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MADE | Ox Blood A-Line Skirt

November 24, 2015 By Chie

I’ve seen A-line mini skirts with front buttons popping up all over the place. So, I added it to my to-sew list for the fall. When I saw this ox blood color corduroy at Nippori Tomato, I snatched it. Also bought the same color lining at the sale section in Tomato.

Below is my inspiration board for the skirt. I wanted it high or just waist, A-line, about 10cm above the knees and with the line of buttons in the center front. I also wanted it in some kine of winter fabric, like velvet, suede, leather or corduroy.

Source 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

I cut the fabric based on the patterns I made for the Alice in wonderland skirt (blogged here). I like how this pattern has the side pockets. Since the patterns are for I-line skirt with back vent, I changed up the skirt shape, omitted the vent and shorten the hem. The skirt closure is placed in center back with an invisible zipper and the front buttons are faux. I added a stripe of fabric in the front and added six metal buttons I bought online at Nakamura (ナカムラ), my favorite place to source sewing knickknacks.

The lining was added in a bagged way so that the hem seam is invisible. This finish makes the clothes a bit more expensive!

Now it’s time to wear! Today I wore his with cropped sweater I DIYed last year from an old thrifted cardigan. I’m planning of wearing this skirt with white turtleneck, chambray shirt or polkadot shirt this fall.

コーデュロイのスカート、作りました。
生地は日暮里トマト、ボタンは楽天ショップのナカムラで。

ハイウエスト気味で作ったので、クロップセーターでもいける！
この冬ヘビロテできそうなスカートに仕上がりました。

P.S. Shopbop is having a big sale! Hope over here to take advantage of the biggest sale of the year. I’m eyeing this as a gift to myself…The sale will begin at 7am EASTERN TIME Tuesday November 24th and will end at 11:59pm PACIFIC TIME on November 30th. Find me elsewhere:

MADE | BurdaStyle Parka 09/2012 #129

November 9, 2015 By Chie

My new parka is ready for just in time for the coming cold! I’ve been wanting to make a parka since I realized I did not have a single item in Khaki color in my closet. I was deciding between this military jacket and BurdaStyle 09/2012 #129, but finally decided to go for the version with a hood.

Guess what, how much it cost to make this parka? 700 yen! That’s about 5 USD in today’s conversion. I bought 4 meters of khaki fabric, 2 meters of knit for lining, and 1 meter for sleeve lining all at Nippori Tomato. I had interface and buttons already. The material was cheap, but it took me about 10 hours to finish. BurdaStyle is notorious for confusing sewing instructions and this parka was no exception, unfortunately. Many of the instructions didn’t make sense. So, I had to use my gut instinct. I do not recommend this pattern for a sewing beginner. It has details like bellows pocket, fly front and button holes.
Here is some pattern review.
Size: I cut the smallest size, size 36.
Modifications: I read on BurdaStyle member project that she slimmed the sleeves a bit so I did the same. I took in about 10cm all around arm. I am glad I did this since even after the modification, the parka has plenty of room for laying.
What I love: The pockets. They are great. They fit a wallet, water bottle, iPhone, snacks… so many things. If I don’t feel like carrying my purse, I can just go out with this Parka.
What I would change: I found the elbow patch kind of unnecessary. If I were to do it, I might do it in leather or some other fabric with different texture.

I also hated the back vent. It’s slightly curved and it looks weird. The back hem itself has a slanted design, which I am not a huge fan of. I would modify it to have the straight hem.

I have something to say about the hood too. It is way too big to be functional. It covers your entire face so you can’t see what’s in front of you! I would definitely make it smaller next time.
Some fun variation ideas: Add some fur around the edge of the hood for some winter proof variation? Or use some kind of fluffy fabric for lining (except for sleeves). It might also be nice to add some breast pockets for additional details. Finally, replace the buttons with zipper.

Next up… I’m making a blue lace dress to wear to my friend’s wedding!

秋から冬への変わり目のシーズン用に、パーカを作りました。
型紙は、BurdaStyleのこちら。
PDFでダウンロード出来ます。が！５０枚近くプリントし、貼り付けるのは結構な作業。

コート系は何度か作ったことがあったので（去年はこれを作りました）、なんとか仕上げましたが、本当に型紙の指示書がいけてないです。
わからなすぎ。。。
指示書は当てにしないことをお勧めします笑
Find me elsewhere:

Bellows Pocket Tutorial

November 7, 2015 By Chie

The last time I made a chambray Archer button up, I modified the original pockets to bellows pockets with flaps. This was my first attempt to make bellows pockets and was surprised how easy they were. You just need to be precise with the measurements and pressing, and the rest come together nicely. I like bellows pockets for the functionality (my iPhone fits in my pocket easily!) and sporty vibe. I took some photos while sewing and here is a quick tutorial on how to make them.
First you need to modify the pattern. Start with pocket pattern without any seam allowances on the sides and bottom. You can keep the top seam allowances as they are (usually folded over twice) but make sure to clip as pictured above to avoid bulk. For sides and bottom, first add for “gusset” width. I added 3cm all around. Then add 1cm seam allowances, so you will be adding 4cm around on sides and bottom.

Fold the top twice, press well and stitch. Here is the tricky part. Fold the bottom corner diagonally, meeting the pressed line you made in step 3. It’s similar to making a mitered corner. Before you pin the pocket to the shirt, I would transfer the line for pocket placement with a tailor’s chalk so you will know exactly where to place the pocket.