Louisa Knock-off: GLAMOUR SHOTS

So many thanks to Kara-Line for making beautiful dresses and inspiring me to start sewing on my own.  This dress is an almost exact replica, except for some changes I made to the fitting on the sleeves and, of course, my lack of a serger.  I hope this is only the first of many dresses I make for myself, and someday get the skills to make them for other people, too.

Trumpet skirt project

I couldn't find any fabric I liked for my next Louisa dress, so I decided to remake a skirt I've had for a decade: 

Doesn't look like much from the photo, but it's a beautifully put-together piece that fits me perfectly and looks good when I spin.  I thought it was called a tulip skirt.

It's 10 panels in cotton with a more vibrant lining and a zipper on the side. Since I don't want to take the original skirt apart, I am going to have to experiment with how the inner belt and lining work, but looks like the lining is just an identical version of the skirt.  So far it looks a little cheerleader-y, but when I iron it out I bet it'll look better.  Bright blue will be my color for spring/summer.  I am looking forward to storing my grey and black winter wardrobe.

One of the millions of seams.

Since there are 20 big seams to finish, I was feeling adrift without a serger.  I didn't want to make any more stitch lines on the right side of the fabric, and I also don't want ratty seams.  Someone suggested Dritz Fray-no-more, but I didn't want any sharp edges or weight added.  I ended up trimming the seam allowance to 1/2" and using bias tape to finish.  Yeah, it added weight, but it looks super professional (from my perspective).  Why didn't I take a picture??

Lovely lining fabric.

I don't mind the finished seam stitches showing on the right side of the lining, since no one will see it. This will definitely get done over the weekend, then I have a few days off for Spring Break!  I promise I will actually finish a project from a real pattern.  I don't know why I'm so hesitant. I HATE reading directions, that's why.

[Update: I just found a Simplicity pattern for a trumpet skirt that looks SOOOOOOO much simpler than this 10-panel one.  Urgh. Thank you internet for giving me a sign.]

Designer Imposters

Remember Designer Imposters perfume? I was a big fan of whatever they called their version of Love's Baby Soft, probably called Infant Bliss.  I'm still not sure why women thought smelling like small children who couldn't yet wipe themselves was sexy. 

I'm feeling a little guilty about my latest sewing breakthrough: I re-created Kara-line's Louisa, after months of stalling.  I've still got to attach the sleeves, but that shouldn't be bad.  I took apart the muslin I'd been working on in my sewing classes (I stopped going on October) and spent 6 hours today cutting it out and putting it together (yay for vacation days!)  Here's the pics:

J left for the day and I covered the house in sewing crap.
Don't let anyone lie to you-- sewing requires space or you'll go crazy.

Dress almost done

Done!

I still feel bad about re-making someone else's dress, but it was a really good way to get into sewing. Plus, I want to wear this dress 5 days a week, and there's no way I could afford that many Portland-made dresses.  It's ok if you're not selling it, right?  If you like the Louisa dress, go check out the Kara-line website.  The dresses ain't cheap, but you fill out a little survey of what you like about your body and your favorite colors and stuff, and they'll send you a BOX OF DRESSES to choose from.  You have three days to prance around in front of mirrors and pick the one that suits you best.  I praise the designer.

Tomorrow I'll finish up the sleeves, and then to Joann for more fabric. I will make another one.  By the time it's warm enough to wear little dresses, I'll be so fuckin' cute you can't look straight at me.