Cambie!

I finally made myself a Sewaholic Cambie - and in the same fabric as the Tasia's version in her pattern store photos - which I didn't realize until after I made it up :)

I used a lightweight interfacing on the waistband, but it was too lightweight.  So, on the lining waistband I used sewn-in hair canvas.  I think this is ok - it looks very light on the exposed sheer swiss dot, and it holds a firm shape.  My only criticism is it's a bit scratchy, even through the lining.

I did not hem it as short as the pattern asked for - it's really already a smidge too short for me with the ~5/8" machine rolled hem that I did instead.

This dress takes a little time, because you assemble the lining and then sew the two together sandwiched around the invisible zip.  However, it is simple to sew - I made it up in about a week of evening sewing sessions.  I used my serger to assemble the skirt pieces, as hem for the lining, and to finish the center back seams before zipper application.  I used my sewing machine for everything else, as it's much more precise than the serger.

The exterior sewn and awaiting zipper attachment

Assembling the lining...

I can't say enough for her patterns for pear-shaped girls!  My only alteration was to do a swayback because... THIS is what it looked like before:

And after, with a little over 1" taken from the center tapered to nothing at the side seams:

A little close-up of the neckline, and pleated cap sleeves.  Because you have stay-stiched this in advance, the final attachment of the sleeves and also the attachment of the lining to bodice are a breeze, just sew along the dotted line!

Mediocre, but functional sewing

Despite my New Year's resolution to sew all my clothing, I decided to purchase a couple pairs of jeans.  My reasoning was, that I don't really want to sew jeans and I'd rather sew what I want to sew than stick to a resolution on principle.

I buy OldNavy jeans, as they are inexpensive, and also come graded for 3 different shapes.  I buy the most pear-shaped jeans they offer - the SweetHeart.  These still fall off me due to a large waist, and you can see EVERYTHING if I don't have a shirt long enough to cover the rear.

I finally decided they were not wearable, and I had to alter them.
Terror ensued.
I have never sewn jeans, or a flat-felled seam.

This morning, I ripped out the seams, and cut a chunk off the center back, and out of the waistband.  I took the waist in by a little over 3" tapering quickly to nothing.  I don't think I'm putting the center carrier back on - I don't wear belts.

It's pretty clear what's my topstitching, and what's from the factory when you look here:

It's not PRETTY, but they fit much better.  Also anyone standing next to me can no longer see my underpants. 

Lady Skater III

Another Lady Skater made.

Additional alterations this time were to size down on side seams.  Next time I'll do a sway-back, and also add to the length of the back skirt panel.  I also want to try cutting one size smaller, instead of just taking it off the sides.