These last few months have included a lot of fun travel. I'm getting worn out, but I'm also meeting so many fabulous people and having a wonderful time seeing new places.
All photos by Brandi Gard
This month has taken me to Nashville, Tennessee area for Inspired Retreat.
Naturally, I was bored with my current selection of clothes. I had to make something new. I had some fabric that I knew needed to be palazzo pants or culottes. It's a very breezy fabric I found at Michael Levine Loft in L.A.'s fabric district. I love visiting there, but I need to sew up more of my fabric stash before I visit again. I have too much fabric now!
I used a vintage patternsimplicity 8550 for the pants. The size I got measured for a 23" waist (who has a waist that small?!? NOT ME. but looking at the technical drawing and the flat pattern pieces, I did the math and it was a simple gathered pant with a straight waist. I could alter the waistband without having to change anything else. I did add an extra 2 inches in the length just in case. I'd rather they be too long than too short.
The fabric I chose is a glorified
broomstick fabric (you know broom stick skirts from the 90s?? Yes. Like that. I ironed the fabric before sewing with it, which may cause a problem down the line, but I like the feel of them better when the crinkles aren't SO dramatic.
In an ideal situation, I would have let the fabric rest before cutting into it. I didn't, which is why the patterns don't quite match up at the seams. It kind of drives me nuts, but I've actively decided not to care about it because at the end of the day I crossed a project off my list that I've been meaning to do for some time.
I decided to sew and complete these all on Saturday (the day before leaving for Tennessee). I'm thrilled that I finished them and they worked! I plan on making another pair, but with a few slight changes.
It was a real treat to have Brandi of Brandi Gard photography photograph this session. It's not often I get to take direction from a pro. Feeling so glamorous.
Outfit details:
- top: thrifted
- necklace: H&M
- bracelet: The Haute Pursuit
- pants: self-made
- shoes: TOMS
- sunglasses: c/o TomKat Studio
Next I plan to finish my Easter dress. And upholster a chair.