An easy eyelet dress

I forgot how easy the patterns that say "Easy" are. I have worn this dress twice (in two days) already and think I might need at least one more.

I have been sitting on both McCall's 6503 and this fabric for awhile. I bought this fabric with my Mood Groupon. Thank you Mood! (And happy birthday Swatch!) I was going to use it for the Knock off contest, but stuff came up. I do love it for this dress. 

I made the version above on the upper right hand side. It was so easy. I think it took about 2 hours to sew, but I did cut out the fabric about two weeks ago. I can't remember how long that took.

I know, you got tricked into looking at my butt again! I have to quit doing that... I wanted to show you the pleats instead of a gathered waist. The version I made had a skirt with two pleats on both sides of both the front and back of the skirt. I like that. Pleats are so simple and sleek!

I did tack the bodice together to prevent myself from exposure. Also, on this dress there is a side zipper. I did not have one that matched exactly, so I got adventurous and basted the side closed... I was able to wiggle into it! This dress has no closures. I love when that works out. 

On my next version I may shorten the bodice about a half inch. I feel like it doesn't hit me at my waist very well leaving me looking chunkier than usual. In this picture though it is not that bad. I also used eyelet on this dress and did not underline it. I have slips in tons of colors and thought it would be fun to mix it up depending on my mood in letting different colors show underneath. This is my favorite summer dress at the moment. Until I make the next one. Have you noticed that about me?

Google Reader disaster!

All but a handful of the blogs I subscribe to are gone! I followed a ton of them! Can you guys help me out and send me your favorite blogs? I bet your faves are my faves too!

Update: They are back in my Reader somehow. Overnight. Just like you said! Thanks.

I'm back with a Birdie Sling

I know. It has been a while. I finished out my school year, sold my condo, moved, then went on a last minute road trip to New Orleans. In the midst of all this I attended my cousin Ashley's engagement party. She had a few things out that she will use to decorate at the wedding. I was so excited to see her black and white damask theme with hot pink accents. On the (4 hour) drive home my mind was racing with a little present I could make up and send to her.

I love the Birdie Sling. I use my Route 66 tote all the time, and my sister in law still uses her black and white one. I followed my same changes from last time. I used less fabric than called for. I also added the key hook on the inside. I use that a lot on mine. This time I also used piping which I am ashamed to say I have never done before. It is so easy and so cute! And the lining matches the piping. I also used cotton home decor fabric for the damask material. I think that made the biggest difference in quality in this bag. It turned out really well and there was no twisting or pinched parts! I also customized the inside for the occasion.

Please ignore my half unpacked room. I added a strip of the damask to the top of the inside pocket as well as embroidered my cousin's new married name on the large pocket. You can also see my key fob I put in made out of bias tape.

I repeated the strip on the other side pocket. This is the one that is usually sewn in half up the middle to make it two smaller pockets. On this one I wanted to write "Happily Ever After" so I opted to make two pen size slots, one on each side instead of sewing through the writing.

And that piping! It turned out amazing. Why didn't anyone tell me? :-)

I had some fabric left over so I made a zipper pouch. I would say I used Patty's tutorial, but at this point I have used it so many times I have it memorized! I love the pink and damask together.

I also embroidered her name on the outside. So. Darn. Cute.

And finally I made a notebook cover. I would post a tutorial, but I want to think on it some more. I bet there is a better way to do it. (Sorry Cuz!)

I just bought a smaller notebook to cover and wrote a little letter inside.

Here is the set all together. I love how it turned out, and I think she did too. Is it wrong that I want another Birdie Sling now too, made of home decor fabric?