Posts Tagged ‘lulus’

Sewing Harem Pants – Out of My Comfort Zone

September 6th, 2013
32 Comments

Confidence is key when wearing anything beyond just jeans and a tee. That confidence has waxed and waned in the last few years. But mostly waned.

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I also have ridiculous fit and texture sensitivities which makes branching out into atypical silhouettes really hard for me. But I really want to give harem pants a try. And I did this week. I’m still deciding if I love or hate them.

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I guess they’re growing on me. I’ve worn them mostly all day. At least the fabric is awesome.

Like super awesome. I wish I had made these in the thick of summer when it was super hot. I got this fabric in LA’s fabric district. There’s a black/pink colorway version available here.

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I nearly asked Chris, “Do these pants make my butt look fat?” before realizing it’s a question that should never be asked. By anyone. Ever.

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There’s a disconnect between how I feel they look and what I see in the mirror (and these photos). And I want to get over that disconnect and feel confident in them all the time.

Do you have any pieces in your closet like that?

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Outfit details:

Click to read more about the sewing process (warts and all. I mean all warts).

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Sewing: Versatile and Easy Maxi Skirt

August 14th, 2013
7 Comments

I had just enough fabric left over (You can find this print here! WOOHOO!) from my shifty stripe dress, I decided to make a maxi skirt. It’s a simple gathered, covered elastic waist banded skirt with two seams (one up the side and one for the waist). I lined it, which effectively makes it reversible. I haven’t worn it reversed yet, though.

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I did make a mistake when I sewed it. I sewed it sans slit, thinking the gathers would make the opening at the bottom big enough. Not so!

Since lining it with chiffon, I was effectively wearing an oven on my lower-half. This issue was a simple fix, but it did require unpicking a serged seam (not fun). I figured out an easy and relatively painless way to unpick a serged hem. It took no time at all once I figured this out.

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Turn the seam wrong side out, and orient yourself with the top side (the side that looks like above) and unpick the two (or one if you’ve got a 3-thread surged seam) horizontal threads just about every fourth or fifth stitch. Once you’ve done that on the desired seam, pull at the loops and your seam comes apart flawlessly.

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The slit makes a huge difference in comfort and functionality.

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Outfit details:

  • sunglasses: lulu’s
  • necklace: beehive bazaar (can’t remember vendor’s name)
  • silver bracelet: handmade by my dad
  • bangle: gift from Chris
  • top: thrifted, refashioned
  • skirt: handmade
  • shoes: thrifted
  • sweater: H&M
  • belt: thrifted

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I love the way this skirt moves when I walk. So flowy!

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Because of the simple construction and the elastic waistband, I can hike it all the way up for a bandeau midi-dress. Just add a sweater and belt and I’m good to go.

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The new slit goes a little too high when I wear it as a bandeau, but that’s nothing a little slip wouldn’t fix.

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I’m still so obsessed with this print and the feel of the fabric. I know this maxi skirt will serve me well in the upcoming fall and winter months.

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