Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Phobia

As previously discussed in my blog post here, I accept gifts in giant containers.  When the sweeties Aunties came by bearing crafty stuffs, I FREAKED.  I really did.  Partly because the way to my heart is either mustache-related shenanigans or craft supplies.

Secunda feels the same way.

I'm terrified of zippers.  I've made at least 100 bags and totes, all of them zipper-less.  I have a phobia of sewing with them, inserting them, looking at them...  I guess the universe felt it was time to kick me in the ass.  Again.

Auntie Sherri brought a Giant Bag of Zippers.  Not only was it a giant bag, but each zipper color was separated into its' own bag!  I know.  Ratcheting up the awesome.

Here's the brown and blue zippers.  There are metal, plastic, polyester, invisible, everything.

The red ones are awesome and turquoise?  Really?  These were salvaged from some antique clothes (you can open the bags and smell the Old).  I just love it.

Coral.  And LAVENDER.  And CORAL!  I know, I know.  I'm absolutely tickled. 

So, these are just incredible.  Now I have to grow, confront my phobia of failure, and get over my bullshit.  SO much harder than learning to sew with zippers.

With all the bags and bundles, there was even a stack still in the packaging.  One of the packages said 1974! Old as me... Sigh.  So...  What do I do with all this goodness?  Two words:  ZIPPER.  POUCHES.

And this is pretty much how I feel about the whole thing.

Selfish Sewing Part 2 - Winter of Comfort 1

And a new long tunic for me!  Yaaaays!  So from this super-easy Burda pattern I found on sale at Joann's for $2.49 (I went nuts and got a ton), I made myself a lovely long something to wear.

Seriously, super easy.  And I had some beautiful vintage fabric that was screaming for a simple minimalist aesthetic, on account of the paisley.  Since winter is hard on the more voluptuous set (it's always so fucking hot everywhere.  Who said 74 is reasonable?  FUCK.) and everything I love is at least $85, I decided to make myself some winter clothes.

Simple, comfortable, long tunics for leggings and boots in fabric I love and exactly my size and proportions.  Really, what's the issue?  So, as my first project I made this!

Belted with a ribbon for now.

Please ignore my crafting crap in the background.  But SO PRETTY.  I cut the sleeves on the bias for fun.  The hem is a high-low:

And sewed with a tight zigzag to make it wavy.  The shoulders were way too big, so I added a pleat.  Just did it on the fly, but it doesn't suck.

Just folded over an inch and sewed down each side 3 inches.  Then top-stitched the shoulder to make it look intentional. 

I just love the delicate neckline.  And the fabric is amazing.  Thanks, Big Daddy for scoring this little gem for me!!  With a skinny brown belt, pumpkin leggings and boots this outfit will be in heavy rotation this winter.

Seen here!

And here!

Here too.

Vintage Simplicity Pattern + Vintage Wool Fabric = Totally Bitchin' Shirt

And the pattern is Swinging Hipster all the way. 

Even the instructions are OLD.

These guys need a cigarette.

 Seriously, could it BE any cooler?  I chose view 2 for Big Daddy (and because I didn't want to futz with the sleeves or creepy hip pockets).  I had some vintage wool with a few moth ho---  er, with some character and got cutting.  Not without help, natch.

You're doing it wrong.

I'm hiding.

 And thank goodness for all that coaching!

First time I've ever sewn a men's shirt, first time with this pattern, first time with this fabric and first time making something for Big Daddy that wasn't angry mending (more on that in a future post).

And it doesn't suck!

Detail at collar, also omitted button & loop closure.

Love the lining.  So retro.

The instructions were VERY difficult for me to decipher due to previously stated limitations.  When I wanted to cry, I got up, walked away and reminded myself, "It's a SHIRT, for fuck's sake.  CHILDREN in BANGLADESH sew them by the THOUSANDS."  And I'd come back, tears drying and hope renewed.

Here's the side all pretty.  The front is slightly shorter for whatever reason justifies it. 

The back looks nice too.

Plus, the coaching.

Sew....   Tired.......

Seen here too!!

Aaaand HERE!

Here, too.

Butterick Retro Pattern Orgasm

Joann's had Butterick patterns on sale for $1 from Aug 22-24.  I went absolutely NUTS for the Retro line.  As a big girl, these patterns are very pricey ($20 each!) and not in the usual catalogues.  So, at any opportunity, I grab them like a shrieking fishwife at a fire sale. 

Such beauty and elegance!  And such amazing possibilities!

And in sizes I can actually wear and use.  I'm so excited for the mash-up possibilities, the color blocking and fabric blending, the mind BOGGLES.  Or bottles, if you're a Blades of Glory fan.  And I AM. 

Because these are Retro (as opposed to Vintage), I'm much less hesitant to cut on them and tape pieces together.  But I do have an awesome hipster shirt in the works that will KILL.  

More on that later.  For now, revel in the Retro lusciousness with me.  And Dream...