The skirt that almost wasn't ~ McCall's 5591

I've been working on this skirt for this whole week, little bits at a time.  My crazy class has ended and I have a week off before my next one starts.  We've been sick at home this week though, plus my husband's friends are here from California.  So it's been a little crazy.

I love this fabric I used for this skirt.  I wish I could find some more of the Cheep Talk in orange, but alas it is nowhere to be found for a reasonable price.  Miss K loved it and wanted some.

I sewed this skirt with McCall's 5591, View A, Straight size 10 (RTW I'm anywhere from 8-12).  I've been dying to try this pattern and LOVE the design of View A.  The pattern itself was easy to follow and the directions were straight forward.  The only thing not in the directions was to remove the basting stitches in the pleats. . . . This was obvious though and so I did it.
During sewing I didn't like how the pleats went toward the middle but I wanted to make it just as the pattern stated so I trudged along.  I also put in the first zipper wrong, ended up seam ripping it out and putting in this other one (because I got so frustrated I broke the first one!).

I was just not in a good mood to sew but I forced myself to finish it.  In the future I won't force myself because no good comes of it.

Skirt has pockets, zipper, hook and eye closure, and a cute waistband.
Well, I don't like the end result.  I really don't like it.  I hate how the pleats go toward the middle.  I should have went with my original though and had them go toward the outside.  Now when I walk the front and back squish in toward my legs and crotch, not flattering.  Had the pleats gone toward the pockets I don't think this would have happened because the middle panels would have been raised and not sunk in.
Also, the fabric is too ..... unflattering.  It is poofy and doesn't drape well.  I know it's cotton, thicker, not lawn, but I thought I could make it work.  Here it is.  Sorry for the terrible indoor pics.  Outdoor allergies are killing me right now!

Looks nice laying down and not being worn!

Pocket detail

Back Zipper

Back full view

front view

Front View

Side view ~ Notice the Poof effect

Back view ~ Still Poofing and Middle is sinking in

front view again with band

Back View

Front, side-ish view

I also have ZERO shirts to wear with this.  LOL.  I would love to try an orange shirt with it but I'm a "winter" color pallet and orange just doesn't fall within it.

If I sewed this skirt again I would

• Choose a more drape-y fabric, lighter weight (a lawn perhaps)
• Have pleats go toward the pocket and not the middle

Love the fabrics? Both were purchased from Fabric.com.
Turquoise: Victoria & Albert Venice Turquoise ~ No longer available
Orange: Cheep Talk Birds Light Orange ~ No Longer available




~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~

Owl Pin Cushions

Lately I've been working out a new design for some Owl pin cushions.
First I started out with what I had in my head and I came up with this rough prototype

I liked the look a lot but it was WAY too big for a pin cushion; maybe it was more suited to be a stuffie.  So I kept at it and came up with this cute guy.  (he has vintage eye buttons! love!)

His bottom is filled with a rice bag so he sits nicely and doesn't fall down.  His body is stuffed at the moment with poly-fil.  I know this isn't always ideal for pin cushions but it is what I had and I made due.  I do like the sleeping eyes a lot in the first one but this guy is so fun to have sitting on my desk watching me!

This leads me up to the Sew Swap challenge.  My assignment was to sew up something for Omega at www.selbylane.com.  When it comes down to it, it is intimidating sewing for someone you've never met!  Plus I had a crazy week of finals at the same time. Ugh! Why didn't I think of that before hand!
I was stressed but excited to sew something for Omega.  She listed her favorite colors as Aqua, Green, and Yellow.  I set out to sewing her one of these cute owls as seen below.  I like how the colors go together and this owl also has vintage button eyes.

I really hope she likes her new little friend!  I also sent along some cute fabrics so she can sew up something herself if she wishes.  It was fun to participate in the Sew Swap (my first one), albeit stressful and hectic.
I haven't received my package yet but when I do I'll be sure to blog about it :)

~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~

Wild for Wednesday!

What am I wild for this week?

1. Top Left: Halloween Pumpkin, Blown Glass from JessieChesbrough
2. Middle Left: Wool Felted Acorn Ornaments from StoneHouse Crafts
3. Bottom Left: Apple Fabric from MakingStuffUP
4. Right side: Green Enchanted Mushroom Bag from carrotflower8

I'm loving the fall weather!  It's time for some baking!!!!

What has you wild today?

~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~

Wild for Wednesday!

I just wanted to share some things I'm wild for on this lovely Wednesday!

Top Left
1. Vintage Owl Mugs from EatPrayEtsy over at Etsy.com
Top Right
2. Light Blue Bubble Necklace from Arkpearl over at Etsy.com
Bottom Left
3. Kei Japan, Pretty Kitty Denim at FabricWorm
Bottom Right
4. Pocket mirror Little Squirrel from marisolspoon over at Etsy.com

What things have you found lately that you are wild for?


~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~

KCWC ~ kids clothes week challenge

Yay another awesome challenge!  I'm so excited for this one to start because I have too many things I want to sew for the kids for fall.  This challenge is just the motivation I need!  Come join in the fun!



Be prepared to finally see some things accomplished here!  (I've been working on a prototype I can't wait to share, but alas I have to wait until it is finished).  The last 2 days I've had bobbin jamming issues and frankly I'm fed up.  Tomorrow is a new day though.  I'll attempt to fix....again!

~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~