Full-Time Vixen | finished sewing project

A Navy Polka Dot Dream Dress

August 29, 2011 • 2:01 AM

I was participating in the Lonsdale sew-along which already ended two weeks ago. I’ve been dragging my feet on taking photos and finally here they are!

This dress is made from a polyester semi-sheer crepe-y fabric (not sure exactly what it’s called) and I underlined the bodice and lined the skirt with Bemberg lining. Added a little bit extra work but all in all, this dress is so simple to sew! I used an invisible zipper instead of a regular one. This dress has two big pockets that you can’t really see because of the print and bright lighting but not only is this dress beautiful, it’s functional. Perfection. I’ve worn this dress out several times and always get compliments and admirers.

If you’ve noticed that I don’t blog very often, I’ve realized for myself that it’s not a priority in my life. In the words of the fabulous Rachel Red Lips when commenting on Tilly and the Button’s post on sewing productivity:

“I know how hard it is to make time for all things outside of the daily grind, but personally have found that I get more creative projects done when I don’t blog.”

I find this is so true for myself and I’m not out to become an internet celebrity with this blog or to make money — it’s a blog for my friends and family who are curious about what I actually do in terms of “pursuing sewing” as a passion and life career. And thus, I will blog whenever I can but I am not obligating myself to post on a schedule or very often.

It was so sunny out there on my balcony! It is such a hot day today, perfect for my beautiful polka dot sundress! It did make taking photos a little difficult because it was TOO bright and shadows were all over the place. But I did as best as I could today.

Also, I got an industrial piercing on my left ear (your right) and you can see that in this photo. It’s healing well although I have to stay vigilant as cartilage piercings take a while to heal completely — up to one year depending on the individual. And since an industrial is essentially two piercings, my body has to work doubly hard.

Okay! I have to get back to sewing and other necessary tasks — I’ve been slacking out of laziness the past two weeks. I am not very proud of myself right now. But I shall set out to change this today!

A Little Black Skirt – Butterick 4136

July 5, 2011 • 2:11 AM

So this is a simple black 6 gored skirt I made back for my waaaay too easy sewing class I took during the winter. It’s alright, I picked up a few new tips and tricks although I was bored out of my mind mostly. I whipped up this skirt in no time at all. The belt is separate and bought at Forever 21. I wore this outfit out today! Fabulous in the summer heat that has finally arrived in Vancouver. We were all beginning to wonder where summer had gone to here.

This is Butterick 4136, very homely looking. It was the best out of patterns my class was allowed to choose from…other than a straight skirt which I’d done before. So I decided to do this in black fabric because even if I hated it, I would still be able to pull off black or work into my wardrobe somehow. Turns out now I love it!

The hem had been much too long so last week I started work on re-hemming it. Didn’t finish it till today though! Been much too busy. Don’t look too carefully at the hem, it’s a little wonky. Hemming this was a bit of a pain with the 6 gores…I might do things a little differently next time. But it gives the skirt an interesting tulip shape all the same.

The shoes are from Forever 21. I love them! And they’re alright in terms of comfort levels for cheap shoes. I’m addicted to this style of shoe…A cute variation of Mary Janes.

I’m glad to be sewing again. I’ve got another lovely skirt to work on right now and then I should get started on the dress I’m making for my aunt’s wedding in September. Getting my groove back…yay!

Crescent Skirt: A Total Success

June 9, 2011 • 2:02 AM

I love my Crescent skirt! I finished it a while ago but haven’t had time to take pictures until today. Doing self-photoshoots is still a new thing to me…must learn how to make better poses.

Awesome and roomy pockets!

Check out the back.

Lace detailing!

If you’re wondering about the wonderful top I’m wearing, it’s from Urban Outfitters from the sale section. Look at the print! How could I not purchase it – cute sewing print AND a Peter Pan collar? Perfect, just perfect.

The socks are from Forever 21. Anyways, I’m glad the weather has been nicer around my parts but this means I’m woefully lacking in work appropriate skirts and dresses and blouses. Must get cracking! I’ll definitely make this pattern again. It’s perfect!

Surprise! Pin Curls!

April 16, 2011 • 4:30 AM

I pin curled my hair last night for the first time in a while. I wasn’t sure how they’d turn out with the bob I had been growing out for some time now. I wasn’t purposefully growing it out…just haven’t had time to get a hair cut! But I thought that I’d give it a pin curl first and see how they turn out before deciding if I need to see a hairstylist.

I really like them! I thought they looked pretty good.

This is a shirt that I reconstructed a loooong time ago from a boring plaid shirt I got at the thrift store. I made it accidentally a little too small and then I hit a small growth spurt just after high school where my shoulders, chest and bust got a little wider. So it’s even smaller now! But I just wear it open and I had a co-worker think I purposefully did that to get a “baby doll” effect. It has a lace yoke and puff sleeves (instead of boring long sleeves). The cuffs on the puff sleeves are also made of lace, mostly because I ran out of plaid shirt to use!

I included this photo because I look so different…so serious!

This is what I wore to work today. I wear black skinny jeans pretty much every day and also black shoes. They’re black leather Vans that are super comfortable and perfect for a day of shelving books. I’d like to make some work appropriate dresses and skirts that won’t show people my under-a-roos when I bend over to shelve something on the bottom shelf.

It was interesting going about my day in pin curls today….I don’t think I’ve ever really worn them to work at the lab or library. Men were either more polite or more leery. Women were somewhat more polite but not that much.

Anyways, I’d like to get some hot sticks and/or hot rollers and keep experimenting. I’d also like to try to find a way of doing my hair that is easy enough for daily wear but still has that vintage appeal.

Category Archives: finished sewing project