DIY Maternity Dress

I have been totally neglecting the blog for some time...oops! I actually have so many things photographed and done, but never seem to find the energy to put up a post. I am now 30 weeks along with my 3rd child and my energy is completely gone. But, I am going to at least attempt to put a few things up and feel like I have actually accomplished something. Plus, now that I am at 30 weeks, these baby bump photos don't seem nearly as horrific to me as they did at the time. I think I was around 22 weeks when they were taken and sadly this seems pretty small to me now :)

This DIY sheath dress was a mix of 2 patterns. For the skirt portion I used Megan Nielsen's Ruched Maternity Pencil Skirt in a size medium. For the top I used the FREE Deer and Doe Plantain T-Shirt Pattern in a size 38. I taped the 2 patterns together and had to move things around until they looked like what I thought would be the right proportions of the top of the dress and the skirt. The two patterns will not line up size wise, but use your best judgment to blend the two lines to create your dress pattern. I blended the two patterns starting a couple inches below the bust on the t-shirt and using the regular full pattern on the skirt.

This was my 2nd time using the skirt pattern and I am not sold on it for my body type. It is definitely form fitting and you have to be alright really flaunting what you have...and I certainly have curves on the bottom half of my body. But, I went with it anyway, and in this heavier knit fabric, I don't hate it.
The fabric was purchased from Michael Levine and can be found here. The fabric was awesome to work with and I secretly wish I wouldn't have used it on a maternity dress that I have only worn a couple times. It is heavier knit and has the perfect amount of thickness for this form fitting dress.  It is also super soft and comfortable.

It was a quick sew and I am glad I had a fun dress for Easter and Mother's Day, but overall I am not sure the amount of usage really justifies the making of the dress. But, hopefully I will be able to pass it along to someone I know that can get some more mileage out of it. This bump is way past being able to fit in it now :)

Shannon

Refashioned Top Tutorial: ModCloth Knockoff

Here is a follow up to my refashioned outfit post with a tutorial on how to create the Modcloth top knockoff.

This top was inspired from this Modcloth top: 

Source

and began like this: 

Step 1. Find a button up blouse in a couple sizes larger than you normally wear. Begin by cutting off the collar, sleeves (2 inches below the seam to allow enough fabric for your new sleeve), cut out the shoulder pads if your top has them, and finally carefully cut up the side seams.

Step 2. Put the top on backwards with the buttons in the back. Use a piece of chalk to draw in a new neckline. Take the top off and cut out close to the new neckline, leaving a small seam allowance.

3. Step 3: **This step is not shown but I used bias tape to finish my new neckline.** Next take the top and put it on yourself or a dress form inside out. Pin up the sides to create your new side seams. You should pin from the sleeve edge all the way down the side. Make sure you do not make the top fitted. You want to have a blousy effect and you will be pulling in the waist with shirring. Sew the new side seam. Then try your top on right side out and draw a chalk line where you want your waist shirring to begin. 

Step 4: Take off the top and begin drawing a line all the way around the top using your waistline mark. My mark was about 8.5 inches up from the bottom edge. However, when I went around to the back I noticed it would be too close to the button, so I drew my line at the 9 inch mark instead. Once you have a line drawn all the way around your top, thread your machine with elastic thread in the bobbin. (You will have to hand wind elastic thread onto your bobbin.) Begin stitching all the way around on top of the line you drew. I pull the fabric somewhat taut as I sew this line. It will begin shirring up if it is done correctly. Once I get back to the beginning of the line, I simply keep stitching in a spiral pattern to create another line 1/4 inch below or above my first line. Keep stitching around the top until you have the desired effect. My top has 5 lines of shirred stitching. 

Step 5: Finish your sleeve hem. You can either fold up the fabric 1/4 inch, press, and 1/4 inch again, press and stitch or use bias tape created from the left over sleeve fabric to finish the edge. I actually did it both ways and I am not sure which I prefer. They were both somewhat difficult with the slinky fabric so I would say go with whatever your preferred method is for finishing a sleeve hem and take your time. Finally, we need to cut out the bow for the front. Use the collar you cut off in step 1 and cut it into two pieces. I cut one smaller than the other. One piece ended up being about 9 inches long and the other about 7 inches.

Step 6: Cut a rounded bow shape out of your two strips of fabric. Turn them inside out, placing right sides together and stitch close to the edge leaving an opening to turn them right side out. Turn it right side out and top stitch it all the way around to close the opening. Next stack the smaller bow on top of the larger one and pinch it together in the center. Hand stitch the cinch in the center to hold it together. Then use an extra piece of fabric (I used a small rectangle shape from the original sleeve cuff) and wrap it around the center of the bow over your hand stitching. Hand stitch it together in the back of the bow.

Step 7: Pin the bow to the front of the top and hand stitch it in place. Finally I added a snap closure at the back top edge of my blouse. And that's it. You have a new fun top! 

It really was an easy refashion and it only took about an hour. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at 2ndstorysewing at gmail dot com.

Shannon

Refashion Challenge

This week over at Skirt Fixation the designers are focused on refashioning. For the sew along I decided to submit an outfit that was all refashioned, except for the shoes!

To begin there was the Polka dot top. This refashion was inspired by this top from ModCloth:

Source

I will be providing the tutorial in a follow up post (UPDATE: Refashion Post Here) because it would make this one way too long, but it was actually fairly quick and easy and I am happy with the results. 

The sweater was just a quick snip and sew project. I simply cut the center of the sweater open and used bias tape to make a finished hem on both openings...viola, easy cardigan! 

The maternity jeans I am wearing were regular flared leg jeans that were way too long. I took off two inches from the hem and then made them into skinny jeans. And finally, I had some fabric samples that were given to me and I remade them into a small leather clutch. I will also show that one more in detail in a follow up post because I am running out of time to submit my link...yikes, gotta get going! 

The clutch was made out of these: 

I will follow up soon with tutorials :) 

Shannon

Simplicity 1614 and a Budding Belly

This week Skirt Fixation is kicking off a new sew along and designer contest on their blog. The first theme was Nature Inspired and I thought it would be fun to sew along. I brought the nature into my look through my choice of fabric.

I have had this blue and gold floral cotton print in my stash for about a year. I found it at a flea market and have always loved it but didn't quite know what to make with it. Unfortunately there was not much of it, so I had to get a little creative with this top and only use it for the front piece and back strap. I gambled and mixed fabric types on this top by using a navy knit as the back fabric. I am happy to say it ended up working out pretty well and I love the soft drape the knit adds to the top, but it does pull a bit funny with the strap.

The pattern is Simplicity 1614 and I mixed two views together. I used view D in the front and View A for the back. I cut a 10 at the top and graded it out past the size 12 at the hip. I wanted to add a little extra wiggle room for my growing tummy (We are expecting our 3rd later this year). I messed up when piecing the back together so, I pretty much did not follow the instructions, and needed to cut things here and there to even them up and in the end it worked out. 

The inside is finished with bias tape I made from the left over floral fabric. 

I love that I can wear this loose during the summer and stay cool or layer it with a belt and cardigan for the cooler days we are still experiencing here (it snowed again today...boo!!). I am glad I finally put this pattern to use. It was a quick and easy sew (well, except when you decide to mix everything up and do it your own way.) And I would definitely recommend it to others and will be making more to add to my wardrobe for summer. I think I want to make one all out of knit and see if it works out- the soft and loose look it would create would be nice for the continuing expansion :)

Shannon

Project Sewn Signature Look: McCalls 6754

 Last week I sat out from sewing along with Project Sewn. I was bummed, but I was so sick the weekend before that there was no way I would have finished anything. The looks from the designers and at home entries were so amazing, I absolutely love the dress that won the sew along. Check it out.

              Dress: made by me, Blazer: Hot Mama, Shoes: Walmart, Necklace: Pick Your Plum, Belt: Target

This week's theme is signature style. For me, anything classic and of course, anything involving the color navy, is signature me. For this challenge, I chose to sew up McCall's 6754. I made the dress, with 3/4 sleeves using a thrifted double knit I found ages ago in a fun bright green color. I love the way this dress came together and I think I have something I will be able to wear time and time again for awhile.

This dress came together quickly with the exception of the sleeves. I ended up taking them in several inches and I still wasn't totally happy with the way they look. It is a raglan sleeve and just doesn't have the shape that I am used to. Also, the dress is a little short for me, so instead of folding up the hem, I added a one inch strip of the same fabric and used the method Lisa highlights here. It worked perfectly. I cut a size medium but ended up taking in the top half quite a bit to get a more fitted look. I have also made this as a peplum top before and loved the way that turned out as well.

I like that I can wear this dress on it's own or dress it up a little with the blazer. Speaking of the blazer, I am going to attempt to make my own version of this Hot Mama striped blazer that I love...I just didn't have time to try it before the Project Sewn deadline :)

I hope everyone has a great week and takes a moment to vote on their favorite designer and sew along contestants at Project Sewn this week. -

Shannon

Project Sewn Pink Challenge: Ruched Pencil Skirt

Have you checked out the amazing talent over on Project Sewn? The designers are creating wonderful looks and in my dream world I play along with them (which is really just participating in the sew-a-long :)...but a girl can dream, right? Speaking of dreaming, I did have an amazing thing happen during week one. I won the sew-a-long challenge. A huge thank you to all of you who voted, I am so grateful for your support. (You made me feel extra special---thank you, thank you)

Here is a link to my week one look:

Fashion Icon Challenge

This week was a call to create something pink. I wanted to use fabric I already owned which limited it to a small supply of neon pink, a thrifted pink jersey sheet, or some thrifted sheer stretch rose colored fabric that I had. I originally set out to design a maxi dress from the bed sheet but needed more fabric for what I wanted, so plan b (as usual).

 I created a gathered or ruched pencil skirt using the sheer fabric and a tricot lining. (My rosy pink fabric looks a little more red online than in person). I have wanted to add more pencil skirts to my wardrobe and am always inspired by how fabulous Mimi G looks in them. So, I gave it a whirl. She has a wonderful tutorial for creating a pencil skirt here. I drafted my own pattern using a pencil skirt block I made and adding 10 inches in length. 

My skirt has side seams instead of one center back seam like Mimi's tutorial. One thing you want to do when creating this skirt is make sure it is tight...like real tight. I feel a little like a sausage in this skirt, but if it isn't tight, the gathers will look weird. So, roll with it and flaunt it! The gathers hide a lot and help create a flattering look (and some spanx probably could go a long way for me...haha, should have worn them for the photos).

After completing the skirt and inserting the elastic on the waist band, I took 2 pieces of 1/4 inch elastic (one for each side seam) and measured from my waist to where I wanted the skirt to end. I cut the elastic this length and attached it to the side seam by stretching it as I sewed. I pulled the elastic so it covered the entire length of the skirt. When it gathered, the skirt was the length I desired and I left the hem raw. 

Right side of skirt/lining

wrong side of fabric

I then cut the lining out of the same pattern in tricot (but left off the additional length). Attach your lining to the other side of the elastic and you're done! I tacked down my elastic on the side seams to help make sure it will not roll when I wear it. 

And, that's it! It is pretty simple to put together and I do hope to wear it soon...just need to go somewhere more interesting than the grocery store or preschool drop off :) 

Shannon

Project Sewn Fashion Icon Challenge

Project Sewn is one of my favorite opportunities to sew along. They always have such wonderful designers and great themes. And...each time I have high goals of what I would like to sew and then seem to run out of time. This challenge was no different. I started with the vision of a fit and flare dress for my brother in law's upcoming wedding and over the course of construction, this changed several times.

photo source 

I began with picking my fashion icon. Audrey Hepburn. Classic, beautiful, and elegant are just some of the words I would use to describe her style. I originally wanted to create a fit and flare dress with bold striped fabric as my piece, but the first roadblock was the fabric. I searched high and low for what I wanted and never found it, so plan b kicked in, and I purchased some textured lace at Joann fabrics for my dress. It is the Suedesays Fabric- Rosebud Lace in black and I also used a black satin.

Next, I picked a pattern. I went with Simplicity 1873. I was going to create view B with a gathered waist instead of pleated and I got fairly far along in the process. I first carefully cut all my pattern pieces out of the satin. Then placed them underneath my lace, hand basted the lace to the satin, and then cut out the pieces from the lace.

I had everything sewn together with an ambiance lining in the bodice when I decided I needed something different. I didn't love the way it looked on me, my gathering wasn't even and I decided to create something more versatile.

I tore the dress apart and decided to make a peplum top and a gathered waist skirt that could be worn as separates or together to look like a dress, by tucking in the peplum top. First, I created the peplum top, which was pretty simple and quick. I just used what I had left in the lace and satin and cut two strips about 7 inches long and twice the waist measurement. I then gathered the top of each and attached it to the bodice. I used hem lace tape and hand stitched the hem as well as all the lining on the interior. The top fits lovely and I look forward to pairing it with skinny pants and a jacket for another look. (All of which I would have loved to photographed but that whole time thing got in the way!)

The skirt was a different story. It was trouble from the beginning. After trying two gathering methods (a casing and also pre gathering and attaching to elastic), I decided it was just too much fabric. It was heavy, not flattering, and too much bulk for my liking. So...again, back to the drawing board. I settled on a pencil skirt with a vented back that I could wear underneath the peplum top to create the look of a dress. But I can also use the skirt on its own or with other pieces. I self drafted the pencil skirt and got to work. I finished the skirt in just enough time to snap some quick photos, but I plan to touch up some areas. I don't love the way the back is lying and I think I will change the hemline so the stitching will not be noticeable (more hand stitching...bleh).

Overall I am glad I created this outfit. It challenged me a little with insane amounts of seam ripping and rethinking, but in the end I have an outfit to wear to the wedding and will hopefully be able to wear the pieces separately as well. Now...will I have time to sew along in the next challenge???? That is yet to be seen. I have already changed my mind about seven times on what I would like to make, so I seem to be on the same path as usual! 

Shannon

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Painting Kitchen Cabinets: A How to Guide

Have you ever wanted to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom? I have found the easiest way to make the largest impact is to paint the cabinets. Over the years, I have painted 3 sets of bathroom cabinets and 3 sets of kitchen cabinets and I have learned something new every time. I wanted to share today the steps I used to help achieve a beautiful paint finish on my latest kitchen cabinet project. But before I get to the steps, here are some before and afters to help you see the impact new paint can give a room. (I apologize for the grainy before photos, my computer deleted my original copies).

 When we purchased our house it was full of strong, dark colors. While I actually used to have a red bedroom in a former house, over the years I have become a big fan of neutrals. They are much easier to decorate with if you like to change up your accent colors, styles, accessories, etc. So, the whole first floor was given a fresh coat of tan paint when we purchased it. The color is Cliveden Sandstone, which is a Valspar paint I had mixed by Sherwin Williams. I LOVE this paint color. It has been in my last two houses, my parent's house, and my in law's house. It always looks good. The Super Paint from Sherwin Williams covers so well too, this room was not primed and it covered the red easily. The only thing I don't love this paint next to, is the tile in this house...but that may be changing anyway.

So, here is what I found worked the best in this makeover. First and foremost, if you can find help, take it. My sister in law was living with us at the time and helped from start to finish. The two of us worked for one week on this project, minus time out to help my kids, run to events, etc. It will take A LOT of time and you will need PERSEVERANCE. 

1. Remove the doors and drawer fronts. We did this in sections because I did not have room to paint all the cabinets at once. The good news is, we didn't have to paint the interiors of the cabinets, so we were able to leave everything inside.

2. Clean your kitchen cabinets well and then wipe down all the surfaces with a liquid deglosser or sand them. We chose the liquid deglosser for less work, less time, and way less mess. It worked so well and is the way I will always do cabinets in the future. I originally decided on this technique after watching the pros on This Old House suggest it.

3. Fill any holes and imperfections with wood filler and sand. These were knotty wood cabinets and there were TONS of holes. In addition, these cabinets were beat up on the inside. Lots of deep scratches from the pull outs and such. This step took a lot of time, but made a huge difference. Make sure your wood filler is fully dried and sanded smooth before continuing.

4. Prime the cabinets and base. I use the same primer on all my projects and have loved it every time. Zinsser Cover Stain. It is oil based, so it will stink and I hate the cleanup, but it is worth it. We used foam disposable brushes, rollers and disposable dip trays, so it wasn't horrible. Put on THIN coat of primer and do your best to avoid brush strokes. This is key to a smooth final finish. If you get any drips or brush marks, make sure you sand them down. I used a "in between coats" sand paper after the primer to knock down any marks. Then thoroughly vacuum and wipe down the cabinets after you sand.

5. It's PAINT time. The quality and type of paint you chose will make a huge difference. I prefer Sherwin Williams over all other paints because I have had the most success with it. Plus, they are always so helpful when making paint decisions. I chose the Pro Classic Interior Latex in Alabaster White. It helps to achieve the brush free look you are after and it covers well. I spoke to them about whether or not I needed a final coat of varnish or poly for protection and they said no, not with this paint. I took their advice, and the paint is holding up great.

Tips for applying paint-
**Buy brushes and rollers made for the job. I prefer a Purdy angled brush to cut in and a small roller made for cabinet painting. Some people are able to achieve the brush free look with brushes only, but I am not one of them. I have tried, without success, so I use the easier method of a roller and have been very pleased. Use thin coats and put it on slowly to avoid bubbles. Sand in between coats and cover it well. I used three thin coats of paint on my cabinets and feel the coverage was perfect.

**Keep your paint supplies ready to go with plastic wrap. You can wrap your brushes and rollers tightly with plastic wrap in between painting to keep them from drying out as well as push it down into the paint in the paint tray. The paint tray will get a tad gloppy with drying so put a layer of plastic down over the bumpy part when you start painting again to avoid big clumps in your paint.

6. After three thin coats of paint (sanding and wiping/vacumming well in between coats), let your paint dry as long as you can. (The longer it cures, the better it will hold up). But, if your impatient like me, you can put them back up in a day or two.

7. Chose hardware and hang. My husband did the hanging to make sure all the hardware was level. This is his domain and he is very good at it, so I stay far away :) The hardware I was provided is from D. Lawless Hardware. I would highly recommend this company. They have wonderful prices and they ship it quickly. I chose the Stainless Steel Bar and a Satin Nickel Cup Pull. Their staff also helped me make my selections. You can see how I used some of their other hardware on my dining buffet makeover HERE.

Here are some more before and afters:

We are currently in the process of trimming out the island with bead board so ignore the gaps :) That project will be coming to the blog soon. I also am trying to decide on a backsplash. I originally wanted bead board but now wonder if it will be too much white...what do you think? Do I leave it tiled or change it to something else? Hopefully in time I will able to bring in some more projects in here and bring a little life to this kitchen, but in the meantime we are enjoying our new crisp white cabinets.

Shannon