Category Archives: sewing

Flounce bounce

January 22, 2013 Peneloping

I love flouncy skirts. The more spinnable, the better.

belt: yoinked from a Modcloth dress // tights: Hue (I think) // top: blogged here // headband: Modcloth

A few weeks ago my sister and I drove down to my favorite fabric store and sort of went crazy. We ended up leaving with several fabrics with which to make random skirts, because skirts and tights are the best thing ever. And because Seester wanted to learn how to make skirts.

Now, I should explain that I am a terrible teacher. I get frustrated easily and I have trouble remembering what it was like when I was still mastering a skill. So instead of picking an easy skirt pattern (of which there are literally millions), I decided we were going to make a skirt out of Simplicity 1873. Because it’s flouncy and delightful.

Anyway, the moral of the story is I’m pretty sure she still hasn’t finished hers. And I’m a terrible sister.

A Kelly craze

January 20, 2013 Peneloping

I’ve been seeing all kinds of Kelly skirts all over Pinterest for ages. On Friday I went to the fabric store for some thread and somehow left with the Kelly skirt pattern. Whoops.

Then I dug through my fabric at home and found some fabric that seemed perfect for it and cranked out this one!

I used a some sort of twill that I had lying around, and stole the buttons off of a dress my sister gave me that I’ve been altering. Since there’s only one button on the waistband, I added a snap button right below the top button to keep that area flush. I also shortened it by about 6″ because I look terrible in longer skirts.

The waistband is a tiny bit too big but otherwise I love how it turned out!

Then the other day I was at the other fabric store getting some buttons and somehow ended up leaving with a gorgeous salmon-y coral pink linen blend, with which I made a second Kelly skirt. Whoops.

Apparently this one needs a snap button too.

This fabric is lighter and more flowy than the first one, and I shortened the waistband a little so it fits perfectly. The only problem is that now I’m totally ready for spring.

Anddd I may have bought some mustard colored sateen for a third one. Any ideas on what color/kind of buttons to use for that one?

14 Comments sewing kelly - megan nielsen - sewing - skirt

A Kelly craze

January 20, 2013 peneloping

I’ve been seeing all kinds of Kelly skirts all over Pinterest for ages. On Friday I went to the fabric store for some thread and somehow left with the Kelly skirt pattern. Whoops.

Then I dug through my fabric at home and found some fabric that seemed perfect for it and cranked out this one!

The waistband is a tiny bit too big but otherwise I love how it turned out!

Then the other day I was at the other fabric store getting some buttons and somehow ended up leaving with a gorgeous salmon-y coral pink linen blend, with which I made a second Kelly skirt. Whoops.

Apparently this one needs a snap button too.

This fabric is lighter and more flowy than the first one, and I shortened the waistband a little so it fits perfectly. The only problem is that now I’m totally ready for spring.

Anddd I may have bought some mustard colored sateen for a third one. Any ideas on what color/kind of buttons to use for that one?

15 Comments sewing kelly - megan nielsen - sewing - skirt

A special friend

December 28, 2012 peneloping

Today I want you to meet a very special friend of mine.

Teddy bear

This was my first sewing project ever. I was about six years old and I asked my mom for a needle, some thread, and some scrap fabric, and this is what I came up with.

I’m going to be honest, I’m kind of impressed with the amount of detail six year old me put into this. She’s even got tiny bits of fabric glued on for her paws! And her dress just makes me weep in cuteness. I’m not quite sure why her head is square though.

She doesn’t have a name, but she’s my specialest teddy bear.

Have you come across any ancient creations from your childhood?

4 Comments sewing childhood - first sewing project - teddy bear