SWrhOBkvQldSVUBRpG_w2zm0imX47YoMaYhbbuBnZbH_VW4yhyphenhyphenCQ8ejmD1gRl1OWKGkjXcmD8yIjmwaoE2KBkJ_os20GM5juDgtYLlCy8qY/s1600/sleeveless+washi+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvkrRrlCGa9C9mRufSSmXeCSzNHlbAi-I5SWrhOBkvQldSVUBRpG_w2zm0imX47YoMaYhbbuBnZbH_VW4yhyphenhyphenCQ8ejmD1gRl1OWKGkjXcmD8yIjmwaoE2KBkJ_os20GM5juDgtYLlCy8qY/s400/sleeveless+washi+2.jpg" width="365" /></a></div>
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This particular fabric that I used is slightly crinkly, so it has a little bit of stretch. I usually make a medium in the Washi dress, using the same bodice adjustments described above, but this time I made a small to allow for the stretch. I find it really comfortable and flattering--if you can find a woven with a bit of stretch, it works well to size down for a more fitted look!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShgkmD-JQuJk9WwotVNNGdYvdvbBMCBUWjEq4kIWVYFRCGj-0HiXnqDt4hUlHyfsA7U9T45k5b4Udz6IzScOa08S4KjhQ3_VUmgGhxLnFZuyRZl271_tyT4b7CJrCPfa6CfH-NkEjhRTJ/s1600/sleeveless+washi+bodice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShgkmD-JQuJk9WwotVNNGdYvdvbBMCBUWjEq4kIWVYFRCGj-0HiXnqDt4hUlHyfsA7U9T45k5b4Udz6IzScOa08S4KjhQ3_VUmgGhxLnFZuyRZl271_tyT4b7CJrCPfa6CfH-NkEjhRTJ/s400/sleeveless+washi+bodice.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look at the fabric--another one of my 100-yen-per meter finds in Tokyo, <br />
meaning this dress cost me about $2 to make.</td></tr>
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For the neckline on this dress, I used the pattern neckline as a guide but cut it a bit lower and wider. The depth of my neckline went right to the line of the signature "U" cutout in the Washi neckline, and then I curved it out beyond the pattern neckline but made sure the shoulder straps stayed the same width. Here's a picture of how my adjusted neckline (the blue line) looks compared to the original pattern:<br />
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There you have it! Hopefully these adjustments will give you some more options with the Washi!<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3439336539867893965&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-DfAEbbE8juE%2FVWKbaWLfkAI%2FAAAAAAAATDE%2Fjogyt2sxMr8%2Fs400%2Fsleeveless%252Bwashi%252B2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 170px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1743px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8557128196197742241%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3439336539867893965&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-DfAEbbE8juE%2FVWKbaWLfkAI%2FAAAAAAAATDE%2Fjogyt2sxMr8%2Fs400%2Fsleeveless%252Bwashi%252B2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 170px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1743px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>bethanycavanaugh@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08193305956789000379noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557128196197742241.post-12620749796277030182015-05-18T23:14:00.002-07:002015-09-25T10:28:44.673-07:00Random Never-blogged giftsLooking through photos I found several little projects that I gave as gifts but never blogged about. Thought you might be interested in seeing them! I'll have to do another post like this soon--I just tucked some very special baby gifts in the mail so I'll tell you about those once they have been received! <br />
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1. This cute little purse, made from <a href="http://7layerstudio.typepad.com/7_layer_studio/2010/03/tutorial-for-little-clutch-purse.html" target="_blank">the free tutorial from Seven Layer Studio</a> for one of Little Sister's friends:<br />
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2. A Totoro stuffie, for our little friend's first birthday (along with a bib/apron that I didn't manage to photograph). I used <a href="http://cheekandstitch.com/diy-totoro-plush-tutorial/" target="_blank">this free pattern</a>, but using the stretchy knit I had on hand made him pretty lumpy. I recommend using something more like the felt in the tutorial!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwghPwFszA-QIUqV4ytFThUgTGilGzwliSRH1qPXCWYjOrsZmmcTGG420yaHiSVamFwnLjBbviDrWK4c04nNq-AF37hJ7Q-LHQP4zoXiv5l9A_tlTrVvnHHXjEw4PuKuWThVHFrGfvK5La/s1600/DSC_0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwghPwFszA-QIUqV4ytFThUgTGilGzwliSRH1qPXCWYjOrsZmmcTGG420yaHiSVamFwnLjBbviDrWK4c04nNq-AF37hJ7Q-LHQP4zoXiv5l9A_tlTrVvnHHXjEw4PuKuWThVHFrGfvK5La/s1600/DSC_0974.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh, and I don't think I ever blogged about the pajamas they have on in those photos either--bonus!<br />
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3. I made 10 of <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/2013/03/sewing-childs-reversible-fat-quarter.html" target="_blank">these reversible fat quarter aprons</a> as a custom order for a friend who used them as favors for her daughter's cooking theme birthday party--fun idea!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRFBdjjWbE2qLk0jM_IsGpunJe2KC-tWTAOUbS3uqaJXklu9l6dExMCfDkKjxzsubzba2zaRmWv2tqMRvN4fUmpbVaR-NkETeEgO53M2E3-aB1V_IfsKcjglBEIi9ejoLRVKJQObrYnIp/s1600/DSC_1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRFBdjjWbE2qLk0jM_IsGpunJe2KC-tWTAOUbS3uqaJXklu9l6dExMCfDkKjxzsubzba2zaRmWv2tqMRvN4fUmpbVaR-NkETeEgO53M2E3-aB1V_IfsKcjglBEIi9ejoLRVKJQObrYnIp/s1600/DSC_1019.JPG" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Sister was not happy about modeling this, so her grumpy face is cropped out ;P</td></tr>
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4. I made this purse with leather trim to donate to a school fundraiser. First time sewing with leather, and it was pretty easy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6JYw69w4G1G3vkSV9lvAox2LG0fizYpOSILmuRUNBCbZxkhriKYlINK_nJySeRWe0KOECh4Y6GSHHlVWQwjZcmfepusnddCMUqgu29AUbV6IYk1iSffI2gpjM0Qi0N0RxZecfETpc3g0/s1600/DSC_0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6JYw69w4G1G3vkSV9lvAox2LG0fizYpOSILmuRUNBCbZxkhriKYlINK_nJySeRWe0KOECh4Y6GSHHlVWQwjZcmfepusnddCMUqgu29AUbV6IYk1iSffI2gpjM0Qi0N0RxZecfETpc3g0/s1600/DSC_0945.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adapted from the <a href="http://artsycraftybabe.typepad.com/tutorials/phoebe_bag.pdf" target="_blank">free Phoebe bag pattern</a></td></tr>
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5. Mother/daughter birthday outfits--my friend and her daughter have birthdays two days apart, so how could I resist?<br />
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The top is the <a href="http://icandy-handmade.com/2014/07/diy-fun-summer-tee.html" target="_blank">Fun Summer Tee from iCandy Handmade</a>, except that I added a woven insert for the shoulders. The printed fabric is a Nani Iro double gauze--sooooo nice! The stripe is a 100 yen per meter find.<br />
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And the dress is this <a href="http://dottasews.blogspot.jp/2014/08/knock-it-off-tea-collection-caravan.html" target="_blank">free Caravan Dress patter from Dotta</a>. Since I used the same woven for this skirt, I cut the back pattern piece in half instead of having the same fabric top and bottom.<br />
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I thought it would look cute to have this little inverted pleat in the back instead of a gather.<br />
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Update--I finally got a photo of these lovely ladies wearing the outfits I sent! How cute are they? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHE_LxcvVK1OOqiLFAcGLx7wA1dS82PpJbZkFOeMMlKWSYgrYxjfF1JG3UXyh_02BLM14O1tkYjV3tSJZ3vkSl7sM9z_pNtT7YqczCvbCmZn0wSzgOzllq8NVUbuwKPmIUHiSaxzXjz43/s1600/DSC_0937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHE_LxcvVK1OOqiLFAcGLx7wA1dS82PpJbZkFOeMMlKWSYgrYxjfF1JG3UXyh_02BLM14O1tkYjV3tSJZ3vkSl7sM9z_pNtT7YqczCvbCmZn0wSzgOzllq8NVUbuwKPmIUHiSaxzXjz43/s400/DSC_0937.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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6. A skirt from the fabric that my friend picked out when she visited in November--I finally got it made in April! I'm terrible! It's a <a href="http://www.crafterhoursblog.com/2012/05/milkmaid-skirt-for-grown-up-girls.html" target="_blank">Milkmaid Skirt, from this free Crafterhours tutorial</a>.<br />
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It works better as a spring skirt anyway, right? She wouldn't have been wearing it in the winter...<br />
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7. The scarf I included with my friend's skirt as an apology for taking so long on her skirt ;) Dimensions from this <a href="http://imaginegnats.com/sewing-double-gauze-infinity-scarf-tutorial/" target="_blank">Imagine Gnats Circle Scarf Tutorial</a>.<br />
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8. Oh wow--this one is old! I made this dog sweater out of a thrifted sweater sleeve as a joke for my parents' dog after my dad sent me a <a href="http://voknits.com/recycled-dog-sweater/" target="_blank">link to a similar idea</a>. <br />
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Modeled by Maddie Dog:<br />
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