Friends, my stash is out of control. I have an entire closet dedicated to my sewing, and yet, everything still ends up on the floor and draped over random pieces of furniture in the apartment. I find that I can't part with many pieces - I have a specific idea for almost every piece in my stash. The only problem is that I cannot seem to find enough time to make everything! This is a common issue among us sewists, I think. So, in an effort to effectively use my time and to whittle down my stash, I am joining the lovely Sally (of Quirky Peach fame) in her fabulous Summer Stashbust 2014 adventure!
I decided that this challenge would be a great way to get over my fear of serging once and for all. While I have a lovely, brand new serger (Brother 1034-D), I had developed a fear towards it. I think it was the idea of threading it. I used one way back in the day when I worked in a costume shop, but I also new how to fix copiers when I was the print girl at an office supply store, and I don't remember much of that skill either.
Enter the lovely Lisette, who, while living with me for a month, sat down with the serger and let me peer over her shoulder while she threaded it. Sure enough, I was able to re-thread it yesterday when the thread snapped unexpectedly. I felt like a champ :)
I decided a great project for practicing my serging skills would be the Jamie Christina Mission Maxi dress. I've made two versions of this pattern before, one for my sister, Kitty, and I wanted another for myself.
I had some fantastic knit from Girl Charlee left in my stash from my Rose Hip Tights:
and I thought this fabric would be perfect for a Tropical Tiki Maxi:
I'm not going to lie, friends: this took me less than two hours to cut and make with the serger. AMAZING. I am now planning two more maxi dresses, though it's unlikely that they will have both flowers and volcanoes on them.
My face looks a bit unsure, but do not be fooled - I am crazy about the fit of this dress! I am calling this a stashbusting success :)
Friends, are you participating in Sally's stashbust? Check it out and sign up here!
XOXO,
Meg