Zen in the Art of Sewing

Anthro Items For Sale!

2010-12-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

Maeve Blouse, size 4, green
$35 shipped

Swiss-dot silk is traced in rivers of silvery squiggles along the yoke, shoulders and hem

Odille blouse, size 4, emerald green
$45 shipped

A very tailored, very feminine blouse from Odille. Dobby-striped cotton is frilled with bands of crochet and ruffled along the neck and sleeves

Anthropologie Items For Sale!

2010-09-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Odille blouse, size 4, emerald green
$50 shipped

A very tailored, very feminine blouse from Odille. Dobby-striped cotton is frilled with bands of crochet and ruffled along the neck and sleeves.

Chiffon Ruffle Tunic, size small,Blue Tassel
$35 shipped

Field Flower sweater, size medium
$25 shipped

New Items For Sale!

2010-08-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

From Anthropologie:

SOLD!
Smartly Striped Skirt by Madchen, Size XS (fits a 0 or 2)
$60 shipped (or Trade for a size small)

Rubidoux Shift by Maeve, size 4
$40 shipped

Double Torsade Necklace in Mint
$35 shipped

Today is a Great Day

2010-07-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

Today is a Great Day as the universe shares a little space for a new life to emerge and begin its journey.

I am so excited. My sister is having her baby TODAY!!! I have been holding out posting anything about the project I have been working on because it's for her. And I didn't want her to see it posted here first and spoil the surprise. But since she is at the hospital as I write this, I can safely assume she will not be on the computer for the next week or so until I can give it to her (I think she will be a little preoccupied).

Now, to prepare you for the unveiling of the blanket I would like to tell you how difficult it was for me to make it. I didn't have a pattern so I had to comprise my own measurements, seam allowance and overall construction. It would have been a breeze for a well seasoned sewer/seamstress but not for me. However, I completed it, and I am proud of myself for that.

The blanket is Doggies and Dots: one side is dots with a doggie border and the other side is doggies with a dot border.

P.S. I just got a text: the baby is 6 lbs 10 oz. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm an Auntie!!!!!

Anthro Items for Sale!!!

2010-07-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Ella Moss size small, $30 shipped

Zipped Rosettes Jacket, by Elevenses Cropped Jacket, Size 6, $45 shipped

Lilka Dress, Size small, $40 shipped

NON-Anthro Items:

This is the most adorable dress, it looks amazing on (but it's too big for me :( , by Hazel, Size medium, $50 Shipped

Sine Dress, Size 4, $43 shipped

Dear Blog....

2010-07-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog,

I'm so sorry I've been neglecting you the past couple weeks. I know you don't want to hear excuses or the elaborate story about my sewing machine braking down. So, I promise to make more of an effort to update you, add photos, and maybe a review.
What do you say? Will you please forgive me for my lack of attention?

Sincerely,

Your creator

Fashion, Flowers, and Food

2010-06-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday had all the makings of a great BBQ: great food, great company and great weather. Today I'm posting photos of flowers from the fam's garden and the top 3 picks for my BBQ attire.

This little summer dress I picked up second hand. It's made of light weight cotton, the bright print livens up this classic shirtdress. In the future I will throw a yellow belt around the waist and wear neutral colored flats to give it an Anthro inspired look.

Raspberries!

This was the outfit I wore to the BBQ. It's composed of the Assemblage Tank from Anthropologie , a vintage belt, my couture skirt, and yellow cutout flats from ciao bella.

This outfit looked sloppy, so naturally I didn't wear it. The dress is Converse One from Target, the cardigan is Three Dots from Anthropologie, and the belt is Linea Pelle from Anthropologie. Maybe it would have looked better sans belt... Oh, well.

My New Invention

2010-06-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

I went to my local fabric store and scoured the clearance area looking for an inexpensive fabric to use for a new skirt pattern. It's a highwaisted, gathered skirt with pockets (I love pockets in skirts and dresses). I found this ethnic print that I liked, but it felt like raincoat material. So, I am calling it the 'Skirt Slicker', since I can wear it out during wet weather and not have to worry about getting drenched if I forget my raincoat (Hmm, I wonder if there's a market for these?).

The skirt wasn't too difficult to make, and the pockets were a breeze. I did have to lay the material out on the floor because the pattern had to be cut single layer (because of the 'nap'), but other than that it was easy.

The next skirt I made was super easy. I'm going to make another one when I get my sewing machine back from the shop. I used a free pattern I found online and the fabric was on sale, so the total cost to make it was only $8.00 (that includes thread, zipper, fabric, interfacing, and the free pattern)! You can't beat that. I really like the seersucker, plaid fabric (quintessential summer style) I'm planning on wearing it to the first BBQ of the summer.

Enjoy your weekend!

Milk and Sugar

2010-06-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Now that my sewing machine is out of commission (for the time being), I will take this time to post photos of the skirts I have already completed.

The skirt below is the very first piece I sewed. It is a simple A-line skirt, and the pattern is labeled "Very Easy", however, it is NOT very easy to someone who has never sewn before. With the tutelage of Erin (our instructor) we completed our skirts in about 9 hours in class. She taught us what all the symbols on the pattern meant, how to pin and cut out the pattern, and translated what the instructions were talking about in each step. I highly recommend taking at least one class if you have never sewn before. It helped me tremendously and now I am able to follow instructions for new patterns I'm working on.

So, the fabric I chose for my first skirt was a light blue and white seersucker (great summer fabric) and white lacy stuff for the bottom trim. I wanted the trim to go behind the hem and just peek out the bottom, I thought this would give the skirt a little bit of a vintage feel. I liked the way it turned out, but I should wear a slip or petticoat under it in the day light hours, otherwise you will see my undies.

I wore this outfit to my boyfriends birthday dinner, we went to a fab sushi place and sat in one of the private rooms (super fun). The top is from none other than... yes you guessed it, Anthropologie! I paired my couture skirt and designer top with a little grey cardigan (from Zara)and yellow cutout flats (by Ciao Bella).

Oh yeah, the title of this post is 'Milk and Sugar', here's why I chose that title: Through its etymology, seersucker gives us a glimpse into the history of India. The word came into English from Hindi sīrsakar, which had been borrowed from the Persian compound shīroshakar, meaning literally "milk and sugar" but used figuratively for a striped linen garment.

Hiccup in My New Project

2010-06-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

My worst nightmare (I am being overly dramatic) came true.

As I was finishing the raw edges of my newly purchased fabric, it happened... My sewing machine (which has seen very little use over it's many years of existence) started to behave oddly.

The tiny light bulb, that casts its beam onto the newly constructed stitches, began to flicker ever so slightly. The machine began to buck and vibrate as I was making a simple zigzag stitch along the edge of the fabric.

So, I eased up on the foot peddle until the needle came to a halt. When I attempted to start sewing again nothing happened. The needle wouldn't go up and down, and when I tried to switch to a different stitch the needle position wouldn't move (my machine is computerized)! I was devastated!

So, the next day I took it to the shop to be looked at/repaired. Hoping it would be a quick fix, I waited patiently for them to call and say something had come loose and needed tightening, or a thread got stuck and caused the machine to seize up.

But no, the repairperson called today to tell me a transformer blew and it would cost $300!!!! I could buy another machine for that much, I was shocked to say the least. And to top it off, I wouldn't get my precious machine (I have grown so fond of it in such a short time) for 10-14 days!

A little piece of advice to all you new, expert, or somewhere in-between sewers use a surge protector with your sewing machine, it could have prevented this $300 mistake....

I'm sharing this beautiful picture that took my mind off my broken machine.

Summer Ease

2010-06-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some looks I put together using current items sold at Anthropologie.

First up is an outfit I would to wear for an afternoon of shopping. The Mossy Atoms Skirt in the 'Red Motif' is bursting with color. The elastic waistband makes this skirt easy to get in and out of for quick dressing room changes. I chose items in more neutral tones to complement the skirt, and complete the outfit.

Mossy Atoms Skirt, link
Bit-Of-Pearl Blouse, link
Bee Skep Bag, link
Pin Up Pumps, link
Flowerbed Ring, link
Cake Decoration Belt, link
Shang Yuan Earrings, link
Sunday Spy Shades, link

Next on the list of 'Must Have' summer items is a casual weekend outfit that you can wear to the beach; or if you're stuck at home, you can wear while browsing for the plumpest, deep red heirloom tomatoes at the Saturday Market.

Roped-InDress, link
Delicate Winds Cardi, link
Tangled Twists Slingbacks, link
Solna Satchel, link
Tree Trunk Belt, link
Pretty Pebbles Bracelet, link

For a day spent frolicking at your favorite water-hole, whether fresh, chlorinated, or salty, don't be afraid to mix prints. In this outfit I used floral, stripes, and a fish print bag to produce a carefree outfit for a carefree day.

North Wind Bikini
Ambrosial Cardigan
Old Hand Bermudas
Lemon Twist Sandals
Aquarium-A-Gogo Bag
Belmont Huzzah Hat
Pleased Peepers Sunglasses

Enjoy!

Thunderstorms and Rainbows

2010-06-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

Last night four of us went to the Shakespeare Festival. I wore the Rainwashed Shale Dress, released by Anthropologie in Jan 09'. The metallic threads throughout the gunmetal colored dress made me feel glamorous with just a hint of toughness.

So, as the show was being introduced our speaker said there was a chance of rain, but that it would maybe last 15 minutes and the show would go on after a brief intermission to let the rain pass. I assume you all know this is taking place outdoors by now.

Of course, we were not prepared for rain showers but we did have a small umbrella back in the car, which I made my boyfriend go fetch for us before the show started (Thank Goodness).

We were maybe 10 minutes into the performance when raindrops started falling more frequently, the show came to a halt as the performers were called off stage. We were instructed to stay if we wished or could go to the box office to receive a rain-check.

We waited patiently as our wine became diluted by raindrops and the thunder rumbled over head. By now everything but my hair was soaked as the rain poured down so hard that volunteers started handing out garbage bags to audience members. After withstanding 20 minutes of a lovely, cool rain-bath the show was finally canceled!

We ran through puddles, and newly formed rivers, in the parking lot to our car. Did I mention we were one of the first arrivals to the festival, but we parked in the farthest spot from the entrance (we planned it that way, so we could be one of the first cars out of the cramped and crowded maze of parking spots). On the drive home we saw the biggest rainbow, the colors so vivid and brilliant.

It didn't occurred to me until I started to write this post that the name of the dress I wore is 'Rainwashed Shale'. Interesting....

When Life Gives you Lemons, Make an Apron!

2010-06-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Oh, I just wanted to add a picture of the newest apron I made. I whipped it up last night using the remaining fabric from my first apron! I mostly used the lemon print fabric and used the green polka-dots fabric for the flounce...

Let the Sewing Begin...

2010-06-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. The title of my blog is 'Zen in the Art of Sewing', however, there has been no mention of zen or sewing so far. This is because of my complete obsession and infatuation with Anthropologie. Now that I have pulled myself out of the drunken comatose that Anthropologie puts me in every time I browse through the gorgeous items on their website, I am now ready to share with you my sewing projects.

The first gift I made is going to my Mom. She is one of the main reasons I am now sewing. She finally gave me her fabulous Husqvarna sewing machine that previously had taken up permanent residence in her dusky garage in California.

So, thank you so much for trusting that I would use the sewing machine you passed on to me.

My Mom's favorite color is yellow, so this adorable lemon print fabric was screaming at me to make an apron out of it. I didn't think twice about buying the lemon print, but finding the contrasting fabric to match was a little tricky. I thought the green and white polka-dot fabric was just the right color to match the green stems of the lemons! So, this is how is turned out. I would say, "Let me know what you all think" but there is no one reading... So, maybe one day someone will stumble upon this blog and give me there two-cents on the first apron I sewed.

Vintage Inspired

2010-06-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

The metallic dots of the textured fabric give this simple, yet darling, dress a unique touch of richness. From the dainty straps and gold rimmed buttons to the eye catching collar, these little details add character to an otherwise ordinary dress... and I think it is lovely!

This little number is from the UK Anthropologie website. It is described as a vintage maritime frock in the softest buttercreme knit bells from a jaunty naval bodice.

This is the Shifting Buttons Skirt by Edme & Esyllte, $118. The length of this high waisted circle skirt gives it the 1950's vintage vibe that this post is all about. The print and colors of the cotton fabric make it modern and oh so in style. I especially love the fabric covered buttons that run almost the full length of the skirt. Again, I think Anthro hit the mark with the perfect blend of vintage & modern, and added little details that put this skirt at the top of my 'most desirable Anthro items' list.

I Think I Can, I Think I Can, I Think I Can....

2010-06-17T07:56:00.001-07:00

I am hoping, wishing, and praying that someday I will construct a dress this beautiful. Now that I am sewing I see all the WORK that goes into making every garment. From tucks, pleats, darts, zippers (I find them quite arduous), gathers, etc! The list goes on... but I look forward to mastering these techniques so that I may one day make beautiful clothes for me, family, and friends.

I adore this dress, though I haven't tried it on yet. It has a feminine, flirty feel with the flutter sleeve and the soft pink color with black trim. It has a vintage look that will transport you to the past every time you slip it on. The dress is from my favorite shopping spot, Anthropologie! I plan on trying it on next time I stop by my local store, which should be in the very near future. I almost never miss a once a week trip to Anthropologie to scoop out the latest new arrivals and mark downs in the store. I believe I frequent it regularly enough because most of the Sale Associates know me by name...

All Things Beautiful

2010-06-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

I've started this blog because I've lost my identity (not literally), my drive and passion for life. I am trying to get back on that path I feel I have wondered so far from. I'm hoping that by writing and sharing my fears, joys, frustrations, and experiences in life and in the projects I'm working on I will sew my way to ENLIGHTENMENT! Yes, that's right, I said, "Sew my way to enlightenment".

I have just taken up sewing, which I have wanted to learn for so very long, but never had the time, money or sewing machine to do so. I now have all those things (Thank you Mom for finally giving me your machine) I need to start my new hobby. Sew, this is where it all begins! (I know, that was cheesy)

Ok, so I know no one is following/reading this blog, but I am viewing it as a positive. For instance, I am free to say whatever I feel without having to think about being judged, having to be PC, or whatever else my mind decides to be self-conscious about.

This is my first day out of the shoot and I'm off running. I'm attempting to "design" my blog page so it is esthetically pleasing, however, I have little knowledge of how to go about this. So, I have to navigating through templates, backgrounds, fonts, and "advanced settings" until I arrive at what you see: my mind is thinking, "I know, it's not that great, even a bit boring. I am sure people will take one look at it and say, "I'm never gonna look at that blog again, it's all brown!", but hey, that's just my ego talking."

My plan for this blog is to post the progress and pictures (as soon as I figure out how to add photos) of the many sewing projects I plan on doing. I would also like to share my experiences as I work toward gaining spiritual enlightenment.