Sunday, November 4, 2012

Black Tie DIY Part 1 & New Sewing Room

Weeks ago, my husband told me we'd be going to a black-tie event the first weekend of November in SF.  At the time, I thought, "Eh, I can whip up a dress AND get everything unpacked."  I underestimated how much stuff we have, or more precisely, overestimated my organizational capabilities.  So I put everything on hold and set to work.  I knew I wanted to make a long gown in a fabric that I already had (to speed up the process) with some kind of interesting detail.  I decided on a one-shoulder top and pondered my options:

L to R: Plain w/ Gathered Shoulder, Ruffled, Gathered Ruffle

I did ultimately make a decision (will be posted later this week), but I'm curious on what you think.  Which option (or perhaps none of the above) would you choose for a black tie event?

And a peek into where all the pondering and sewing happens:

I have most of my fabrics folded up neatly and organized - 3 more boxes (eek) to go!

My sewing station: Janome Serger and Singer Heavy Duty 4423

I decided to merge our office and sewing area together.  In Ohio, my sewing area was the dinette in our kitchen which made set-up and take-down a pain in the butt.  I'm much happier with this new arrangement!

30 comments:

  1. A sewing room! How exciting. That's something I want in my future house and when I eventually buy a sewing machine. lol

    I vote for the gathered ruffles!

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  2. Jealous of your sewing room! The first version is more "me", but I think #3 is a beautiful option. Can't wait to see what you chose!

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  3. I like the first for a classier look, but the second one is really nice too. It would be cool if you did another removable thing (like with the peplum skirt). Your new sewing room is neat! I like the use of the Expedit (if those are the ones you used). Excited to see what other creations you think of in this new room. : )

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  4. I like the third, but that's just my taste. :)

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  5. I like the 1st one since I feel I could look overwhelmed by others. I'm looking forward to seeing your decision.

    Your sewing room is super cool. You have a lot of fabrics!! Totally professional sewer room!

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  6. I'd choose the first one! I love it.

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  7. What a fabulous sewing room! Look at all that fabric, waiting to be played with. Option 1 is simple and elegant, option 2 is more dramatic. It's a tough choice but whichever one you picked, I know it came out great.

    Side note - Elle, Khatu and I were shopping in NYC and came across a red dress similar to your LBD with sculpted cap sleeves. It didn't fit that great, but now I have it stuck on my mind. Please let me know if that design ever makes it to your store offerings!

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  8. Interesting patterns! love the 3rd option!! your sewing room is so neat and nice and bright.

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  9. I like the plain one, but the gathered ruffle is my favourite. I look forward to seeing which one you choose :-)

    www.petitestyleonline.com

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  10. i like the plain one! but they are all pretty. :]

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  11. Your sewing room is gorgous and I'm so jealous (in a good way!) How exciting that you have your own space!!
    I am in awe that you whipped up such a gorgeous gown! If you wanted to go the simple but sophisticated route, the first option would be gorgeous with some shiny statement jewelry or pearls (in my humble opinion). The gathered ruffle gives an interesting detail around the neckline that I think would look gorgeous too. :) Oh can't wait to see what you decide but you're going to look amazing no matter what you choose! :) xoxo, Phoebe

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  12. I can't believe it but all three options look great. I think the first one is the most classic and potentially the most fun to accessorize but the second look is quite dramatic and dressy. It depends on when and where you're wearing it but you can't really go wrong with any of them!

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  13. I like option 3. Definitely much more romantic and stylish

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  14. Your sewing room is so much more organized than mine! I like options 1 and 2. I bet you can make all 3 options work though. =) I can't wait to see what you sew up next!

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  15. YOU ARE SO TALENTED!! I'm love that you can just whip up a dress for a black tie event. I'm partial to the first and the third options! Can't wait to see which one you selected! And your sewing room looks great! xoxo

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  16. The gathered ruffle has the drama that I think is essential for a black tie event, plus it is a subtle nod to the late 80s/early 90s fashion :)

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  17. i LOVE THIS! for me it is a toss up between 1 and 3. i love the clean elegant lines of the first but depending how the poofs are in the 3rd, that would be totally gorgeous too! i know you'll look amazing no matter what!!

    xox

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  18. I LOOOOOOOVE your sewing room! And I LOOOOOOVE that you can DIY a black tie event. I love the 1st one b/c you can play with your accessories. But I also like the 2nd one for the special neckline. Simple necklace needed. Can't wait to see what you decided. Go girl!

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  19. #2! The one-shoulder + ruffles look so much like the Lanvin x H&M dress from a few years ago. I think we both drooled after it.

    I love so many aspects of your sewing room -- so organized, pretty fabrics, pretty boxes for storage, and the list goes on. Can't wait to see what other DIY creations you've got up your sleeve now that you have more elbow room!

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  20. oh wow, your new sewing room looks amazing!!! and i really love the ruffled detail of this dress! :D

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
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  21. So jealous of your office/sewing room! I have to bust out my sewing machine on the dining table, so when I leave it out, my son messes around with it, but then I can never finish a project in one night, so I'm constantly having to move all my sewing stuff up and down the stairs. Pretty annoying :(

    As for the dress, I love the option without the ruffles. I think it looks more sleek and formal, but I'm sure it would look awesome regardless of which option you end up going with.

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  22. Great sewing room!!!! So very organized :)

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  23. I am very jealous of your office, ours is a mess!! it's more of a storage room. I love how you organize your fabric too. Love the dress I love all the options!

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  24. how wonderful! i hope to someday have an arts & crafts room too!

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  25. what sewing machines would you recommend? are the ones you have beginner friendly?
    thanks!

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    1. I use and love the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 - it's a basic, reliable machine (and beginner-friendly) for a good price. I bought it through Amazon for $130 shipped:
      http://www.amazon.com/SINGER-4423-Heavy-Sewing-Machine/dp/B003VWXZQ0/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1346497934&sr=1-1&keywords=singer+heavy+duty

      Hope this helps!

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  26. Hi lady! I just found your site. Can you help with a tutorial for these top options?

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    1. Hi Nicole! Apologies for the delayed reply! I used Simplicity 2692 for the top and then added a peplum (http://sewpetitegal.blogspot.com/2012/06/pencil-skirt-w-removable-peplum-diy.html). Hope that helps!

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