Category: RTW Fast

RTW Fast 2015


Apr
2015

A Time Lapse Video: The Making of a Dress

categories: Behind The Seams, RTW Fast, What I made

HI Gals!

Happy Friday!

I am taking a break from sewing this week to work on my garden. It was so hot yesterday and I only got to plant two plants. Today is cloudy, so I am going to take advantage of the weather and do some gardening.

I wanted to share with you a time lape video I recorded last weekend when I was making my dress. Take a journey behind the seams with me and see what goes into make a dress from scratch. This is obviosuly very different than how Ready To Wear is made, which is done in an assembly setting. I hope you enjoy!

Happy Friday!!! And Happy Sewing. The weekend is here. Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

The actual post about this dress is HERE

-XOXO

 


Apr
2015

DIY Easter Dress and my first Mommy and Me outfit

categories: Mommy and Me, RTW Fast, What I made

Hola Folks!

I wanted to share my Easter dress pictures with you. I was so super excited about my Easter dress.. I was initially hoping to make a dress with floral fabric but didn’t have much luck finding any at my local fabric stores. I ended up using a silk fabric that I had sitting in my fabric stash.

I decided to do a franken-pattern since I started so late on Saturday. I used these patterns below. I took the bodice from view A of Mccalls M7126 and the skirt from view C of Mccalls M6955.

 

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Here is what I came up with:

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Yes, that is a black zipper. Don’t judge! I was sewing this at midnight…

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This below is my Bollywood “falling in love ” pose 🙂

IMG_6821 Love the full circle skirt. The fabric drapes so nicely. It was soft and lightweight, perfect for Easter. The weather yesterday was so nice too.

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And now…the more important part of this post… Our first Mommy and Me outfit! I finished my dress at midnight… and then started my daughters dress. Hers is a quick 2 piece outfit. I lined her skirt with the same lining as mine. Amazing what a little bit of scrap fabric can so right? If you ask me, she wore it best 🙂

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Here she is giving me some lovies after Church….

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And the entire family decided to make a guest appearance :0)

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PATTERN: FrankenPattern!!!I took the bodice from view A of Mccalls M7126 and the skirt from view C of Mccalls M6955.

FABRIC: I used a silk from my fabric stash. I don’t know much about it since it was given to me by my mum. The only thing I can tell you is that she bought it from a silk exhibition in Chandigarh, India. SInce I highly doubt any of you are interested in making that trip, you can find similar fabric HERE if you would like to re-create this look.

SEWING: The dress is easy to sew, but it is time-consuming. Not ideal for a last-minute project!

I hope that this inspired you to create something! Did you sew or shop for your Easter outfit? I want to see! Let me know what you wore and how you styled it 🙂

XOXO


Apr
2015

Last minute Easter Sewing… Because He is Risen!!!

categories: Behind The Seams, RTW Fast

HI Gals,

It is almost 3 pm the day before Easter.. and I am just now getting started on my Easter dress. This is one of the most special occasions I will sew for all year.. I really wanted it to be a special dress. Even though I never wear florals, I wanted to sew with a floral fabric.. I searches high and low at my local fabric stores for a floral that would feel modern enough for my style.. and I found NOTHING.. I did find a lot of floral silkies… but I wanted to find a sturdy woven with a small amount of stretch. I found nothing in that category that I liked.

I even browsed the quilting section.. but once I ended up in the Hello Kitty Isle.. I knew it was time to give up.

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I did like this fabric.. but it was in the upholstery section. The fabric was beautiful, but thick and expensive. .(I had to take a selfie with the fabric to see how it would look on me 🙂

I think for Easter I need something lighter… so I decided to go with a pink tussah silk that has been sitting in my stash for at least half a decade..

And since time is of the essence.. I am going to frankenpattern instead of drafting. I decided to go with the bodice of Mcalls M7126 view A and I am undecided about the skirt, but I might use one of the skirts from Mcalls M5955.

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Below is the fabric I am using. It is such a pretty pink.. I might throw in a sash and an oversized bow.. not sure yet. The light pink is the apparel lining….the ONLY thing I found at Joanns yesterday.. and since when is apparel lining $6.99 a yard? I miss fabric shopping in San Francisco.

 

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I better run and resume sewing.. working on the muslin  for the bodice now.. I might just freehand the skirt.. Wish me luck!

Are you sewing or shopping for your Easter dress last-minute? Love to hear what are wearing or sewing for Easter..

See you soon with my completed dress.

-XOXO

 

 


Apr
2015

RTW Fast Update – A Geeky Q1 Report of sorts…

categories: RTW Fast, What I made

Hola Folks!

If I were still working in corporate America, I would be working on my 1st quarter end of quarter report right about now.. I would also be putting a cover sheet on my TPS report and sending it to my eight different bosses. (Anyone else love the movie Office Space?) 🙂 Luckily I have no reports to fill out, but I am excited to look back at 2015 so far and let you know how the RTW (Ready To Wear) Fast is going thus far…

Lets start with the garments I made, things I learned and the tutorials I created 🙂

GARMENTS I MADE

4 tops, 3 skirts, 2 dresses and 1 pair of pants. Total of 10 garments 🙂

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So.. I officially started the fast on Jan 23rd. Between Jan 23rd and the end of March, there were 9 weeks and I sewed 8 of the 9 weeks and completed a total of 10 garments! That’s more than one a week. I know for a fact that I would not have sewn this much had I not decided to observe the fast.

SKIRTS:

1) Box pleat skirt: Details and pics HEREIMG_5460

2) Circle Skirt: Details and pics HERE

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3) Tulle Skirt: Details and pics HERE

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TOPS

4) Black fitted cowl neck: Details and pics HERE

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5) Leopard print top: Details and pics HERE

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6) Ruffle top: Details and pics HERE

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7) Blue Peplum top. Details and pics HERE

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DRESSES:

8) V Day Dress. Details and pics HERE

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9) HI-Low dress: Details and pics HERE

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PANTS:

 

10) High Waisted Wide Leg Pants. Details and pics HERE

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THINGS I LEARNED

1) Patience 🙂

2) How to use a twin needle. Tutorial HERE

3) Commercial patterns have a ridiculous amount of ease

4) The seam ripper is my soul mate. We are in an eternal love hate relationship…

TUTORIALS

One of the main reasons I wanted to start this blog was to share my love of sewing with others but also teach others. I was able to find time when my little one naps to document a few tutorials to share with others

1) How to sew a sleeve the easy way. Click HERE
2) How to hem knits using a twin needle. Click HERE
3) How to draft a peplum. Click HERE
4) How to press a seam. Click HERE
5) Sew tight ruffles using a gathering foot. Click HERE
6) How to draft a circle Skirt. Click HERE

That concludes my nerdy end of quarter report … 😀 This has been such a fun-filled journey.. if you are someone who has been thinking of picking up a sewing machine, or encourage you to start now! If you have questions on how to get started or how to sew a particular technique, or draft a pattern, I am here to help 🙂

Hope you have are having a wonderful week. It’s almost the weekend.. and that means more time to sew. Yay..
I’ll see you soon with my next garment.. but I have to leave you with a clip from my favourite movie of all time.. Office Space. Enjoy.. XOXO


Mar
2015

Once upon a Dress

categories: RTW Fast, What I made

HI Everyone!

I am back to sewing after taking a break last week. Yesterday I worked on re-purposing a dress into a peplum top.  I love the combination of blue and black and want a blue top and black skinny jeans in my closet. I started drafting the pattern for the pants. I pre-washed and pre-shrunk the fabric while I was doing the pattern making. Now I am ready to cut.

Here is the peplum top completed:I wanted a full peplum look so I drafted a half circle peplum. I think for the next project, I might do a 3/4 circle peplum and sew in horsehair braid at the hem of the peplum to make it stiff.

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The peplum is a half circle peplum for each pattern pieces (one back, one front). The pattern looks like a 1/2 donut. So the peplum all around is a full circle peplum, seamed at the sides. I love how the fabric drapes on the peplum.

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I attached an exposed zipper on the back. It’s a jeans zipper I had in my zipper stash. Love the metallic teeth on it. The zipper is aesthetic only, it does not function. We shall call her a trophy zipper.

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To accessorize, I added this bag for another pop of color and also because oversized bows are always en vogue.

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Love how the zipper on the top matches the hardware on the purse 🙂

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I even had a modest Marilyn Monroe moment thanks to the wind.

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Here is the dress that was used for this re-purpose:

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Design details below for anyone who wants to make a peplum 🙂

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PATTERN: For the sleeves, I re-used a previously drafted sleeve I used  HERE. For the peplum, I drafted a pattern using the slash and spread method I documented HERE.

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SEWING: To transform the dress into the top, I dd the following alterations

1) Chop off the top from skirt at the waist seam

2) de-construct the top at the sleeves and side seams

3) re-size the sleeves using a pattern I drafted previously HERE

4) Sew the top back up using THIS method

5. Attach peplum at the waist. I used THIS method to draft the peplum

I hope you found this post helpful. Have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO

 

 

 


Mar
2015

Behind The Seams: Repurpose with a purpose

categories: Behind The Seams, RTW Fast

HI everyone!! I missed you last week!!

I managed to do a quick tutorial but last week was a tough one, so unfortunately, my sewing had to take a backseat. I made a commitment to myself that I would sew every Thursday without fail. So I did go into my studio late Thursday night and gathered up some tulle, but that was about it!

Well I am back on track and ready to get to work this week! So…. the 1st thing I am going to work on this week is a blue peplum top, and I am planning on re-purposing this dress instead of making it from scratch. Do you have an unwanted knit dress in your wardrobe and want to sew-along? Design details below…

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This is a dress I bought sometime last year and never wore. I tried it on once and it was big on me. I meant to take it in, but I just don’t think I am going to wear it. So…  I am going chop this baby up and re-construct it. I am going to preserve the hemming on the neckline and sleeves and I will be using the fabric from the skirt to create the peplum. I want a full peplum and this is the overall look I am going for:

 

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PATTERN: For the base pattern, I will probably use a self drafted pattern I used HERE. I wont touch the neckline as it is beautifully hemmed.

Peplum: I will self draft the peplum using this technique that I documented HERE

SEWING: After I de-construct the top at the sleeves , side seams and waist, I will resize the sleeves and top and then re-attach the sleeves using this easy method I documented HERE

I am truly hopeful that I will also be able to make a pair of skinny jeans or capri pants to go with this peplum. Ambitious for a day of sewing, but a girl can dream, right?

Are you sewing something? I’d love to hear from you 🙂

Until next time, Happy Sewing!!

XOXO

 


Mar
2015

Black Hi-lo dress inspired by Pinterest- Mccalls M6886 modified

categories: RTW Fast, What I made

Hola Folks!! Hope you are having a wonderful Friday. I am so ready for the weekend!

Earlier this week I posted about a hi-lo t-shirt dress that was inspired by pinterest. I really did not have any time to go shopping so I was at the mercy of my fabric stash. Well.. I started off wanting to make a reversible grey and black dress, but that did not happen. I ran into SO many issues with the grey dress, it seemed like the sewing Gods were very angry with me.

I will save my rant for later, let me show what the black dress looks like. Design details below if you are interested in making your own version

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I had this slinky knit in my fabric stash.. I had about 2 yards I think, so it was long enough to make the back floor length. I really like where the hem hits on the front.

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I accessorized with this shoulder bag that also works as a clutch.

 

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Here is the dress that inspired my project.. I think my version comes pretty close, although I couldnt replicate that pose…. even though I tried 🙂

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Moving onto the DISASTER dress. I had so many issues with the grey dress. For starters, since I used a commercial pattern, it had a ridiculous amount of ease in it. It took multiple alterations to get the right fit. The area around the arms had so much excess fabric, that I ended up detaching the sleeves, taking in the shoulder seams and re-attaching the sleeve. But check this out, I attached one sleeve inside out and both sleeves backwards. If that wasnt enough, my serger started acting funny and the side seams looked like they had teeth coming out of them. Lastly, the hem line was a bit too short.. and well after I put on the garment, it just didn’t feel right. I was still determined after all these issues, so I decided to hem the neckline and sleeves and be done with it. Well, as I started to hem, my one and only twin needle broke. I was still determined to finish, so I decided to try the stretch stitch on my machine. Well that was a disaster too.. and the dress now looks like a craft project gone wrong. I mean.. a 4-year-old could probably do a better job.. Oh well!!! We all have failures in life.  I do believe all things happen for a reason.. so I am finally getting a cover stitch machine this weekend. As for the dress, I am too embarrassed to even give it to goodwill… I think I will repurpose the fabric .

Anyways, back to the black dress…..

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PATTERN: I used Mccalls M6886 view C as a base, then did the following pattern alterations: 1) shorten the hem in the front 2) shorten the sleeves and add bands to make it more dressy 3)  lengthen the hem in the back 4) turn the back into a-line instead of pencil

If you are interested in seeing a step by step tutorial on how to do this alteration, let me know and I will be happy to document it.

FABRIC: I used a jersey knit. You can use any knit fabric

SEWING: The dress is easy to sew. You can use this technique to sew the dress up. For the hem, you can use a twin needle or a cover stitch. For the bottom hem, I serged but I did not hem as I didn’t feel it was necessary.

I hope that this inspired you to create something! Until next time, Happy Sewing and Happy Friday

XOXO


Mar
2015

Pinterest Inspired Hi-lo Dress using Mccalls M6886

categories: Behind The Seams, RTW Fast

Hello Fashionistas!

Today is my sewing day, but I have to admit, I woke up with no idea of what to make. Usually I wait for Thursdays with anticipation. I plan my project in my head, make a sketch or two, start working on my pattern and cutting around the middle of the week. Not this week. As a mom of a naughty toddler, I find myself growing more and more tired each day. Seems like terrible twos have come early in my home. But I made a commitment to myself that I would sew every week. So today I am looking for a quick project that will take me no more than 2 to 4 hours to complete.

I want to make a reversible hi-low dress with grey on one side and black on the other. If I can get two dresses out of one, why not? 🙂

I am feeling inspired by this dress I saw on pinterest. It’s a t-shirt dress, so has a casual element to it, but the hi-low hem makes it interesting.

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I am debating between sleeveless and short sleeves. I really like the ribbing around the neckline. It makes the dress a bit more casual, which will be appropriate for the fabric I am using. I plan on using this jersey knit below

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I also like this hi-low dress, but mine would have a longer hemline in the front. I would like for the hem to hit right above the knee. I don’t care for the long sleeves though, because warm weather is finally here! Yay!

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Since time if of the essence, I will be using the McCall M668 as a base instead of drafting my own pattern. Don’t let the ugly print on the envelope fool you. I have seen some amazing dresses made with this pattern. I will be using View D if I go for sleeveless, or view C if I go for sleeves. The only pattern alteration I will be doing is lengthening the hem on the centre back and shortening the hem on the centre front, and of course blending the hem at the side seams.

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As always, I am going into this project with a plan in my head, but I could end up with something completely different. I better go grab my scissors and get to cutting while baby naps.

See you soon in my next post. Until then, Happy Sewing!

XOXO


Mar
2015

Leopard print (Rawrrrr) and DIY Circle Skirt

categories: RTW Fast, What I made

Hello Beautiful People!

I posted last week that I was approaching my next sewing project with skepticism. I decided to pull out a leopard print double-knit fabric from my stash and make something with it. I really wanted to do a form-fitting, below the knee dress but I was afraid that would be too much print. For someone who has never sewn with prints, I decided to ease into the world on animal print by sewing something small. I decided to make a scoop neck tee and here is what I came up with. Design details below if you are interested in this DIY

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I paired the top with a pencil skirt I wear often. While I like this look and its well-balanced and harmonious, I have to admit that I am turning into a bit of a sewing snob. If I didn’t make it, I don’t have as much fun wearing it. And while pencil skirts are fun, circle skirts are SO much more fun! So for my second look, I paired this top with a  DIY circle skirt I made earlier this year.

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Here is a closeup of the top. For the neckline, I once again used the twin needle. But I am one step closer to buying a coverstitch machine. 🙂 Oh! I just realised there is a giant hexagonal orb on my skirt. Time to clean that lens!IMG_6322

 

If you are still reading this post, then i present to you, my favorite look with this new top. The beauty of fashion is that a good outfit not only makes you look good, but also makes you feel good. And that brings me to the final look I put together with this top. I LOVE a nice and comfy pair of jeans. Denim is like the chocolate cake of the fabric world. It makes you feel good every single time 🙂 Here is my favourite look:

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And can I just tell you that I am in LOVE with these obnoxiously oversized sunglasses? 🙂

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And finally folks, Its FRIDAY Wahooooooooooooooo!.Life is short, Fridays are even shorter, so be silly, eat a lot of ice cream and have a wonderful, relaxing and fashionable weekend 🙂 I’ll see you in the next blog post 🙂 Design details below for those who want to DIY the top or skirt!

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PATTERN: I used a self drafted pattern for tee and the skirt. You can use M6886 (easy) View B and chop if off at the waist. You can find the pattern HERE The circle skirt I self drafted and you can learn how to draft it HERE

FABRIC: I used a double-knit polyester from my fabric stash. You can use any knit fabric really.

SEWING: This tee is very easy to sew! I did a tutorial on how to sew this top HERE. It is an easy project and great for beginners. If you have any questions, let me know!

I hope that this inspired you to create something! Until next time, Happy Sewing and Happy Friday

XOXO

 


Feb
2015

Behind The Seams: Overcoming my fear of (animal) print

categories: Behind The Seams, Mommy and Me, RTW Fast

Hello Ladies and Gents!

I have been a bit unsure about what my next sewing project should be. I know that leopard print is not currently en vogue, but something has been telling me to sew with this beautiful leopard print that I have been hoarding for three years.  Typically I shy away from all prints. I only wear solids. I have only sewn with prints twice. But… this RTW Fast is all about challenging myself, so I am going to attempt to sew with a print.

Here is the fabric I am working with:

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It’s a polyester double knit at 58 inches wide. I have four yards of this, so the possibilites are endless 🙂 I like leopard print, and have worn it as an accent (purses, shoes, belts), but never as a garment. I always thinkg that it would be too loud. Since I dont have my imaginary personal stylist on speed dial, I decided to go to pinterest for inspiration.

A maxi skirt, worn with black….

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I love the idea of doing a fitted top instead, something like this with 3/4 length sleeves, but if I go for this look, then I have to make that skirt too 🙂 Love the look below.

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Here is the gorgeous Mrs Beckam in a calf length pencil skirt, once again with black. This is so elegant.

1411999771918_wps_7_Victoria_Beckham_seen_arr Here is another pencil skirt look I like, with white and denim, I would probably extend the length by a few inches on my version. This is so cute with nude pumps and denim.

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As I was browsing through all these images, I was still unsure of whether I should sew with leopard print, and then I saw THIS…..

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I think the print above is a jaguar print, but you get the point. How cute is this outfit? That would look SO cute on my daughter.. so this picture has me sold. I am still not sure what I am going to make for myself, but  I am making this adorable peplum dress for my toddler. It is just so stinkin cute. Well. I will have my first “Mommy and Me” post coming up soon.

I hope that everyone is getting ready to have a wonderful relaxing. I plan on being in my studio sewing for myself and my mini me. I’ll see you soon with my finished projects.

Happy Friday!!!

XOXO

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