Abstract Polka Dot Maxi Skirt with Hat

:) Today's photo theme for the Me-Made-May '13 is hat, and since I have pattern Vogue V8844 in the stash for months now, it's the perfect time and excuse to make it! :)

I suppose this is a refashion project, coz the main fabric used for the hat was what's left from the pants that I cut up firstly to up-size my linen blend jacket, while the contrast fabric was leftover from one of my sad skirt projects. (P/s: I made View A)

And, here worn for the first time my yoga waistband maxi skirt (a Simplicity pattern that I can't recall right now but will link later) done up in a bold print ITY knit called Urban Moon that I got from Marci Tilton's booth during the March 2013 Sew Expo in Puyallup. (They don't have it on their website in this color anymore, but there's one with black background with grays, taupes and teals which is quite lovely too). Mine is burnt orange with black, chocolate browns, beige, emerald green I think. :)

What do you think? Isn't it quite bold of me?

Really nice weather today. It was nice to walk a bit by the waterfront and then grab some shrimp and fries with the Bean. :)

Have a great weekend y'all! And happy sewing!

Far

Surprise Birthday Pressie!

My very first beginner serger to join my very first beginner sewing machine! 

Brand: Brother (via Amazon)
Model: 1034D (Homelock)
3-4 thread lay in tension serger with lower looped threader

I admit I've hinted to the hubby that I wanted one a while back, but truly didn't expect to get it just yet what with the recent emergency trip back to Malaysia and so on. He managed to keep it under wraps, I didn't even guess it!

It's still in it's box, I haven't opened it yet since I got it yesterday, hehehe... Am prolonging the celebration you see... :) Yay!

Fabric Giveaway Deets!

As mentioned in previous post, I'm hosting a giveaway to celebrate my birthday :D

I'm mentally preparing for the 2013 Style the Stash Sew-a-long, which meant I have been canoodling with some of my stash, while fantasizing what I can make out of them. Fellow sewists, sewer, etc etc will understand this, won't you? 

Anyways, technically I don't really have that big a stash (haha), although my husband and the Bean might disagree, seeing that I've kinda taken over most of the limited closet spaces available in our apartment and stuff em with things sewing related. A sizable portion of my stash are quilt related (excuses, excuses), so I will maintain that I have a huge gap in my apparel fabric stash department. Okay amount for tops, not so bad for jacket making/practice, but almost next to none of bottomweight fabric. I think I do have the odd yards here and there from the thrift store that are bottomweights, but I don't think each cut will be enough to make a whole pants? Well, we'll see...

From one of my containers is this piece of maroon Indian silk saree (that's what it's called).

Info on the fabric:

I am not sure what kind of silk it is since it was purchased 5 or 6 years ago back in Malaysia, but most probably a type of blend and is really pretty. What I initially thought as embroidered, is actually weaved gold colored threads. So I would think it's best to just handwash it with baby shampoo and air dry. I do not recommend machine washing it, but if you must, use the delicate cycle. Absolutely do not put it in the dryer, methinks.

As customary with silk sarees, they usually come in a set of 6 yards, so my guess is that this is that much also. I didn't measure it when I took the photos this morning... :) I bought it not to be used as saree, but to make a Malay traditional dress (which typically only need 4m) for my cousin's wedding (her theme for us female family members was red saree Malay dress, but I moved to the US before the event... and she changed the theme by then ;)). 

I have another almost identical piece but in green, so I'm giving this one away (de-stashing) to any sewers/sewists in the blogoland who wants it. 

- Yes, you'd have to love sewing to enter this "giveaway". Coz you'd need to sew this up yourself... Hehehe... 

- Having a blog counts as 2 entry. Just so that I can follow you, and see what you make out of it. A bag? A skirt? A dress? A saree? A top? Quilt? The possibility is endless...

- This giveaway is open to both US-based and international reader. As long as the postman can reach you, then you are eligible ;)

Please leave a comment informing me that you'd like a chance to grab the silk saree, and include info for me to contact you (email add or blog) in the comment.

The giveaway will remain open until Sunday, May 19th before midnight PDT (Pacific Daylight Time). I will have the Bean pick the "winner" if there are more than one person vying for the chance to get the fabric, and announce it on my next MMM Monday recap.

I think that covers it. :)