Me-Made-May: Days 8, 9 and Top Knipmode

Or: 50 ways to wear a wool skirt. Here, for your viewing pleasure, with outerwear for a change.

The energy I didn't expend thinking up a new outfit I spent on sewing up this little knit top:

The pattern is from Knipmode Special Spring/Summer 2010 no. 101. It's tunic (or dress) length; I sewed it as suggested and then shortened it to a length I like, about 5'' (12 cm) shorter.

As I understand it, the Knipmode Special is part of a regular Knipmode issue, only that this special issue gets translated to German and sold separately. It contains nine patterns sewed up in different lengths and fabrics and combined to form four trendy mini wardrobes. I love this reduced form that could take all the guesswork out of what to sew next; only that I could never stop buying... and considering... Burda, Ottobre and all the rest. Schizophrenic, right?

Me-made: Teal skirt, brown knit top.
What I gained from MMM yesterday and today: Just do it. Need a knit top? Done.

For anyone wondering whatever became of my blue SWALP: I'll get to it. I think.

Me-Made-May: Day 7

Thank you for following my lengthy and, as of today, repetitive Me-Made-May challenge, and for all your nice comments! Some random comment answers first:

New commentator Marie-Christine raised a couple of interesting issues. On my resolve to sew more basic patterns she remarked that it can be harder to sew a basic pattern because fit becomes more important, and the material takes center stage. On the fit issue I hope to get lucky because while my figure may not be totally average it is close enough that I get an acceptable fit quite easily. I'd love to hear opinions on this, though: Do you find basic patterns easier or harder to sew (including fit etc.)?

Marie-Christine also remarked on my blouse finishing techniques. Well, I may still be in jacket mode, and I agree that all that finishing (french seams throughout and fully bound armhole seams) might not be necessary. I don't, however, have a serger, and I'm not sure that pinked seams would withstand the washing machine over time. I usually zigzag my seam allowances, and in the interest of speed may return to this.

On the fitting issues, yes, I have measured several times over the last year and that strange bust-waist-discrepancy remains. I have two possible explanations: One, I may measure too "honestly", i.e. with a relaxed midsection. Maybe Burda counts on some "sucking it in" in their measurements tables? Also, I read somewhere that the amount of ease needed also relates to the "firmness" or "softness" of the body. Maybe I need less ease in the waist because I'm, um, not rock-hard there anymore?

As to the weather: I find that as long as I get outside and some exposure to daylight and external temperatures, I'm okay with almost any weather. Of course, loving my woolens helps! (Today, for anyone outside Germany, is a fine February day - again.) Here's proof, my seventh MMM outfit:

Me-made: Ottobre skirt, written up here.

What I gained from MMM today: The motivation to start another garment (knit top) for me! Usually, after a somewhat involved project for myself, I'd sew something for the kids, if only to jump right in and worry more about cuteness than accuracy. But I resolved to sew more for myself, so yay for (Me-Made) May!

Me-Made-May: Day 6

This must be the worst MMM picture ever. The camera just didn't want to photograph dark colors in natural light without a flash. Well, it was dark and rainy. Which also meant I could dig out another woolen garment, yay!

Me-made: Gray herringbone tweed jacket.

What I gained from MMM today: Relief that I made it through day 6. Apprehension about day 7.

See you!

Me-Made-May: Day 5 and Blouse BWOF 8/2007 no. 114

I finished my first blouse! Hooray! Really, after plodding through all those button holes (on top of collar construction... on top of seam binding...) I wasn't so sure this was much less work than a jacket. But it's wearable, it fits my style, and I'm thinking of making this pattern into a TNT/blouse sloper.

Two reasons: First, this was one of the few garments I made exactly according to the pattern measurements (usually I just eyeball the seam allowances...), so I can make equally exact changes. Second, I changed a couple of things right during construction (squared off the shoulder line, tightened the neck hole/collar, lengthened by half an inch) and can see fairly well what other changes I need.

(Excuse the rumpled appearance. I'd been wearing this half a day already. I really need to brush up on my fashion photography!)

One of those necessary changes I can see but don't understand (at all!): according to my measurements I should be a size bigger in my waist than in the bust. Well, I cut this as a straight size 36 according to my bust measurements, and the bust is a bit tight, but there's lots of room in the waist. ???

Me-made: Green gingham blouse.

What I gained from MMM today: Sewing blouses is so useful. Keep it up!

I'm in a bit of a panic as to what's next. Unless the weather turns and it's 15 degrees warmer tomorrow. Must go dig in the closet. 'Bye.

Me-Made-May: Days 3 and 4

First of all, thank you for all the nice comments on my first MMM outfit! I realize I shouldn't leave the "lounging" outfit from Day 2 on top of the page for too long... So here's Days 3 and 4.



I was in a bit of a funk yesterday, because the weather turned cold, I had to run DS to the hospital, I still hadn't finished my blouse... So I threw on a long-sleeved top (hardly visible in the picture, sorry) I loved once but not anymore - but hadn't thrown out yet, thankfully! (Unlike my only "proper" me-made pants that I'm crying over right now... They would have made MMM so much easier!)

Today it came to me: the weather turning cold means I can pull out wool stuff I hadn't even considered for MMM! In this case, the skirt that keeps me unbelievably toasty right now - really, nothing beats a lined wool skirt for warmth! Worn with my favorite "uniform" at the moment, a sweater over a woven shirt. Now if I only got my woven blouse finished! (Only buttonholes and buttons left.)

Me-made: Top and skirt.

What I gained from MMM yesterday and today:
Sewing the top took what? An evening? So, sew another one already! (Instead of always looking for the pattern with the most seams.)
Same with basic skirts: My MMM wardrobe could be twice its size if I could just get my head around sewing a simple, basic garment from time to time. I thought I should sew more basics regarding color and style. Well, I ought to sew more basic patterns as well.

Me-Made-May: Day 2

Today's outfit is for knocking around the house, a.k.a. hoping to get some sewing done. No makeup, no styling, as befits the day's intent.

Me-made: A pair of elastic waist drawstring pants, sewn more than ten years ago. I don't remember the exact year, but I remember handsewing the seams in a little car on our way to Tuscany. The pattern was from "Brigitte Mode zum Selbermachen". Anyone remember those?

What I gained from MMM today: The realization (again): I really ought to sew more basics. I might wear them still ten years from now.

Me-Made-May: Day 1

The week leading up to MMM (-Lite) was a bit disheartening. First, the flu (mine), then a broken leg (DS's). Needless to say, the last-minute sewing didn't get done, the laundry piled up, and I didn't have a chance to think up or prepare a smashing MMM starter outfit. I considered giving up, but then I pulled out a me-made tangerine top and threw some RTW on top. And why not? I could get a whole month of MMM-Lite out of this top! (I won't, I promise.)

Me-made: The top, sewn last summer without a pattern

What I gained from MMM today: Wearing this top, that I made last minute before last summer's vacation, but hardly ever wore. (Why?) Some badly needed cheer due to tangerine color shot.



Happy May sewing!