Thoroughly Modern Donna

This dress was actually Donna’s design. She drew it up and I devised a pattern for it. This is the very first piece I made after ten years without sewing, and had to create my own pattern for it! It might have been nicer with a contrasting color, but we had only this one fabric at that time. It’s a nice little cotton eyelet though.

The Bubble Dress

This is another of Donna’s designs. She was also the one who insisted I make the bow in the back so large! She’s going to outgrow it before the weather is appropriate for it, unfortunately, but it’ll make a great gift for one of her younger cousins!

Green A-Line

For this one I altered an American pattern. I found it extremely frustrating! I had to buy a size 22 (I buy a 12 off the rack) in order to fit it over my chest. I then had to take 3 inches out of each shoulder and another 3 inches out of the back (because apparently, if you are a size 22 you must have a round, fat back as well). And when all is said and done, it is still too small over the bust with the smallest seams possible!

 Asian Halter Top

My own pattern again. This was a particular challenge as I had to add gussets to my original design under the arms because the fabric is traditional hanbok fabric — which is only 22 in. wide. Maybe a size 0 could have fit the original… Anyway, I love the results — especially with the frog clasp at the neck that I had to hand-dye to match.

 Sleeveless Asian Top

This one was a marginal success. Love the trim, but I had a little trouble with the machine puckering the silk. Fortunately, I’ve got it figured out now (but not soon enough to save this one). It also should be worn by someone with a flatter chest, as it just doesn’t fall smoothly otherwise. Live and learn.

 Double-breasted teal coat

This was my next stab at using an American pattern. In this one, I was able to make the alterations fit (with what I’d learned with the last one, and by making the outside in a muslin throw-away first!). The purpose of this was to make a coat so that I would FINALLY be warm when the Siberian winds started howling down the Korean penninsula. Thus, the result is a little “poofier” than your normal A-line coat because the lining is double-sided fleece. (BIG note to self: single-sided is plenty warm enough).  Other than that, this is some of the best-quality sewing I’ve done.

Maybe I should mention that this is the warmest winter they’ve had in Korea since I arrived 13 years ago, so I’ve yet to have a day cold enough to wear this?!

That’s what I’ve got so far. I’m working on something now that is completely my own design and my own pattern and a real grown-up dress, and as soon as I get a chance to finish it, I will post it here. Stay tuned!

How about you? Have you sewn anything lately? Send me a pic at seoulfash at gmail.com (substitute @ for “at” — I don’t want a zillion tons of spam) and I’ll post it here!