On a roll

So proud and happy to be volunteering for a grassroots campaign to get out the vote for Barack Obama! Democracy cannot be bought by billionaires.
I'm happy to say my Democrat dress was a big hit! Pictures were taken and - most importantly - it started conversations with the folks whose doors I was knocking on. I'm gearing up for another round today!

Kicking Ass!

It's no secret that I'm a diehard Democrat. In fact, when a college prof accused me of being a bleeding heart liberal, my response was, 'you say that like it's a bad thing!' My mom and I are headed to Nevada next week to do some ass-kicking, or literally to remind other registered Democrats to get out and vote! And I plan on wearing this lovely item to show 'em I mean business!

Another Simplicity

So I'm cheating a bit here, I actually finished this a little while ago but never blogged it.

The fabric was thrifted for about $2 or $3, not kidding! I love my favorite thrift store, which I will refuse to name 'cuz it's getting too damn crowded already. Just know that it is a magical place where you always leave with exactly what you need, whether you realize it or not! Anyway, the fabric is a fun grey seersucker.
I piped the collar, added interfacing behind the invisible zip since the fabric is lightweight, and cut it a bit looser around the waist than the last two so it would feel more casual.

Also, I matched stripes like a fiend!

Real Live Bloggers

Such a treat last night, not only to see Sarai Mitnick of Colette Patterns, but to meet some awesome local blogstresses! Above are the charming Laura of Lilacs and Lace on the left, and the lovely Amy of Sew Well on the right. That's me in the middle, feeling a bit like the stepchild at a family reunion. These folks are so talented, and all seem to know each other! I have to say, though, that everyone was so friendly and encouraging that I felt right at home in no time. I really enjoyed meeting Lea in her Rooibos, and Daiyami in her beautiful Chantilly also! Much like knitting get-togethers, before too long we were all admiring garments, inquiring about fiber content and construction, and leaving full of inspiration, resolution, and with an undoubtedly lighter wallet.

Here's Sarai, in her own Lily dress pattern, and me in my Simplicity 2588. She graciously signed my book and listened to me ramble. I managed to score one of the coveted Anise coat patterns before they sold out, as well as the Violet top I'd had my eye on.
I was happy to find the last Juniper pattern for Erin (Miss Crayola Creepy) while we were waiting in line, I can't wait to see what she does with them!

Simplicity 2588, the second!

I swear, I love piping so darn much! I'll be buried in a piped coffin if it's up to me. Anyway, here's the next incarnation of my favorite dress pattern.
And how does it feel to successfully install my first invisible zipper?

Oh yeah! Like I'm a rock star!!
I've been avoiding these things for SO DARN LONG, but they are so super easy that now I'm embarrassed I waited so long! There are so many easy tutorials online, I encourage you to give it a shot.

Somewhere on my camera is a photo of how the pattern on the back perfectly matches up on either side of the zipper, I'll have to dig it up because I'm just so proud I could pop.

Simplicity 2588, the first

Words cannot express how much I adore this dress. I had to make myself take it off to hem it, because I was wearing it like this:

Please ignore my messy sewing studio! I love seeing photos of those pristine work spaces in magazine spreads, where every tool is daintily hung on its own hook and thread is arranged by Pantone shading, but in MY studio the sh#t is everywhere because it's getting USED, people!
One more shot of this dress, actually on, with my dog photo-bombing in the background: