Self Portrait(s)

Challenge no. 28 was to learn to sew, design my own outfit, make it, and take a self portrait in it. The last step proved to be the most challenging as I prefer to be the one behind the scenes. If someone pulls out a camera, I tend to hit the ground as if it were a loaded gun.

So, with that in mind, here they are (I made the shorts and the shirt). Many thanks to my stylist and photographer, one Kaleigh McBride, who has finally proven herself to be relatively useful:

Homemade

My outfit is done! I finished the shirt last night (with some expected imperfections) and am making plans for a self-portrait shoot very soon. Here's a sneak peak at the final pieces (for challenge no. 28):

 I plan on styling it with this belt.

 A homemade shirt. Clearly.

Short Challenge

My shorts are complete (thanks once again to Sara at The Sewing Studio and her patient instruction). All I have to do is sew the bottom seam and neckline of my shirt, which will complete my outfit, take an artsy picture of myself and call challenge no. 28 a day.

 Shorts!

 Pocket!

Zipper!

Sew Close

I've started making the shirt that will go with my shorts for challenge no. 28 (learn to sew, design an outfit, make it, do a self portrait in it). This endeavor was much more simple and sane than the bottom half of the outfit, mostly because I could just cut out two pieces and sew them together. In fact, I'm nearly done.

Once again I enlisted the help of Sara from The Sewing Studio in NYC. I told her what I had in mind, and she helped me create/cut out my very own pattern and then get to work. I learned how to finish sleeves and measure a bust and create the neckline I wanted. This is definitely something I'm confident I could do again and again. A priceless skill to have. I just feel sorry for my future children who will be forced to wear the same shirt for the first 18 years of their lives.

Here is a little sneak peek:

Style Inspiration

Structured shorts. A casual, draped top. Below are some of my inspiration photos for the outfit that I will be putting together as soon as I figure out exactly how (challenge no. 28). I already have my fabric:

Now it's just a matter of sewing it, and more importantly, sewing it correctly.

Fashion Sketches

I never sketched out my idea for my DIY outfit (challenge no. 28), primarily because I can't draw. But I do have the vision in my head and my fabrics have been purchased, which I'd argue is half the battle.

But speaking of fashion sketches, here are some beautiful ones I came across recently:

And just to prove that I have no sketching talent whatsoever, here are two of my own:

 

No one would ever buy this outfit.

 At least the hair is better in this one, but there is the problem of the chicken bone hand.

And Sew it Begins

Last Friday evening my very generous Uncle Richard took me fabric shopping at Mood for my sewing challenge (learn to sew, design your own outfit, make it, and take a self portrait in it).

Mood Fabrics is always a bit overwhelming. Combine that with my tendency to be crippled by indecision and there was a chance I would walk out empty handed. But alas, I found two fabrics that inspired me:

The striped fabric, which has a nice tooth to it, is going to become a pair of tailored shorts. The minty teal fabric, which is light and airy, has a future as a beautifully draped top.

I can see the outfit very clearly in my mind, but making it a reality is going to take a few practice runs and probably a lot of yelling at the sewing machine.

Or maybe I'll just linger outside the Fashion Institute on 27th with some cookies and a wad of cash.