Tacara dress

Seamwork Tacara looked so cozy and I knew I wanted to make it right away. I had a super soft, slinky rayon knit.

I made a size 18, but really should have sized down. My knit was too lightweight for the pockets; I thought it made it hang weird. I also didn't like it as dress length. so I took about an inch off each side to get rid of the pockets and cut about 3 inches off the bottom. I'm pleased, but would definitely make the 16 next time.

Bust 46.75"
Waist 43
Hips 49

Seamwork Hayden top

I've been on a quest for a top pattern. I hoped the Seamwork Hayden pattern would do the trick.

My hopes were dashed. This is the first time I have not had the sleeves fit. I had this mostly worked up in October, but was stuck since the sleeves were so tight. I waited until this month's Open Sew Workshop, and with Niku's help I was able to hack the sleeves so they mostly fit. It's still a bit tight. I think it fits good across the upper bust, but feel like it's really big everywhere else. Not sure if the quilting cotton is impacting the drape.

Niku reworked the sleeve pattern for me so it should fit next time. I'm undecided if I will make this again or not.

Size made: 18
Bust 46.75"
Waist 43
Hips 49

Knit skirt

This is the 4th Kwik Sew 3513 skirt I've made.  It's a nice easy pattern. I cutout the extra large, but then I tried on the waistband I knew it would be too big. So I cut down to the large, and added elastic to the waistband.

Ruby Top

Back in August I made a Ruby top in XL It fit well around my upper bust, but was definitely a little snug in bust.

I decided to size up and see how it went. It definitely fits better in the bust and I think it's a better armhole fit, but I feel like there's some gaping in the neck and again the sloppy fit in the upper bust. I think I'll need to try grading between the two sizes. I'd really like to get where I'm happy with this and add sleeves!

Bust 46.75"
Waist 43
Hips 49

Halloween Embroidery

Finished up two Halloween embroideries. The Boo was from last year's XO Stitch Club, and the cat is from this year. Had some fun experimenting with different stitches.

Baby Knits

Made an adorable kimono sweater from Mason Dixon Knitting, and the umbilical hat from Stitch 'n Bitch for my aqua yoga teacher's baby shower.

Shibori Dyeing

Last weekend I headed up to McKinney to do some shibori dyeing at my friend's house. I ordered all the supplies for Dharma Trading Company - indigo dye kit, the yummiest 100% linen fabric, 50/50 cotton linen blend, and a silk infinity scarf. I also bought some Kona cotton to cut into small squares to practice with, and a white cotton t-shirt.

It was super easy to mix the dye. It had to sit for about a half hour. I checked out a bunch of books from the library, and found some resources online too. 

Shibori is a Japanese technique for creating patterns in the fabric with indigo dye. It's similar to tie dye, but really more focus on a single color. The patterns are fairly predictable, and it was a blast.

It was a little overwhelming dyeing 3 yards of linen at once. It's just a lot of fabric to work with at one time. It might be easier to make the garment first and then dye it. I don't know. Anyway, super fun and I would totally do it again.

The process is fascinating as the dye is green, and so your fabric comes out green but quickly oxidizes and turns blue.

 


This is my 3 yards of linen.

 

Here's the t-shirt


One yard of 50/50 cotton linen fabric


Test squares