Last of my Summer Sewing : Tania culottes

Pattern: Tania culottes by Megan Nielsen

Size: size M

Alterations: lengthened about 10cm

Fabric: inexpensive dark blue viscose with mini white flowers, purchased locally and absolutely perfect for the job.

You know how last summer everyone went crazy for Megan Nielsen's Tania culottes?

Well, I didn't.

I was lucky enough to be a tester for this pattern, but when Megan sent it to me, we had spoken of something completely different, so I was a bit set back. I liked the idea of wearable, modern culottes that look like a skirt, but I was somehow perplexed by the actual pattern. Very full at the hips and very short... features I usually stay away from.
When I made my culottes in the fabric I always use for muslins (a lightweight plaid cotton, because I have a bolt of that stuff and "real" muslin doesn't exist here), it looked absolutely horrible on me. It made me look extremely wide and it was much MUCH too short for my own comfort.

So I wrote back my notes to Megan, telling her that everything went great with the construction (because they were very well designed), but this just wasn't the pattern for me. I was a bit heart broken, too, because it was the first time one of her patterns didn't really work for me.

But anyway, the pattern was released and many cute versions started to pop up (like Lauren's, Andrea's, Nette's and Sophie's, among others). Everyone adored this pattern and girls and women of all shape and sizes all looked great in these culottes.

Could it be that I was wrong?

Well, yes, I was. Oh, I was wrong BIG TIME.

It turns out I only needed to lengthen the pattern and use a fabric with much more drape!

I'm so happy I gave this pattern a second chance, because this is the garment I wore the most this Summer (together with my Bleuet dresses).

I especially loved it with sleeveless button-ups, but it worked perfectly with tank tops and t-shirts as well.

Of course the best thing about these culottes is that when someone tells you "Ooh! What a cute skirt!" (and someone WILL tell you), you get to to this:

It's so much fun, I think I did it to at least ten people.

A few notes on this pattern that many other people already made:

- These culottes give you more modesty than a skirt in most situations, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to flash A LOT of leg. Beware of wind... I speak from experience.

- Constructing these culottes is extremely quick, but leave them hanging overnight before you hem them, because the bias will cause a lot of distortion. You can see from the side shots that the hem of my culottes is not perfectly even, but I did what I could with this fabric.

- If you have a serger, a rolled hem will save your life. Seriously. I was so grateful I didn't have to hem those giant panels!

And that's (finally) it for my Summer projects!

In the next photos, you'll see cloudy weather, leaves on the ground and, of course, that tan is completely gone and I'm back to my pale old self. Yay, Autumn!

Me-Made-May 2013 - Week 4

WEDNESDAY

Top: Pimkie

Skirt: Kelly skirt by Megan Nielsen (kinda), never blogged

Shoes: Pimkie

At the beginning of May, I stored away my winter clothes and replaced them with summery stuff. This is always a great chance for spring cleaning and some clothes don't survive the passage.

This year, it was with a heavy heart that I realized that I hadn't worn my two Darling Ranges dresses (one and two) in a very long time. They both didn't fit me correctly, the first is too low in the front and the buttons are too heavy; the second, I just don't like the fabric, it creases too easily and it doesn't go with anything in my wardrobe.

But I couldn't just throw them away. So I tok the fabric of the first and the buttons of the second and made a Kelly skirt. I had just barely enough fabric, the waistband is pieced and the buttons are too close together, but I made it work and now I have a super cute new skirt. Yay for recycling!

FRIDAY

Top: Banksia top by Megan Nielsen (never blogged, worn here, here and here)

Cardigan: Stefanel

Jeans: second hand

Shoes: Converse

This outfit was way cuter in my head, I was a bit disappointed while editing the photos. I don't know exactly what went wrong with it...

Anyway, my lace sleeveless Banksia is still very much loved and I liked the idea of pairing it with a mint cardigan.

SATURDAY

Top: Pimkie

Skirt: Beignet skirt by Colette Patterns (never blogged, worn here)

Coat: borrowed stolen from my mother

We had such horrible weather on Saturday, I woke up to pouring rain and a very low temperature. I also had 5 hours of sleep, so I basically grabbed whatever I found scattered in my room. I'm more than satisfied with the result.

And I'm afraid that's it for me and Me-Made-May, this week I'm staying at my boyfriend and I've packed stuff that you've already seen or that I've very recently blogged about.

Between the weather requiring me to choose comfort over style and the fact that I'd have to take photos in a pretty dark apartment, I decided that I prefer no content at all than bad content. Not everybody thinks like that and that's absolutely fine, but I do.

I think I'll do a recap of MMM at the end of the week so that I have to regroup my thoughts on this experience.

Good luck to everybody on your last days of MMM!

Megan Nielsen's Breakwater collection

Have you seen Megan Nielsen's new patterns?

You probably did, since they've been out for almost three weeks, but I couldn't not feature them on my blog, because not only Megan is one of the sweetest people I've had the pleasure to exchange emails with, she's also extremely talented and she did a superb job once again.

I originally meant to have a little tete-à-tete with her and ask her to present the new patterns for us, but since she has recently been interviewed by Maddie and she did a very comprehensive series of post on her new creations, I'll just give you a quick look of the patterns and link back to her posts (click on "Read more" below).

I really recommend the read if you're interested in these patterns: these posts clearly show the amount of work that went into this release and that Megan really knows what she's doing. Also, I always enjoy reading about the inspiration of an artist.

CASCADE SKIRT

"Full wrap skirt with graduated hem, and attractive cascades along the hemline. Aimed at a beginner level this skirt is perfect for every day wear, but also dramatic enough for a special occasion."

Read more

EUCALYPT TANK AND DRESS

"A stylish wardrobe basic, this woven tank top and dress features relaxed fit, scoop neckline, and curved hem. Full of potential and ideal for casual and more formal occasions."

Read more

TANIA CULOTTES

"Ideal for every day wear, this modern take on culottes combines the practicality of shorts with the cuteness of a circle skirt. Pattern features a fitted waistband, wonderful drape, invisible side seam zipper and hidden centre front and back pleats to create the illusion of a skirt."

Read more

CRESCENT BLOUSE

"This versatile design works equally well casually, as it does for more formal occasions. Features attractive cut outs over the shoulders, loose fit from below the bust, button closures at the neckline, and a cute collar."

Read more

Me-Made-May 2013 - Week 2

THURSDAY

Blouse: Datura blouse by Deer and Doe (originally blogged here)

Cardigan: Zara (old)

Jeans: second hand

Shoes: Converse

I was a bit under the weather the first half of the week, so taking pictures of myself was the last thing I wanted.
I still wasn't 100% on Thursday, so my Datura blouse was the perfect compromise of style and comfort.

I really need to make the bust darts shorter if I make this blouse again, because they look like nipples right now. I wasn't very noticeable on a print, but it bothers me a bit in this chambray version. 

FRIDAY

Shirt: Pimkie

Skirt: Beignet skirt by Colette Patterns (first seen here)
Tights: H&M

Shoes: Pimkie

I can't believe this skirt already has almost three years. It's still one of my most worn makes, and I get to wear it all year round. It also appeared in last year's me-made-may.

Everyone raves about this pattern, and it's totally deserved.

SATURDAY

T-Shirt: Pimkie

Skirt: Kelly skirt by Megan Nielsen (originally blogged here)

Flats: Les Lolitas

This isn't exactly the most exciting outfit ever, but it was one of those days when I spend too much time getting ready on hair and makeup and then I end up having less than 5 minutes to get dressed. I didn't even have the time to put on a necklace.

Anyways, I told you multiple times how much I love the Kelly skirt, so I won't spend any more time on that. Although I'll say that I definitely prefer this skirt in a stiffer material (such as my black version), rather than this denim, that has a bit more drape to it.

SUNDAY

Dress: Lily dress by Colette Patterns (originally blogged here)
Cardigan: local market

Shoes: Pimkie

Oh, this dress. I love it so much... in theory. The colors are a bit too bold for my everyday life, and the material wrinkles so terribly (you can see it in the photos) that it gets worn very rarely. I also think the styling of these photos is not the most inspired choice: this dress begs for sandals and a more relaxed hairstyle.

However, I was surprised at how comfortable it actually is: I was afraid that this kind of skirt was going to be a bit too tight for everyday, but it's actually not at all. The kickpleat really makes your life easier. I really hope to make another version of Lily in a better material sooner than later.

So, I didn't make up for last week's fail, but I still kept up with my pledge of 4 me-made outfits. I can't believe we're almost at half!

Me Made May 2013 - Week 1

Woohoo! It started!

THURSDAY

Blouse: Airelle blouse by Deer and Doe 

Cardigan: Zara (Old)

Jeans: no brand

Shoes: Converse

I never blogged about this Airelle I made last Autumn, but I've been wearing it quite a bit.
The idea is the same as this other blouse: I refashioned a man button-up using the Airelle pattern, this one is just sleeveless.
By the way, the blue refashioned Airelle didn't survive the winter (ie I threw it away), because the material was too stiff and it was just uncomfortable to wear. This yellow one is a lot softer, so it works much better. Lightweight fabrics work much better with this pattern.

FRIDAY

T-shirt: Banksia top by Megan Nielsen (originally blogged here)

Jeans: no brand

Bag: Fiorucci for OVS

Shoes: Pimkie

I really need to make more knit Banksia tops. This one was an experiment and although the fabric is not the best quality and print-wise, I really like it. Extremely comfortable for running around all day, with the added cuteness of a Peter Pan collar.

SATURDAY

Shirt: Fiorucci for OVS

Skirt: Kelly skirt by Megan Nielsen (orginally blogged here)

Bag: vintage

Shoes: no brand

I love this outfit, even more so after my brother made the snide comment that I looked like Minnie Mouse. Like that could EVER be an offence to me (or to other awesome people)!

Anyway, this skirt seriously goes with everything, and looks great with everything. Thank you forever, Megan, for this pattern.

Now, there's no me-made look for today (Sunday). I came back from work late and completely exhausted, and it was raining. I just changed in my pj's and gave up, so to compensate today's fail (my pledge is four times a week) I'll try to go for five me-made days next week!

How did your first me-made week go?

Knit Banksia + Denim Kelly

Oh my gosh, this feels like the first "hey-look-at-what-I-made" post in forever (if you're not counting the dress I made for Marie, which was a bit of a different story).

To get back into the rut, I present to you a cute, casual outfit made of two of the most awesome patterns in history: the Kelly skirt and the Banksia top, both by Megan Nielsen. I've already made both and declared my love for them here and here.

Both garments have been finished (and worn) for a long time, but I hadn't been blogged yet. They don't look at their very best paired together, but as much as I love them, I don't think they were worth a post each.

I finished the Kelly skirt just after the first one, using some denim generously gifted to me by my neighbor (yes, the same saint who gave me this dress).

This time around, I made the mistake of adding a button close to the hem... too close to the hem, actually, because this button won't stay closed. Lesson learnt. Although it didn't stop me from wearing this skirt to death both last summer and this fall/winter. An incredibly versatile piece.

The knit Banksia was actually finished around Christmas. I used Megan's awesome tutorial and it worked like a charm. If you like this pattern as much as I do, TRY IT, you will love it!

This was actually one of my first attempts with knits and it went quite well. I don't know why I've always been (still am, a bit) so frightened by knits...

The finishing on the inside is not perfect, I really need more practice. My machine doesn't love knit fabrics, but I'm sure we can make it work.

This post is also a great chance to invite you all know to vote for Megan in the Modern Craft Project. She can win a lot of money to invest in her sewing patterns, and she really deserves it. I've been voting for her everyday! You can vote her here or go here for more details. 

Kelly Skirt

Back in May, I was lucky enough to be a tester for Megan Nielsen's new pattern, the Kelly skirt. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know I love her and her designs, and this was no exception.

This skirt is aimed at beginners and I completely agree on the skill level. My skirt came together in about six hours from cutting to wearing, including six time consuming buttonholes, one of the things I dread the most sewing. I can't decide if I should add a seventh button, I don't need it for practical reasons, but I feel the skirt might look better with it. What do you think?

If you're a beginner and you're scared of buttonholes, you can just sew the ones you need to pull the skirt up and down (for me it's 4) and sew the remaining buttons through all the layers of fabric.

Fabric wise, I took the boring route and chose a black cotton canvas (although it looks blue in the photos) I had in my stash. I wanted something I could wear with basically every top I have in my wardrobe and I couldn't be more satisfied.

This skirt looks great with anything! Blouses and t-shirts, casual and dressy. And it's so flattering! I was a bit worried when I first got the pattern because A-line skirts don't always look good on me, but I was amazed when I put it on. It's one of those garments that make me feel confident when I wear them.

And did I mention it has lovely pockets?

On a side note, I know in my photos I usually look quite serious, almost stuck-up. It's the general first impression most people get of me (I even had a teacher in elementary school telling me that, so...), to the point that I appear pissed off or bitchy. What can I do, it's my natural expression and I can't really help it. Truth to be told, I am a serious person, but I have other sides to my personality, of course.
Like this afternoon. I needed to blow off some steam and decided to have some fun with these photos. So I started jumping...

And then this happened...

I'm sharing this shot in the hope of making someone laugh, I know I need it at the moment :)

To end this post on a semi-serious note, some conclusive thoughts: I can't recommend this pattern enough. Even though it's very simple, I absolutely think it's worth the money. By changing fabric types and lenght, you can have a very versatile pattern too.
I hope there will be more Kelly skirts in my future, I definitely want to try and make one in a softer, drapier fabric.

If you want to see more lovely Kelly skirts, go check out Andrea and Kelli!

OWOP: Day 6, 7 and a review

Where was I? Oh, yes! Thusday:

This lace top is definitely a winner. As I said, it's very versatile and it makes a pair of jeans look more feminine.

I cheated on Friday. I did wear one of my Banksia but was so frustrated with indoor photos that I waited until the next day to go back at my parents' and take decent pictures of the last Banksia, which I hadn't shown you yet and I like a lot.

This is actually the first one I made, as soon as I got the pattern (after a super quick muslin). The fabric was in one of Megan's sewing kit and I fell in love with it. It also was a dream to with and it's perfect for this pattern (it's a cotton blend). This time I didn't to anything fancy with the skirt, I just lengthened the pattern pieces and used bias tape to make a casing for the elastic.

Ok, to wrap OWOP up, I want to share my thoughts on this pattern.

I guess it's pretty clear I love it to pieces, since I made it five times. I used size S although I probably should have tried an XS with an FBA (the neckline gapes a bit, but the fit is supposed to be a bit blousy). I'll definitely try it next time.

The bust darts are very high, I don't know if it's made on purpose but they worked for me (except on the georgette one, where they look a bit strange).

The only problem I had with the pattern is that I had to add 4 cm to the collar piece in order for it to meet the button placket. You can see in this dress (which was made before I modified the pattern) that the collar ends a bit away from the placket. I stay-stitched the neckline, so it shouldn't be because it stretched. Did anyone else had this problem?

But that's it, otherwise I LOVE the style, the unique shape of the collar, the placket, everything. The instructions are once again very good (although I would add a suggestion to stay-stitch curved areas) and the pattern is very versatile, as you have seen from my versions.

OWOP: Day 3, 4 and 5

I knew that taking indoor photos in my boyfriend's small apartment wasn't going to be the best  (I'm not comfortable at shooting outside in the city, with people around). To make it worse, I forgot my 18-55 mm lens at my parents' and only have my 50 mm lens with me (which requires a BIG space between you and the camera to take a full figure photo).

So, much to my frustration, my next OWOP pics are going to suck. Let's just say I'm so grateful I can usually shoot outside. I hope I'll manage to take better photos of my Banksia tops in the future. Maybe I could start making a few "what I wore" posts regularly?

On Monday, I wore my least favorite Banksia. It's made in a vintage floral fabric I love, but the fit is a bit off. I had planned to make it without the buttoned placket, but the gap between the two ends of the collar was too big and looked weird. So I created a pleat at the neckline in order to salvage the top. I also made the sleeves shorter than they're supposed to be.

It's not the most comfortable top to wear, but it looks cute with my Jenny skirt.

On Tuesday I wore my sleeveless lace Banksia. The fabric is and looks super cheap, so I didn't have too much hope for this top when I cut it, but I'm quite happy with the result. It's cute and it goes with so many things, from frilly skirts to jeans.

On Wednesday, I wore another new favorite (together with the apple print dress and another dress I have yet to show you). This top is made in bright pink georgette and it reminds me a lot of the original Banksia by Megan Nielsen.
Unfortunately, it looks a bit of a mess here and the neckline gaps slightly, but it's nothing too serious (I have to wear a cami underneath it anyway since it's see-through).
Oh, and I guess after showing this parrot printed skirt my obsession for animal prints is out in the open.

OWOP: Day 1 and 2

It was such a great idea to participate to OWOP! I managed to make 5 Banksia in total and I'm very excited about each one of them.

This one is definitely the best out of all of them and probably my favorite dress ever. I had to wear it on the first day because I was too excited to show it off. I used this adorable apple print (yes, the same one of this blouse) that I had saved all winter, waiting for the perfect project.

I used the Banksia bodice and shortened it, omitted the sleeves, made the collar in a contrasting colour and then made a skirt inspired to Pattern Runway Gathered Sundress. It has bias bound gathered pockets and elastic casing at the waist. And, round of applause, the skirt is lined!

Sunday was very busy, I spent most of the day working (I'm a waitress on weekends), came back just in time to bake homemade pizza with my family (YUM) and then I headed back to the city with my boyfriend.

Casual clothes are a must when I work, so I wore this Banksia tank I made with plaid cotton gauze, a leftover from a blouse my mother made for herself. This was extremely fast to make, it's sleeveless and the buttons are not functional (ie there are no buttonholes). I think it looks very cute with my zebra cardigan (best random purchase ever).

See you in a couple of days with the next outfits!

Darling Ranges, take two

Ever since my first version of this dress, I've wanted to make another one, but I didn't have a fabric I liked. Then my eye was caught by this printed cotton that reminds me of something baroque. I don't know why, I just see it.

Anyway, went and cut the dress exactly like last time (size M with an FBA), but surprise! The sleeves were pulling like crazy, resulting in a gaping neckline and, overall, in a very uncomfortable dress. What the heck? I guess the stiffer, heavier fabric I used accentuated some fit issues, although I couldn't exactly figure out what the problem was. I'm still a beginner at perfectioning fit, so please help me: could it simply be that the sleeves didn't have enough ease?

Anyway, I didn't have any fabric left, so I just unpicked the sleeves, made some bias tape out of them and finishes the armholes with it. Voilà.

I LOVE this dress in its sleeveless form! I think more Darling Ranges will follow (maybe in one of the fabrics from my previous post, as more than one of you suggested...). I think I will wear it a lot this summer, although this fabric starts creasing the moment you wear it and the skirt part looks a bit stiff.

Oh, and speaking of Megan Nielsen's patterns, I'm anxiously waiting for my Banksia pattern to arrive. After seeing this, my hands are itchy!