…fabric is expensive… (moment of vanity)
I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve done an outfit post, but that’s probably because my posting has slowed a bit in general. I’ve been watching reruns of Law and Order and Launch My Line busy, I swear!
Srsly though, I’ve been working to try and teach myself to sew over the past year or so (I owe too much in student loans to even think about formal training…ugh) and am most proud to present, in the most covered up of all presentations, the dress I finished just past midnight on my birthday.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!
Being the all hip & ass girl that I am, I tend to hate the dress offerings in most retail stores. Everything is too tight, too short, and very hooker-esque…on me. Uncool. When I was making (drafting?) the pattern for the dress here, I wanted it to be more voluminous on top, narrowing slightly toward the bottom, long enough to not show-cha my chocha make me look taller and to be wearable with and without a belt.
WHAM!
I’m pretty damn stoked with the results. So stoked, that I planned on making another one in grey wool this week.
Can I tell you guys something (like you really have a choice…)? Grey wool is expensive as hell. Like $50/yard expensive.
*pause*
*blink*
*blink*
Please forgive me if this is what designers normally pay for textiles, but GAT.DAMN. For real? $100 on a DIY just does not compute in my life’s calculator.
I managed to use my womanly wiles (more of a feigning helplessness than seduction, I assure you) to get my hands on the last 1.75 yards of a 1960′s grey wool for a decent enough price. Sweet. Now wish me luck on this second edition because if I mess up this fabric, I’m going to be pissed. PISSED!
—
Wearing
thrifted cocoon cardigan
dress & belt are the work of mine own hands
American Apparel leggings
Docs
I went a little crazy with the shopping this month, but I’m blaming that on the birthday, Hoodwill, ebay sniping, and James Rowland. This voluptuous and only slightly itchy cardigan was one of the acquisitions, but I’ll do a proper post on err’thang once it all gets here.
P.S. There’s only one pair of shoes in the whole lot. I’ve come such a long way.
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20 Responses to “…fabric is expensive…”
Fabulous job love! I (of course) love the look head to toe. I can’t wait to see the next dress and what else you come up with! I used to be pretty mean on the sewing machine when I was in middle school but those days are long past. Who knows? Maybe in time I will channel that curious girl…
Too cute .!!! You did a great job with the dress and to have no formal training WOW just WOW!!!!!!!!
Let me be the first fashion blogger to say this – asses are amazing and if you’ve got one then hell to the yes. I know it is unpopular on many blogs to have anything that resembles a rear end, but it is tops in my book!
On to the wool. Love it! In fact, that coat looks so cozy I want to jump right in! The whole look is very chic but still extremely relaxed.
Might I suggest “Wool and the Gang” for further wool endeavors. http://www.woolandthegang.com/en/home.php
Crazy Sexy Wool. How can you not love that? They have their own pop-up in New High Market in Los Feliz. Get into it! – Loving your phrase.
Hey darling the dress looks hot! and embrace that bootey
I wish mine were bigger since my fiancee likes the voluptuous look haha. Yes fabric is expensive but here in NYC you can find tons of cheap places to get them its all about quality tho’ if you want cheap wool for 5$ a yard you’ll find it, if you want fine brushed wool for 50+ per yard you’ll find that too. I would suggest looking at local and lower income neighborhoods, my auntie lives in LA and she gets her fabrics for much cheaper including chiffon and silks.
Much love,
Glendy
Much love,
Glendy
looks dope…and yes, dollface. my friend makes me clothes and i want to punch certain ppl in the face when they tell me prices…bananas
.-= Felicia´s last blog ..You’re QUEEEEEEEEN to BE! =-.
You are soooo talented. Happy Birthday btw.
.-= Lenya Jones´s last blog ..Inspired by the Olsens =-.
I love your dress! It’s adorable and it’s great for a first-time dress! Congrats! And I agree that fabric is very expensive and it helped me fully understand independent designers charge what they do for their work.
Also, Happy Belated Birthday!
Uber cute, and such a good job for your first time!
wow! you did an amazing job and look incredible! i’m on your side with the the hoochie mama dresses that look great on sticks but not so much real girls! i mean sure you gotta let it breathe and show a little knee (lol) but it’s hard to go shopping and find something that covers the candy these days. very inspiring! (i really want to go to my salvation army now!)
.-= charles´s last blog ..Wisdom Lost, Wisdom Gained =-.
Way to go hun, I am soo impressed. I wish I had the patience or the time to do something like this.
100 DIY – oh yeah that’s a lot, but I dont know anything about fabric buying.
Happy Belated birthday!!!!
.-= Alixrose´s last blog ..THE MOHAWK GENERAL STORE: FUNNY ENOUGH NONE OF THESE SHOES HAVE MOHAWKS! =-.
HAPPY (BELATED) BIRTHDAY! I think you need to give us some more pictures of this dress- I want to see all the details!
.-= a stylized hysteria´s last blog ..Product Review: Plush fleece-lined tights =-.
niiiice.
i really wish i had time in life to really learn how to sew. i mean reeeeally learn. i spend way too much got dang money on clothes.
*note to self: nothing in gray wool.* got dang! lol.
ps… i’m cutting my hair. wowza. i know.
I had no idea fabric was that expensive :X but dayumm that looks awesome! You could start your own line methinketh o_o.. and good job on not show-cha-ing your chocha.
But seriously, crazy cool outfit.
.-= sui´s last blog ..monochrome =-.
i bow down before your snazz.
good job, yo!
and…um. at $50/yd…maybe you should just buy a new dress?
i’m lazy. i’ve been trying to take in the same f’ed up dress i bought like a year ago for like…2 years now. lol.
i love this. i think you accomplished what you set out to do and more!
.-= pennerad´s last blog ..FML =-.
Impressive dress! It’s so great that you’ve learned how to sew- really need to try and learn from my mom! I can’t believe wool is that expensive- eeek! Happy Belated Birthday!! xo, mel
.-= Wrecked Stellar´s last blog ..Cloudy with a Chance of Love =-.
i want those boots x
I feel you on the hips and ass messing up dresses!! I usually just buy a size or two up and then wear a belt. Your DIY turned out great!! (and no, I think $50/yd is expensive too. eeesh.)
If you want them, I have several sewing books that I can loan you! I’m on my spirituality/mythology kick right now, so I won’t need them for several months. Let me know & I’ll ship ‘em your way!!
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..How to Stop Worrying All the Damn Time =-.
I can’t wait to be able to cut you a check for whatever you need (fabric should not be an issue when one is so talented)because I see vintage/village New York Career-wear here and I am absolutely stoked as well. I cannot wait to see my very own sisters’ name etched in the tags of stuffed shirts everywhere. You are majorly awesome.
Bravo, my beautiful and talented sister.
I love the Belt in particular…it’s a perfect centerpiece.
love that belt!!! i was telling karelle of krelwear about you. the stitching bitching booze night is now monday nights.
come on down…..
xo chauss
ckparis.blogspot.com