Underwear Complete!

Here is my underwear. I had some problems attaching the elastic. I think I need to get some woolly elastic to help with the stretch. Other than the elastic it fits quite well. Not perfect but definitely a good first attempt.

Cuttin' up some Underwear

I realized that the shirt was a little too small for my back piece. I realize that the T-shirt is a size Small and there is nothing about me that is small. After some deliberation, I decided to cut the back piece so that it over laps the side seam of the shirt. I'm not sure if this will change the stretch of the fabric thus rendering this test piece null and void. I don't want to use a different T-shirt since this T-shirt has the most similar stretch resiliency compared with my original piece.

I apologize for the bad picture, but when have any of my pictures been any good?

I have 4 pieces: Front, Back, Crotch, Crotch Lining



After cutting my pieces I realized that the red and white stripe pattern remind me of pirates. Does this mean I'm making pirate underwear?

Thinking about some Underwear

I've been really on a recycling kick and have been converting t-shirts in to grocery bags. But then there are some t-shirts that are just to stretchy to be a great grocery bag. They're nice to hold light things but for milk and watermelons they're out of the question. So now the quandary is what to do with all these t-shirts that I don't want to give to Good Will since they still have so much potential and they're basically free material.

And then I remembered coming across this site that was talking about making t-shirts into underwear. At the time I was thinking about up-cycling some t-shirts and of course trolling the Internet for ideas. I'm not sure if I wanted to make underwear at that time, but now is my time to make t-shirt underwear!!! MAWHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA

I traced out a copy of my favorite pair of underwear. The elastic was coming off, but I really like the fit.

Here is the shirt I'm going to cut up to make underwear. It's not big enough to fit my butt, so I'll have to piece my underwear a little.

I hope everything turns out OK. I'm really excited!!

T-shirt Grocery Bags

I've convinced most of my friends to give me their unwanted clothes before it goes to Good Will. They say, "one man's trash, is another ones' treasure." My goal is to find free usable material to make other projects with. Anything I don't use will be back to it's original destination, Good Will.

What's nice is that there is always an endless supply of T-shirts. I've yet to do any T-shirt surgery and make them into cute tops. What I have been doing is making them into Grocery Bags. I've made quite a few at this point and have been giving them away.


This is my first T-shirt conversion. I got this shirt a few years ago and who can say no to Pokémon ???

Here's a T-shirt that I've cut the armholes and collar off. I just need to sew the bottom and create a gusset to finish this bag.

It makes me a little sad that a few months ago I donate a whole bunch of fun T-shirts to Good Will. I want them now!!!!

Knife's Blanket & Pillow

I did a project for Knife for the first time back in April. I know that's a long time ago. I don't know how people have the time to blog so quickly. I blame my camera issues for the slow updates. Back to Knife's projects. She asked me to make a blanket and pillow for her sorority sister. I only have pictures of the blanket. Knife didn't post any pictures of the pillow and I haven't had time to ask her for pictures.

It was a pain doing all the letters. But I'm glad Knife liked it.

I don't mind doing projects for Knife but I'm not sure I want to do anything with so many letters again. At least not all in one project.

Another Apron

This apron ended up as a Birthday present to a close friend.


You might recognize the fabric from another apron I had sewn in May. This fabric was originally old curtains from my aunt. It's heavy and thick, great as an apron. Fun, easy, and quick. I might make this again.

Caring Gloves

Ever since Grip N' Flip started university, she's been too busy too visit or chat. But being an awesome cousin I decided to have a fun care package sent to her. I found some old sleeves and converted them into gloves for her. Even in our high tech, fast paced lives it's always fun to get snail mail.
I had one more pair but somehow I must have forgotten to take pictures.

Apron on the Fly

I had sewn an apron for Sailor Mercury's Bachelorette Party, as one of the prizes, back in May. I tried to do this on the fly with no pattern and just gut instincts. Well it seems that my gut instincts made the bust area too loose. I didn't want to fix it at first but with some comments from a few of my aunts they convinced me that laziness was not an option.



I'm pretty happy on how it turned out. With the new adjustments EVERYONE can look good in this apron even boys!! Thank you Fork for modeling this from me. I do have actual pictures of Fork in this apron but somehow I haven't gotten a hold of them. When I do I will definitely post it. And use it to ruin his manly reputation!!! Mahahahahhahahahhahahahahahhahahahahhahahah

Basic Skirt

Here is the FIRST skirt I'd ever sewn. Ahhh brings back memories from my Intro Sewing Class. It's a basic straight skirt. It's so small that it doesn't even fit my size 8 dressform. I think I found this fabric at Walmart for $1/yard. I bought most of my fabric there since I didn't want to spend too much on projects that were for learning, and most likely wouldn't be worn by anyone.


Even if someone were to fit into the skirt the fabric is too thin and shear. Their panties would be seen, which I'm sure most girls do not what happening.

Here's a kick-pleat at the back of the skirt. At the time I didn't know what a kick-pleat was and had the hardest time sewing it into the skirt. For those of you who don't know what a kick-pleat is for, it's so that you can move your knees (basically walk) in the skirt.

I also learned how to sew a lap-zipper and a hook and eye the close the waistband.

If anyone wants a tiny see-through skirt, let me know.

Baby Clothes

This is a really old project. I think this was the 3rd item we did for my first sewing class. It's a little baby dress with bloomers. I think I found this fabric at Walmart for $1~$2/yard.


I didn't really want to sew baby clothes at the time. Buy now looking a back I realized how much I learned from this one project.

1. Invisible Zipper - I had to sew it on several times before it was "invisible".
2. Gathering
3. Stitch in the Ditch
4. Setting in Sleeves
5. Yokes
6. Collars
7. Curved Pockets
8. Elastic
9. Overlocking a curve - I had to do the bloomers twice, because I didn't curve with the overlock and ended up cutting my first pair of bloomers. I was very traumatized at the time.

I found out recently that they don't do this project anymore for the Intro Sewing class. I'm sorry to hear that since you do learn a lot from something so small.

Plaid Cape

I found this plaid fabric, with some digging, for $2/yard. I thought it would make a cute cape for Grip N Flip. So I tried to employ the techniques I learned from my Jacket to this cape. I don't know if it made a difference but it was fun nonetheless.

I ended up with some curling at the bottom since the fabric stretched a little. I trimmed it the best I could, but I guess it wasn't good enough. It doesn't bother me too much since this was for fun and a good learning experience. It also helps that this was one of the projects I started in the new year with the resurgence of my sewing mojo. I somehow lost my sewing mojo in the Autumn of last year and was afraid it wouldn't return. But all is well, it's come back with a vengeance.




Here's a closer look at the closure. I really like how the asymmetrical closure turned out. You can also catch a glimpse of the lining fabric. The lining has the cutest animal motif. I love the bunnies, ducks, dogs, cats, and chickens speckled throughout. I thought it would give the cape a more whimsical vibe. I know that no one would actually see it, but that's part of the fun. Having something only the wearer can appreciate is well worth it.


I found 3 of these buttons in my garage and decided they had to go on my cape. I haven't placed them yet. I wanted to see how the cape falls on Grip N Flip and place my buttons accordingly.

And now for the fun surprises. Inner pockets!!! I was able to sew a welt pocket for the inner breast pocket. It didn't turn out perfectly but I was going on gut and memory. I couldn't find my tailoring book for the instructions, I think I need to work a little harder on cleaning the garage.


There's MORE!! I also have a secret side pocket that isn't evident at a glimpse. This is what makes the cape special to me. I love adding secret pockets.


I really like how this cape turned out, I hope Grip N Flip likes it too!!!

Knock Off T-shirts

I was cleaning out the garage and found some of my old school projects. I think this is from 2007 but I'm not too sure. I thought it would be fun to post to see my progress since then. This was done for my intermediate sewing class. We had to knock off a t-shirt and then alter the pattern. I really hated this project and didn't really see the point but I had no say in the matter.

Here is the first shirt.


Here is the second shirt. I lengthened the sleeves and torso, then added a hood and front pocket.



Comparing these shirts to my current projects, I can really see my sewing progression. I'm not sure what to do with them now. Maybe I should stash them in the garage again to find in another few years to reminisce like this again.

African Prints

Sailor Venus was in Togo and brought back this shirt. It's not flattering or stylish, but she loves the bold colors and fun print. I have on in blue/green. I look like . . . . I'll show you if you see me but it's not flattering.

She asked me what I could to make it less of potato sack on her body. At first I was going to add some darts or maybe pleating to make it flattering on her body. But the more I played with the shirt, the more I realized that a few darts would not really make a difference. I spent random moments just staring at this shirt trying to find its true potential. And in a fit of inspiration I decided to hack it up to make a cute top.




Can you puzzle the pieces of this shirt back to it's original form?

Soft Tailored Jacket

For my Advanced Sewing class we had to sew a soft tailored women's jacket. Soft tailoring is using interfacing and steaming to shape the jacket as opposed to using stitches to shape a suit/jacket. That's a super abridged explanation.

Here's the finished project.





The jacket is made out of wool. I lined it with a blue bemberg rayon. I wish this jacket pattern had inner pockets. I really love secret pockets.


My first time doing welt pockets. It was a pain but I'm hoping with practice I'll get it down.


I was so frustrated with this bound button hole. I did three samples and they all turned out beautifully. But the one I put on the jacket was a disaster. It started to unravel and come apart.


I'm pretty satisfied on how my first jacket turned out. I'm hoping to get to men's wear in the not so distant future.

Qi Pao II

Here are the pictures of the qi pao I made for Sailor Venus. Her mom said that it was a nice dress but the colors are too dark. Her mom's right, I have no idea why Sailor Venus didn't want a gaudy and loud dress that would over power the brides wedding gown.

Wired Frog Buttons

A more in depth discussion on wired frog buttons. For a while now I've been trying to make my own version of these buttons. I've actually tried my hand several times at it, if you all remember Grip N Flip's Winter Formal Dress last year. I mean other than self torture why not buy the button. Well other than my masochistic tendencies, I do have legitimate reasons for trying to make my own.

Reasons for Making Wired Frog Buttons:

1. Color - No explanation needed.
   
2. Material - When I do find one in a matching color the cheap polyester just doesn't match the nice silk I bought.
3. Design - I would like to have the button match my fabric motif.
   
4. Originality - I know that no one in the world will have the same buttons as the dresses I produce. I can't make two buttons the same anyways, my skill level is still lacking.

I think this time I produced a much better button. There are still a few kinks I need to work out. But overall I'm satisfied with it's outcome. Here is a better picture of the button on the dress.


Through all that trail and error, meticulous prototyping, and the agony of failures, I proudly presented this button to my father. And his response was, "why didn't you buy a book?" And he claims to have seen one before. In a 30 second conversation with my father, he has the ability to make me want to gouge my eyes out in frustration. I might be a bit crazy, but if there was a book out there that would have taught me how to make these buttons I would have bought it, I don't enjoy torturing myself. But the twist is that after some thought he finishes with, "oh maybe you couldn't find these books because I think I saw them in Chinese." My father is an emotional roller coaster. If anyone out there wants to develop the urge gouge their eyes out in frustration, I will gladly send my father over for a visit.

Qi Pao

I just finished a project this week for Sailor Venus. She needed a Chinese qi pao for a wedding. It wasn't a Chinese wedding, in fact it was completely opposite. The wedding was culturally diverse and the bride asked guests to come dressed in the clothing of their culture.

I don't have pictures because we were in a rush, but I'll give you some fun tidbits.

Here is the fabric I choose. The right side and it's reverse is equally beautiful. I had a hard time choosing, but I finally decided on the gray side with black flowers. Since she was going to a wedding I didn't want her to go in black. I also really liked the design since it isn't overtly Asian even if the design is a qi pao. Nor was the fabric shimmery and glittery which was one of Sailor Venus' requirements. I guess she didn't want to be the gaudy Asian with a fully sequin dress. I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to be gaudy, I guess there's no accounting for taste.



Sailor Venus didn't have time to do a fitting so I only had one chance to get this dress right. It's my first time taking measurements of a person and taking it to a pattern. For class, we usually fit a dressfrom and whoever fit the dress would model it. But then how did I fit Grip N Flip in her dresses you ask. She is dressfrom size so I don't have to do major measurements or alternations to fit her in any of my patterns.

It was exciting and scary to do it this way. Of course I can always take things or let things out. But she was flying out right away and I wouldn't have much time. It would be easier if I was able to fit her perfectly the first time.

It was a slow and tedious process, since I don't have very much experience. But the good news is that it fit her EXACTLY. It was very flattering and extremely tight. She said that it's corset like. But who needs to breathe when you look beautiful. And if you know me, you'll know how ironic that phrase is coming from me.

I also got to try my hand at Chinese Frog Buttons again. I don't know if they're considered Frog Buttons, feel free to correct me. I had a better idea of what I needed to do this time around. It also helped that I wasn't using a limpy wimpy fabric like silk. If you don't know what I'm taking about please refer to Chinese Empire Gown.

Parts of the button design are taken from several other buttons that I admire and other parts of it were free handed, letting the button tell me where it wanted to go. I'm thinking of making some themed buttons, for example clouds, butterflies, flowers, or even animals. I'll have to see where the wind of inspiration takes before I say anything else.

I have a lot of fabric left over. I bought extra just in case, but I have more than I anticipated. I bought 3 yards but I only used 1 1/2 yards. I guess it also helps that the fabric is 60" wide, More bang for my buck. I'm thinking of making a boustie with the left overs using both sides of the fabric. But yet again I better let the wind of inspiration take me there before I make any plans.

Leo Pillows in Mass Production

It's that time again for LEO projects. This time I had to make 16 mini pillows, roughly 8" diameter, for the graduating seniors. I've never had to sew in such mass quantities before. I realize I'm being overly dramatic here, but it's the truth.


My production line sewing is quite impressive. It was tedious towards the end, which would explain why some of the faces became off center.


They're partially stuffed but still not complete yet.

Spoon has the rest of the pictures. I'll upload them whenever she gives them to me.

Chinese Empire Gown, o how I LOATHE thee

Some would think loathe is a strong word for something like a dress, but I think it honestly describes how I felt about this dress through all of it's construction. What, you may ask, would inspire such a passionate declaration? The answer is silk charmeuse. Silk charmeuse is airy and light, but slippery and challenging to work with, especially as one of my first project in silk. But unfortunately that was the whole point of my couture sewing class.

As always I hate having to sew something that won't be worn. Seems like such a waste in resources, even if it is for my education. Lucky for me and for her, Grip N Flip needed a winter formal dress. And strangely enough I dreamt of a dress even before this class, so I already had a design prepared for this project. In retrospect, having such a vivid design in mind made it more difficult for me to compromise on many design aspects of this dress.

My design concept is east meets west. A Chinese style spencer jacket with a empire waisted gown. We both decided on purple/lavender for the color theme.


































The Chinese style spencer jacket is a separate piece then the dress, giving her the option of wearing it to less formal occasions or for The Lunar New Year. The silk charmeuse is overlain by several layers of organza to give it a ethereal feel. The back flares out almost like a butterfly.

I actually didn't finish the dress on time and was still working on it the day of. And at the last minute the zipper broke and I had to sew her into the dress (seen below). At first we were pretty stressed but then realized how funny it was and couldn't stop laughing as I started to sew her in. I was laughing so hard I couldn't breath at times. It was pretty surreal, even thinking back on it.

On the picture below is a close up of the spencer jacket. The double layer bias binding was extremely difficult to do in silk charmeuse. But I didn't have a choice, since I couldn't find pre-made bias binding in a matching color. And to add insult to injury, the double layers, required double the work, so that I could infuse both a purple and a silvery lavender color at the edge. It's very subtle and hard to see in this picture, but worth the agony.

And what took more time and energy than I had properly allotted for was the hand made chinese button. If you think it was hard finding bias binding in a color to match my spencer jacket then the button was simply out of the question. I should have known this would be a challenge since Chinese people do not favor purple/lavender in their traditional brocade fabrics, hence the accessories were equally difficult to obtain. I have to say, my color choice was probably the main culprit to all of my trails and tribulations. But that is what made me so adamant about this color, so I guess I can't complain. Back to the chinese button, it was clear that I wouldn't find a button in matching colors so my only choice was to make one. I couldn't find any books or internet sources to help me (If anyone out there does have information on this topic I'm still interested). I ended up buying some cheap chinese buttons and dissecting them to figure out how they were constructed. As you can see I'm still perfecting the technique. But for a first try, I think they turned out quite well.


And to round everything out, a pair of CONVERSE. To back up every pretty dress should be a pair of converse.

Though this dress is not an accurate depiction of the dress from my dream, to actually be inspired and to follow trough with something so fanciful, has it's own merits.

This dress was completed in January and for months I still loathed it. But recently I had to pull it out for some reason or another, and upon looking at it again with some distance, I found myself reluctantly proud and amazed at my own progress.