Why I'm not doing Me Made May '14

Because I don't wanna, that's why?

Okay, so that's not true. I would love to do MMM. But when I thought about my wardrobe I realized, meh, there's not a whole lot in there I want to wear every day. I have quite a few things I like to wear to church but generally, I wear it already. Sot it's not really a challenge to continue on business as usual.

Instead, I've decided to give myself a companion challenge. Instead of making an "I shall endeavor to wear" challenge, I will make myself a "prepare for Self Stitched September" challenge.

I, Hot Mess, shall endeavor to make an unspecified amount of casual wear between now and the end of summer in hopes of having enough handmade creations to spend a month wearing at least three handmade garments a week for all of September.

How does that sound?

Btw, please ignore my rather prominent behind and focus on that gorgeously albeit wrinkly blouse. Yes, yes, I made that. Turns out I blogged about how I was going to make it but not that I actually succeeded. So now is as good a time as any.

Pattern Description: Simplicity 2147 is a tunic/dress pattern with sleeves and yoke in one.

Pattern Sizing: Size 12 US/34 Bust

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? As far as I remember

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that the sleeves and yoke were all in one pattern piece. Not only does it make it a quick sew, but it's a rather convenient feature if you want to add some heirloom sewing techniques.

Fabric Used: A touch of Swiss dot from Hancock's and a  pima cotton batiste that I'm sure I bought at my local quilt shop but may have bought from Farmhouse. You can find a similar one here. The laces are a mix, some from Farmhouse, some from Martha Pullen Company.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I opted to go with lace insertion to somewhat mimic the style of Pinky's Easter dress last year. This involves piecing strips of lace together until you have a length that fits the pattern piece you'd like to use. You cut your pattern piece out and then you carry on.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Oh yes. I lost the pattern pieces to an entirely too inquisitive dog so I bought a new one. I think my next one shall be worked into my personal challenge. It did come out short though. I really wish I could remember if that was my fault. I'll be sure to let you guys know when I make it again. I planned to wear it as a dress that Easter morning but I ended up tucking it into a pair of pants as seen above. Speaking of tucks, it's too long for a tunic as well so I plan to put a few tucks into the hem so I can wear it with jeans.

Conclusion: A ridiculously easy pattern with simple shapes, very few pieces and a ton of opportunities for customization. Maybe one day I'll make an embroidered version with bright flowers across the yoke. For now, a plaid version beckons. Are you scared?

So any Me Made Mayers out there? Are you tsking your head in shame?