Sew?
 

Because I don't have enough unfinished projects all over the place I've taken up sewing again. Also because I can't find what I want in stores. I found a great skirt pattern but I decided I needed to adjust the pattern to fit. I researched how to do this and finally sat down and traced it out on some tissue paper, taking the waist from one size and the hips from another. Then I made a "muslin" to test the fit and decided I could go down a size in the waist so I redid my tissue pattern.

Because I could only do this in little bits of time here and there it has turned into The Project. The pyramids didn't take this much thought. But I'm having a great time figuring this all out even if it is taking much longer than I expected.

I finally started working on the actual skirt and that went pretty fast until I ran into some trouble doing the waistband. I didn't get back to it again until last week but I finally finished and decided to wear it to work today. I tried it on and it's still too big but I wore it anyway, damn it, since my sweater covered the waistline. But now I realize that I can probably just make the pattern size that fits my hips and I didn't need to do all the engineering I spent so much time on.

I already have more fabric cut out which I'll have to adjust down to the right size. I used a brown cotton fabric for the first skirt which is really too stiff but now I'm going for the one I really want to make in a pretty brocade print. And I already have fabric (red polka dot) for another skirt pattern I found: a Hollywood-waist (high waist) flared skirt.

I'm having a really good time.:)

Nicely done, lindyhop. :snap:

I recently bought myself a sewing mannequin, after wanting one for forever. The one I really wanted would have been just like on Project Runway; instead, I spent 1/2 that and got a less cool one that works just fine.

The first thing I made with it was a kimono, making but a tiny dent in my huge stash of Asian-y fabrics. There was going-out-of-business sale, see, and everything was 80 or 90% off. I could outfit an entire production of "The Mikado" with what I bought.

I decided to line the kimono with a semi-coordinating fabric. It looks great but it makes the kimono way too heavy. Live and learn

Does this mean 3894 is planning to join the Japanese expedition? :evil:

Live and learn, absolutely! I quit sewing ages ago because everything I made looked too homemade. I think part of the problem was wanting to cut corners everywhere. I didn't realize that just added to the unprofessional look. When I made a skirt to wear last Halloween I went overboard following directions and actually sewed a zipper that looked...good.

I was looking at sewing mannequins but my skills don't merit one just yet. But how great to be able to display your accomplishments on one. I will share a photo or two when I actually figure out how.

How funny, I'm working on a skirt myself right now :) Must just be "sewing time" or something, LOL.

I have mannequin envy. I keep thinking how much easier/more fun it would be if I could create garments and patterns by draping.

I made a sequinned skirt once.

Can't you just have A stand really still for a length of time?

my mom had one of those mannequin type thingies when I was growing up. damn thing used to scare the crap out of me....up until my lil bro and I decided it would make a great suit of armor.

its less frightening once you know you can drive a makeshift lance through it.

:)

I have had mannequin envy for years.... eso once I saw the ones where you can "dial out" to your own size....
since I lack the abilty to tailor with a darn.

I've heard you can make your own mannequin of your body shape using cheap BVD shirts and duct tape. Basically wear the t-shirt (and shorts, presumably) and tape all around every surface from shoulder to hip, then cut it off you and stuff it.