So I have this problem of never actually wearing the things I make. I get so excited about a project, and once it's finished I'll wear it once or twice, before it sinks into the depths of my closet and never sees the light of day again. I think a lot of this phenomenon can be attributed to the fact that I'm a perfectionist. I can almost always find flaws in the things that I make, and once I've noticed something that's not perfect, it's hard for me to get past it. Ironically, though, I shrug off these flaws in the store-bought garments that I wear all the time. It's definitely a double standard. 

Anyway, it's something I'd like to work on; actually wearing the things I've made, rather than relying on my store-bought clothes the majority of the time. I made this top last summer, out of a vintage scarf and a scrap of lace (both bought at an antique mall for a total of about $3). I didn't use a pattern; I'm finding more and more that this kind of spur-of-the-moment type of project really works for me. This top is extremely comfortable, flowy, and easy to wear, and it is probably gets the most use out of all my handmade stuff. 

I wore it for a six-hour work shift, where I got compliments from 2 coworkers, as well as a customer who asked if she could find the top in the store (I work at an American Eagle). Needless to say, I was pretty flattered someone thought it looked store-quality. After work this top graced coffee and a movie (The Avengers! Finally!) with the boyfriend. I was really comfortable all day, which is saying something, since sometimes the cutest clothes start to feel gross after a while. 

I need a goal of some kind: maybe to wear something I've made in two outfits per week. Hmm. That seems fairly manageable: it would also encourage me to sew up some new stuff, so I would have things to wear. Oh, and by the way, I've made one more scarf top just like this. It's so simple to do, maybe I'll have to whip a new one up this summer. 

My friend Ruth, the recipient of the 2nd scarf top. 

I wanted to sew 5 garments this month, since summer classes start in June. And.... that goal was totally not met. I envisioned camping out in my house all of May and being a complete sewing hobo, when in reality I've been working far more than I planned, and spending a lot of time with friends. But I'm not complaining: despite not making as many things as I wanted to, I've still done quite a bit.  I've finished 1 top and I'm almost done with another, I'm one color away from finishing the world's ugliest crocheted blanket, and now I have an altered pair of shorts.

They're vintage Levi's, and they're the definition of mom pants. I've had them for a long time; I probably got them at a Salvation Army, since that's my go-to thrift store, but I really don't remember. I'm not sure what prompted me to buy them, but I'm glad I re-discovered them a few days ago. Anyway, since these bad boys could only be improved, I thought I'd use up some of my huge (and ever-expanding) lace collection and add a back pocket detail. I got the idea from this Chictopia page. The only thing I did differently from their explanation was to turn the edges of the lace under for a cleaner finish, since lace tends to ravel. Honestly, though, this was such a simple alteration that it doesn't really need a how-to to figure out.

Regardless of how awkward my butt looks in them, these shorts will definitely be getting a lot more use now. I'm a sucker for anything girly. Also, if the lace looks familiar, it's because I used it on this project too:

One of my goals for the month of May is to sew 5 garments. This may seem like a lot, but since this is my only month of summer where I won't be in classes, it's pretty much now or never. Not to say that I won't sew once summer school starts: but between two classes and a job, I'll have to prioritize. My lofty sewing goal is where this shirt came in.

I have another project (it's a Vogue pattern) already halfway constructed. But what I really wanted to do was make the top you see here: the idea for it hit me randomly and I realized it was worth pushing other projects aside for. I think, after the end of a stressful school year filled with lots of sewing for grades, this was just the kind of thing I needed to work on. It was simple: I didn't use a pattern, just cut out various rectangles which I didn't really measure. I didn't try too hard, and I didn't stress if small details didn't pan out quite right. 

It definitely has flaws, but I'm still thrilled with it. It's made from a scrap of metallic cotton knit I have had for a few years, and have never had a use for; the small amount I had was perfect for this, and I used all of it up. The lace  yoke is from some yardage my mom found at a garage sale, also a few years ago. And then there's some lace trim that my great grandma gave me (I have several bags full of vintage lace trim, and so few projects that actually look good with that type of thing). Since I already had all the materials, this top was free to make- the best kind of project! 

Construction note: All French seams, so the inside is very neat. Finished with a rolled hem on the bottom (which was hell with the slinky knit, and honestly didn't turn out too well). The neckline and sleeves are finished with lace bias binding; I'm happy with how that part turned out. I added side panels, almost as an after-thought, because the top didn't have enough ease. I'm really glad I did-- it would have been far too tight otherwise.

One garment down, and it was a simple, satisfying one. Now that I've gotten this bit of compulsiveness out of my system, I think I'll finish the other project that I had started.