Sometimes, we sew for everyone else, and never find time to sew for ourselves. Does that sound familiar to you? I know I’ve been overbooked with swaps, charity items, orders, etc, my daily life of being a mom and spouse. I has definitely been insane over here. I finally got caught up on all orders and commitments so it was long past time to do some Selfish Sewing. I quickly pulled and ordered fabrics, printed, assembled, and cut patterns, and prewashed all my fabric. I chose to jump right in with the Washi Dress from Made by Rae.

I can’t say enough about how easy and quick this pattern was to assemble, cut, and get started with. Seriously. It’s only a few pieces and the dress goes together super quick (which is an added perk since I still have little time to actually sew)! In the short course of three days, I created the dress, using Indelible, and two tunic length Washi dresses/tops with Tula Pink-The Birds and the Bees, and Art Gallery Urban Mod. This is hands-down, my new favorite pattern. I want Washi everything.

I will admit though, I had to modify the pattern a bit. I required a full bust adjustment and Rae has a ton of resources on her website on how to accomplish this, and also, my machine fought me tooth and nail about shirring… So I omitted that and did an elastic casing in the back instead. It worked out fine and I love it!

I also made the Flirting the Issue skirt from Anna Maria Horner’s website. This skirt was seriously such a breeze to make! I had some Field Study Rayon Challis here that was begging to be cut into, so I ordered a Navy Rayon Challis and prewashed those fabrics. I immediately got to cutting and sewing and had this skirt done in three short hours. PS- I LOVE IT! It’s so swishy and soft and like a layer of clouds. [insert lovey face here] I want to make more of these but Rayon Challis is a bit more pricey, so I’ll wait til I find some on sale..

Finally, to round out my Selfish Sewing, I created this Senna Tote [Pattern from Willow + Co] using yarn dyed Essex linen in black, and Joel Dewberry Birch Farm. I LOVE the colors of this line, more than I can possibly admit, and it really is so gorgeous. I am sort of kicking myself for not getting the antlers… Seriously.

This tote is a nice size, about 17″ tall and 17″ wide at the top, and was relatively easy to sew up. However, two things, the straps are too short, for me anyway. I would have added about 4-6″ to each if I had known in advance. Secondly, the exterior pockets are unlined, and that bothers me. So if I were to make it again, I would definitely cut a lining piece (the same size as the exterior pocket piece) and sew it on (right sides together with the exterior piece), flip it over, press and topstitch. Easy! I’m not sure why this step wasn’t included and I really feel it makes or breaks a bag pattern for me. So all in all, loved the pattern, but those two changes will be made next time.

So there ya go! There’s some Selfish Sewing I’ve done! I want to hear about what you’re creating! Leave a comment!