sewing up a storm

i've been working in my studio (a fancy word for my slope-floored and poorly lit sewing room) everyday after work. i've been working through some old commercial patterns and trying out new ones. i have to admit, i can't remember the last time i've sewn this much for myself. i sew almost every day at my job and for the last few years, i could only commit to quick sleeveless tops or super-easy, unlined pencil skirts that i could whip up in a couple of hours and still be in bed by 11 pm. i haven't gone so far as to add sleeves to anything i've made recently (it is, after all, still summer for at least another month), but i've been working steadily though a good chunk of my fabric. to keep a log of the things i've done, i'm planning on posting about each pattern and project soon.

as much as i love the satisfaction (and compliments) i get from wearing something to work that i made the night before, i'm beginning to think that it's time i work on some more challenging projects. i'd like to make a grey wool winter coat (and perhaps a copy of the toggle coat below), some well-fitting tailored button-down shirts (maybe one in a soft chambray for the autumn), a pair of jeans that really fits, some wool pencil skirts with anthropologie-inspired details and actual linings. it's time to step my sewing up a notch and work on quality pieces to build my ideal wardrobe.

wants

all from here. and all well, well out of my price range.

more shoes

i'm intrigued by the design of worishofer shoes. some say they look "orthopedic" but apparently maggie gyllenhaal likes them. i'd also like to try these on in person.

pin-hole photography

michael weasley takes long-term pin-hole camera photographs. in the top photo, he set up four different cameras to photograph the re-construction of the museum of modern art building...for three years! fascinating!

out and about

it's been about a month since i've posted, but i've been starring lots of things in my google reader. here's a few of the things that caught my eye:

i like these toms wedges but i'm intimidated by the heels. i'd like to try them on in person and see how comfortable they really are.

this fomato card just about sums up every trip to target i have ever taken.