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ME in my all sewn by ME outfit!

Thanks! I made it!!

Well, I didn't get the shirt dress completed. (I swear its coming! It has to be done by next Sunday so I can wear it to a house warming party!) But I did finish a dirndl skirt that I was working on. I wore it out to run errands in the city and out to drinks with friends at a bar called William Hallet in Astoria.  Its really the first time I wore a very vintage inspired ensemble.  I was always afraid I would appear a little costume-y.  But I think I carried the look of quite will. I was even complemented on the subway by some hipster chick (she had a sweet Rosemaling tattoo! Inspiration for me perhaps?)


I had a few problems with the skirt. I used a lap zipper in the back.  I figured out how to instert it perfectly...but only after ripping it out about 5 times.  I didn't try the skirt on before attaching and finishing the waist band and it ended up about 1.5 " to big and I had to take out the Zipper (again) and also the last 5 inches of the waist. GRRRR!

For the hem stitching I used a technique I read in Threads Magazines issue 162 (the reader tip section) where you actually thread the top needle with 2 threads of matching color to make a thicker more visible top thread. It worked perfectly.  Thanks Catherine Hay!

But all in all, I am pretty happy for it. I wish I had made this earlier in the summer because it is so comfy but I look forward to making it in winter weather fabric (I have some beautiful wide wale rust colored corduroy) and wearing it with my new boots!

The top is from Burda Style. It was pretty easy and took about 4 hours to make (including plaid matching) I will definitely make it again, but I am going to lengthen the body by a few inches and also move the placket out to make it more "princess seamed". I also want to make the neckline into a more scoop shape. I might even nix the buttons and add a side lapped zipper! My favorite thing about this top is the cap sleeves. They fit just right and will be perfect under sweaters this winter.

It feels like I have started my journey off with a bang! Now.... onto that shirtwaist!