Sew Similar #20

coat pattern fabric lining mittens hat 

I hope everyone had a great holiday season! Over New Year's, we received quite a bit of snow so we stayed in and welcomed 2015 by playing Disney Scene-it. I ended up being asked to stay home from work because of the snow, but my husband still had to go in. I drove him to work without a problem but our poor car couldn't make it up the hill to go home. Thinking that the snow would let up, I decided to walk around Target to kill some time. Well, it proceeded to snow even harder and didn't let up until the next day. I walked home and my husband's coworker was kind enough to drive him but our our car was stranded in the Target parking lot. Fast forward to the next day when we had to walk to Target and shovel the car out of the snow drift that had been plowed around it! I had on several layers as well as my warmest coat but I certainly wasn't what you would call warm.

Lately, when I am just hanging around the house, I huddle up in a pile of fleece. Fleece pajama pants, fleece robe, and fuzzy socks. It may not be flattering, but it gets the job done. While we were shoveling our car out of the snow, I was thinking about how nice and cozy my fleece cocoon sounded. I think this coat is the next best thing. The original coat can be purchased from ModCloth for $149.99 (on sale now for 50% off) and is made of a wool/ polyester blend. For this handmade version, I've suggested a red fleece lining. Now you can have the comfort and warmth of a robe without the look of one! If you do decide to add a fleece lining to a coat, you will need to make sure to account for the slightly bulkier fabric.

For me, black and white houndstooth goes best with pops of red. The original coat is actually mint green and black but I didn't realize this until later on. This beret has also been on my wishlist for a while. I think I might need to break down and get a few colors!

Have any of you added a fleece lining to a coat before? How do you stay warm in the winter?

Sew Similar #19

skirt pattern fabric top tights shoes

This week's Sew Similar is another work appropriate ensemble. Generally, I can wear what I want for work, but, I have a meeting this week that I need to dress professionally for and realized that I don't have too many options in that department. I have a few dresses, but would like to build up my separates. Some neutral staple skirts are something that I'm really lacking in my own wardrobe. The skirts I have are generally very colorful and patterned; they're fun, but probably don't make anyone take me seriously. I love this skirt because it looks grown up without being stuffy. You can make it fun with the maroon tights and long sleeve polka dot blouse, something I need to cover up my tattoos. 

This skirt is originally $64.99 from Ruche. The total for the handmade skirt and outfit comes to $50.61. Do you have a job you need to dress up for, or can you wear what you'd like?

 

Sew Similar #18

dress pattern fabric fabric shoes flower

As soon as I saw this dress, I fell in love. Seriously, you can throw some polka dots on anything and I'll have to have it. It's by the UK brand Trollied Dolly and you can purchase it online from ModCloth for $84.99 . Unfortunately, there is only one left in stock; with a dress this adorable, that's bound to happen. A great way to get the dress without having to search the depths of the internet, is to sew it yourself! I found a very similar patter, although without the keyhole in the bodice. This pattern has a sweetheart neckline, which would still look great, although, I think I would change the bodice a bit, depending on how low the neckline was to make sure this was still work appropriate.  $39.52 is all you'll have to pay for this handmade dress and accessories. Not only will you save some time searching for this dress, you'll also save quite a bit of money.

Do any of you have a particular print you're drawn to?

Sew Similar #17

dress pattern fabric shoes tights sweater

This week's Sew Similar is a dress I'm actually working on right now. I'm making my Halloween costume using this same pattern, but with the planet fabric I showed you all earlier. Also, I found out that it glows in the dark and now I'm extra excited about it! For this version of the dress, I'm using a mustard yellow polka dot fabric I picked up a few months ago. Yellow is my favorite color and especially in fall I love the darker mustard hues. This ready made dress is from Le Bomb Shop on eBay, selling for $43.99. With the handmade dress and rest of the outfit, it comes to $59.84. Do you work on multiple projects at once or do you prefer to do them one at a time?

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Sew Similar #15

dress pattern fabric lining shoes

Is anyone else a bit in shock that September is almost over? It's crazy how quickly this year has gone by. Tomorrow is the autumn equinox, marking the first day of fall, which means that winter and the holiday season are right around the corner. Winter usually means lots of parties and events so today I'm featuring a little party dress to get you in the festive mood.

This dress is originally $129.99 from ModCloth. I've purchased a few things in the past from ModCloth and never were really satisfied with them, so now I just browse their site for inspiration. I am a polka dot hoarder so I absolutely love this dress. I normally stay away from ruching, but I think it looks great with this lightweight fabric; it helps to keep it from adding bulk. The pattern I chose has a halter neck, but this could easily be switched to shoulder straps, depending on your preference. The price for the handmade outfit is just $59.52, leaving plenty left over for Christmas shopping! I've actually already started getting gifts for friends and family, although I'm going to make a majority of them. Are you already thinking about the holidays or is it still too far off?

Sew Similar #14

dress pattern fabric hat shoes cardigan

To me, plaid is the perfect fall and winter pattern. It's just so cozy; especially paired with a cable knit cardigan, and a beanie (this one has little cat ears!). I also really love oxfords. They're just as cute as ballet flats, but a little more practical. One thing I've learned since starting school, is that ballet flats are not made for walking long distances. I have the blisters to prove it. This dress from ModCloth, is $89.99 vs. $60.01 for the handmade outfit. That's about $30 in savings, plus you get the rest of the outfit! Definitely worth it. What patterns or colors do you associate with the seasons?

Sew Similar #13

dress pattern fabric shoes earrings

This dress instantly made me think of mod '60's fashion; it's totally something I could see Daphne Blake from Scooby-Doo wearing. I normally don't wear much bright orange, but I love it on this dress, and I think it pairs nicely with the sky blue on the shoes and earrings. The pattern I found is slightly different from the original dress, but, they are changes you could make relatively easily. The collar is pointed on the dress, versus rounded on the pattern, and the pattern has a pleated skirt instead of an a-line. The fabric is also a bit different, with a more geometric pattern rather than the floral. This dress is originally $79.99 from ModCloth. The handmade outfit comes to a total of $31.75. Are there any colors you never seem to wear?

Sew Similar #12

Is it me or is summer over already? I mean, I know it's not technically Autumn yet but it certainly feels that way. It's been so overcast and stormy with the monsoons lately, it just makes me want to snuggle up with a book and some tea. I'm not the kind of person who changes their wardrobe drastically with the seasons, but, I do tend to wear more dark colors and of course, tight, scarves, and hats. This dress is great for transitioning seasons because you can add tights and throw a cardigan over it to add some warmth. I absolutely love this fabric too (if you can't tell, they're cat portraits). The dress, originally from Unique Vintage, will cost you $68. Handmade, the whole outfit comes to $42.92. How do you transition your wardrobe from season to season?

Sew Similar #11

skirt pattern fabric cardigan shoes bow

These shark heels from Sourpuss have been on my wishlist for about a year. One of these days, I'm just going to have to break down and buy them. They also come in grey and yellow, but the blue is definitely my favorite (although I wouldn't say no to one of each color). I just love the little fins on the sides! With shoes this amazing, I kept the rest of the outfit fairly simple; a red circle skirt and light blue cardigan, with a bow to top it off. Circle skirts are a closet staple. They really do go with anything and I love that you can wear them with or without a petticoat. The skirt is $46 from Unique Vintage, and the handmade skirt and outfit comes to $72.47. The shoes aren't cheap but they are a pretty killer design. Would you wear these heels? 

Sew Similar #10

dress pattern fabric fabric shoes bag

When I saw this piano key dress from ModCloth, I knew I had to see if I could find a similar fabric. It's so cute, and reminds me of my piano lessons when I was younger. I normally don't wear all black and white but I think with this outfit, I like it better without added color. The original dress will cost you $89.99, and there seem to be a lot of negative reviews regarding fit. What better way to get around that, than making it yourself? The complete handmade outfit will only cost you $42.88! Less than half the price, and you get that adorable handbag to go with it! I really wish I would have stuck with piano lessons (I quit to join the school band). I know a lot of kids get forced to take lessons when they're younger and hate it, but, I think learning an instrument is a great experience to have. Do any of you play an instrument?

Sew SImilar #9

skirt pattern fabric shoes top 

Seersucker always makes me think of yachting and summertime on the New England coast. I've never been yachting or to New England so this is probably an inaccurate stereotype. I'm sure everyone doesn't go sailing and eat crab cakes all the time (although they should; crab cakes are delicious). Anyways, the skirt is summery to say the least! This classic navy seersucker skirt from Ruche originally went for $52.99 (it's currently on sale in case you're interested). The handmade skirt, plus the rest of the outfit comes to $53.25. Does anyone else have memories or associations with certain clothes?

Sew Similar #8

dress pattern fabric shoes belt flower

Shirtdresses are one of those items of clothing that I think look great on other people, but for some reason, just look terrible on me. I don't know if it's the collar or my broad shoulders, but the same goes for button-up shirts. This dress makes me want to try one on again though; maybe I just need to try wearing a belt to add some shape. I love the large polka dots on this dress and think the navy color goes really well with soft yellow. This is a prime example of how sewing your own clothes can save you some money. This dress from ModCloth is $105 vs. $48.89 for the handmade outfit. Do you have any styles of clothing you like, but just not on yourself?

Sew Similar #7

shorts pattern fabric top shoes bag

These red sailor shorts from ModCloth cost $49.99. Crazy expensive, right? I just don't think shorts should cost that much. The handmade shorts and outfit come to $43.11. I'm not a huge fan of pants, but I absolutely love wearing shorts; especially ones that have a nautical feel. If you're going to wear sailor shorts, you might as go all the way with the theme, so, I've paired the shorts with a blue and white striped crop top. I'm not too comfortable wearing something stomach exposing, but I think this might actually work with the high-waisted shorts since your stomach isn't really showing much. It's kind of nice that you don't have to tuck in your shirt too, since that can feel a bit bulky sometimes. Also, I really like the shape of this bag. I hate carrying purses, but I like to have stuff with me, so I prefer cross body bags since you can just forget about them. Bags with shorter straps are constantly falling off my shoulder. What do you think? Are purses more of a hassle than a convenience?

Sew Similar #6

 dress pattern fabric shoes hair clip

When I saw this dress, I just about died. This fabric is amazing! Some people might think this dress is too Halloween-y but I love the anatomical skeleton print and when I was trying to find the fabric online, I discovered the company makes paleontology prints too! I love dinosaurs and having them on a skirt would be super awesome. The fabric company is Timeless Treasures and you can view the dino skeleton print here. This dress normally costs $70 from Plasticland, while the handmade version and accessories will cost you $47.62. The pattern I found has a rounded collar but it's super easy to change it to a pointed collar, and I think I would for this dress. What do you think? Are skeletons just for Halloween or everyday?

Sew Similar #5

skirt pattern fabric top shoes

This week I'm featuring more of a work appropriate style. I'm not a huge fan of denim or chambray but I love the polka dot print on this skirt, which you can purchase from Lace Affair for 41.99. I think it pairs really nicely with the pastel pink blouse and dove gray of the shoes. The total for the handmade outfit is $49.58.

Sew Similar #4

Dress Pattern Fabric Shoes Bag 

While I love pretty much any novelty print, I'd have to say, food prints are my favorite. I love the pop art style of this fabric. This junk food print dress on Modcloth sells for $69.99. The entire outfit with the handmade dress is $70.62. While it is a wee bit more expensive than the dress alone, you definitely get more bang for your buck. I really love the look of dresses with sneakers and this pair is kind of in between flats and sneakers. Of course, I had to include this Bob's Burgers tote bag. This show makes me laugh out loud and every character is hilarious. If you haven't seen it, I definitely recommend it. All but the latest season are on Netflix!

Sew Similar #3

This outfit is perfect for those random summer showers! The umbrella and jelly shoes will protect you from the water, and add some flair. I love the cat print on the dress and I was lucky enough to find the same fabric. The ready to wear dress has a little bow on the front and you could easily add this with a scrap of the black fabric, or if you'd rather, ribbon. The original dress is by Heart of Haute and will set you back $78, while the handmade dress and accessories comes to just $37.67.

Dress Black Fabric Cat Fabric Pattern Shoes Umbrella 

Sew Similar #2

This week's item is a dress from ModCloth, priced at $129.99. As a budding astronomer, and lover of novelty prints, this is the perfect dress for me! I found a similar print, and, I have to say that I like this fabric more than the one used for the original dress. I like that the constellations are shown with the mythical figure outlined as well. The total cost for the handmade outfit comes to $73.41.

Dress Shoes Fabric Pattern Purse

Sew Similar #1

Being able to sew my own clothing is probably one of my biggest goals. I love the thought of being able to have clothing that fits perfectly and looks exactly how I want. It can often be more cost effective than purchasing clothes off the rack. It's also the easiest way to obtain your dream wardrobe! 

Mena Trott had a wonderful site called The Sew Weekly that was basically a great big sew-a-long with a weekly theme. Unfortunately, it is no longer being updated. You can, however, still go through the archives and read about the successes and blunders of the contributors to the site. I loved that there was a variety of skill levels and that posters would be honest about where they thought they excelled and maybe didn't do so well. It seemed like a fun, supportive community. I wish I hadn't found it too late!

One of my favorite features on the site was, Make This Look. They would take an article of clothing from a retailer, such as, ModCloth or Anthropologie, and suggest a pattern and fabric to create the look yourself. I love this idea, especially since I find that most everything these stores offer are well out of my price range. Looking at ready to wear clothing is a great way to find inspiration for your own projects, so, I thought I would continue this tradition with Sew Similar! 

Dress Pattern Fabric Hat Sandals Belt

First up, is an adorable sailboat print dress from Ruche. They are offering the dress for $42.99. The total cost for the handmade dress, plus, a pair of shoes, belt, and hat: $44.44. Keep in mind, prices are not including notions or shipping, and the amount of fabric needed may fluctuate depending on your size. Still, pretty great savings if you ask me!