Dress Pattern - Butterick 5982 (ongoing project) updated #3

Been pretty busy and fell off the dressmaking project.  Started piecing together the skirt.  Pretty straightforward, but had to make pleats.  Glad I bought these fabric pencils.

I stopped at the basting.  The next step is putting the bodice and skirt together.  Gimme a minute. lol

Dress Pattern - Butterick 5982 (ongoing project) updated #2

Constructing the Bodice

After finally cutting out the pieces,  the next step was to start piecing them together the bodice, as well as creating darts.

Darts! What are darts?  Watch 5 hundred youtube videos on how to sew a dart and you're set!

I'm not quite sure if these darts will suit me best, but I'm just going to follow the pattern and worry about it later.  Besides the darts, everything else seemed pretty easy peasy.  I just had to repeat my steps for the lining.  Then, sew the lining to the fabric right sides together, and turn it right side out.

Putting lining in a dress is twice the work, but its looking more and more like a real dress, you guys.

Other Sewing Things That I Learned While Making this Bodice:

- Staystitching
- Understitching (I didn't know there was so much extra stitching involved in making a dress!)
- Also, as someone with no boobs, I don't need no freaking darts.  I mean, I do but not as much.  And for that I am thankful.  (less work!)

Dress Pattern - Butterick 5982 (ongoing project) updated #1

Fabric Choice and Pattern Cutting 

So after I finished figuring out the pattern pieces,   I had to choose some fabric.  I decided since its my first dress, and I had no idea what the hell I was doing, I would pick a fabric that was safe.  By safe, I mean something that wasn't too expensive (because what if this dress was an entire fail?) but something that wasn't too crazy (like, I'm not going to buy a discount fabric that had like, owls on it.  What if this dress turns out really well but I can't wear it because I hate owls??)  So I stuck with a black broadcloth because LBDs are a classic.  I found this pink lining in the remnants bin (it turned out to be 70% off and I got a whole yard) and thought pink would be cute, minimal, with a small pop of contrast to the black.

As far as cutting out the pattern pieces,  everything was pretty straightforward.  I just followed the cutting layout in the instructions, making sure I knew where the grainline and the folds were where they needed to be.  I put some painter's tape on the right side of  each of the pieces of fabric because when it comes to solid color fabrics, both sides look the same to me.


Mistake #2:  I didn't pre-wash my fabric.  Meaning, if I ever wash this dress, there's a big possibility that it might shrink.  Dammit.  Like I literally thought about it right after I cut out ALL the pieces.  Luckily, the sizing is a little big, so maybe it will magically shrink perfectly to my size?  Oh well.  I'm not going stress about it, I'm just going to keep telling myself that this is a learning project and its not a big deal.  If this project really does fail, I'm going to buy myself a new dress. :::shrugs:::

Up next: constructing the bodice. :-O

Following a Dress Pattern: Butterick 5982 (Ongoing Project)

So I purchased this dress pattern last year, and never started it. Until now!  Ever since Hancock Fabrics closed (RIP), I haven't been into doing sewing projects since I would have to drive across the bridge to go to Joann's. This project is a long time coming, so I'm glad I broke the seal and took a look at this pattern.  Unfortunately, I had already messed up before even starting it!  I bought the wrong sized pattern!  And since it has been a while since I purchased it, and also I'm too lazy,  I had to look at the smallest size and trace 2 sizes down with a pencil.  Already this extra step is annoying but at least I learned something.  For some reason I thought the pattern had all the sizes on there, but it did not.

As far as following a pattern, I have done so before, but this is the first time that I'm following a pattern that isn't a one-size-fits-all sort of garment.  The last time I used a pattern was for an apron.  So as far as sizing, I didn't really have to be precise.  Since this is a new thing for me, and I know it is a project that will probably take me a while to complete, I thought I'd make blog posts about my experience. I'm pretty much learning a lot as I go, and watching youtube videos on the pattern-following process along the way.  It would benefit me if I have this experience on record for future reference, so HERE. WE. GO

So instead of cutting out the pattern straight from the pattern paper, I decided to trace it onto another paper and use that.  The reason for this was I figured its a very classic dress, and I might want to make it more than once.  If I cut it straight from the pattern paper that was given, it will not last that long since the paper is so thin.  Also, what if I need to make one in a different size?  What if I spill coffee on the paper and it disintegrates?!  What if my dog eats it??!  At least now, I have an og copy just in case something like that happens.

Anyways,  tracing 2 sizes down, and then transferring the pattern to another piece of paper was a project in itself, so so far that is all I did.

The pattern is the Butterick 5982 dress.  It includes 3 styles: One is a sleeveless boatneck dress.  The second is the same thing, except the skirt has 3 tiers of color.  And the last style is the same as the first but with a v-neck and short sleeves.  It also has a pattern for a matching belt with a cute little bow in front.  I chose to do the first style.  To stay organized, I wrote down which pattern pieces were needed for that specific style, and how many fabric pieces were needed to be cut from each piece (including lining pieces).  The pattern pieces already include seam allowance, so I didn't have to worry about figuring that out. (yessss)

If you are tracing a pattern onto a different piece of paper, it helps to run a highlighter onto your specific size so its easier to follow.  I used a tracing wheel to transfer the cut lines to the paper.  You're supposed to use carbon paper as well, but I didn't have that on hand, so I kinda had to hold the paper up to the light and see where the marks were on the paper.  Lol!  Just another item I needed but didn't have so I had to make it work somehow.  :::adds carbon paper to Daiso shopping list:::  I was also careful to transfer all the pattern notations so I don't mess it up.  Some stuff I don't understand, but I guess I'll look it up later.

'Til next time!

Iron-on Transfer Experiment (Part 1)

I had this iron-on transfer paper lying around from an old t-shirt project (my college intramural volleyball team if u really want to know) and I wanted to play around with it.  I thought it would be funny if it involved my dog's pretty face.  I mean, obviously! The guy is good-looking!  This pic was taken after he had his annual vaccinations done.  You'd think he'd be sad that he was poked with needles, but he's just happy we left the place.

I used Photoshop to trim out his face, and smooth the edges.  His left eye had an annoying piece of hair covering it, so I fixed that too (clone stamp tool), just to make  his eyes clear and round.

Since my printer only has black ink, I had to make the photo greyscale, and adjust it to a shade dark enough that it can show up on fabric. Make sure to print out the mirror image, otherwise when you iron it on it will show up backwards.

I printed out two sheets (for now).  Hancock Fabrics is out of business, and I hate that there aren't any fabric stores nearby. :-(  Once I get some suitable fabric, I'll be able to use these puppies. ;-)

TO BE CONTINUED...

Vasarely Blanket (ongoing project) update #8

Progress! To get a better overview of my blanket layout and to keep track of my pieces, I easily created a handy little printout of my blanket layout using Photoshop:

This way, I get to map out my blanket without having to unfold the blanket and spreading the thing all out onto the floor or bed.  I took some scrap yarn in a different color and tied a bow onto the top left corner to mark the front* side of the blanket so I can match it up with the printout.  This printout is so helpful.  I'm less likely to make any mistakes e.g. sewing a white diamond on one side when it should've been a black piece, or sewing on a piece upside down.

It is way easier to sew smaller groups of the blanket at a time, too.  So when I stitch together a section of a blanket, I outline that section on the printout.  Then when I stitch that particular section to the rest of the blanket, I shade that area in.

Sometimes the length of the sides do not match (because I didn't block my diamonds), but I found that using this hair clip to hold /match the sides together helps me distribute the stitches evenly without any worries of leaving any slack behind.  These hair clips make things so much easier, and are definitely staying in my crochet bag for future projects.  I wonder if there is even a product actual made for this purpose?  I bet you its way more expensive than these clips.

*There really isn't a front or back side of the blanket, just using this to match the printout/pattern layout.

Vasarely Blanket (ongoing project) update #7

Continuing to stitch this blanket together.  So far weaving in the ends is the most annoying part (like I predicted).  My plan is to try and stitch all the diamonds I've already created together, then crochet the remaining diamonds to finish off the blanket.  It's looking like the estimates I made aren't that accurate because I still have about 30-ish or more diamonds more to crochet and the blanket seems bigger than I estimated already.  Man, I'm very bad at gauging my projects!  I still think it looks great, considering I didn't do any blocking (bad at doing this, too).  There is some puckering at some parts where I stitched which bothers me, so I plan to redo these sections.

Planning to finish this by the end of the year  Hopefully!

Vasarely Blanket (ongoing project) update #6

Alright now things are happening!  So... I'm totally not done cranking out diamonds,  but I've started constructing this blanket. YES!  I'm pretty sure I started this project last August?  So this project is almost a year old!  So much for being inspired and crafting my brains out.  I've been lazy and unmotivated but I'm trying.  After finishing up the latest batch of diamonds, I kinda laid out most of them on my bed and I must say, it's making me excited about it.

LOOK! Do you see it?? Do you the Vasarely-ness happening right now?  At this point I realized I didn't have any yarn to start joining the diamonds together, so the very next day I made a trip to Michael's and created my very first cube. How exciting!

And then I got more excited and added another cube to that cube:

And then the excitement died down after attempting to weave all those damn ends.  I cursed a little, and stopped.  I'm pretty sure weaving in those ends will be the most annoying part of the procedure.  I regret not doing them earlier.  But at least the blanket is finally coming along. :-D

Vasarely Blanket (ongoing project) update #5 (sort of)

I totally have been terrible with this blanket as far as progress goes.  I wanted to post an update in hopes that maybe, just maybe,  it will push me to work on it more frequently..  I have been cranking out more diamonds, about 2 1/2 skeins-worth.  But currently do not have the diamond count right now.  Once I finish this current skein, I think I will start constructing the damn thing.  My goal is to be finished with more than half of it before it gets too hot.  There's nothing worse than crocheting big things during the summer.  Its just uncomfortably warm.

okbyesorry


Updated Diamond Count: 3 skeins were done. 38 MORE DIAMONDS TO GO!

Vasarely Blanket (ongoing project) update #4

Ah crap.  So the last time I posted an update on this blanket, I was slacking.  Since then, I've still been slacking. I've picked it up recently though.  I've come to realize that crocheting while listening to podcasts are a perfect match.  Netflix is a close second, but like I've stated before, looking at your work and then looking up really quickly at the television strains my eyes. I'm getting old!

As far as podcasts go,  I'm a fan of the Nerdist interviews where Chris Hardwick talks to celebrities and comedians.  They aren't formal and I always learn the most interesting things.  Plus Chris Hardwick is a total dork and its awesome.  I also kept hearing about those Serial podcasts, so I finally caved in on the hype and started it.  I'm currently on episode 6.  Don't tell me what happens.

Updated Diamond Count: 12 black, 3 white, and 6 grey diamonds done. 74 more diamonds to go!

 I need more ziplocs. Also, it's going to be a b*tch weaving in all those ends. :-O

These project updates are getting pretty repetitive, so I'm probably going to start constructing the blanket soon.  

Vasarely Blanket (ongoing project) update #3

Before you think I've stopped working on this thing, its just been slow.  I've been trying, though.  Luckily, the Giants have been getting it done so far in this post season.  You would think with all the games going on, watching them would be a perfect crocheting time opportunity (one of the games against the Nationals went on for 18 innings!!)  but the weather had been warm, and crocheting during warm weather sucks.  It's a dumb excuse, but it's true, okay?!  It rained today and the weather seems like it has changed dramatically so hopefully I'll crank out more diamonds faster than this past update.  Sorry, self.

Updated Diamond Count: 9 white diamonds. 95 more diamonds to go! No longer in the triple digits.

In ziploc gallon bags. For freshness!

Vasarely Blanket (ongoing project) update #2

Oh yeaaaah, baby.  I've been consistent with this project.  Actually, it might be too early to say that.  Whatever.  I ran out of my first skeins of each color, so now I can kind of gauge how many diamonds I can make with a skein. The 40% off coupons from Michael's will be put to use.  I love those coupons.

Updated Diamond Count: 3 black, 1 white, and 7 grey diamonds done.  1 skein of the white and black each make 11 diamonds, and the grey makes 8.  104 more diamonds to go!

Vasarely Blanket (ongoing project) update #1

I've been trying to crank out these suckers as much as I can.  I've seem to do the most crocheting while watching television/Netflix that doesn't require subtitles.  Only because when I keep looking at my work and then up at the tv screen and then back to my work again, everything looks fuzzy and my eyes need time to adjust.  Does this mean I need glasses?! Aww.

Anyways, I've been crocheting the most while watching baseball.  So... I sure hope the Giants make the postseason.  It would definitely give me more time to crochet these diamonds.  And also, they just need to make it or I will cry.  Tear-stained crochet diamonds do not sound appealing.

Updated Diamond Count: 6 black and 4 white diamonds done.  115 more diamonds to go!