As I share my space with the tiny hall Christmas tree while I study (really, its on the table on taking up space), my brain matter is slowly flowing out of my ears. It might be finals week. But....in costuming news, we did A Midsummer Night's Dream, and it was wonderful, both acting and costumes. Check out that wonderful thing here >Youtube clip of AMND and http://www.covenant.edu/news/10.01.14
So much work, but it was great.
I was also given the assignment of drafting a pencil skirt and making it; my sister was the "lucky" recipient. At least I can use the example of it being a first. It can definitely be called a learning experience... My biggest problem was the curve down the thigh, and general puffy-ness. I did use this as a reference >http://www.simplesimonandco.com/2014/03/pencil-skirt-sew-along-drafting-a-skirt-sloper.html My excuse for the horrible fabric is that it was donated to the costume room, and we really have nothing to do with it except experiments and trials. Really, you have to experience this disastrous fabric first hand.
Little else to report except for suffering at the hands of professors and recovery from a brutal review on my paper, but there will be projects during Christmas break, which starts in two days! Cheers.
I haven't yet compiled all my reflections/photos on Disney and Dallas, but here is an example of sewing fever. It turned out that one of the staff at Wycliffe was a sewing and quilting pro and she invited me to come sew with her (along with another participant) since I was not leaving for another day. She had found the following pattern and had already tried it out and had success. We had a lovely time!
It was really easy; we did make the change of putting the straps inside the bag and not doing buttons (not quite our style). The fabric ( and lining) is cotton. This was also my first time working with fiber filling or batting or whatever its called. I also extended my strap since I prefer a cross body bag for casual dress and travel.
So, my next project is another wrap skirt (I love them so) with a lovely blue and white chevron cotton. This is funny that I should be doing something so soon again, seeing as I thought I was going to have an internship (or at least a response for the other jobs I applied for...), but, alas, those won't be happening. I have acquired the start of a collection of part-time "jobs", like tutoring algebra to some students and possibly some volunteer work.
Anyway, the skirt. I followed this tutorial >>Patternless Wrap Skirt<< by Little & Trivial. It was really easy to follow, but she warns that its hard to use a 44" wide piece as opposed to 60"to make a floor length skirt. What she really means is that its impossible unless you want to do it with panels. I tried (after much rearranging) and it ended up being about mid-calf, but I still really liked it.
I also changed the waistband a bit. I cut it into three even segments and left a hole that I stitched around to make a button hole, very much like the Miette Skirt.
Pinning measurements in place
The result
I also let mine tie at the front instead of the side.
Other than this, job searching, sleeping, and experimental cooking, I'm working a graduation goodie for my sister, whatever that may end up being... The unexpected blessing part of this post would be that of a tutoring job, which will allow me to check out my teaching skills (do I have any?) and working with kids, which I have never had profuse amount of skill/natural tendencies in. Another would be friendships that I have half-heartedly looked at for years (for various reasons), and how they may happen, which is great and it shows me that even though I can't always pull through, Providence will always make it so, teaching me to care for people, however different we may be; making room in my heart to want to know them and their stories. Always beautiful evidence of daily grace. *Shrugs* Food for thought.
Here's some fantastic/crazy good music to part with:
Ooohhh...two posts in one day. It's been a successful day! After my brother's piano recital, I did get my room somewhat clean after moving my stuff back in, and got busy on those floral flannel coin purses. They were quite easy, and I'm setting them aside for Christmas goodie bags my mother does for the ladies in the family and a few friends. These are based off of what The Hem of His Garment did; I just added "Esme" because of my organization on my laptop. A lovely tutorial (hers) and I have several more to go, but here is a peek.
Size is really flexible for these guys, so I just used what I thought I would find handy. Things You Will Need
-Main Fabric
-Lining Fabric
-Scissors
-Marker/Chalk
-Measuring Tape
- Buttons
-Optional (you don't have to do button-holes, I just prefer them.): Elastic or cord to make a loop to receive the button.
I chose some bright flannels out of the clearance section long ago....
Layered them so that I could cut all at once and measured approx. 14.5x5.5 in
For lining I chose some canvas/ thick cotton
Right sides together, I stitched it all around except 1.5 in on the side to turn it back out.
the 1.5 in
Turn right side out, stitch the front to the back at sides at desired depth, Cut the button hole, and do button hole stitch (I did by hand)
Tada!
And another I made Now go enjoy some JJ after that hard work. Shalom.
