Finished Object: “Merino Kimono” Wrap Top

Remember my obsessive crush on Advance 7701?  And how Jane lent me her copy?  And how I made it up in a vintage-inappropriate cotton knit and vowed to make another in merino for winter wear?

I did it.  The Sew Weekly challenge this week was “Down Under” (reverse seasons).  I thought since the fabric came from New Zealand (a gift from Leimomi when she visited, no less!) and it’s summer here, I went ahead and made my winter merino version.  This fabric is incredible.  It’s smooth and softer than soft against my skin.  And, ever thoughtful and detail-oriented, Leimomi chose a perfect shade of teal.

If you’d like to read the brief rundown on the project, check out my post on Sew Weekly.

Over the past few months, I devoted quite some time to learning to put patterns online.  That’s part of what the Blank Canvas Tee was for.  The patterns aren’t as flashy and professional looking as I’d like, but I think I have the basic idea down.  I consider this a big milestone in my own sewing, because I tend to work with hard-to-find or completely made up patterns.  Then I share what I did and- well- I always felt a little guilty for going on and on about patterns no one else can find.

With this top, I have adapted the pattern for modern sewing techniques and fabrics (like this perfect knit).  I think the pattern will be “perfect” after one more tweak.  For the merino top, I eliminated the horizontal bust dart.  It’s not a big deal on this top, but in the future I will put it back.   I think if I created some gentle “easing” type shaping instead of the dart, it would be just the ticket.

My point is, have you seen Craftsy’s new independent pattern section?  It’s amazing, and I’m really excited to watch how it will work.  And I want in!  The Blank Canvas Tee and hacks will always be available for free.   However, if I start putting some of my favorite self-made patterns on Craftsy for sale then perhaps I can help pay the rent.  Maybe I could eventually afford some red Astorias!

The back of the short sleeved cotton version. Both sleeve lengths would be included in my craftsy pattern.

I like this pattern a LOT, not the least because it’s an unexpected cut, very comfortable and takes about an hour to sew.  I know this one will hardly leave my back come winter- in fact I have plans to make several once cold weather hits (and when I can afford a little more merino… it’s my new fabric crack…).

If I didn’t attach the ties and left it open, it would look like one of those drapey open-front cardigans everyone is wearing…

What do you think?  If I put this pattern up on Craftsy, my own modern translation of the cut and with full instructions, would you be interested?  Are there any of my other self-made or “translated” patterns you’d love to see available on Craftsy?

 

Presenting the American Duchess Shoe Coloring Pages

Lauren, the American Duchess, is a widely respected historical-costumer-for-hire and shoe designer.  When she started making shoes, I was fascinated.  She learned how to design and produce shoes because she couldn’t find shoes she liked to wear for historical events.  I respect that- if you can’t find what you want, do it yourself.  These shoes are designed for comfort and durability.  Comfortable, pretty and hard-wearing?  Yes, thank you!

I watched each new release, debating with myself about its wearability in my wardrobe.  I don’t go to historical re-enactments, but I do wear more or less whatever I please and finding durable, interesting shoes with a low heel is hard.  I hate shopping.  That’s why I sew.  Enter- The Astoria.

Have you seen the Astoria shoe?  It’s wonderful.

Now, for most of my adult life I’ve always had a pair of red shoes.  I like them and wear them, consistently.  The Astoria looks great in black or white, but I see them for me in red.  Sometimes it’s really difficult to picture something like that without seeing it.  Luckily The American Duchess posts what I took for coloring pages:

Yes, I think this will do quite well for me.  Helpfully, Lauren posts about dyeing your shoes.  I do so much of that kind of thing, I’m not worried about trying it.  I can always just take them to the steampunk gentleman cobbler in the basement of the Myer Center downtown who always resoles my shoes- he’d dye them in no time.  Now it’s just a matter of saving my pennies so I can have some lovely red Astorias to pair with my vintage-inspired work wardrobe.

Lauren is taking reduced-price pre-orders ($25 savings!) through her site now for black or white colors.

This saddle-shoe t-strap, 23Skidoo, is coming out soon.  I’m already fantasizing about two-tone blues or reds.

Yowza!

Have you seen her shoes before?  Do you own a pair?  What are they like?  More importantly, do you own any red shoes?