Tim Gunn has taken over my being.

Simplicity 3084

 I feel like my own Tim Gunn giving myself an outrageous challenge. Why do I do this to myself when I could easily just be sewing things that say "Simple to Sew" or "Sew Easy" on the pattern. Instead I pick patterns completely out of my ability and...and...I hear Timm Gunn in my head, " Are you sure you will have time to finish this? Seems like the darts are all wrong? blah, blah"

But I can't help myself. This sewing obsession has taken over. I look at pattern after pattern and just want to create them. So with that said, next on the agenda is this precious two piece number from 1959, the year I was born. I really, really think I may have bitten off more than I can chew with this but I will never learn the art of sewing if I just pick easy patterns.

I actually chose the fabric for this dress first and then I went looking on e-bay for the outfit I wanted to make. As you will see, I have chosen another brown and turquoise combination. I guess that is the color palette that I keep returning to. This is the fabric I have chosen to make the dress out of.

And then I am going to contrast it by making the jacket, dress flaps and belt with this fabric. (While looking here at the pattern I may have changed my mind about the belt and flaps). I am thinking that if I belt it with an alternative fabric it may just cut me in half. It is such a streamlined look. I would hate to ruin it. What do you think? (light bulb) Maybe I will just make two belts and see how it looks.

I am not one that knows much about fabric, but I do know this is a fabric that frays and after reading about Peters disaster with a similar type fabric I am biting my nails and really fretting and so I plan on over-casting all the edges before I sew AND putting some of this no-fray stuff on the edges. That is my plan anyway, we'll see what happens when I actually cut this out and start sewing.

Can I tell you I am scared, really scared of this one. The coat is lined and there is interfacing everywhere. Never done either of these before. I think I need to get some books out of the library and really study dressmaking before I tackle this.

I have already cut a muslin out of an old sheet and the top darts are a problem. Ick!! I need to get out of the 1950's with all of the darts. Either that or go see a plastic surgeon for some added omph!

The other thing I am working on is a Carmen Miranda inspired outfit. A friend of mine has dared me to make one and I took him up on it. Since Carmen was in her 30's and early 40's when she was famous and I am in my 50's, I don't think it is quite appropriate for me to bare as much skin as she did.

I am thinking more on this line with a the top covering more skin.

I have had tons of help from my friends over at SewRetro in searching for a pattern. I am still working on it though.

As for the hat. I am not going to wear a silly hat with fruit on it. My idea is to wear a more subdued but outlandish hat. I may just purchase a hat first and make the outfit around it.

Well that's what's on the agenda for the next few weeks. It is going to be a busy one in many ways and I don't know how much sewing I will accomplish. But all in its perfect time.