Tag Archives: peter pan collar

That’s all there is; there isn’t anymore.

Madeline top

Madeline top

Madeline top

Madeline top

Madeline top

Did anyone else read the Madeline books growing up? I used to love the idea of going to a boarding school and wearing a cute little uniform with a cute little yellow hat and having sleepovers every night with all my friends. (Clearly I had a very clear and not at all superficial concept of what boarding school was like.) In fact, thinking back now, I think reading Madeline may have paved the way for my obsession with A Little Princess.

I saw this top on Modcloth and immediately knew that 1) I had to make it, and 2) I would feel like Madeline every time I wore it.

My first idea was to use the Laurel top pattern with a thicker knit and to add a zipper on the back. That was a terrible idea. Like, awful.

I ended up using a regular knit fabric and just tracing one of my t-shirts that fits well and that worked out much better. The collar was drafted based on Gertie’s tutorial, and I just made a tiny little bow using this tutorial.

I don’t think I’ve shared this skirt yet! I made it the same way as this skirt, which I have completely forgotten to post a tutorial for. Whoops.

Anyway, the moral of the story is that I’m pretty sure this top includes every single garment detail I’m in love with: navy, mustard, a bow, and a huge contrasting Peter Pan collar.

J’y vais par avion

Par avion knockoff

Par avion knockoff

Par avion knockoff

Par avion knockoff

Par avion knockoff

Par avion knockoff
dress: self-made // top: Ross // tights: Hue // boots: Clarks // earrings: thrifted

I think I’ve figured out what’s so fun about replicating designs. When you’re designing something original, you can do whatever you want with whatever you have. You get to make all of the choices. When it’s something else that someone else has created, you almost have to be more creative because the resources you have might not be the same as theirs. You have to take what you can find and somehow maneuver it or tweak it to look like something someone else created. I guess this is more valid with fantasy costumes than everyday dresses, but it still gives me a rush when I finish a project and it looks more or less like the original.

I saw this dress on Delightfully Tacky a few weeks ago and it jumped right up to the top of my to-do list. The original is (wait for it, it’s totally shocking!) by Dear Creatures. (No seriously, I’m slightly embarrassed and considering renaming my blog The Dear Creatures Fan Club.) I used Burda 7309 for the bodice and collar, but extended the front piece sideways by a few inches and cut two of them (well, technically four including the lining) in order to create the double-breastedness. Since the Burda collar only has front pieces, I also had to draft a back piece that goes around the neck and connects the two front ones. That took a bit of trial and error. I have no idea what the technical term is for the way I pleated the skirt but I’m going to call it a double box pleat because that’s essentially what I did. There’s also an extra snap button right under the left collar holding that side of the bodice up.

Holy crap though, nine buttons and a zipper does not make this the most practical piece of clothing to get in and out of!

Now I want to make this blouse to wear under it!

More peter pan love.

Burda 7739

This was actually the first version of Burda 7739 that I made but I haven’t actually worn it yet. I really should. I think I’m just so infatuated by the turquoise version.

I decided to add a Peter Pan collar to this one because Peter Pan collars make me lusty, but there’s something off about it. I think I might need to make it smaller. Or something.

Burda 7739

As much as I was (and still am!!) super excited for it to snow, I was kind of sad when it started getting colder and I had to stop making summer dresses. But lately I’ve been super into making all kinds of winter dresses to wear with sweater tights and legwarmers and boots! In fact I’m taking a trip to the fabric store sometime this weekend to pick up some wool fabric for another dress. I can’t decide if I want another solid color or if I want to try a plaid.

Burda 7739

Hmm maybe both!

Stay warm, guys! <3

My fingers hurt where I’ve stabbed myself with pins

I finally got the chance to spend an entire day sewing today. I can’t even begin to explain how amazing it felt.

And yes, I have a new finished project to share but sadly I completely lost track of time and the sun’s gone down so I’ll have to wait until tomorrow to take photos.

In the meantime, I need an opinion!

Lace or no lace?

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Apologies for the terrible cell phone photo.

Andd now I’m going to go make the exact same dress in a different color because I love this pattern so much!

The girliest sorbetto

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Well, I think I’ve jumped on the Sorbetto bandwagon!

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This pattern is so simple (only two pieces!) but so customizable. I added a peter pan collar and buttons to mine, and some lace trim under the pleat. I also lowered the neckline by a few inches. It’s so girly and I love it.

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I’d probably wear this with jeans and a long cardigan but I also love how it looks with a simple skirt.

DSC_1140

PS Have I mentioned how much I love my Lottas? They’ve barely left my feet since I bought them and I’m trying reaaally hard to resist buying the red ones too!