This week marked an additional one year anniversary for me aside from my blogiversary - it's been a whole twelve months since I've purchased any clothes for me or K. Isn't that crazy? The last time I shelled out cash for a garment was at H&M, where I got myself a pretty pleated tank top in the palest blush. I think it was $10. In some ways, it seems nuts that I'm attempting to make all my clothes now, because quite frankly, it's generally not cheaper when you figure in the labor involved ... Read more
Sewing for Me: Ikat Knit Tank
I'm trying to ease up the pace around here. I have a tendency to overdo things, and my inclination was to create a post with four tank tops using various ikat prints from my stash. I adore tribal motifs (especially in navy) and a collection of tank tops would have been lovely and thematic, but it also would have added unnecessary stress to get them all sewn/photographed/edited for this week. Stress is a four-letter word in our household. And really, who needs four ikat tank tops? So I ... Read more
Sewing for Me: Textured Maxi
Happy Fourth of July to those of you here in the US! We're having a BBQ bash later this afternoon so things are a little hectic at chez Ishida, but I wanted to pop in with a quick update on my latest sewing venture. As part of my vacation wardrobe, I made a color-block maxi in grey and black recently, so it probably seems redundant to make another maxi in the same color combination. The thing is, I was all set on taking the color-block dress to the lake with me, and I wore it for a day as a ... Read more
Sewing for Me: Coral Stripes, Lace + Geometric
A couple of days ago, I made a muslin for a pair of sailor pants, and it was huge. And after reading through the directions, I realized that it would take more time than I have available, so I made a couple more knit tops instead. It was a good move, because I love them so much. Let's talk about the kimono top first. I made this in a black stripey jersey knit a few years ago, and mentioned its dismal craftsmanship here. Despite the seams falling apart, I wear the black top frequently and ... Read more
Sewing for Me: Maxi Dresses
In the summertime, maxi dresses are kind of my thing. I love the idea of dresses, and own a ridiculous number of patterns for them (JoAnn sales, I curse you), but not having inherited my dad's coltish legs I tend to get very very self-conscious about the lower regions of my body. The maxi dress is the answer to all my needs. Legs hidden? Check. Comfortable? Check. Stylish? Well, depending on the maxi dress, check. Let's start with the attempt at color-blocking first. This was actually ... Read more