Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Spring in the Sewing Room


Now that the thermometer on the porch read over 70 degrees this morning (a few minutes before it started to rain), I think it's officially time to start sewing for Spring. My Spring wardrobe is in dire need of help.

This blouse accomplished three objectives: Spring sewing, stash busting, and Extreme Makeover: Clothes Edition. Yes, the fabric for this project was pilfered from a dress that just looked dreadful on me (I think I wore it all of one time). So I salvaged the dress (including yards and yards of slender pink bias trim) and recycled it into a blouse. Even the skirt has been altered -- it has eight lovely gores, but it had an elastic waistband. This made it rather unnatractive to wear with most shirts. So in a burst of courage, I took out the elastic, added a zipper, reduced the gores, and made a new waistband with bias tape. Now it's perfect, and has a lovely flare at the bottom.


I'm so glad I was able to save the fabric, as it originally cost a little more than I like to pay. It's a charmming little Tracy Porter print from JoAnn's:




I only used two patterns this time, unbelievably. Faithful old Simplicity 4499 for the bodice and a McCalls 4922 for the collar and sleeves. I love the little ruffle at the bottom!




Some "rescued" Mother-of-pearl buttons in creamy pastel shades:



Now I'm ready for Spring!

10 comments:

  1. How lovely! You've inspired me to get to sewing new spring outfits. =)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful! Like Cheri, I'm inspired to start working on spring clothes. If only the snow would melt!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you! I'll be checking your blogs for upcoming Spring projects :)

    LOL! Clare, I can understand why snow would inhibit Spring inspiration!

    Yours in Christ,
    Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  4. *So* pretty! I just love the floral!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Do you sew all of your clothes? The daffodils are lovely. I wish we got more flowers here.

    Maria Pauline

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh I just *LOVE* it!! Fantastic job. :) Despite being in the middle of moving, I've really been missing my sewing time lately...it's been at least a month since my last project! I'm hoping to find & finish the jumper I was working on for Jenny...and at least get her spring sewing done before to long...I'm waiting to see how this baby's arrival changes my shape, then I can't wait to set to work on some new patterns for me!
    Keep up the inspiring work!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lauren Christine, thank you! :)

    Maria Pauline, I am sewing more and more of my clothes. Especially since I can't seem to find anything I like in the stores (in my budget, anyway!). We have to enjoy our flowers in the spring, because nothing blooms here in the summer!

    Tilly, I've had times when I haven't been able to sew before, so I feel your pain! I hope both your pregnancy and your move go well (and your future sewing, of course!).

    Yours in Christ,
    Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a wonderful job, Shannon! You are always doing such creative and lovely work!

    I know I'll be back to visit your blog often! I stopped by via the Sensibility forums. :) (I'm "vintage" over there)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Very pretty! Ah, I can't wait to get back to my sewing machine and start on some spring projects. :-) Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  10. That is beautiful! Very feminine!

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thank you so much for stopping by!