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| my Lotus duster |
A refashioned ivory flannel sheet and cotton pillow case with curtain lace embellishments.
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| the ensemble complete |
Twas very cozy. Now the cotton pillow case top was refashioned during early days at Project Minima. Then was re-refashioned not too long ago with crocheted curtain lace for sleeves and pockets. Archived in the Clothes From Somewhere or Other...
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| just the pjs |
What is recent is a pair of bloomers made from a flannel sheet testing out the Phoebe pants from a Tina Givens pattern. I really like them and they're a snap to make. They have no side seams, off side seam pockets, pleated bottoms with binding, and I used a drawstring rather than elastic at the top.
But the real pièce de résistance is my Lotus duster done Alabama Chanin-like from yet another Tina Givens pattern that I've already made 4 times. It looks dramatically different in each of the fabrics I've used for it. And, I haven't posted any of them yet!!!!
The Process: The old flannel sheet of ours didn't look so good, being pilled all over, but it wasn't worn thin or ripped or anything like that. After spending some days contemplating what I could do about it, I finally landed on the Alabama Chanin ruffle embellishment I had used on my fingerless gloves and bucket hats. The big difference being she's using cotton jersey that doesn't ravel and I'm using flannel that does, big time. Whatever. Anyway, I spent days cutting, no, ripping 1/2 inch strips of flannel. I had a lot available with king size sheets. After cutting the pattern pieces out, I marked out straight lines every 2 inches with a washable pencil. Then zig-zag stitched down the center of each strip, bunching it up every now and then as I went, to give it a ruffle effect whilst sewing it onto the cut pattern pieces of fabric. No pins were used. I placed the strips every 1/2 inch or so apart. All eyeballing it between the 2 inch markings. Now, this whole process took forever. In fact, I could only do a small amount at a time because my hand and fingers would start aching due to the constant repetitive teeny motions. I didn't even know if it would look any good when it was done.
However, seeing it on the mannequin reminded me of butter-cream frosting. yum. I think that's what kept me going.
If you'd like to actually see what the Lotus duster looks like up close and in focus, check out my Clothes for Winter page. I don't know what's with my self-photos. They look worse and worse, and it's not just because they're of me!
Meanwhile, I'll be over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style with the all the Visibles. Do join us.
Meanwhile, I'll be over at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style with the all the Visibles. Do join us.
Brilliant - I love a drawstring for any waistline, much prefer it to elastic. You look funky and fab, and thanks for sharing with Vis Monday, xox.
ReplyDeleteI usually avoid them, but went for it this time cuz I was out of elastic. Now, however, I luv the drawstring's adaptability. I put it so it ties on the inside so the tie doesn't show. But I like how you can wear the pants high or low.
DeleteThanks for hosting the Visibles, Patti.
I'm the other way - I'd much rather have elastic! I hate the way ties dig in without any give and the bow just makes lumps in my outer layers. Each to her own, I say.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lot of sewing there, pao! Very fabulous.
Well, I'm not know for wearing anything tight, Louisa. But surprisingly I found the drawstring actually more comfortable than my usual elastic because of it's flexibility. I used a silky, thin cord and had it on the inside to tie.
DeleteI love the feel of flannel sheets, which is why it's so hard to get out of bed in the morning in the winter. You are so damn creative with all your dresses and bloomers!!
ReplyDeleteWe actually don't use flannel sheets anymore since we moved the bedroom to another room that's not so cold. So I do have quite the selection for future flannel couture. You know, like big plaid and moose with snowflakes.
DeleteOHHH. You made the Phoebe bloomers! I've been giving them the eyeball lately but was afraid I'd look like a throw pillow. But you are so gorgeous in these that I may have to reconsider.You really are the best. Tina Givens ought to throw you a bone.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I had made her free download Plinka bloomers and they turned out enormous. So for the Phoebe pattern, I went with the smallest size that would fit around my hips and that turned out perfect. It seems flannel stretches out a bit too upon wearing. How are your Givens' going?
DeleteI still haven't found the perfect fabric for my Tina's. the search continues.
DeleteDid you know she also designs fabric? You can get it online. Some eccentric looking prints in cotton.
DeleteSuch amazing texture...they said as they eyeballed their sheets!
ReplyDeleteYour grainy photos are all part of your edgy look. Don't worry.
It looks like the lighting might be your problem. Can you do a self timer on a tripod in a sunnier location? (To contradict the previous statement!)
Always rush to open your posts for the inspiration inside :-) xo Jazzy Jack
I did try that in the previous couple posts (not the outdoor one) and I thought they still seemed fuzzy. But I guess they were maybe a bit better. I'll try again...
DeleteOh I am soooo happy you provide those detail shots. I couldn't click over fast enough to see all that ruffle-y goodness!!
ReplyDeleteJJ
www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
Thank goodness for the shots of just clothes. You certainly can't see much of what's going on in the pix of me wearing 'em.
DeleteYou have such style, Pao. The only thing better than sleeping in a bedroom is wearing it. What a piece of art you've made with that Lotus duster. I was just going through those Tina Givens patterns. You've convinced me that sewing is like cooking, you can have the same recipe/pattern and ingredients/fabric and still come out with completely unique pieces. These are definitely YOURS. Brilliant.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear that when I'm sitting here pouting because the piece I've been working on all week is not working out at all!!!!!! I've taken it apart and put it back together so many times, taking a pinch in here and a bit more there, etc., etc., and it still hangs funny. argh! I still don't know what's wrong, nor how to fix it. grrrrrr....
DeleteAnother brilliant creation!!
ReplyDeleteIt was self defense from the cold, Hollie.
DeleteReally excellent, as always. There isn't anything as cozy as flannel sheets for winter, but getting to actually swath yourself in them has to top that. Yes, the fabric and styling does remind me of butter cream frosting!
ReplyDeleteI'm SO with you on my outfit photos. I'm having trouble getting any made!
It's not so hard to get out of bed in the morning, but it is difficult to want to get dressed in anything else. mmmmm.
DeleteAnd I am soooo behind in picture taking.
Yes, yes, I love buttercream frosting!! You really should be working as a costume designer. Well, that is if you wanted to. You certainly could create fantastic allure! You already do!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of making milk chocolate corduroy bloomers with swirly bits to go with the buttercream lotus duster. yeah.
DeleteAs always, I'm enthralled with your creativity and your exquisite writing! Oh to be swathed in flannel sheets in a winter as brutal as this!
ReplyDeleteExquisite writing, come on. I'll take the creativity, but what I'm saying is just what I'm saying/ doing. Yeah, it was flannel-wear or a trip to the South Seas.
DeleteI'm just recently learning to sew, partly because I volunteer at a thrift store where I'm tempted by old linens---the store recycles any with stains on them, so I can get them cheap but am not sure what to do with them. You give me ideas---thanks!
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog and am speechless! The wardrobe of my dreams! You are FAB!!!
ReplyDelete