The Lethargic Seamstress Makes a Pledge {or It's Me-Made-May!}

 

Every year for the past few years I've felt a bit of sadness when May 1st rolled around. I always want to participate in Me-Made-May and always kick myself for not being a dedicated enough sewer to make it work.

This year, I'm changing that trend. I may not have a closetful of handmade goodies, but I'm not letting that stop me. I figure, I can keep my pledge simple and doable. I'm not going to let my desire for perfectionism stop my from doing what I can. So what if I can't wear a me-made garment everyday of May? I can do something! So here we go!

I, Rachel Kaye, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '14. I endeavor to wear one me-made item  at least once week for the duration of May 2014.

My pledge isn't that intense in comparison with some of the others out there, but it's a step for me. I'm hoping this experience encourages me to finish up some of those UFOs (un-finished objects) on my sewing table, breaks my recent sewing lethargy, and helps me better understand my personal style and where sewing fits in that equation.

The 7-Year Refashion {or That 70's Dress Becomes a Skirt}

About 7 years ago, my best friend and I were in the middle of one of our favorite activities  (thrifting) when I found the perfect dress. It was long and vintage with an ivory bodice and a green patterned skirt (two of my favorite colors). We were at one of those dirt cheap charity shops where everything sells for 50 cents and there are no changing rooms. So I bought the dress and hoped for the best.

When I got the dress home, though, I discovered, to my distress, that I couldn't zip it. It fit over my hips and waist, but there was nothing I could do to make the ribcage fit. The fabric was too pretty to lose, though. So I put it away and dreamed of someday making something out of it. 

Fast-forward 7 years and several sewing classes. Last week, we were at my parents house. We slept in my old bedroom. I opened a drawer and discovered the dress. Time for a refashion!

This refashion was 7 years in the making but took about 7 minutes to make (ok, that is an exaggeration for the sake of parallelism). Basically, I cut off the bodice, folded down the ruched waistline, and slip-stitched it into place. I didn't even replace the zipper. I just gave it a new top-stop and made sure it was securely folded down. Now, I have a cute new skirt! 

Outfit Details

Glasses: Rivet & Sway

Headband: unkown

Bow clip: H&M

Cardigan: Very old. Target

T-shirt: Target

Skirt: Vintaged. Refashioned by me.

Spring/Summer Sewing Wishlist {or If Wishes were Horses}

Spring is in the air. Or at least it's in my thoughts, despite the freezing temps. I can't help but plan out my springtime sewing. Of course, knowing me, I'll be lucky to finish even one of these projects.

Here's hoping this year will be different!

1) Simple Blouse

Colette Pattern's Sencha and Grainline Studio's Scout Woven Tee

2) Simple Button-Up With Peter Pan Collar

Colette Pattern's Violet

3) Summer Shift

Vintage Simplicity Pattern from my personal stash (it was my Aunt's!) and Colette Patterns Laurel

4) Cigarette Pant

Brigitte Bardot in the perfect cigarette pants and a vintage cigarette pattern I've been longing for. It's a hard one to find at an affordable price!

5) Basic Dress

I love, love Carey Mulligan's dress. Hoping to create something similar with the Emery pattern from Christine Haynes.

6) Spring Suit

Still figuring this one out, but I'd love a cute matching spring suit like this one from Ruche.