Sunday, April 12, 2009

Spring Things

Spring is still playing that game, where it's here one minute and gone the next. Our bulbs are finally blooming...yet we had snow flurries the other day. Not much we can do about that, but there's one thing I can control--my wardrobe. (It sounds so funny to me to talk about My Wardrobe, like it's this carefully planned, epic thing. Not really.) This was the weekend to go through my closet (Three bags of stuff are outta here, and I'm not done yet!) and pack away the wool skirts. Whatever the weather, I'm going to start inching my way towards Spring!

Not content with the fifty-seven skirts I had packed away in the attic (you think I'm kidding), I decided to break into the fabric from my last field trip and make a new one. I used my favorite New Look 6843. For some reason, I added four inches to the length when I cut it out. While it's true I like a little more length than the pattern allows, what was I thinking with four inches? Here I am taking three inches off the length.

Exciting picture, huh? Let me tell you, it captures the mood perfectly. Note to self: Try adding one inch next time.

The good news is that this gave me an idea for this post: My indispensable sewing tools.

Aside from scissors and pins, these are the three tools I use most. My mom can't understand my love of the marking pen.

Mom: That's kind of expensive. What do you do with it?
Me: Well, sometimes I transfer pattern markings.
Mom: That's what tailor's tacks are for.
Me: Well, sometimes I'm lazy.
Mom: . . .
Me: Another thing I do sometimes is mark the right side of the fabric.
Mom: You can just put a pin in it.
Me: Yeah, but then I'll get stuck by it.
Mom: I hope you at least used your 40% off coupon.

Of course, mom. You think I've learned nothing from you?

The shoes are a little different, I know, but remember I have foot issues. If you have hard to fit feet, TicTacToes are dance shoes that are made in the USA. They come in tons of colors and they aren't insanely expensive. Mine were a lucky find for just four dollars!

12 comments:

Angela said...

I adore the skirt AND the shoes!! They are very "Wizard of Oz!!"

I also love the marking pens, but I hate the seam guide ruler thing. I just use a regular ruler or eyeball it.

Amanda Winter said...

Ok, 2 things...

1. I am *very* envious of you for finding those absolutely adorable shoes at the thrift store. I wish I could find something that cute at ours...

and

2. That fabric is WONDERFUL! What a great spring skirt -- So bright and punchy... nicely done!

SongbirdSisters said...

I, too love the shoes and have foot issues. Dansko is my best friend! Also a HUGE fan of the marking pen! :) I love reading your blog!

tea and cake said...

Hi, those are most useful three things when sewing, too. Especially, the seam ripper (grin)
I just love the fabric of your skirt, as someone else said 'punchy' for Spring.

LLangevoort said...

Thats mad cute!!

Mrs Swan said...

ADORABLE Skirt!! I hope you show off some of those pretty pictures again this year that you emailed me last year. :)

Anonymous said...

Cute skirt - but I am in LEEEEEERVE with your shoes! And what a bargain - that's a whole lotta marking pens you can fund with shoes at that price.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't be parted from my trickmarker, either ....

I love that fabric - it is stunning!

Raesha D said...

gorgeous!!! that fabric is awesome and the shoes are divine!!

Anonymous said...

So cute! And I love your shoes.

Mags

Elizabeth said...

Fabulous skirt, and the shoes are fantastic too.

dana said...

I love YOUR red shoes too!