Sewing

I received my vintage 1970’s lingerie pattern in the mail finally last Friday. Last night I got a chance to test out the pattern, and make a few tweeks. It’s a little pointy, but that’s how it’s supposed to be, and I kind of like it like that.

I now have a complete three piece set – the panties, camisole, and bra. I find this one, which has no stretch to it, a little tight on me. I’m going to make one in a jersey tonight, if I have time.

I did this as a bit of a test, so I used old bra fastenings and straps that I cut off an old bra (I have a lot of old bra’s just laying around). I kind of like the idea of recycling old hardware.

This week is going painfully slow. I’m getting more and more anxious to get up and go. The more I think about it, the more I realize I’m not getting any further ahead in my life by staying here. While I’m afraid of being out of work and struggling or being a burden on Dan or my family, I feel like it I’d basically be in the same position as I am now; I rely on them for quite a bit because my expenses in the city are so high. So… In order to make myself feel better, I’m going to play a game: “See how little you can spend!”

I know it sounds pretty boring… and down right awful, but if I’m going to be out of work, I want to have a bit of a nest egg set aside. So, on the menu for the next few weeks is dollar store pasta, microwave cake, and canned fruit. Mmm mmm… Let’s see how I do!

So, I’ve cut my cable, cut my going out expenses, stopped buying lunch, am going to sew my spring and summer wardrobe out of clearance only fabric (!), and will dollar store grocery shop. I feel like I’m back in college. But… my frugality will be worth it (I hope).

I spent the night sewing last night, and was able to try out that pattern I drafted earlier this week. I admit, it’s a little tight through the bottom, but that’s why we make prototypes!

The soft bralette is an adaptation of a vintage camisole pattern. I’ve always wanted one of those soft, delicate bras that tiny-chested girls get to wear. So, I’ve made this one with lots of elastic, thicker straps, and more room in the cup. It’s actually pretty comfy.

My sewing machine’s zig-zag stitch is acting up again… Sigh…

Today is Friday, the night before my last weekend with Dan. It’s a snowstorm outside, as you can see out the window in this picture, there is nothing but white. Somehow it feels fitting of my mood.

I was up most of the night last night worrying about money. I wish I had more time to sew some more and get some of these things up on Etsy… I wish the process was faster.

When I did manage to get some sleep last night I dreamed that my fish grew legs, and were crawling out of the tank, then attacking my dog. It was awful, and I felt a certain amount of unnecessary disdain towards my fish this morning. I have a hard time separating my dreams from reality sometimes.

Oliver is extra whiny this morning. I wish I could stay home with him today. I’m half considering calling in a snow day.

That probably wouldn’t go over so well.

This project seemed to be doomed from the start…

About a year ago I found this vintage lingerie pattern. I opened it up today, thinking it would be an easy sew, however the pieces were all cut up and missing. I basically had to wing the lower half, but it worked out really well.

Anyway, I managed to re-draft the lower half as well as the lace inserts. I realized while doing it, I had completely forgotten how to draft a crotch seam. It worked out pretty well in the end, a little snug, but I think I can adjust the snaps…

The second and most major mishap occurred while I was pressing the back seam; My iron decided to spit rusty water all over the back. Luckily, little vinegar and water got it out eventually, and the whole thing turned out pretty darn cute.

Sometimes it seems like things are just destined to not work out… but you plough through it, and somehow, in the end, you wind up with a really cute vintage bodysuit.

I’m excited to wear this to bed tonight! I put it on this afternoon and felt like some kind of retro starlette. I’m excited about sleeping, not so excited about getting up and going to work tomorrow. Not so excited that I only have two more weeks with Dan here, before he has to go back to work. I really want to move, but getting all of the pieces in place seems to be more difficult than I had hoped. I miss home, my little sunshine city.