So here is what I got completely distracted obsessed with in New York City. I went to Kinokunya Bookstore, a Japanese bookstore with about 3 floors of books including a huge craft/sewing section. I was in heaven! Although...I am certain HEAVEN has plenty of books in english. The first book I picked out was this one. I originally picked up the book for styling ideas for my drawings but after I studied it a bit more thoroughly I lost my mind decided that the patterns where pretty straight forward and that I might attempt one of these dresses myself. Well, my "one of these" turned into more...because when I returned from Mood fabrics I had fabric for 5 dresses to try to stuff into my small suitcase. I felt like I was stepping back in time. These are the type of dresses that my mother and I used to make. They are not complicated but you really need the right fabric for the right drape so you don't look like you are wearing a housecoat. You can see by the directions there are not a whole lot of pieces to cut out. Actually, cutting the pattern out might prove to be the trickiest part. I found a great blog post with tips here. I basically have to trace them onto pattern paper and add seam allowance and all the pattern lines overlap. I can't have any distraction during that process.
One of the reasons that I just jumped in with my eyes closed committed to the idea of making a couple of these dresses was that I was in NY and at Mood they actually has a HUGE amount of garment sewing fabric. As I wait for the strike offs for my new quilting weight fabric to arrive, I can try my hand at these. I DID look through a couple of other books and got THE CUTEST idea for a project for my Now We're Goin' Places collection.
So am I crazy? Let's take a vote. For the record, my mother does not think so...I did have a moment of panic where I called her and told her that Luke and I were coming for a 2 week visit when school was out so I could camp out in her completely outfitted sewing room to brush up my skills. When I told her I wanted to come out, She asked..."So I can sew for you?" And like a child trying to tie their shoe I replied, "NO! I want to do this myself!" but just having her near will make feel better.
I do have this etsy shop listed as one of my favorites...they sell a lot of books like this. I actually found the book I bought and it only had a $1 mark up but they are shipped from from overseas so the shipping is high BUT oh what fun.....!
Love that you and your mom are going to spend time sewing together! My mom has that "hand it here and I'll fix it" thing going on too. :-) I don't think you're crazy - just inspired!
Posted by: Kelly | February 03, 2011 at 09:11 AM
I can barely read a pattern in English, LOL
Posted by: BJ Lantz | February 07, 2011 at 09:59 AM