Project Idea: Chinese pajamas for children

Something like this, but sized for children (particularly my niece!): http://www.folkwear.com/145.html

Kwik Sew #3384 - Palazzo Pants

I think the Kwik Sew pattern #3384, "Misses Palazzo and Gaucho Pants Pattern", could make a good belly dance pant. Looks to be about $12.00 online.

DIY Dressforms

DIY dressforms: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3659/clone-yourself-a-fitting-assistant

Current Project

I am currently working on Simplicity 8588 circa 1969. This is what it looks like:

The muslin prototype construction is going very well! Straight from the pattern, it is a near-fit. There is a bit of excess in the bust and waist area, though I'm hoping when I get the casings and belt constructed, this will work itself out. If not, I'll have to do some altering. Also, the length is a bit long. It will be below the knees after hemming. When I make the real deal, I will probably shorten it by 5 or 6 inches.

I thought of some more ideas to use this basic dress pattern. Instead of a mock turtleneck collar, why not a simple rolled neckline? Also, instead of having a back zipper, why not make it a button front, like shirt dress style?

I like the way it hangs with the muslin. Originally, I was thinking of a thick wool-like fabric but now I am thinking something lighter might be nice.

Onward!

Glasses I like

Seen on the ToothpasteForDinner.com shirt model.

Inspiration

Soda Fountain Dress

Inspiration

Cute Little Heartbreaker Dress - Modcloth.com

I'd like to sew something inspired by this. I'd like to make it a bigger neckline: ballet neck style. I think I could sew lace strips on a mesh body. French seams to hide, since it is transparent. A beige lining sewn in, like in the Modcloth dress. I need to know how to do the neckline. I'd like to use stretchy material so that it is a slip on item.

http://www.laceheaven.com/default.aspx

What am I doing?

I am going to try to use this blog again. It will record things related to my personal interests. Nothing has really changed with the format, but I do have some new activities in my life.

• Dance - choreo ideas, performance recaps, video posts
• Make up - looks I put together, looks I like from other sites
• Textiles - projects I'd like to complete, projects I'm working on, inspiration from other places, things I'd like to learn, patterns I like, etc.
• Programming - Things I learn that I can use later
• Investments - Tips or lessons learned
• Fitness - goals, excersizes, etc
• Diet - vegan stuff, raw food research, recipes, etc.
• Whatever!

So it's totally mid-2010 now

But I did reach many of my 2009 resolutions!

• I volunteer twice a month tutoring GED students on math and reading.
• I give $60 in charity.
• I am now learning to sew.
• I maintained the belly dance lessons. For a while, I continued salsa and I learned bachata.
• I am reading 1-2 books a month.
• I broke my caffeine addiction. Now I only drink green tea and do not consume caffeine every day.
• I maintained my savings goals plus raised my 401k contribution to 8%.
• Currently I am successful at doing cardio 3 times per week, but that has not been a very successful resolution.
• I am not eating fruit for breakfast. I want to though. Currently exploring a raw diet.
• My entertainment activities have increased, as I've made many friends at dance.
• I did convince Brad to take a bachata class with me. It was fun.