Me, Myself & I: Days 21 - 29

Day 21: a sunny morning

Day 22: summer

Day 23: the smell of grass

Day 24: a happy moment

Day 25: reflected

Day 26: quiet

Day 27: let the sunlight in

Day 28: contrasts

Day 29: half & whole

I'm slowly getting to the end of the self-photography challenge. Only 1 more day. The further I get, the more I like it. I'd love to take on a challenge of photographing someone else once this is over. But, we'll see if I get round to it.

Simple summer maxi strap dress

I have a confession to make - I'm a fabric hoarder. I know, I know, you're probably saying that all seamstresses are. And maybe you're right, but sometimes I feel that I just can't let a fabric go. I'll second guess every project I have in mind for that fabric and hesitate whether it's the right one. And so it sits sadly in my fabric pile for years.  This fabric is one of those sad ones. Although it's been sitting on my shelf for only a little over a year, it's really at least 2 decades old, probably 3+. I got it from my Grandma.

There were so many times I wanted to use this fabric. I love the colors and the print, and I always thought it'd make a great dress, but I couldn't decide on the design. Every once in a while I'd take it out and looked at it, and put it back.  I didn't dare make anything from it, because then that would have been it. Sounds ridiculous, right? But, some fabrics simply are more special than others.

I took it out once more about 3 weeks ago and decided that it was time to let go. I knew I wanted to make another maxi dress because I love wearing them during the summer, and I thought this fabric would be perfect for summer, but also great for layering during fall. I didn't even use any pattern, although the Saltspring dress from Sewaholic was a big inspiration. So, if you want to great a similar look, that's a great pattern to use.

I used bias binding to bind the neckline and create the straps. And I used elastic to define the waistline. It was a real quick sew, only took me a few hours to complete, and I've been wearing it a lot these past weeks. I love it so much that I seemed to have forgotten I also own other dresses. But, I guess that's how you know the project is a success.

Refashionista: Color cuffed pants

Sometimes an old garment just needs a colorful twist. At least, that's what I thought when I stumbled upon these pair of my Mom's old pants when cleaning my refashion closet at home. They were a funny length and unflatteringly wide at the bottom, but they fit perfectly at the top. So, of course, a remake was in order.

If you ever want to give this refashion a try, here's how:

1. Put the pants on backwards and pin the legs taking them in either from both seams or just the one that hasn't been top stitched.
2. Sew along the pins, cut off the excess fabric and go over the seam either with a serger/overlocker or a zig-zag stitch to prevent fraying.
3. Measure the circumference of the pant leg ends and the length you want to add to the pants. Now cut out two rectangles that are the width of the pant leg circumference + seam allowances, and the length of the added part x2.
4. Fold those rectangles and sew the shorter ends together (shows with white lines on the picture above). Turn them over and press.
5. Pin the cuffs to the pant legs right sides together, making sure that the ends meet and there's no big gap.
6. Sew the cuffs to the pant legs, cover the seam edges with a zig-zag stitch or use a serger. You could also top stitch the cuffs.
7. Give it a good press and steam, and you're all done!

I think the makeover gives these pants an infinitely more modern look. I just love how they turned out! It's funny how some things sit in my refashion closet for years before that little lightbulb goes on in my head. That's why I keep most of the worn clothes my family has. You never know what sparks my creativity next time.