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Oops A Daisy

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 daisies, featured, outfit, sewing, style, summer

Ok, one last Tampa post before you are inundated with all things Italy and Florence.

This dress was my second dress making success (you can see my first one here). I followed the same pattern, but got a little crazy and added a bell sleeve, which turned out to be a great idea. I also substituted the half pleated, half gathered skirt the pattern called for with a full box-pleat skirt. It doesn't even look like the same dress. It is amazing what you can do with one great pattern.

Like my other dress, I also created this fabric via Spoonflower. I was inspired by this Dolce and Gabbana shift that I LOVE but, obviously, could never afford. It also pairs perfectly with Kate Spade's adorable "Oops a Daisy" clutch and white daisy sunnies.

This dress definitely came to Italy with me and you will be seeing it a lot! I am sad that I won't be able to keep up with my sewing over the summer, but I am sure there will be plenty to keep me busy and lots of European designers to inspire me. I plan on visiting the designer fabric store while in Florence.

Have a great Monday, and I will have a complete update on Florence tomorrow!

Flower Power

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, outfit, retro, sewing, style

This dress holds a special place in my heart because it was my first ever successful sewing project! I am so excited to finally share it. If you've been following along with my adventures in sewing, I started with box-pleat skirts (seen here and here) before moving on to dresses with this easy Butterick pattern. I like this pattern because it is easy to sew, the directions are clear and simple, and it is very adaptable (but more on that soon).

I created this colorful and retro floral print (inspired by Kate Spade's spring florals) through Spoonflower (read more about how to create your own patterns here). This floral pattern combined with the dress's classic fit-and-flare shape was giving me serious retro vibes. So, I decided to embrace the look and complete it with cat-eye sunnies, silk scarf, bouffant, and scooter.

From this pattern I have also made a black and white daisy bell-sleeve dress and blue and white daisy print separates... I guess I am really into daisies for summer!

Speaking of summer, I departed for my summer abroad over the weekend and I am currently enjoying a quick stay in Paris before heading on to Florence. Find me on Snapchat (HinHH) if you want to follow my summer adventures!


... So, what do you think of my first dress (be kind lol)?

DIY Box-Pleat Skirt

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, outfit, sewing, Spoonflower, Spring

The first thing I learned to sew was a simple box-pleated skirt. And thank goodness I did, because while I am loving the challenge of learning to sew, it is exactly that, a challenge. So I picked something easy to start with, but also something that I would want to wear.

My first attempt at this skirt failed miserably, it was about three sizes too small (stupid math). My second attempt was wearable (seen here), but I definitely made some mistakes. This, my third attempt, was my most successful and I am really happy with the results!

The best part about a box-pleated skirt is that you don't need a pattern, just a couple Youtube videos and some math skills (I like this one). I made my pleats four inches wide with 1.5 inch under pleat. I started with a rectangular piece of fabric that was 60 by 20 inches. Here is where the math comes in, you have to figure out how big you want your pleats and how many you need. I did a bit of trial and error, but there are plenty of Youtube videos that will give you an equation if you want something more concrete. Once I pinned my pleats, I sewed them in place, made a waistband, and rolled hemmed to my desired length. The hardest part is mastering the invisible zipper, but again there are lots of great Youtube videos out there to reference.

It is such an amazing feeling to create something that you actually want to wear. I have always wanted to learn to sew and I am so thankful for my patient mentor Kelly who has been there for me through every mistake and panicked phone call. The biggest lesson I have taken away from the process is to allow myself to make mistakes. I don't have to be perfect, because my mistakes are almost always fixable. Don't be afraid to rip out a seem and try again. I guess this applies to life as well. Who knew sewing was so deep lol.

I love fashion, but learning to sew has made me realize just how much goes into making clothing. While I am certainly not going to start sewing all of my clothing, I definitely want to have an understanding of what it takes to make clothing, so I can appreciate the art and the skill. In doing so, I have come to realize just how exploitive fast-fashion has to be. Our desire for and dependence on cheap and disposable clothing isn't ethical or sustainable (Emily's blog post on this topic is really enlightening). I am certainly guilty of over-consuming and being a part of the problem. Hopefully learning to sew is one small step in the right direction.

Have a great weekend... I will be packing...

Outfit: Coming up Roses

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, floral, Kate Spade, outfit, sewing, Spoonflower, stripes, style

Zara jacket (similar here and here) // top // skirt (sewn, inspiration piece here, fabric available here) // bag // Celine sunnies (similar) //  heels (very comfy!)

I am so excited to share this outfit because it features my very first sewing success - this rose print box-pleated skirt! I basically fell head over heels for all of Kate Spade's most recent release, but I especially loved the abstract rose print. So I decided to make something similar! Once I digitally painted the roses, I created a repeating pattern and uploaded it to Spoonflower. They printed my custom fabric and when it arrived, I immediately got to work.

After watching tons of Youtube tutorials on pleating and skirt pattern making, I settled on a simple, large box pleat design. This skirt was surprisingly easy to make, and despite my first try coming out way to small (measuring is hard), my second skirt was close to perfection! I think I am officially addicted. With the ability to design your own fabric and my new found sewing skills, the sky is the limit! Next I will be tackling a cropped, short-sleeve top and matching full skirt.

The good news is that Spoonflower allows you to publish and sell your fabric designs. So if you're interested, you can purchase this fabric here!

So what do you guys think? I have to admit, I am pretty proud of myself!

IKEA Sewing Table

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 Apartment therapy, DIY, featured, lifestyle, sewing

table // casters // sewing machine (at Amazon here)

As you might have guessed from my most recent snaps (HinHH on Snapchat, warning there are also a lot of cat snaps), I am finally learning how to sew!

I am so excited. I have always wished I knew how to sew. I actually started learning with a friend just before I left Florence, and my friend Kelly in Tampa has agreed to continue my lessons. I am also supplementing these more formal lessons with a lot of DIY YouTube tutorials. Seriously, you can learn so much with just YouTube.

Now you might be wondering how I have time for this, you know with my dissertation, Etsy store, teaching/grading, and blogging (I am tired just typing all of that). I don't have much free time, but I am trying to replace my mindless TV watching with sewing (and TV watching lol). I think it will be a better outlet for me and exercise the other half of my brain (sewing is actually a lot of engineering and math lol).

I was so lucky and scored this amazing Singer Sewing machine, at Home Goods of all places, for just $129! The hardest part of learning to sew was finding the space I needed to do so in my tiny apartment. Once again, IKEA to the rescue. I saw this folding table and knew it was perfect. All I had to do was assemble. I added some casters to the feet to make it even more small-apartment friendly. It takes up virtually no space when folded down and fits perfectly under my TV in the bedroom. But when I need to work, it folds out into a massive table, which is perfect for placing and cutting out patterns. It even has pretty good storage for its size. So far, I am able to fit all of my sewing accoutrements in the six small draws.

So what do you think of my new sewing table? If you are learning or know how to sewing and looking for a really practical table (or craft table in general) I highly recommend this one!

I will be sharing more on my first successful sewing creation soon (hint: you can see it in these pics)!