I'm In Way Over My Head (199/365)

An October 2006 mommy friend of mine, and fabulous self taught sewer, Faith, brought to my attention that there is going to be a sew along on Flicker this month if I wanted to get in on it and try my hand at sewing. I've been wanting an excuse to learn for a long time, but you all know I need another crafty hobby like I need another hole in my head, so I've been putting it off until now. The project is a pattern called Ice Cream Dress by Oliver + S and I knew that once I saw the pattern I had to get in on the sew along.

Now I've used my (ahem, Mom's) machine many times before, but in reality I've just winged it and made things up as I went along. Now I'm getting into technique, and terminology, and I'm afraid I may need to break out the big guns - a sewing book that once belonged to Mom (kind of like MY machine, eh?). The internet will also most definitely be my friend as I learn about sewing darts and easing sleeve caps, etc, etc, etc, so hopefully I'll come out of this with SOMETHING resembling a dress when all is said and done. I have a feeling that these will be things that once I learn how to do them, the next pattern I tackle will be that much easier and take much less time than I'm expecting this first project to take.

When I have some light tomorrow I'll take a pic of the fabric I found at Wal-Mart last night. I was seriously about to give up looking because they had nothing that wasn't novelty prints or prints that screamed old country lady (no offense to any old country ladies that may be reading this). Having looked at everything, I thought, I did one last pass when I found a stunning paisley print and others from the same collection that were right up my alley. It's not what I had envisioned in my head, but if it turns out it will still be spectacular. I bought plenty of extra for in case I mess up or if I decide to make a different dress (or splurge for the smaller size pattern packet for this dress) that will match for Izzy.

I'm hoping to get everything cut tomorrow so I can be caught up with the schedule, and then, if I have time, attempt this skirt that actually seems more at my skill level that Faith suggested I try before jumping feet first into the dress project. Hopefully tomorrow is rainy and the girls will cooperate with me. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it!