Monday, September 28, 2015

Bats x 3 + Owls = Skirts

Failing to think up a clever introduction for this post, I will simply get to the point: I sewed more cotton skirts.

For one, I used McCall's 5431, a pattern for a simple flared skirt. The fabric is grey with black bats.

I used my go-to pattern Simplicity 2449 for the others. One is purple with black bats and candelabra in a sort of damask-type print.
The others are a grey with black bats and grey moons and a grey with black owls. All four fabrics were purchased last year from fabric.com.

I've now used almost all the cotton fabrics I had on hand. I haven't found many Halloween cottons I like this season. I've ordered only one, a black and white swirl with orange jack o'lanterns from Hancock Fabrics. I'll probably make my usual skirt with it. After that... it's time for something new! I have been stuck in a sewing rut for a while. Essentially, I've made the same skirt many times in different fabrics. Using a familiar pattern allowed me to create without having to be creative; this was good for my mental health when I was feeling stressed or sluggish.

Now that I'm starting to feel better, I want to be more creative. It's time to try some new patterns and work with different fabrics. Lately, I am in the mood for velvet, satin, and lace... trad goth staples. :D
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18 comments:

  1. Laura MorriganSeptember 28, 2015 at 4:48 AM

    They look great! Love the pumpkin fabric!

    I always think feeling creative is a good sign, I just got back to starting sewing again!

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    1. J.BaneSeptember 28, 2015 at 8:57 PM

      Good for you! When I'm happier, I feel more creative, and creating things makes me happier... so it's a good cycle to be in. :)

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  2. Doctor ZSeptember 28, 2015 at 5:13 AM

    They look awesome! Oooo, that fabric is really cute. I have quite a stash of Halloween fabrics that I bought for 40s and 50s dresses that I might or might not ever get to. You're right, skirts -- especially if you make the same one -- are quick and easy. Think if it this way, you just got a really fun boost to your wardrobe! It's always fun to have a new skirt to wear.

    And thanks for listing the patterns. I know you do every time you do a new sewing project, but I never seem to register it. Damned squirrel brain.

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    1. J.BaneSeptember 28, 2015 at 9:19 PM

      Thanks! I especially love '50s style dresses in Halloween fabrics. I'd like to make more dresses, but when I sew a dress, I have to make alterations to the pattern and pay close attention... and sometimes I don't have the brain power for that. :P A familiar skirt pattern doesn't require much thought.

      Ha ha! Got an acorn or two rattling around up there? ;) You know... I kind of miss squirrels sometimes. I don't see many here in Colorado. Here it's prairie dogs building mounds on every bare patch of land.

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    2. Doctor ZOctober 7, 2015 at 6:35 AM

      I hear you on the alterations! My patterns are all Frankinpatterns. My shoulders are broad from the swimming, waste thin, hips ... well, big. Normal dress patterns don't do the trick. I always have to do two sizes and hope for the best. HA!

      Sure, there are a few acorns up there. ;)

      Delete
  3. LeneleinSeptember 28, 2015 at 11:44 AM

    No wonder that you sew the same pattern over and over again because you look amazing in it! And for patterned fabrics I prefer simple patterns like the ones you used... And I'm glad that your creativity is on the rise again, seems like you are doing something right! *hugs*

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    1. J.BaneSeptember 28, 2015 at 9:26 PM

      Thank you! You're so sweet. :)
      I agree, I prefer simple patterns for prints. Add anything more than lace trim, and it starts to feel too busy to me.

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  4. Aji LaStrangeSeptember 28, 2015 at 2:14 PM

    Nice!

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    1. J.BaneSeptember 28, 2015 at 9:27 PM

      Thanks! :)

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    2. Aji LaStrangeSeptember 28, 2015 at 11:01 PM

      In case you didn't know, I tagged you to do the quote tag in my blog. =D

      cafelastrange.com

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    3. J.BaneOctober 6, 2015 at 9:02 PM

      Cool. Sorry I'm super late with the reply!

      Delete
  5. Insomniac's AtticSeptember 28, 2015 at 9:01 PM

    Oooh, velvet, satin and lace ... how exciting!

    It is nice to work on something that comes easy when the mind needs a project that's not too complicated. But also nice to work on something a bit harder when we're ready for it. :)

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    1. J.BaneSeptember 28, 2015 at 9:38 PM

      I agree! Projects that require just enough concentration to take my mind off the swirling negative thoughts are very beneficial when my mood is low. And when I've got more brain power to spare, tackling a difficult project gives a wonderful sense of accomplishment. Sometimes even when all I accomplish is figuring out what not to do. ;)

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  6. Neisella NightshadeOctober 3, 2015 at 7:15 AM

    I love the pattern! And the fabrics. You look great :)

    And now I neeeeed similar skirts :D

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  7. darkmindedfeministOctober 3, 2015 at 12:48 PM

    I am loving your skirts and the patterns! You look amazing!

    http://dark-minded-feminist.blogspot.com/

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  8. UnknownOctober 7, 2015 at 11:26 AM

    Lovely work, I love both skirts. Love the pattern and fabrics, on my way to purchase my own . Can't wait to start sewing !

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