Monthly Archives: May 2011

Cat Got Your Sewing?

Posted in Musings & Everything Else by

I was in the middle of working on a self-drafted A-line skirt when…

…Gizmo decided to take a nap on the lining.

I figured I could use the non-cat bed portion of the desk to pin together the fashion fabric when…

…Mr. Darcy decided to mooch in on the rest of the available surface space.

Oh well, so maybe I could, I don’t know, iron something. That was a good idea until…

…actually, it was never a good idea. Silvie had been snoozing there – for hours! Unbelievable.

But, hey, the sewing machine is free! I guess this means I’m supposed to finally get around to altering my sister’s pajama pants  (see animal print fabric at center right of photo) I had promised to do months and months ago? Those kitties, always knowing what’s best…

At least Mr. Darcy looks rather fetching in my hat. A little sly one-eyed seductive look, is it not?

The Traveling Beignet (and a Hat!)

Posted in 2011 Sewing, Finished Projects by
I did it! I successfully scared myself into finishing this skirt by today, Sunday! This is my second Beignet Skirt from Colette Patterns and I really loved how it turned out. I paired it with a hat to go with this week’s “Hat Trick” challenge over at the Sew Weekly. Sorry for the poor-ish quality photos, I need to invest in a better camera (or steal my sister’s!).
I call this the Traveling Beignet because the materials are from all over the place! The shell is from New York’s Garment District, the bias trim and lining is from Sew L.A. in Los Angeles, the cotton facings are from a Joann’s in Connecticut (leftover from a bag I made for my cousin), the buttons are from a Joann’s in Burbank, CA, and the lace is from a thrift store here in Virginia. The hat and the (on its way out) top are from my old neighborhood in Brooklyn and the shoes are from Tip Top Shoes on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I can just hear my ol’ co-worker in L.A. lecturing me on the high carbon footprint of this ensemble.

The Basics
  • Pattern: Beignet Skirt from Colette Patterns
  • Fabric: Cotton Blend Tweed (shell); cotton voile (lining); lightweight cotton (facings)
  • Other Goodies: Bias tape for the belt; 11 buttons; lace at the lining hem; twill tape at waist seam
  • Size: 4 at waist; 2 from hip to hem