Don’t get me wrong- a nice long weekend in the mountains with the parents and the in-laws is nothing to complain about. But if anyone can find something to complain about, it’s the Selfish Seamstress. After all, lovely wildflower hikes, spectacular waterfalls, and paddling out into the middle of a turquoise glacial lake can’t compare to freakin’ sewing the second sleeve onto Camicia No. 9 and being done with it already!
Fortunately I managed to sneak in a tiny bit of sewing time before bed last night. Ta-da! Here is Camicia #9 from the May 2010 issue of La Mia Boutique:
Although it looks as though I’m making my usual “Elaine Can’t Model for Squat” face, this time I was actually watching a hawk that was circling my balcony.
Here it is, shown with my new-and-already-beloved Vogue 1051 alice + olivia pants:
You may recall Camicia No. 9 from some time back, when I got annoyed with the crazy sleeves, and then put it aside for a while after getting distracted by other projects. As you can see, I abandoned the sleeves that LMB intended and replaced them with sleeve variation A from McCall’s 6035. From a design perspective, I think this sleeve harmonizes nicely with the ruching at the front bust of Camicia No. 9.
I’ve been getting a ton of mileage out of the 3 meters of plum poplin that I bought several months ago- from Dan’s Valentine shirt to the Burda tux dress, and now Camicia No. 9. The Selfish Seamstress prides herself on her mad economical pattern layout skills. In fact, the Selfish Seamstress prides herself on pretty much everything. Did I mention that I finally trimmed my nails this weekend? Go me. Anyway, there’s probably even enough poplin left for a dainty sleeveless top. But at this point, the first chill of autumn is in the air and as you can perhaps tell, and I’m already all over my “back to school” autumn sewing.
How about you? Are you starting up on autumn sewing yet? Or still stuck on summer? Oooh, or in the southern hemisphere, gearing up for spring sewing?
35 comments
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August 23, 2010 at 8:54 am
Therese
This is much better, much better!
August 23, 2010 at 9:06 am
Nadia
The remarkable blouse has turned out. A harmonious embodiment – color and the form.
August 23, 2010 at 9:11 am
Amanda S.
Very nice! The sleeves look much better this time around.
August 23, 2010 at 9:37 am
Myrna
Gorgeous top. I’m not sure I ever started on summer sewing but I’m definitely ready for autumn.
August 23, 2010 at 9:51 am
sisters4saymoreismore
i just cut a Cynthia Rowley simplicity2497….. but you will not be happy to know that i am making it out of an enormous thrifted Mumu… (take a moment to cringe over that info) it will have huge puffy sleeves AND a ruffled neckline…. more is ALWAYS MORE in my book!
your top looks perfect! LOVE the color as well
~seina
August 23, 2010 at 9:55 am
selfishseamstress
Ooh, why wouldn’t I be thrilled to hear about a mu-mu taking on a new and better life? Have you not read about my recent Cosby Sweater Outreach Program?
http://selfishseamstress.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/15-minute-houndstooth-skirt/
:)
Sigh- I tried that pattern, and it did not look good on me at all. It’s a shame, because I love it when I see it on other people. I hope yours comes out great as well!!
August 25, 2010 at 8:59 am
sisters4saymoreismore
ooo! thats right!!!! i DIED over that refashion!!! i have never met a houndstooth i didn’t like!
i will let you know when i finish my “mumu” transformation…. it is in pieces and ready to go.. but i can’t start it for another week at least.
i do need to start trying to use actual fabric… i am so cheap. i read all about the beautiful fabric you choose and while i appreciate the beauty i feel a bit under-skilled to use the good stuff… i haven’t ruined anything yet but i fear as soon as i get my hands on something good i may destroy it… baby steps…
~selina
August 23, 2010 at 10:17 am
Ruth
Love this shirt – the bodice is very flattering to “the ladies.” I’m glad you triumphed over that evil original sleeve.
Also you really made me laugh with that fingernail comment, but in all seriousness I’m mostly just glad to hear that it’s a major accomplishment for someone besides me.
August 23, 2010 at 10:30 am
Beth
That is such a cute top & a cute outfit total. Love the hawk watching face too. :-)
August 23, 2010 at 10:43 am
Kerry
“hint of fall is in the air…”
Wasn’t it like 8 weeks ago that you had snow flurries and were upset about not being able to wear your spring/summer creations? And I thought we had crap weather in New England…you, my dear, live in a far more unforgiving climate. I feel for you.
(But, now that you mention it, it is pretty chilly here today. It rained for the first time in 3 months and I had to eat soup for lunch to keep myself warm…a far cry from the 90+ temps we have been living with for the last 2 straight months).
Oh – and the top is lovely.
August 23, 2010 at 11:28 am
Tanit-Isis
Definitely loving the new sleeve. It’s adorable. Makes me want a purple JJ.
Summer feels totally over here. There will probably be a few more good days (today is not one of them, though it is sunny), but it is definitely fall. I am looking at my summery items thinking it’s time to put them away.
The half foot of hail on my deck yesterday didn’t really help, either.
August 23, 2010 at 11:34 am
Kennis
3 meters of fabric for 3 outfit! That is really some ninja layout skill you have.
August 23, 2010 at 11:45 am
PetitePear
Glad to see you triumph over the evil sleeves. Very nice job. I love how well these two pieces go together as an outfit.
August 23, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Samina
Now why does your ruching look like ruching, but I were to do that, it would look like I couldn’t sew worth a damn? Not that I can, but I’ve finally cut out my first pattern in 20ish years. Maybe I’ll get it sewn up in the next 20 years.
August 23, 2010 at 3:22 pm
selfishseamstress
Hmmm. I don’t use any special techniques for gathering, so I’m going to credit the success of my ruching to the good pattern drafting folks at LMB :)
Congrats on your first pattern in two decades!! Come back and show us what you come up with! Unless it really does take 20 years in which case I may have forgotten about it by 2030. It might also look a little dated by then? :D
August 23, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Jeanne B.
Gorgeous, both pieces! I browsed the archives and definitely agree on the sleeve modification. As for my autumn sewing, I still have winter 2005 sewing to get started on. I’m a bit behind. (Perhaps the loss earlier this year of our town’s JoAnn Fabrics is to blame–can’t impulse shop without a 30-minute drive!)
August 23, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Amy
I was actually thinking how much you are getting out of that fabric! Yes, we are gearing up for spring here in Australia, Although I live in Melbourne and no matter the season, it will possibly be cold. Other than the month of january which is always hot!
August 23, 2010 at 5:36 pm
jess
Good job! The color looks really nice on you.
August 23, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Brenda
You are cute as selfish can be! I am in the middle of a sundress that must be finished before starting fall sewing. I refuse to have a UFO sitting around staring me in the face while I sew something else. (I sew in the garage, where am I going to put it??? On the greasy garage floor???? On top of the tool box???? Next to the water heater??? I mean, really, finish the sundress already. Although, it did finally hit the 90′s today after a lousy, COLD summer. I know, everbody else has been sweltering.
August 23, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Emmy
Cute! I can only assume that both the Selfish Seamstress and her Intended are petite people, to get three garments from 3m of fabric.
Autum is just layering season for me, so I’m skipping straight to winter sewing and planning a coat with fur collar and cuffs. It’s going to be awesome, I can just tell.
August 23, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Jacinta @ modelmumma
I love it! The colour, the style, everything!
Well, I’m SO over winter here… looking forward to some sun as I’m going crazy. I made that Wenlan A-line skirt from burdastyle in a thick fabric, and now want to make it again in something lovely for summer. :)
http://www.modelmumma.blogspot.com
August 24, 2010 at 3:20 am
Gail
I like casual but business like clothes. Purply burgundy is your perfect colour. I’d like to get my hands on this pattern. Not heard of Carmica before, but will follow the link.
August 24, 2010 at 5:22 am
urbanjill
I am skipping fall and going straight to winter. I am planning a camel colored coat with white curly lamb fur collar if I can just find the camel colored wool. I went to Vogue a few weeks ago and was too early for wool coatings. I have never ordered fabric online before but may have to give it a try. I really like to feel the fabric first. The blouse looks great and the sleeves are much better.
August 24, 2010 at 7:06 am
Andrea
I love that color on you! Fall is my favorite season for clothes, but as it is still in the 70s and 80s here, I can squeeze in more sewing time for them too. I’ve recently started a new job as a pre-school teacher and I’m super psyched to sew up some Emma Pillsbury inspired outfits. :)
August 24, 2010 at 7:17 am
The Slapdash Sewist
Very pretty result, the sleeves do match well. I am still holding onto the shreds of summer for all I’m worth! But I admit the most recent project I cut is a transitional pieces that can be worn with sandals or with tights and a denim jacket.
August 24, 2010 at 8:50 am
earthanddust
very pretty! I love the ruching detail and the sleeves look like they were made for the design. It was 109 at my house yesterday [according to the weather service] so I think autumn sewing is just a mirage at this point.
August 24, 2010 at 9:42 am
Elizabeth
I love this blouse. So simple yet with some great details. I want to make one now! Or better yet, why don’t you make one for me. mwah hahaha
August 24, 2010 at 11:28 am
Karen
I’m still too hot to think about autumn (or winter)…It is still hot and humid here in the DC area, although it’s been a bit beCtter lately. I attribute this to Congress being on vacation, therefore less hot air here these days….. :)
August 24, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Reethi
I love everything about this shirt!
August 24, 2010 at 5:01 pm
yoshimi
This is beautiful. And it suits you very very very much. You look fab.
August 24, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Tasia
Much better with the new ‘n’ improved sleeve! I’m working on in-between projects for the unpredictable weather, things that could be fall OR summer, depending on how they’re worn. It’s safer that way :)
August 24, 2010 at 5:46 pm
D
I love this shirt! The runching is so pretty…and excellent sleeve choice!
I guess you could say I’m sewing for fall. After all, I am working on a lined jacket…which I started last winter. I’m confident it’ll be wearable by the time fall 2010 is over, though!
August 25, 2010 at 11:29 am
Amy
Fall! Ha! It’s still 100+ here. And did I mention humid? So, instead of sewing anything, I’m trying to move as little as possible. Moving the mouse is almost too hot to do. And be green with envy that you made such a cute blouse. It’s just not fair.
August 25, 2010 at 1:51 pm
emily
I made a shirt out of a black eyelet dress that was never quite right for me (wasn’t it SS who remarked on eyelet making her feel as though she was reliving her junior high piano recital) into a blouse for my daughter and a not-quite right skirt into a pair of pants for the outfit (I even used the same zipper). I know this fails the fundamental edict of SS, but you asked!
August 30, 2010 at 8:52 am
amber
Oh, pretty blouse! And it pairs so well with those awesome pants, too.
I’m still in summer sewing mode, though I plan to switch into transition and full on fall stuff when we return from Hawaii.