Me Made May 2013

So, remember when I was going to be sewing two garments a month and updating my blog?  Hah.  That's funny.  So, I've made a new things since I made my new years resolution, but not anything close to two a month for myself.  Despite my failure at following my resolution thus far, I am going to embark on Me Made May.



 I, Sara of Little Red Lily, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '13. I endeavour to wear two handmade items a week for the duration of May 2013.  I will also make or refashion one additional item per week. 





But, as you may have noticed, it's now the second of May.  And because the universe loves me, it's raining, and I don't really plan on leaving my house until Roller Derby practice tonight.  I guess that means some me made derby shorts are on deck this evening. I'm also too late to "officially" sign up.  But that won't stop me!  While summer hasn't come on as quickly as i would have hoped here, I still want to be prepared with some self stitched outfits that make me happy. I'm going to try to stay on top of posting at least once a week to update you on my me made outfits, but i'll also be instagramming them. My username is littleredlily if you would like to follow me!

12 Projects of Christmas

Guys, I really love Christmas.  I always have.  I love the sparkly lights, the yummy smells (pine! cinnamon!), the food, the family time....everything!  Since Halloween ended, I've been waiting (im)patiently for it to be time to put up the Christmas decorations.  Don't worry, I still have fall stuff up for now, but as soon as Thanksgiving is over, I'll be switching it out.  I have a lot of decorations I've gathered through the last 5 years or so, but I always want to add something new.  As a bonus, this year i'm decorating a new space.  I've been wandering the aisles of some of my favorite stores, gathering ideas.  And, in an effort to blog more (and make sure I actually finish these projects) I am making myself accountable to you fine people.

My goal is to complete all of these and share them with you in plenty of time for us both to enjoy them for the holiday. Here is the lineup! 

1. Holiday Pillows

2. Advent Calendar

3. Glittery candles

4. Hurricane Snowstorms

5. Mini Trees

6. Tree skirt

7. Tree topper

8. Ornaments

9. Stocking Stuffers

10. Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

11. Creative packaging

12. Christmas cocktails

After each post goes live, the list will become links, so you can find everything in one place! I'll also be linking up some ideas from other blogs and websites. One of my biggest goals here is to craft from my stash, so i'm hoping to spend minimal money on these projects.

Look for project number 1 coming soon!

Mad Men Dress: Challenge Accepted.

If you cruise the sewing blogs, as I tend to, there's no way you could have missed JuliaBobbin's recent post.  A fellow lover of vintage style, she's challenged sewists across the internet to whip up a dress inspired by the ladies of Mad Men.

I love a good challenge, and I've always had an affinity for period costumes.  The era portrayed by Mad Men is no exception.  The classic lines of this time period have come back into modern fashion in a big way (pencil skirts aren't just for pin ups anymore), making this a piece one could easily integrate into their regular wardrobe.  I've been trying to incorporate some vintage stylings into my everyday aesthetic, and  a dress that looks classy instead of costumey would be a great addition to my closet.

I sew best under a deadline, and Julia's provided one for me!  I have until March 30th.  But I'm in no rush, and i'm enjoying the inspiration part of the design process.

Should I go for a sexy, curve hugging Joan dress?  It is Christina Hendricks after all, and you all know how i feel about her.

Or what about an often demure and always polished Betty dress?  I do love a good floral print. 

She always looks so angry.

I imagine most of these would be pretty easy to style if you have a decent collection of vintage patterns at your disposal. I don't, so whatever I make will be cobbled together out of what patterns I have, and what i know about drafting.  I love a good experiment, don't you?

If you want to check out my ongoing seach for mad men inspiration, check out my Mad Men Pinterest board.

What Mad Man's character makes your heart flutter?  Is there a great inspiration dress I must see?  Am I not giving Peggy's style enough credit?  What Mad Men dress would you make?


Sara