Maybe Next Time

I'll be honest with you, after I initially posted this dress I had no motivation to finish it. I have another project I really want to start and I didn't want to spend the time trying to figure this dress out on my own. Why can't there just be a pattern for it!?! But I did finally finish it, only to find a few mistakes.

What I did wrong:
1. I made it a couple sizes too big because I wanted it to blouse and wasn't sure how it would work if it was fitted with elastic. What do ya know? It's too big! The armholes are ginourmous and the back gapes! Also, it makes my hips look huge. I tried adding a belt and jewelry, but it's just a hot mess I would rather not wear. (hence why it's on the dress form and not me)

2. I didn't measure beforehand where the elastic should go and therefore it's not exactly straight. Oh well!

3. I also put the straps on backwards, which I was able to fix easily.

 

What I will do next time:
1. Cut out a pattern in my own size
2. Use a pattern for the elastic waistband instead of eye-balling and therefore having an uneven casing.
3. Buy a similar dress at Target. jk. kind of.

What I learned:
1. Patience is a virtue.
2. Cutting a straight line is key.
3. This is really an easy dress. If I can give it another try I think I'll be ok! Also, I think I can probably fix this dress with some motivation and a few seams ripped and sewn back together.

On to the next project!

P-Ewww

Let's gooooo HOOSIERS!!!

Work in progress

Last week I told you that I had several ideas for upcoming projects. I was all inspired by the warm weather and even started a dress. Well that's about as far as I got. (started) Here's a look at my work in progress. This is a simple dress, well it should be. But since I didn't have a pattern and am trying to figure it out on my own, I'm having a little difficulty. The pattern I used had a zipper and I omitted that part. I have it all sewn together, but want to put elastic in the waist band. I've never done that before so I'm hesitant.

I really want to master this dress because I can see myself making it in several colors. As a matter of fact I already have this dress in black that I bought last summer. This style dress is everywhere and I could easily just buy it, but I want to figure out how to make it!

I'll try to keep you posted on my progress. But remember the ruffled purple dress? Yeah, never finished that. Oh well! If nothing else I'm practicing and learning!

**Note**  The dress will have straps. It's currently pinned to the dress form as I haven't figured out the elastic waistband yet. Also please excuse my photography skills. We have a real issue with light in our new place. (there's only 2 windows) 

Him and Her: V-Day

I hope you all had a fabulous Valentines Day! We had a wonderful evening together. Dan surprised me with roses and a wine bottle with a label that he designed. He has made bottles for me in the past, but I didn't expect it since I had asked for a Bender Ball (exercise ball). ha! Here's some pictures of the day.

Ummm, yes I did cut my sandwich in a heart.

Mmm mmm mmm!

If I had time and wasn't still bingeing on Valentine's Whoopie Pies, I would definitely make these. Ahh maybe next year.

Recipe Here: 

http://www.bakerella.com/red-velvet-cake-balls/

BHLDN

Check out Urban Outfitters/Anthropologie's new Bridal website! So pretty! I love the accessories and details!

BHLDN

BHLDN

Still can't sketch

Well, I still can't sketch my ideas. I do sketch, but it's too embarrassing to show you. I haven't made anything since my NYE dress and it's about time I start sewing again. I have lots of great ideas, but it's hard to get motivated since I can't wear the dresses until the weather warms up. I bought some new fabric and patterns this week and am looking forward to starting some new projects. Up next: baby dress, honeymoon clothes, and my bridal shower dress!

Here's a look at a couple patterns I plan to use in the next few months. I have some ideas on how to tweak them a little bit and make them my own. I'm excited! Now come on warm weather!!!!

Day for Love

I'm gearing up for Valentines Day on Monday. We don't have big plans. We are going to cook our favorite dinner together. Lamb Gyros (click for recipe) I'm just excited for a tasty dinner and yummy dessert. I want to make something really good, but haven't made a decision yet. Red Velvet cake? Cupcakes? Angel food with strawberries? Suggestions?

Sneak Peek

Designed by the groom :) 

Valentines cookies

Yep, I made them again! Whoopie Pies!! I don't know why, but I LOVE them!! I was originally thinking about making the red velvet whoopie pies from Christmas without the peppermint, but Dan thought it would be cool to make strawberry cookies. I found a GREAT recipe online using cake mix to make cookies and it's so SIMPLE!!!!

Ingredients:

18oz. Package cake mix (any flavor) 

1 egg

1/2 cup of butter softened

Mix all together with mixer. Roll into balls and then flatten into disks. Bake on 350 degrees for about 8 minutes. Let cookies cool and spread filling on flat side. Press cookies together. 

For time purposes I just used icing from a jar, but in the past I have made the filling. 

I will definitely use this recipe again to make cookies of different flavors! 

Easy Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

I think the majority of people I know are preparing for the "Snowpocalypse/Snowmageddon" or the Great Ice Storm of 2011 here in the midwest. Want something to keep you warm? Here's an easy recipe for semi-homemade chicken noodle soup. It's classified as semi since its not out of a can nor did I make my own noodles.

There might not be any milk or bread left at the store, so pick up these items and make yourself some soup!

Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
8-10 Cups of water
2 packets of lipton noodle soup
Chopped celery and carrots
chopped onion (optional) could use onion powder
1 package of Reames Noodles
Shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 stp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 bay leaves
2 Tbsp parsley


Directions:
Cook and shred chicken or pick off of rotisserie. Chop vegetables. Boil water and lipton soup mix. Add vegetables, chicken, spices and Reames noodles. Cook for 20 minutes.  Add more or less water depending on how thick you want the soup.

Enjoy!
Stay warm!