Flamenco Dress + Auditioning!

Auditions for Sew-vivor season 2 at Family Ever After... have started today and I have been waiting until the very last minute to make up my mind. I wasn't quite sure if I would try the auditions or if I'd just sew along the challenges. After a lot of thinking I decided I'll go for it, trying won't do me harm and who knows? Maybe I could make it to the Top 10? - let me dream a little, ok?

We can audition with something we have made before. First I was in shock, I went looking through all the things I have done, they are so many, from the simpliest thing you can imagine to corsets and underbusts! But I chose someting that's very dear to me: my first Flamenco dress!

I'm half Spanish, my father's from Huelva, in the south of Spain, near Seville. There is a huge tradition of Romerias, a religious event that takes place every year. I grew up making part of that. I too wore my flamenco dresses when I was younger and we lived there, and wearing a flamenco dress just makes you feel beautiful and special. They are magic and a little like princesses dresses.

My daughter was 11 months old by the time of my dad's village Romeria. A few months before the event I had decided I would make her a flamenco dress too. Her cousin had one so I made hers copying the cousin's. The fabric I used was equal, and I tried to make it as much as the original, just smaller =)

Here they are, my niece using hers (bought) and my baby using hers (made by ME). The typical pants and suspenders from the nephew were made by me as well). I had shared a little about those two projects here, but had never showed the final results yet.

Flamenco dresses aren't easy to make though. Not everyone can make a genuine flamenco dress. And I'm not saying mine is, but I was pretty happy with what I achieved! Even my supplies were bought in Spain (Huelva). My mom's boss gave me a few tips on the supplies, things that are typical to the dress that I didn't know before.

When I started the dress, I thought about making a tutorial, because I didn't find any when I searched for one online, but let me tell you, I was so involved in the ruffles, that after some point I just forgot to keep registering all the steps. It is all about the ruffles, dear god! And this was only a 12 months old dress. 

Here's what I got though. I started by drafting my own pattern as usual. Cut the pieces: 3 to make the front, 4 to make the back. Both in polka dots fabric and plain blue fabric for the lining.

Sewed all pieces together by the sides and then on the shoulders.

Then I started cutting the ruffles, and again, I got way too lost to keep taking photos of the steps. 

Sew in Tune - Winter Edition

Yeah yeah yeah... it's Winter edition, but I have done another outfit to better wear in any other season but Winter. What can I do? Maybe I got sick of all the cold days, I need sunny and warm weather... soon, please! And who cares anyway?!

It's almost a week since I finished baby G.'s Sew in Tune outfit. Since I heard about the challenge I knew right away what band I wanted to be inspired by. And soon I knew what song I was going to sew with. 

And if you know a little about Bon Jovi's, then you might have guessed by the photos what song I used!!! Yes, Have a Nice Day (click on song title to watch it on youtube). 

Again I went the refashionist way! I searched through my pile just to find the things I already had in mind: a red polo shirt someone has given me a while ago and dad's very worn out jeans. I mean, Bon Jovi is a rock and roll band, right? So, I thought maybe the worn out looking jeans would give a rock look to my outfit. 

To trace both pieces I used existing clothes from G. But of course I had to make some changes and adapting a little. For the shirt, I used something new: fabric painting. I have tried to fabric paint before, on a t-shirt for me but it was left in the middle, for almost 10 years now, I guess I'll never finish that. 

Continuing... I printed the image on normal papel and made a stencil with it. But it on the shirt (it was already cut) and with a brush painted it. Then allowed it to dry (I painted in the evening and only continued the next day), then pressed it with the iron. 

For the shorts, I used the bottom of the jeans legs because they were torn in the middle, and I wanted to use the original side seams. I used a size 2 pair of pants to trace the shorts. The most simpliest I could find, then all I had to do, was adding the (original) front pockets, which give it a special look. For the waist band, I used some scraps from the polo shirt. 

Back to the shirt, I had this idea of making a shirt with knots on the shoulders for a while, and since I couldn't make it before, this was the oportunity to make it real. It was a bit of a hard work to put all that bias tape on the 4 edges of the future knots but I'm glad I did, I love the look and it's super confy. Another great thing, is I made them long enough, and I can adapt it as she grows, it fits now and I am pretty sure, it will still fit next year! 

We had a great photo shoot today! I had to heat her bedroom because it was freezing (Winter here right now, remember?!), and I had to be as quick as I could - I don't want a sick kid right now, I have too many projects to finish (erghhh, kidding of course, I don't want my kid sick ever!). 

I think I am creating a monster though! She totally loved to pose today, she even followed my orders... turn front, turn back, seat here, do this, do that!!! My sweet little girl! Can you tell by these photos?!

Another self-challenge done - checked!

using stuff from my stash thin - checked!

using a new technic - checked!

Total spent:0€

good balance then!

Top to Dress Refashion

I'm not much of a Summer girl. Not this Summer over here. It's too hot for the poor me. I like Autumn best, I like Spring, but I don't like Summer that much; I used to love Winter, but it kills me now. 

Somehow though, even knowing Winter's still here, I'm only thinking and imagining Summer clothes. 

It's been a while since I sewed for myself. I guess the last thing I made for me was the dress for my cousin's wedding last year. I might have done a small refashion here or there, but a full garment I don't do for ages. Or at least it feels like so. 

I remember I felt like I didn't have a lot of interesting clothes last Summer. I mean, I do have a lot of pieces, I just don't think they'd make sense together. I missed skirts and dresses, so last year yet, I started planning some summer dresses refashions. I had this pink top my niece gave me, I wore it a few times but I just couldn't feel too confortable with it. And I needed dresses, right?

What to do? Grab a stripe of black knit fabric I had here for ages, and just attach one to another. I started it last year, I did cut the stripe and pin it to the top, but that's it. It just stood there, to finish until a couple of days ago. I finally sewed it on the machine and I also did a little altering on the stripes, I disliked the wood rings on it... balhhh... So after all these months and though I won't be wearing it so soon, I am happy I got myself a brand new dress. Too bad it is too cold to model it for you!

I even created a colour blocking or whatever that is!!! hahaha... I'm sooooo away from fashion!

Anyway, another YAY for me for completing a started project and going through my stash and own closet! =) 

Thrift Shopping

picture origin

On the last Sunday of every month, there is a second hand market on a small village nearby. I use to go there because I love to find some little treasures. Sometimes I go there searching for a specific item, but most of the time I just go and look at all the beautiful things I (unexpectedly) find there. 

Last month I went searching for cheap knits to make baby G. her Carnival outfit - ooppppsss I still haven't bloged about that - and we were there again today. The two of us. 

Most of all I went searching for thrift clothing. I didn't care much of the sizes because I was mainly interested in getting some knits and some colours I needed. Those colours were emerald and mustard. I did find the green, and there was a shirt in yellow but not quite refashionable for me, so I passed. Sadly is not an easy colour to find there, maybe next month. 

 

What did I buy there?! Let's see... 

1 - An amazing short brown dress |2€| and it's an S... how lucky I was?! Still I think I might have to take a few inches on the sides to perfectly fit my slim figure

2 - This caught my eye because it was red... with polka dots! Yay, it made my day even before I discovered it was actually a corset! I l o v e corsets. It's an M, and I might have to re-do very boring seams but it is worth is. It looks almost new and it says me me me all over it! |2€|

3 - If there is something I love after polka dots, it has to be stripes. Me buying this shirt came after I seen the number 8 girl's shirt. I thought they were just a perfect match for me to create a mom and daughter look. I don't do that for far too long. |1€|

4 - I just loved this top and got it. |#4+#7+#8 = 1€|

5 - As I've already mentioned above, this shirt had the green I found. I first wanted it for a refashion, I loved the lace around the collar, and it's elastic, but it looks so beautiful as it is, that I might keep it like that or if maybe, just do a little upcycling on it. |1€|

6 - Dark blue shirt. It's an M but fits me well. Will keep it as it is. I found out I'm trying to find my own style (STILL!!! shame on me!) and I need a few basics to compose my dreamed looks (I swear I am trying!). |1€|

7 - A 8 year old sized skirt, absolutely to refashion into something for G.  |#4+#7+#8 = 1€|

8 - As said on number 3.  |#4+#7+#8 = 1€|

Total cost of my finds was 8€! 

Not bad, right?! 

Now let's hope I won't take too long to fix/refashion whatever I have to from this list, because I am not suposed to get any new stash into my thin, remember? I think I've been working quite well into it so far! Wish me luck! hehehe

It's the 4th feature of the month here!!!! =)

Sweet Pam over Threading My Way just featured my Party Dress Remix version! Go there and check it out! Also, check Pam's creations and her on going link parties. =) You'll have fun there for sure!

New Challenges for me

I'm up for all the challenges I see lately. I don't care if I'm not competing for anything, I'm just enjoying sewing along every challenge I come across lately. 

I have finished the Sew in Tune outfit last night, I still have to get some nice shoots of it before I can share. I am considering auditioning for SewVivor and just a few minutes ago I came across this Pinterest Challenge over at Merrick's Art. 

What is it about? Taking 6 of your pins on Pinterest and make them through the next 6 weeks. Let's stop pinning and just stare at the inspiring images; let's actually make them! I take the challenge, but I admit it was a little hard for me to choose the 6 projects I would accomplish (or try to, at least!). Eventually I made my choice, here they are:

1 - A Father's day activity to make with baby G. 

2 - A new cell phone cover for V. - he's been asking for ages!

3 - Chocolate cookies

4 - Cell phone holder

5 - A placket!I've been wanting to add one to my sewing project for a while now. 

and 6. Copy this Robin Scherbatsky (How I met Your Mother, right?!) look... I only need to get the dress. 

Will I make it? Will I not? Stay around to find out!

Featured once more!

How come I haven't talk about this party yet? I'm sorry, I've been wanting to since Party #1 and here it is #5 already! It's new, and with little contributers yet, but I hope to help making it grow. It's a party for refashionistas, so if you're one, don't miss it every Friday! It is hosted by Kaitlin at wunderbar. 

I was featured! (again)

Hey-hey!!! I am so happy to say one of my designs was featured at Shaffer Sisters! =) Thank you ladies!
They have put up a list of their favourites from Project Run and Play. Go check it out!

I was featured

Heather from Feather's Flights has featured my Blue Summer dress yesterday! Yey!
Thanks Heather!

Sailor Inspired Pants

Remember this post? I promised I would show you the before and afters of the pants, but a few months have gone by and every time G. wpre them, she wasn't in a good mood for pictures! 

I did manage to snap a few (not so good) shots a couple of days ago, so, I guess that's as much as she's going to give me with the pants, so I am using them. 

Here is the before, the pants I bought to myself, and only wore once:

And I have turned them into this:

It almost doesn't fit her anymore, which I feel terrible sad about. I love to see her on them, and she loves the big green buttons too. I guess I didn't get used to the fact that babies/toddlers overgrow their clothes so quickly! =( Well, the good thing is I might use it for a second child when I have one, either boy or girl!

So, what's next?!

So, the sew along for Project Run & Play is over now. 

I still can't believe I made it! I did follow and sew along the six themes. Six outfits in six weeks. I am proud of myself. I am so proud, so happy that I made it, I did not give up, I did not left any item unfinished! 

Yes! I did it and I like it. 

Did you miss any of the entries? Don't worry, here's a short summary of what I made here:

The Party Dress Remix

Stripes and Polka Dots

 Boy's Week
And remember, there's a Tutorial for this outfit here!

Love is in the Air

The Men's Dress Shirt Challenge

Your Signature Look

So, what's next?!

 Time for Sew In Tune. I have chosen my song, I have design my outfit, so I better start sewing, I don't want to be late. It starts off next Monday! 

Project Run & Play: week 6 |Sew Along|

This is Your Signature Look week at Project Run and Play, and I didn't know what exactly I wanted to make. This is supposed to be what makes our style, and I got confused about what made mine.
I knew I wanted to make a knock it off of a dress coat I had seen on a La Redoute catalogue. I was so in love with it, but appart from that... I had no clue of what to do to complete my outfit.
I just went as I was sewing, searching, and creating. At the end, I was pretty happy with my outfit.

I started with the coat and just went by from there. I really liked the one from the cathalogue, but I am absolutely mad about violet, purples, etc. So for the first time I tried dying some fabric. It turned out pretty well, I loved the colour, though I had hoped for one a little bit darker. I used a white cotton sheet to make the coat, which is fully lined, and for this I used a white flannel sheet too. 

It took me the entire week almost to get the coat done, I didn't work hard on it the last couple of days, then I needed to get new buttons for it and couldn't until  yesterday in the afternoon. It was actually the last thing I finished, I was even afraid it wouldn't be ready for the link party, but I did finish it today! Hurray for me!

I wanted to add something sweet for my girl, so I added a heart patch on the inside of the coat just for her, I was inspired to do so by Max California - so, it's not really my signature on that, but I do love it.

I am so in love with every detail from this dress coat! I mean I just love it! I am so very proud that I made it, and even though it still doesn't fit properly on G. (remember I am making everything one size bigger, 'cause she already has too much clothes at the moment?!) I think she couldn't look sweeter when she wears it. 

So, as I was saying the coat was getting a little behind and that was all I had ready for the week's challenge. Yesterday, I thought it'd better start thinking about something else to complete my outfit. I searched through my pile of clothes to refashion and a floral dress caught my eye. The colours would match perfectly with the coat. At first I thought about making a dress, but then again, baby G. has her share of dresses for summer already. 

I wanted to keep the dress (original) for myself, so I cut it to make it shorter, and used the left overs. I went through the pile again and found a dark blue t-shirt, which I first thought were good to make her a pair of leggings. That would be the perfect solution for me, but it was a 3-4 year old sized t-shirt, so it didn't have enough lenght for the leggings.

I really wanted to use this though, so I started wondering what to do with it. I decided to use it as a top/tunic, together with the leftovers from the dress. I shortened the body and sleeves of the t-shirt to size two.

I had enough left from the blue t-shirt to make her a pair of shorts too. Again, I got her a summer outfit when it is still freezing outside, but that's ok, soon it'll get warmer around here. And, the plus of it all is I get to enjoy my creations a little longer before they stop fitting her. 

While working on this last week challenge I discovered what makes my style, my signature look. Here's the things I usually have in mind:

• I always make a draft of what I want - but never stick to it
• I tend to re-use already existing clothes, so refashion is absolutely part of my signature
• I like to make my own version of pieces I like from magazines/cathalogs/blogs
• I go with the flow after I start cutting and imagine all through the process
• I like to create simple and very comfy and wearable clothes with a small outstanding detail (example: the little sleeve ruffles in the tunic)

And that's it. Sorry so long! Now go check on everyone else's creations! 

Project Run & Play: Week 5 |Sew along|

First of all let me introduce to you my Blue Summer dress. Such a simple and quick project, and it made me so happy. 

We are getting to the end of Project Run and Play season 6 already. There's only one more week to go and I have to be honest, when I decided to sew along with all the themes, I never thought I would actually succeed with it. I thought I would probably do one or two of the themes because sometimes I take so long to finish what I've started. 

The funniest thing about it, is that even though I've been sewing with PR&P, I managed to also make two Carnival costumes (which I will blog about later, of course). 

I was really excited about this week at first, because I have a few men's shirts in my stash that I really want to turn into clothes for baby G., but I kept postponing it over and over. When I thought about this week, I first had in mind a romper, then I got an order for one of those costumes and I knew my time would be comsumed by that one. Mostly because I've been having a muscular pain for a few days that stops me from sewing for long hours. 

So, my second thought for the week's challenge was a dress, I made a scatch but didn't fully stick to it, and ended up with what you've seen on the above picture. 

I've turned the front of the shirt into the back of the dress, and the back of the shirt into the front of the dress. I just knew I had to use the pleat as a dress front. 

I started by deconstructing the shirt:

The sleeves were short, so they were perfect to make a diaper cover. 

And this is it. I made a dress, the diaper cover and a little bow (hairclip). I particularly like the details on the front of the dress. The already existing pleat and the two stripes tighted in a bow too. 

I might add some stencil to it later, I wanted to do it but I didn't have any more time. I started and finished yesterday after putting G. to sleep. 

I hope you liked my refashion, not there's more HERE, the other ladies would appreciate you checking their work too. Enjoy!

And now I will sew a polka dot skirt for a Minnie Mouse costume... just got a text message from my sister, she needs ones for my niece. For tomorrow morning!!! 

Guest Posting

Hey! I am sharing my Boy's Summer Outfit Tutorial today at Welcome to The House Mouse!

Happy Birthday

My blog celebrated it first birthday on the 4th!!! How could I forgot to mention this?! 

image from here