Deconstructing The Garment

Still Here

I am still here, and still making stuff.  Although, lately it has been more architecture and less sewing.  I did finish the buttonholes on the assymetrical skirt, so that is not looming over me in an "undone project" pile.  I also finished the labyrinth.  I ended up making it a bit smaller, but it is still a nice path to discover daily.

Since I have actually been working in my "free" time, I have gotten out of the loop with some of the craftier blogs and websites I was following.  Time to get back into that and gather some more inspiration for future projects.  I think I will put together some more coaster sets out of my growing pile of scrap fabric.  Our funds are a bit low, so I can't go buy new fabric or a pattern.  I do have my eye out for some light blue fabric to make Roman Shades for our living room.  I discovered the tangerine Amy Butler belle fabric I had made a ring sling from coordinates the orange from our hallway, green from the dining room and blue from the living room.  I will use that to make 4" boarders on either side of the solid blue center.  Very bright.  Very excited.

So, here is to a little more sewing and creating.

Upcycled Cami

Once, there was a shirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And another shirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wasn't really wearing either one, so I decided to take them apart, piece them back together and make something new.  Now, I can't say that I "love" the new top I finished.   I can say that I have learned a few more things about sewing technique, fit, and garment construction.  Oh, did I mention there was no pattern?

This is what I ended up with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, I am going to notice all the design and construction flaws, but I won't point those out to you.  We'll just chalk this up to a free material sewing lesson.  I think I will go into a sewing store and buy a pattern for my next project.  Just to what it is like to sew from a real pattern.

I have also been constructing a labyrinth, in our small backyard, with my boys.  We found a surprising number of rocks in an abandoned flower bed along the back fence line.  So far, we have this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am now on the lookout for rocks everywhere we go.  I would like to finish the project by Earth Day, but I am not sure that will happen.  It may end up being a much slower process than I hoped, but I think it is a good start.

Here's to creating.

Catch Up

To date, I have finished two projects and almost finished a third, which was actually my first ...

I liked this skirt

 So, I decided to take it on as my first garment project.  Upon visiting the fabric shop, I was quickly overwhelmed at the selection.  After I wandered around for about 30 minutes, I came up with a plan for narrowing down and choosing the fabric.  This pattern is a pdf, so I had to print it out and tape it together.  I got all that done and was finally ready to sew.

This is the result

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good so far, but I am stuck on the button holes.  I'm going to rely on my sister's better machine to finish them in a couple of weeks.  I also have a lot of ironing to do.  For my first attempt, I was pleased.

My second and third projects were a little less complicated.

2Project: hobo bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3Project: Coasters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have enough scrap material that I can do a few coaster sets.  This seems to be a quick, inexpensive project that I can make and put aside for gifts.  It is also simple enough that it allows me to practice simple, straight seams (which I need to practice).

I need new needles, and I am trying to earn 9 continuing education units before the end of June (so I can remain an Architect), so the sewing is put aside for now.  But don't worry, the ideas are always swirling and the sketch book is pulled out often.

Inspiration

How can one not want to create in a season of newness and life?

Sitting outside, letting the warm sun soak into my skin, I am looking at the beautiful colors around me.  I want to surround myself with those colors, both inside my house and in what I wear.  The sky is a perfectly clear blue.  The new leaves are such a striking green, they almost glow.  The azaleas are blooming in pinks, reds and whites.  The dogwoods are also a blushing pink and a pure white.  And that is just what I see from my stoop.  

The sounds are also an inspiration.  The wind is gently blowing, so there is an occasional, lazy ring of the wind chime.  The birds are calling softly in the distance.  Cars are rolling by.  Everything seems to be slowing down.  Enjoying the warmth of the sun.  Not hurrying, but soaking it ALL in.  

A peaceful, perfect day.

An inspiration for creating.

What Why?

I am an architect who is currently a stay at home mom of two rambunctious boys.  I need to create, and the construction paper, acrylic paint and stickers only go so far.  Plus, either my boys are still a little young or are not crafty.  Either way, after being at home with them for almost 3 years, I am going a little crazy in the head.  I need to make things.  I need them to be inexpensive and beautiful and useful (limited budget and all).

I decided to try fabric as a medium.  

Sewing is in my blood, really.  My granny sewed.  My mom sewed.  My sisters sew.  I guess it was just a matter of time.

Now that I am entering this new craft/hobby/art form, I have all these ideas swirling through my head.  It is hard to focus on a project sometimes.  I start on one thing and it prompts ideas on about ten other things.  But, at least I am thinking, creating, making.  

It's been awhile.

This new craft also is allowing me to further define my creative self.  I feel my style should come out in anything I make.  Whether it is designing a building with bricks and steel or designing a skirt with solid twill and printed cotton.  It should be me.  

If you choose to follow along, I hope you will enjoy my thoughts and journey.  I don't claim that I will impart wisdom or insight into your life.  I hope to learn how to sew, then how things are made, then how to make them myself.  Beyond that, I will save for daydreaming on a peaceful, sunny day.