Circle Skirts

I’ve only dabbled in sewing clothing here and there, last October I actually tried my hand at making my costume. I was happy with the results but my pattern/sewing skills could definitely use some work.

If you’ve read our recent posts you will have noticed that Mind-Speaks had the honor of being apart of a craft fair known as Pop Shop. I took this upon myself to create a half apron for the occasion and also a circle skirt for Sunday, it was Star Wars Day so I of course had to make something to celebrate. However, I did it the night before and didn’t have enough fabric so I know I could have done better if I had more time. Circle skirts sit high on the waist, but with my Halloween costume I made it sit right on my hips. I believe this skirt took 2 yards to make, the other one was probably less than a yard. If you fold it just right you will be able to get the full skirt without any seams. I on the other keep making the same mistake and always get two halves. Hopefully the next time I attempt this pattern I will get it right. Not that the seams get in the way, it just means you would have an extra step of sewing the two halves together. For the Star Wars skirt, seeing as I didn’t have enough fabric, I had to use a different one for the front half.

TIP: Buy trim in bulk, it’s annoying to have to make your own, but sometimes you have to. Kudos to you if you already do. :3

I’m terrible at making patterns, so this part is always the worse for me. Along with cutting the pattern out so make sure your rotary tool is sharpened. This video helped me a lot when making my pattern. Circle skirts are really fun to wear, so I know you will have fun making/wearing one. That’s all I have for this entry. Until next time…

Thanks for reading and commenting.

This post was written by:

KIM VERA - (view all posts by Kim)
Kim works as a museum Copywriter and helps out with events from time to time. When she isn’t working or blogging, she is probably off taking a nap. Feel free to email her at kim@mind-speaks.com

Fold Clutch

Today I bring you….my Star Wars fold clutch.I’ve been wanting to make a clutch for a while now and after I found this tutorial I decided to make one. I’ve been wanting a clutch for those nights when all I need is some lip balm, my id, cell, and a few dollars.

 I need something small and compact that can carry a few things and not weigh me down. And this clutch suits those needs and I’m so happy with the finished product. Even though it came out a bit crooked, I had a little trouble, it still makes me happy.  Now I followed the tutorial as best I could, but I had difficulties when it came to the zipper. So I kind of winged it when it came to that part. The next time I make one, I won’t make the same mistakes. I need a new rotary blade. I so wish I had that electronic cutter. It would make things soooo much easier for me. Also for the next time, I will have to keep in mind the direction of the fabric. Since mine has a pattern I didn’t think that about that and so the Star Wars words are upside down on the fold.

The middle picture shows what is under the fold. This fabric is my favorite fabric. I also made a messenger bag out of it. The fabric I used is actually a bed sheet and I am starting to run out of it. >o< But since this fabric isn’t as sturdy as I wish it was I had to add a lining of interfacing in it. I love adding the tabs on the ends of my zipper it helps a lot when sewing it. That is what I love so much about new projects and tutorials. They teach me new techniques and I actually feel my skills are improving.So I’m really glad there are sewers and knitters who post tutorials. If not for them, I wouldn’t have such great hobbies. >.<

Stay tuned for Mija’s update next month.  :3

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This post was written by:

KIM VERA - (view all posts by Kim)
Kim works as a museum Copywriter and helps out with events from time to time. When she isn’t working or blogging, she is probably off taking a nap. Feel free to email her at kim@mind-speaks.com

Creep Show

This Halloween my roomies and I decided to host a Halloween party. And I was in charge of costumes this year.
Now I didn’t make full costumes. Mostly just accessories, we were on a budget this year. So I bought fabric for each of our costumes. This year my sisters and I dressed as the non- princesses in the fairy tale world.

Mija went as Alice. Now for her costume I learned how to make these adorable Anime style bows from here. I used this tutorial to make her head bow and also the bow in the back. Unfortunately I don’t have any pictures of the back of the apron but it turned out so to be awesome. I also made her Alice apron, and I stitched a little red heart in the right side corner. Her skirt was actually a strapless dress that I bought from Taxi Taxi and I converted it into a skirt with an elastic band. I felt like the skirt really pulled the costume together and I’m glad I was able to make it work. And look how adorable she looks in it.

I was Little Red Riding Hood. I made myself a cloak but only I didn’t even take any pictures with the hood up. >.< And I made myself a little skirt with a white apron attached to it. I also made the big teal bow, and the mini hair bows. I had a lot of fun making the costumes. Kat was Little Bo Peep. I only made her a purple apron and the purple bow for her shepherds staff. Jody did a terrific job on making the staff, it came out perfect. As for Jody’s costume, he bought most of the pieces. Since Mija was going as Alice we thought it would perfect if Jody went as the mad hatter. All I had to make was make a giant bow tie. I found the perfect fabric for a Mad Jody. And he bought the rest of his costume at Taxi Taxi and substituted a magician’s hat for his mad hatter hat.

I think every ones costume came out just amazing. And I had a lot fun learning new techniques. I hope I can top it next year. XD I hope everyone had  a safe and Happy Halloween. I know I did.

This post was written by:

KIM VERA - (view all posts by Kim)
Kim works as a museum Copywriter and helps out with events from time to time. When she isn’t working or blogging, she is probably off taking a nap. Feel free to email her at kim@mind-speaks.com