Yes, I had a bit of a set back. As soon as I returned from my lazy holiday in Mexico my back went out. Walking is fine, standing is fine. That’s about it. So … no sitting in my sewing chair. 🙁
I couldn’t help but dream, browse, and plan my future projects though … and I started seriously searching for my DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER outfit. I know DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER is far away yet, but I am not the type of person to leave anything to the last minute.
I started my search looking for designer fashion on Pinterest. I managed to “pin” quite a few favourite dresses and jackets to my DESIGNER FASHION board.
I have already seen sewists on Instagram adding lace collars to their makes, so this design is not that far off.
Here is another simple dress with special neckline.
How about a lace yoke? or appliques?
How about this vintage pattern?
Stolen right from the runway … isn’t this the most exquisite design you have ever seen?
For those of you with the talent to reuse, remake and recycle – how about this design? It’s beyond beautiful!
Then I found THE ONE for me! The beginning of my DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER contribution! This company (zasue.com) makes beautiful Haori jackets. Take a look at their website here.
And again, THIS ONE would look lovely with my Haori jacket. But if I made this one, I would have to alter it to a skirt and a top, instead of the dress. I always gravitate towards making dresses, but I usually only wear skirts and tops. Makes no sense whatsoever! I should make this, but in two pieces. It can be easily done.
Just look at the pleat on the back and the little bow at the top!
Next to search for the perfect fabrics. On the way to Mexico, I made a stop in Langley, B.C. and found this – a blue and cream printed upholstery fabric for my Haori jacket (unknown fibres unfortunately) and a 100% polyester called “Samantha Solids”. A lovely shade of blue, but when I got home, it just seemed a bit lightweight. Then on another road trip I found this 62% polyester/33% rayon Ponti Di Roma. It’s actually a darker royal blue than this photo shows and a heavier weight than the 100% polyester. I think it will be more suitable for a top and skirt.
Now … which patterns? I’ve already made two beach cover ups with this pattern, McCall’s M7200, here and here, so it is familiar to me and would work well for my Haori jacket.
For the dress, I’m going to start with this pattern, McCall’s M7574, but make the dress into two pieces. There are already instructions, etc. to make the top only in this pattern.
When tracing the pattern and cutting the fabric, I used the shape of the top of the dress for my top …
and made the skirt from the shape of the bottom of the dress.
When it came to the pleat in the back of the top, I added an extra inch on to the back seam at the fold line. I’ll show you how it looks when I sew it up. This pattern has the funniest shaped sleeves I have ever seen, but I can already see how they go together.
So, unfortunately, no sewing this last week, but I did trace a few patterns and cut out a few fabrics for future projects, including DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER, standing at the kitchen table!
Have you been thinking about DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER? If you are curious, check it out here and here. Elle Gee Makes and Emma and her Machine have already got their entries finished!
Happy Sewing!
40 Responses to “A bit of a set back …”
I’d never heard of Designing December! I will have to check this out! Feel better soon!
Yes take a look see, think about it, and join in! And thank you for the good vibes!
So sorry about your back. I am loving your plans for Designin’ December. I might have to start thinking about this, but probably in November ;)!
My back is getting better every day, I hope! 😃💪 I will be keeping my eyes 👀 open for posts and pictures!
Sorry to hear about your back. You might try sewing with your machine at standing height – maybe put a sewing machine on the kitchen counter? I tried sewing with a machine at standing height once after someone recommended it as being more ergonomic, and it worked well, but I prefer sewing with treadle machines, so I didn’t leave an electric machine set up like that. Now that I’m thinking about it though, maybe I’ll raise up the table I have my serger and coverstitch machine on, since those are electric. That would give me more storage space underneath the table, too. Hmm, and then I wouldn’t have to squeeze a chair over in that corner – the problems that come with trying to cram too many vintage sewing machines into my little house 🙂 I’m having some great ideas as I’m typing here!
I’ve been using my computer at a standing height for several years for ergonomic reasons and to avoid sitting so much. I got tired at first, but then I got used to it. Standing is better for you and burns extra calories, too!
I could just sense the ideas rolling off your fingers into the internet! I have seen standing office desks before but didn’t really understand why – now it makes more sense. I’ll try the standing sewing first this weekend because I am getting crabby without my sewing projects. Thanks!
Lots of lovely garments here. You have used your time well.
I hope your back is better soon.
Thank you, feeling slowly better every day.
I love your inspiration dress and can’t wait to see the finished project! So sorry about your back! It sounds as though you’re using your ‘down’ time wisely though, planning a spectacular make. Pinterest is such a fun way to prime the creative pump. I could spend hours and hours on it…And thanks for the shout out in this post!
Thank you! I’ll work on my DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER garment slowly, but I’ll get it done! It is great fun searching for the next project. I love giving a shout out to all DD contributors. I’ve make a note about your contribution so I can show everyone in DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER!
Oooo ~ such eye candy! So sorry to hear you’re not up to sitting and sewing (sounds peculiar, but you know what I mean.) Hope you get healed up right fast. Meanwhile, how was Mexico? Did your outfits work well? Any photos of you two lounging by the pool or on a beach? xx
There are so many beautiful designs to look at, aren’t there! Mexico was fabulous, and CHICHEN ITZA was even MORE fabulous! My previous post does have a bit of a travelogue, with photos! I was very pleased my me-made swimsuit didn’t unravel at the seams!
Thank you so much for referring to your previous post, which somehow escaped my system. OK, holiday pics now drooled over and am glad no costume malfunctioned! Take great care of you! xx
Thank you!
Hope your back is feeling better. I love both of your choices for Design December and I will try and take part this time, last year I failed miserably to make the Monique Lhuiller jacket you have hear. If I start in August there is a good chance I will make it 🙂
You know I was wondering where I had seen that jacket before! I think it might be a challenge to put together, but it is one of my all time favourites! I find It’s always good for me to start early. Last year we had a late entry, so I told her I would save it for this year. I don’t know if that’s cheating or not, but I guess I make the rules! 😂 I think it took me a year to make my wedding dress – that was years ago too… when I didn’t have any other responsibilities! 😆. Thanks for the good wishes!
Ooh, this is the first time I’ve heard of Designin’ December….I’d love to make something for it!
Lovely inspiration photos by the way…so sorry about your back though. Hopefully you’ll be on the mend soon though and will be able to do more than stand and trace
We would love to see your Designer Copy! There is lots of time to plan and sew. Just leave me a comment when you are done, share the link, hashtag it #DESIGNINDECEMBER. There’s lots of ways to be included – Instagram too! Thanks for the good vibes, I can’t wait to get back to the sewing machine!
There is no keeping a good woman down! Sorry to hear about your back )-: That is a lovely design, with the little ribbon. I hope you are back to your (complete) old self again soon!
Thank you! If I can’t sew, it is always fun to dream.
You’ve been busy! Lovely collection of inspiration garments, I’m looking forward to seeing the results.
Haha, busy just looking. Hopefully soon I can actually sit down and sew the few things I have cut out!