Day 17 - n/a - A sudden chill came through and I didn't feel I had any appropriate tops... must work on that. I wore jeans, a Liberty lawn button-front, and a lightweight cardigan. The cardigan isn't something I feel I can make myself (It's lace-weight but solidly knit...it would take me decades) but, the shirt is, so I plan to add a few to the queue.
Day 18 - n/a - We're doing a lot of improvements to the house and I didn't bother putting on any "nice" clothes.
Day 19 - not-yet-blogged turquoise top - to babysit our neighbor's son (which turned out to mean 'sit by the pool for two hours, reading a book and check on the napping baby at regular intervals - easy peesy) - Right, so, we're getting a little more real here this year. Not seeing many fancy dresses, are we? While I've basically boycotted jeans since college, this year, I've embraced the "casual norm" a bit more. Enter this simple but glorious rayon top. Oh how I love rayon. And turquoise. And rayon... you get the idea ;-) While I don't think this is "my best look", I know this top will get regular wear. Despite the unexpected lounging in the sun, this top stayed cool and comfortable. Grade: B+?
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| Top: Simplicity 1690, Jeans: Gap, Shoes: Hush Puppies Brandon pointed out the wrinkles and I said "It's Me-Made-May. It's about keeping it real!" :-P |
Day 20 - Gah! The day that killed the month! (I've now officially failed my challenge of five days per week.) I had a migraine for a large portion of the day and, admittedly, stayed in [rtw] pjs all day. :-(
Day 21 - Three Seasons shirtdress - for, you know, daily activities and some home diy. Sorry, didn't get a photo. I think this is the year that has finally done this dress in. Ugh, I felt awful in it. It was made pre-serger, which would have been fine if I'd used French seams or something but, nope. I used my old machine's faux-overlock, which is still allowing the edges to fray a bit. Also, the fit is off just enough to be annoying. Is it noticeable to the general person? Probably not. But, it doesn't feel right. It's time to look at this one as a learning process and start again. I'll likely use the pattern again but, I think the view with the waist seam will make it feel a bit more me. I'm thinking navy linen... and maybe another blue shirting. Pinpoint perhaps? Grade: D
Day 22 - not-yet-blogged 60s Floral Skirt - Errands and dinner out with Brandon - I really like this skirt. That said, I'm having a bit of trouble deciding what to pair it with. It's harder than I thought to avoid 'matchy-matchy' and/or 'sugary sweet'. I think this rtw wear top is teetering on both but, I was in a rush. The outift was seriously comfortable, I just felt a hair too "cutesy" while everyone else seemed to be bustling about in their modern colors and hi-lo hems. Grade: B+
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| Oh hey, look! You do get to sneak a peak at this skirt :-) Top: Banana Republic, Skirt: Self-Drafted, Shoes: Dolce Vita via TJ Maxx |
Day 23 - "Dock of the Bay" dress - so. much. shopping. - Sorry. No picture for this one either. I was way too worn out by the time we got home to pose for a shot, particularly in unflattering indoor lighting. Another iffy selection. I had to force myself to pull it out of the closet. If it weren't for MMMay, I wouldn't have. I really like it in theory but, 1. it's overfitted. It's a casual sundress but, fits like something more um, attention-seeking? 2. it's too small in the bust. I was totally winging my pattern alterations and didn't add enough room there (seriously, I'm not a full girl - who is this pattern designed for?). Also, the embroidered fabric apparently has zero give so, yeah, there's a lot of smooshing happening and the sports-bra look is not a flattering one. If I can ever stop getting distracted by shiny new fabric and patterns, I'll redo the bodice and maybe let the side seams out a touch. Then, I think she'll be a winner. Grade: C+ (for now)
Previous posts:
Me-Made-May '14: My Pledge
Me-Made-May '14: Week 1
Me-Made-May '14: Week 2
Me-Made-May '14: Week 3
Jennifer, you are your toughest critic, a D? Haha, I totally understand about how some of your earlier garments are not quite up to standard though. Some of the first few dresses I made myself got worn a lot right away, but then hardly ever or not at all after that.
ReplyDeleteThe rayon blouse definitely seems perfect. Maybe this would be a good pattern for your cotton silk J. Crew fabric? Thanks for the tip about Fabric Mart btw! I just made a nice purchase of J. Crew fabric that I am feeling pretty guilty about since I don't seem to have time for sewing lately - but when I do, I've got J. Crew fabric!
Haha, ok, a D may be a little harsh. I do like the idea of this dress, but the reality of it just isn't me. It's helpful though, to know what I do and don't like about it. Didn't mean to sound so negative though. I blame the scratchiness of the fabric - clearly, it literally rubbed me the wrong way :-P
ReplyDeleteOoh, maybe! Hmm, will definitely give that some thought. Woo hoo for stocking up on J.Crew! There's never anything wrong with having that in your stash! :-)