Things I've Sewn Lately: Tiramisu

I've loved the Tiramisu pattern since I started seeing versions of the dress all over the Internet. The second Pattern Review started selling Cake Patterns, I ordered Tiramisu and Pavlova. 

Crazily enough, the only sewing I got done during Me-Made May was to make two Tiramisus, a Pavlova top and a Pavlova skirt. May was definitely Cake Patterns month! 

Knit sundresses are one of my favorite summertime work-at-home outfits. Easy to throw on and super comfy!

The fist Pavlova I did was some bright coral cotton knit from Mood. It's pretty heavy and swishy, so I eliminated the pockets -- I love me some pockets, but I couldn't think what I'd put inside pockets of a knit dress that wouldn't just drag the dress down. I also took out the underbust ruching and just gathered my fabric a bit -- no real reason, I just like the look of it.

I originally intended this fabric for a long-sleeved Renfrew, so I had barely enough to squeeze out this dress. I had a tiny handful of confetti after I was done cutting.

I sewed just about the entire dress on my serger. Some of the seams came out a little wavy on this one. Just could not find a tension setting I liked! Plus, I'm allergic to making muslins for knits patterns -- it just seems pointless. How would you even try it on? No thanks!

The wavy seams are pretty easy to press out, but, after a washing (as seen in this picture), they're back to wavy. I actually pulled this right out of the dryer for this photoshoot. 

I also had a little drama attaching the skirt to the bodice. The fabric is just really heavy in general, I guess. I sewed the seam like four times to get it flat.

But overall I love it and I think it'll get a ton of wear. Look how swishy!

On version two, I got the serger tension right. This is a vintage floral Gucci print that I got in Elliott Berman's 50 percent off sale. When it came it was much more sheer than I expected, so I wasn't quite sure what to do with it. But after I made my first Tiramisu, I realized it would be perfect. And, when it came down to it, the fabric wasn't really that sheer. I didn't feel like I could see through it. The lightness of the fabric was a huge boon in terms of weight. If you make one of these, I'd suggest very very lightweight fabric.

This version just came out a lot cleaner in general. It's always so much easier to make a pattern the second time! 

I'm in love love love with the sleeve and neck binding method on these dresses. It's a very thin binding and it's done without stretching the binding (like on some t-shirts). I just love the look of it. 

I did a better job reading this pattern than I did with the Pavlova -- even though this one came with two correction sheets. The correction I needed was super simple, luckily.

The construction is kind of fun, too. You make the entire dress flat and connected by the shoulders, skirt and all, and then just zip up the side seams.

This fabric was much less stretchy, so there's a whole lot less ease to it (I sewed it right to my size.) The sizing on this is pretty unique. You pick a size for the top by inches and then it's customized by cup size. I didn't really need several different sizes, but I could see it being awesome for someone who's a little more gifted in the boob area.

Originally, I wanted to make a striped version, since the pattern comes with instructions for stripes, but, true to form, a floral and a solid were what I ended up with.

What can I say? At least I'm reliable, right?

I'm Making a Swimsuit!

I just ordered swimsuit fabrics from Spandex House and I could not be more excited to participate in my first sewalong!

Heather, from Closet Case Files, just released a swimsuit pattern, the Bombshell. It's styled after a classic 1950s silhouette, which, can I say, is absolutely perfect for this pear-shaped girl.

In general I'm just super excited to have a nice, fashionable one-piece. I usually make it through the summer with the two Victoria's Secret swimsuits I have, but I think this would be something really different and lovely.

A bunch of folks, Heather included, recommended Spandex House -- which, coincidentally, I really wanted to visit when I was in NYC. The wonderful Oonaballoona even offered to take me there while everyone else visited Pacific Trimmings, but I was in total go-with-the-flow mode that day, so I passed in favor of staying with the group. Next time, I'm TOTALLY going there.

Anyway, I adore all things heart-patterned, so I went with a lovely red spandex with white hearts.

For the lining, I just got plain old nude swimsuit lining -- nothing exciting. I still need to get swimsuit elastic, but I'm hoping to pick that up at G Street or JoAnn's since Spandex House sells it only by the roll (I don't quite need 100 yards, thanks!)

This is going to be a fun challenge for me, I think. Even if it flops. But here's to blog accountability! Cross your fingers that I can "Make It Work!" ;-)

Me-Made May -- Week 5 and Final Thoughts

By the last week, I was getting pretty sick of Me-Made May. Don't get me wrong -- I love wearing my me-mades! But the whole taking pictures every day got old realllll fast.

In addition, as I was writing this up, I realized that until the end of week five, I was just re-wearing stuff from the previous week. So, in the interest of not boring you to death, I'll do only the two cute/new outfits I wore in week 5.

On day 29, I wore another Tiramisu dress. What can I say? I liked it so much I made two. Expect a post on this pattern ASAP, because I adored it.

The only other cute outfit I wore this week was for day 31. It's another New Look 6808 and a khaki twill Ginger skirt. I love this outfit. I feel really good when I wear it and it's super comfy! (Excuse the wrinkles, this photo was snapped post-work.)

And just like that, Me-Made May is over! Whew.

Surprises from the month: I never really noticed how much I wear the same outfit over and over when I work at home. I tend to just throw on leggings or yoga pants with a shawl or sweatshirt and call it a day. You know what's also surprising? Don't really care, either. No one sees me but Greg and the dog and neither of them notice if I wear the same outfit over and over. Gets pretty awkward, though, if you take your picture every day.

What I made this month: Two Tiramisu dresses and a Pavlova top and skirt. Apparently May was Cake Patterns Month!

What I need more of: Skirts and dresses. Always more skirts and dresses. I could probably stand to have a second pair of shorts, too, even though I don't wear them very frequently.

Would I do it again? Definitely maybe. I proved that I could do it -- and I can! But with as much as I work at home, I really don't know that my clothes are all that exciting.

In general, this was a fun experience, if only because I felt like I was bonding with my fellow bloggers through shared experience. And special thanks to Zoe for hosting!

If you're interested in catching up on the rest of my Me-Made May:

• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4

Things I've Sewn Lately: Cake Patterns Pavlova

I was so excited the day Pattern Review announced that it would be selling Cake Patterns -- I ordered Pavlova and Tiramisu that very day! 

I love wrap and faux wrap tops and the whole aesthetic of the patterns really appealed to me. 

My Tiramisu took a reallllly long time to arrive (something with the U.S. supplier running out), so I started with Pavlova. Originally I intended to make only the top. The fabric I used is some GORGEOUS off-white bamboo knit from Mood, purchased on my New York trip.

This stuff was an absolute dream to work with. I should completely swear off cheapo knits, because working with this fabric made me realize what crap I'd been working with before. This was easy to sew and perfectly drapey. I can't say enough good things about it.

After I finished the top, with the pattern pieces still strewn about my ironing board, I ended up with a queen-sized sheet with a big rip in the middle. So I decided to make a bedsheet circle skirt a la Cation Designs.

I couldn't be bothered to find matching thread, so I did rows of embroidery on the waistband in the same off-white I'd used to topstitch the top. (The embroidery did not come out awesomely, so I didn't show it here -- it's a little uneven -- I'm still learning to use all the features on my fancy machine!)

Now. The pattern. The instructions/markings on the pattern are a little bit wonky. I don't know if all Australian patterns are this way? Or if Cake does its own variety of sizing? But I was a little confused at the outset. The markings on the pattern correspond to the steps in the directions. Which, if you don't read the directions as well as you should, can be bewildering. And the pattern doesn't have sizes marked, it has inches. I'm probably a little slow on the uptake, but I had to check and recheck to see if the inch markings were for finished garments or not.

I also did not like the waistband on the skirt. It's realllllly narrow for a circle skirt. I think maybe next time I might steal the waistband piece from a Colette Ginger... I really appreciate a thicker waistband on such a voluminous skirt.

Once you get the hang of it, the pattern is really very nicely drafted and the garment, in my opinion is super flattering. And I loved the method the pattern used for doing the sleeve bindings -- genius and impossible to screw up. Absolute perfection.

I do wish I'd heeded the Internet warnings about how short the top is -- that's another reason I made the skirt as well. I didn't have much that was high-waisted enough to be wearable with the top.

All in all, this was a pretty good pattern and I loved the results -- though maybe next time I'll make a few modifications of my own.

Have you made a Cake pattern? How did you feel about it?

Me-Made May -- Week 4!

Why is May such a long month?

Like everyone else, I'm getting pretty sick of Me-Made May.

For day 20, my first day of 5 a.m. shift (!), I just cheated and wore my Amerson undies under my jean shorts and tank. I will say, though, in the spirit of Me-Made May, this was the first time I'd actually worn them all day long and I LOVED them.Will definitely make another pair now!

On day 21, I wore my bedsheet circle skirt again. I love this skirt. So comfy for hanging around the house.

Day 22, I wore my new Tiramisu dress, made from one of my NYC fabrics. This photo actually was not taken that day. Expect a post on Tiramisu soon -- I've already made two of them. I'm in love.

I'm embarrassed (not really, but we'll pretend) to say I re-wore the Tiramisu the next day. I actually didn't wear it the entire day on day 22, so it seemed OK to re-wear for day 23. But here's a pic of me cooking fried rice in an apron I made in November. I wear this apron all the time.

On day 24, I wore New Look 6808 with jeans. I actually went to work this day, which warranted, you know... shoes. Fun fact: I never wear shoes at home. I'm allergic to shoe-wearing.

Day 24 found Greg and I going out to the fancy Whole Foods for dinner (this WF near us has like... restaurant-esque eateries inside it. It's insane) and then to Fast and Furious 6 (which was amazing if you like fluffy action movies, which I do!) I'm wearing my beloved denim Ginger skirt and a cardigan and tank top.

On day 25, WE WENT SAILING! Yayyyyy! For those who haven't been reading for a long time, I lived on the boat my dad and I co-own for three years. This was also Lyra's first-ever sailing trip! I don't know how much fun she had, but doesn't she look super cute in her lifejacket?

I don't have any me-mades that are really suitable for sailing, so I re-wore my Amerson undies under a pair of shorts. Look how pale I am! Yikes!

Day 26 I wore my Renfrew top in the morning for errands, but my hair was gross and I was slightly pink from the sun, so pics just didn't happen.

Bonus shot of Lyra in her PFD to make up for lack of day 26 pics:

Reflections from the week: I worked the 5 a.m. shift every day but Friday, so I had copious amounts of time after work to do whatever I wanted. It was amazing! Not so awesome for clothes, though. I basically rolled out of bed, worked in PJ's and showered post work.

Currently working on: Nothing! Just finished my second Tiramisu yesterday. I think I'll make a wearable muslin of the Cambie dress next. I have a king size light pink flat sheet I'm eyeing. But I have to wait for new rotary cutter blades to come in the mail, because girlfriend doesn't cut pattern pieces with scissors. Too much work!

Me-Made May is nearly OVER! Just one more post to go and we'll call it a success. Woo!

Me-Made May -- Week 3!

Well, this week was the most difficult yet, I'm sorry to say. What's worse, you're going to get some recycled photos. I did a seriously abysmal job of taking pictures this week.

On day 13, I once again wore my leggings and shawl outfit. Creature of habit, party of one!

I think I also wore that outfit on day 14. Or maybe I wore last week's tunic and leggings outfit? I can't find photographic evidence anywhere! I know I wore me-made, though. Scout's honor!

Day 15 features a recycled photo, but I wore nearly the exact same outfit. Butterick B5649 skirt with a white t-shirt top and a cardigan. I am so disappointed in myself, but this skirt has an indelible grease stain on the front now. And some fraying inside. I think I might just make it again, but better, because I love it. I can't believe it's already stained after only five or so wearings! Boo.

On day 16, I woke up extra early to meet a friend from the internetz for breakfast! I wore my new (as-yet-unblogged) Pavlova top with my denim Ginger skirt. Loving the Pavlova top! It's a little messy here, but this is post-breakfast and after a few hours of sitting and gabbing. I wore this to work later in the day, too.

On  day 17, I went to work and work my black faux-wrap top, New Look 6150. Love this top! (Recycled photo.)

This is where it gets rough, folks. On day 18 I wore absolutely NOTHING me-made. We were headed to a wine festival for the day, and it was unexpectedly cold and rainy. i'd planned to wear my cute new Lonsdale, but it was just too cold and... well... I need to do wash. Fail. It occurred to me later that I should have worn my Amerson undies! Next time...

Day 19 was hot and sticky from the previous day's rain, so I pulled on my Washi dress for yard work. I love the Washi for gardening. Nice and washable! Here I've paired it with (unpictured) gardening clogs, a bug-repellent bracelet and gardening gloves. So fashionable, right?

Reflections from the week: This week was rough in a lot of ways, but I think I did pretty well. I'm really disappointed that I had to skip a day, but in the grand scheme of things, it could be worse. I managed to keep the legging look to a minimum, at least. I'm hoping this week will be warmer. I'm on the 5 a.m. shift all week from home, so maybe I'll actually do exciting things in the afternoons and put on real clothing...

Currently making: Cake patterns Tiramisu. I never really got on that last week, but I hope to have more time to sew this week. :)

Me-Made May -- Week 2!

OK, so this whole Me-Made May thing got much more difficult in week 2. I worked at home all but one day, which makes for very boring and repetitive clothes. In addition, I kept forgetting to take real pictures, so this post will have a lot of Instagrams.

Last week I mentioned that I was planning to count a mom-made piece of clothing for Me-Made May. In the day 6 picture, you can see the shawl my mom made. I love this thing. It's amazing and it has pockets. I like to wear it with a long-sleeved top layered over a long tank top and leggings.

Here's a slightly better view that shows the awesome pockets:

Day 7 found me at work in my trusty corduroy dress, made from Butterick B5781. I think I might just turn this dress into a skirt. I always wear it with a sweater overtop and the wonky neckline still bothers me. (Photo taken by a wonderful, long-suffering co-worker.)

I worked at home again on day 8, this time wearing an unblogged t-shirt dress. I had trouble with the hem on this one, making it extra short, so I turned it into a tunic and wear it with leggings. It's really soft and comfy. 

Bonus shot of me conferring with my co-model: 

On day 9, I wore my shawl/long-sleeved top/leggings again. I wore a slightly different color top, but didn't bother to take more pictures.

I also did laundry on day 9 and realized that one of our sheets had a big rip in it. So, inspired by Cation Designs (my new favorite blog!) I decided to turn it into a circle skirt (I had just finished making my Cake Patterns Pavlova top, so I already had the pattern out and everything).

So on day 10, I wore this:

Man, it was hot that day. Sorry for the extra shitty picture. I did some alterations to this skirt post-pic, so I'll tell you all about them in another post.

On day 11, I had my last day of mentoring -- after four years, I decided it was time to stop mentoring, mostly because I moved states and driving to the meetings was getting really tough. Still, it was really sad.

I wore my khaki Ginger skirt with an RTW J Crew top (ancient).

On day 12 it was gorgeous out! Greg and I did a bunch of errands and worked in the garden. It was nice and warm, so I wore my Washi Dress (I removed a bunch of fabric from the front/sides to make it look a little less maternity on me.)

Reflections from the week: I do not have a lot of variety in my work-at-home wardrobe. And it's not even because I'm trying to wear me-mades! If it wasn't Me-Made May, I probably would have worn the shawl outfit three of the days I worked at home. Also, I wear a lot of blue, grey, black and white. Hot damn. I should keep an eye on that. Seriously every outfit this week was based in blue, black, grey or white.

Currently making: About to start cutting a Cake Patterns Tiramisu. I have plans for two of them if the pattern works out for me.

Anyway, that's it for week 2. I'll try to do better next week, I promise! (Although as I write this, I'm totally wearing the shawl and leggings outfit again -- what can I say? It got cold!)