Zebra Print Dress: McCalls 6887

I've found that sometimes you find the most beautiful fabric with the brightest colors, greatest drape and feel, only to struggle with how to perfectly use it. Others, you might have the most flattering and pretty pattern and have to search for the perfect fabric. This time I struggled with both. I found an easy pattern with my much sought after back cut-out, and months later I stumbled upon a great deal for some zebra print fabric but never thought to pair the two together until now. 

As the envelope stated, it was super easy. I used my serger for half of the construction for some good stretch, and my sewing machine for more precise seams. 

The back bodice buttons together and hides the bra closure, (for the most part). The skirt is zipped together in the back. I only struggled a couple times when I deviated from the directions, only to discover that the  directions were actually the best way.

Here's the pattern, I used view C

You can't see from the pictures but my little doggy is just behind me watching my every move...someday I'm going to make her, myself and the husband matching outfits :)

First Post and Newest Project

So here begins my inaugural blog post. I'm not sure what made me wait so long to begin but I guess that's the hardest part of any task, the start.  I created this blog for me to share my sewing projects, and hopefully inspire others as I have gained so much inspiration from other bloggers like Gertie, peneloping, katy and laney and closetcasefiles.

Since starting to sew way back as a teenager, my skills have grown so much. It all started with my mom who inspired my interest. She made all of our Halloween costumes and Easter dresses, and I remember seeing her work on projects hour after hour. Since I wanted to learn, we got started. She showed me how to thread the machine and wind the bobbin, but from then on, and using the manual, I taught myself. I learned everything as I needed to know it. When I needed to hem, I learned it, when I needed to insert a zipper, I learned it. Being self taught, and trying to figure out "the easiest and fastest way" I developed bad habits, like sewing over pins, not pressing my seams, etc.  Now that I value quality over quantity, I've been "unlearning" my old habits and doing things the "right" way (Although I still struggle sometimes!!).

Even if I can't get to my machine, I spend a good part of every day learning, researching, reading or daydreaming about future projects, techniques, ideas...I'm sort of obsessed.

I am not a great writer or conversationalist, so I will usually try to keep the writing short, enough to get my point across or share an idea.

So anyway, here is my first project. It's Simplicity 2250. The pattern was not the easiest and I actually attempted this 2 years ago and became so frustrated with my poor marking skills and all the darts! Once you've got the darts in it's somewhat smooth sailing. I used a kind of unidentifiable material from my favorite fabric store (more about Affordable Fabric in some other post). It's sort of cottony with a sheen to it. I finished hemming just in time to pin up my hair and leave for the wedding!

I changed up the skirt as I felt that the patterns version looked a little bit messy with some gathering and a random dart thrown in. I just gathered the whole thing.

The only thing I would re-do is the hem, I wish I did a blind hem since it's pretty obvious.

Of course I needed to post a couple shot!! By the way, the little bow tie was made by yours truly also!

Now that I've gotten my first post out of the way, and I see how easy it is, I look forward to sharing more!