UFO | Wanna Be Sewing Something

I’m popping in to share the results of my recent contemplation on ikat print. I dig it! I wasn’t so sure when I pulled out this UFO of Vogue 8587 —started and abandoned in 2012. Why? I think it was because I was having second thoughts about the print. Was it me? Did it scream boho chic when my style, well, doesn’t? Was it the colors? Finishing it and wearing it for a day helped me decide.

It was a simple make in cotton voile. I UFO’d it during the hand stitching of the bodice lining, leaving that and the sleeve and skirt hems undone for the next three years. It probably would’ve stayed that way for another year had I not been desperate for a quick-finish project. Worn unbelted, it’s also a mumu. Not that I’d hold that against a dress, but until I have a trapeze act, a tent shape on my curves will always be considered carefully.

What makes this mumu appealing to me is the self-lined dolman sleeved bodice (easy to sew), the lack of closures, and how the gathered skirt sits at the high bust. Since I choose my pattern size based on my high bust measurement, a design like this meant no fiddling with the pattern to fit my chest. Celebrate good times.

The ikat is still growing on me even as I type this, but I suspect a simpler color scheme would float my boat with less contention. For now, it stays in my life. Transforming from a comfortable house dress into a fun fit and flare frock with one accessory, it’s more than a pretty mumu, it’s a dual purpose utility.

Even though I questioned the fabric, the pattern is definitely getting a repeat performance. With pockets next time. In a solid linen or maybe even a challis for some swish factor.

Until then, my festive ikat mumu has a few parties to crash.

My poor, neglected blog. Sewing a garment every week has been this breathless, thrilling, and crazy distraction in my life. These days I can barely keep up with my laundry, let alone a website. Though, I am getting the hang of things over at The Sew Weekly. That means there’s hope yet for this place.

We’ve completed seven garment challenges so far and I’m going to give a brief recap of what I made for each. After this post, we’ll just consider ourselves caught up and I’ll move on to where my head’s really at: next week’s “Refashion” challenge.

Week 1 Challenge: You Can Do It! Introduce yourself & share a favorite garment of 2011.
I shared the “Meet & Greet” Tunic and little bit about myself in a brief interview.

Week 2 Challenge: Accessorize! Make a garment inspired by an accessory.
After my plans for a skirt fell apart, I made the “These Boots Are Made for Walking” Dress as a tribute to my favorite cowboy boots. It was featured in The Sew Weekly’s Daily Spotlight for Thursday. You should’ve seen me…you would’ve thought I’d won the Miss America Pageant.

Week 3 Challenge: Buttons.
I tackled button loops for the first time and made the “Not My Gumdrop Buttons!” Vest and a matching hat.

Week 4 Challenge: Make a garment from the Make This Look archive.
My “Bird-less Garden Tour” Dress turned out better than the original.

Week 5 Challenge: Down Under. Sew something inappropriate for the current season.
I got the bright idea to sew swimwear and made the “Beach is Closed for Winter” Bathing Suit. It turned out to be a terribly stubborn, but useful prototype.

Week 6 Challenge: UFO. Make an “un-finished object”.
I made and fell in love with the “Likeable Librarian” Blouse.

Week 7 Challenge: Red. A tribute to Valentine’s Day.
The “Hip to Be Square” Top was a 1-hour miracle and rescued me from forfeiture.

To see all of the awesome Sew Weekly contributor creations for 2012 so far, visit the links below:

Seven weeks of cutting, altering, sewing, photographing, and blogging. I’m tired and invigorated. There’s hardly any time to admire (or tweak once complete) one’s work. Once it’s photographed and blogged, it’s on to the next one. Speaking of next things….on to them I go.