Day 14 of #sewvember - Tricky

This was my first foray into sewing sequin material.  It really wasn't that difficult.

I came across this fuchsia reversible sequin fabric several weeks ago.  I originally talked myself out of it but couldn't stop thinking about it, returned to the store, and bought more than I'll ever use.

I decided to play it safe and sew a simple pencil skirt.  I used a favorite skirt as a pattern and added 3" elastic at the waist.  The tricky part was removing sequins along my seam lines before stitching.  It took me some time to get used to how and where to remove the little buggers.  And it made a bit of a mess.  Another option is to sew right over the sequins.  I tried that with one seam and it came out bumpy, so I decided to stick with removal.  I used my serger.

I'm hoping to wear it to our upcoming office holiday party with this stretch velvet top (also self drafted and sewn).  I've finally found an outfit to wear with my velvet Tory Burch pilgrim shoes.  Their chunkiness takes the prissy out of the sparkly skirt, in my opinion.  I can't wait to wear this outfit.

The Katie shirt dress by Sew Sew Def

I love how sewing has evolved online.  Great indie designers are creating simple and basic patterns that are very easy to sew and alter.  For me, the ability to immediately download a pattern has been rewarding.  Often, I get inspired and want to start creating without running to the fabric store.  PDF patterns, although labor intensive, can be purchased and taped together for immediate use.  I've made the process somewhat therapeutic by listening to podcasts or music while methodically piecing together the patterns.  Let's be honest, tissue patterns are really no less labor intensive and very flimsy.

The Katie dress, a free downloadable pattern by Sew Sew Def Magazine, is a casual button-up shirt dress with bell sleeves and an a-line shape.  It has pockets (always a plus for me) and is quite voluminous making this dress comfortable for every day wear.

I used a blue chambray fabric that I purchased from JOANN Fabrics.  This was my first foray into collars and button plackets but the instructions were easy to follow.  The only change I made was I took out quite a bit of volume after I initially completed the dress.  I just couldn't pull off the full volume look, so I removed at least 4 inches on both side seams.  Wouldn't this also make a cute top for jeans?  I'll be making several more versions in the future.

Be sure to scroll through the photos using the arrows on the image:

My new fall uniform. Scroll for more views. Additional info on blog (link in profile). The #katiedress by @sewsewdefmag (@mimigstyle) #sewalamode #sewing #handmade

A post shared by Sophie, Lola & Zeus (@thedemersdogs) on Sep 15, 2017 at 9:23am PDT

What are your favorite online patterns and/or designers?

Craftland Holiday kick-off and meeting some Twitter friends in person

Tomorrow is Craftland's big holiday kick off party. I'm looking forward to seeing so many of my creative friends and their goods. The party is from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Come out and join us!

Two people I'm really looking forward to meeting are Cyn from RiverDog Prints (CT) and Liz from Made in Lowell (MA). I've known both of these talented ladies through blogging and Twitter for some time. I talk to them almost daily and tomorrow I get to meet them in person.

RiverDog Prints is the home of beautifully designed cards, 

notepads, gift tags, and more.

You will find hand-felted, crocheted or knitted accessories and jewelry

as well as polymer clay and paper goods at Made in Lowell.

Stop by Craftland to see these wonderfully designed, handmade items. I promise that you'll find something special for everyone on your holiday list!  Check out the entire list of participating artists (including moi).

Find Sophie's Choice on Scout's Dog Blog

Happy Thursday!

When Cyn at River Dog Prints asked if I (and/or Sophie) would like to contribute to her dog blog, I didn't hesitate to say yes.  You can now find Sophie's Choice over on her blog every other week.  Sophie has a nose for finding great handmade items for both dogs and their humans.  Please visit River Dog Prints, Dog Blog for this week's great finds.


If you haven't had a chance to get to know River Dog Prints, please visit their website.  You will find great custom paper goods including custom cards, stationary, and home products (fantastic canning tags and labels). You'll love what you find!

Inspiration || Interpretation: chartreuse and dusty rose

photo by Nilesh Bhange

woodgrain print by Stephanie Corfee
floral hair pins by Mia Beads

neck warmer by Beaded Wire
oilpainting by Naomi Layne