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May 27, 2007
A Short Guide to Summer Vacation
Here's the new Built By Wendy dress that I finished last night (well, one hook and eye to go, but I count that as finished.) J requested a version of this dress that I could wear outside the house and so here it is. I wanted to go with some really crazy Asian fabric, but it just never gelled. I keep seeing the same bolt at Joann's and thinking that I could make something fabulous with it, but I just don't know what. And at $8.99 a yard, I can't really afford to buy fabric that may have no future use whatsoever. Were it a little less psycho-looking then I could justify it, but it is pretty crazy. So anyhow, I found some (at least slightly) less off-the-wall stuff and made this:
A dress fit for romping!
This one is a bit more grown-up, but still pretty flirty. I have finally finished the halter! Can you believe that it has been over a year since I started making dresses?? This was my first pattern. I didn't know my size back then and made one size too big. Tried it on yesterday and woof does it ever need some darts and some other stuff that I may or may not be able to do. This one fits like a glove, though. It might be my best dress ever, though the pic isn't super exciting. I cut it out at the same time that I cut this one, so it's pretty shameful that I just now got around to sewing it.
Life has been pretty boring Chez Villain: sewing, a little baking, watching Lost on netflix, playing nerdy games of the card and computer varieties, and that might be about it. I've been doing some "intellectual work" on my dissertation, which really just means some thinking, but no writing. I fear that I will stumble into a haze of housewifery, and by this I mean all of the negative aspects of being a housewife: cooped up, no plans, isolated. I ought to give myself some kind of schedule or else I'll get trapped reading blogs over and over again. I guess part of that will be scheduling the diss writing. I have a journal submission due mid-July, so hopefully that will keep me on track. As for the really important stuff, i.e. what I'm going to sew next, I have that all planned. First, a shirt version of the Built By Wendy dress, then a shirt version of this dress in cobalt faux-linen with a bright yellow sash. I am a little worried that this shirt will look too maternal, but I've been seeing similar styles in the mags and hip internet stores like this one. How cute is this stuff? Sadly, its all modeled by sticks, so I don't know if this style is for me, but I am hopeful. I think that with the sash it will work alright.
In other news, have I ever mentioned how much I love Everyday Minerals?? Well I do. If you have ever considered mineral makeup, you can get a free sample kit from them. Much better than Bare Escentuals, imho. Also, much cheaper. If ever my skin has looked decent in any of these pictures, it is completely thanks to the wonder of this makeup. I am a believer!
Posted by loyd0008 at May 27, 2007 3:31 PM
Comments
Great dresses, Villan. I decided to give your suggestion a try and ordered a sample kit of Everyday Minerals. I use Bare Essentials right now but I like the fact that Everyday Minerals gives you a color and formula choice.
Posted by: patsijean at May 27, 2007 6:23 PM
I am a beginner sewer, and i haven't really finished anything I would actually wear (yet) but I keep trying! I have been reading your blog since I started, and it is very inspirational. I love this dress, it looks great!
Posted by: Tam at May 27, 2007 8:35 PM
Wow, I can't believe you've only been making dresses for a year...such great stuff.
And thanks for the make-up tip: mineral make-up is one of the things I am going to buy on my forthcoming US trip, so all recommendations gladly accepted!
Posted by: Flibbertygibbet at May 28, 2007 3:46 AM
That black-and-yellow number might be my favorite of all the dresses you've made...seriously, seriously good work.
Posted by: j. at May 28, 2007 11:20 AM
Thanks so much! I can't wait to wear it. I think that the halter is my favorite style of dress. So comfy and freeing.
Posted by: villain at May 29, 2007 3:21 PM
I love these dresses. DO tell. How do you achieve such even hemlines?
Posted by: katie at May 29, 2007 5:37 PM
I love the dresses, they both look like winners!
Posted by: Mandy at May 30, 2007 5:27 PM
I think the hemlines are mostly luck! I measure, but am never very precise about it. It usually comes out pretty accurately. A couple of times I've had to make the hem narrower or fuller to adjust. I am glad that I finally started doing hems by hand. What a difference that makes!
Posted by: villain at June 11, 2007 4:17 PM
I just discovered your blog. Everything you sew is adorable! I'd love to make the black/yellow brown/green dress--what pattern did you use?? Keep up the fun work, you're inspiring me!
Posted by: Kim at June 14, 2007 10:32 AM
I love your dresses !!!
Please tell me what the pattern is for your yellow and black halter dress, I want to make one!
Anna
Posted by: Anna at June 27, 2007 8:27 AM
The halter dress is Simplicity 4581. It's out of print, but I think you may be able to get it from the website. Check under "out of print patterns." I found it on the 6th page. The front has a gal wearing the halter in black white and red.
Posted by: villain at June 27, 2007 2:05 PM