a short story

So during Thanksgiving break last year, some friends (Katelyn and Leslie) and I decided to make the 2.5-hour drive down to Colonial Williamsburg to learn a little bit about our nation's history live a childhood fantasy of visiting the home of an American Girl doll.  As it turns out, Colonial Williamsburg is supremely boring, but the trip was totally worth it because just as we stepped out of the car, we saw an eight-year-old girl not only carrying her American Girl doll, but dressed in an American Girl costume!  We may have stealthily (read:  slightly creepily) taken her picture.

Then I found this website (offering free American Girl dress patterns).  I totally know what Katelyn and Leslie are getting for their birthdays this year.  (And I may even try my hand at making a life-sized version as well.)

gingham dress and other projects.

Here are the pictures of the gingham dress I made.  I still think it needs to be tweaked just a little bit, but not a bad start.

I also happen to own about 18,000 yards of gray jersey material, so I am working on making myself a new wardrobe made entirely of gray jersey.  Most of my inspiration came from Anthropologie.  I will post pictures as I finish each one.  Sewing has been slow as of late, what with all of the sitting by the pool and reading books that I've been doing.  Super important stuff, I know....

okay, okay

My funk is over, I suppose.  A long time ago, I came across a picture of this dress (also very similar to this one from Shabby Apple) and really wanted it.  But alas, it was $450.  (I probably should have expected that since Lauren Conrad was seen wearing it.  I'm still not quite sure who she is, but apparently she's famous.)  I, however, am not famous so I decided to save some money and make my own.

It turned out just a little shorter than I had wanted (but there's a large hem that I can easily take out) and the original sleeves were way too poofy and had to be altered, but other than that I am pretty happy with the final product.  Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures (yet) but tomorrow I post some.

hiatus

I have taken a bit of a sewing hiatus in the past month.  Besides doing some hemming and mending for coworkers and taking in some shirts and skirts, my sewing machine has been oh, so quiet.

And then today I suddenly had the urge to sew something beautiful.  But then I looked at my fabric pile and realized that I had no idea what I wanted to make.  I need to make a trip to the fabric store soon.  So instead, I am perusing sewing blogs and clothing catalogs for some sort of inspiration.  I lost my groove and am looking to get it back.  Just call me Stella.  (haha)