On a Lark » design

Spring doesn’t mind wrinkles

Emily — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:48:52 +0000

Spring is officially upon us. It’s finally light both when I leave for work and long after I come home. The tiny sapling that we planted last November is starting to grow. I went outside the other day without a jacket and I didn’t immediately regret it. Even some flowers are popping up out of the ground. It seemed like the perfect time to break out some linen, because even wrinkly fabric looks better in the springtime.

The warmer weather was just the push I needed to complete my second Sew Liberated Schoolhouse Tunic. Last time, I went with a patterned quilting cotton for the fabric. Now that I know that I love the pattern, I picked a dark teal linen blend. The best part about this pattern is the time it takes to complete. An hour to cut the pieces, two or three for sewing.

I made the same pattern adjustments this time as last, and I added a few. First, I cuffed the sleeves. Then, in the front, I only used one large box pleat instead of two. I’m still really interested in added buttons to the top, but I was pretty committed to finishing in one evening, so the buttons will have to wait until next time. Also, I think I’ve decided to cut this pattern down one size next time. I ended up with about six free inches in the seam above the skirt. Thank goodness for darts.

I added two darts. Each is 12″ long, 3/4″ of an inch wide when folded. It ended up taking three inches out of the waist, just the right amount. So it’s hanging in my closet right now, waiting for the perfect spring/summer day. Even if that means I have to wait until July.

Spring Break trip = new clutch required

Emily — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:57:29 +0000

I’m heading down south for a job interview! And I’m also catching up with some college buddies that I haven’t seen for almost TWO YEARS!! If that doesn’t scream “new wallet” then I don’t know what does. I’ve been using this wallet for a while, but I finally got tired of my shady zipper installation and I decided to try a new pattern. I drafted one this morning the dividers and triangles I should have been using for chartwork practice.

I’m a big fan of a bright lining so I used the same pink fabric from this bag. And as always, Piper, the lion/golden retriever, helped out.

Piper doesn’t look too pleased with my design. Oh man, this is going to be a much needed trip. Wish me luck!

Operation Graduation Dress: Part 2

Emily — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:28:07 +0000

So now that my muslin is complete and (miraculously) fits, I’ve been doing some fabric shopping online. Luckily it’s been rainy up here because if it had been nice I would have wasted an entire afternoon indoors shopping for fabric online. Thanks to Powerpoint and Grab I made up a few “mock ups.” I’m pretty sure this is how they do it in the fashion world Anyhow, inspired by my buddy Shannon’s suggestion, I followed a trend I’ve been seeing around with two or three block colors. What do you think?

I’m leaning towards the first pick because it’s all lightweight cotton lawn or hemp, so it’ll be a little less formal. The other two are silk/cotton pique or a combination of the two.
In related news, my sewing machine is all packed up and ready to go home for spring break! I’ll be in Boston for a few days and in Philadelphia for a few days, but the rest of the week will be quality one-on-one time with my sewing machine. My iron will probably be involved. And I bet my golden retriever will get in there somewhere.