Selfish Sewing, Part 1

Pattern:  The Marianne Dress Pattern by Christine Haynes

Notions:  Recycled buttons found in button tin

Fabric: Riley Blake jersey knit stripe (black and white) and a black recycled t-shirt

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Pattern:  The Sidekick Sling Bag

Notions:  Curtain grommets, 1" grey, cotton webbing

Fabric: Coral linen/ gray and white stripe quilting fabric (both fabrics found in my stash)

As I mentioned last week, I have been drawn to my sewing room whenever I find myself with a few free moments. Something about spring just inspires me to sew.  Usually the Littles benefit from my sewing, but this spring I've done a bit of sewing for myself.  Inspired by Indiesew's  Selfish Sewing Week, I decided that my closet really could use a few springy items, and, although I did not actively participate in the contest, it was fun watching what others were making while working at my own pace on a few projects of my own.  I'm so excited to share with you what I have been creating. 

(Please, excuse my ugly, handmade-from-duck-tape, dress form.)

I love stripes.  I can't get enough of them, and when I saw this version of the Marianne Dress, I knew I needed to make one for myself.  The stripes are a Riley Blake jersey that I picked up at fabric.com, and the cuffs and yoke were made from a black t-shirt that was on a pile going to Goodwill.  I made two alterations to the original pattern. I sewed two buttons on the cuffs, instead of three (because I only had four), and I sewed two darts in the back of the dress. I loved the simple, A-line, no-seams style of this dress, but when I tried it on, it just felt a bit frumpy, especially with the horizontal stripes.  Adding the darts to the back was simple, and it gave the dress just the bit of shaping I was looking for.  I am happy with the fit now, and it is so comfortable.  Because of the jersey fabric, it almost feels like wearing pajamas.  I am more than pleased with the way this dress turned out, and I'm sure it will be a staple in this spring's wardrobe.

 
The SideKick Sling bag was made using fabrics I already had on hand.  I've had this bright, coral linen in my stash for quite some time, waiting for just the right project. I thought it paired quite nicely with the soft, grey and white cotton.  It was the second bag I have sewn. (The first was a purse, and the outcome was, well, needless to say, I never used the purse.) I was quite pleased, however, with how simple this bag was to make.  It's casual style is perfect for a wallet, sunglasses, notebook, even knitting.  I think it will add a touch of spring to any outfit I choose to wear.  

This "selfish sewing" has been quite fun (and rather addicting). I have a few more items that I am looking forward to sharing with you (and a few more ideas brewing but only after the completion of this sweater. I stitched up the arms and sides this past weekend and have about 20 rows of the hood completed...still hoping to have it finished by the end of this week. A couple nights of BBC was a big help in encouraging me to pick up the needles again.  Do you have any spring sewing/knitting/crafting projects that you have been working on?