Jean Skirt - Simplicity 7111 (1975)

I decided that I would do a pattern review of the jean skirt I wore in my last "What I'm Wearing" post. I didn't plan on making this jean skirt, it only came about as I had enough left over fabric from my jeans. With AmandaBeth's Maid Marian Wardrobe event coming up, I though I would copy one of Marian's skirts in the BBC TV show Robin Hood for the big event.

::The Inspiration::

 

::My skirt::

::The Pattern::

Pattern: Simplicity 7111 c. 1975

Pattern Description: Misses skirt .

Pattern Sizing: My pattern was a size 14. The pattern is suppose to rest on your waist, but as mine is a little too big mine rests on my hips. So you can go a little bigger on the pattern size.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. I had no problems what so ever.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern, super cute and stylish!

Fabric Used: A nice denim from Joann's. (It's the same as my Old Hollywood jeans.)

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Nope.

Would you sew it again? Yes!

Would you recommend it to others? Sure would, though I would warn that the skirt flaps open as it is a wrap skirt. I solved this problem by using a safety pin, I would eventually like to replace this with clasps, just like Marian's. 


Where you can buy this pattern: I found size Size 10 and Size 8 online for sale for those interested in buying the pattern.

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As a side note, this is Bramblewood Fashion's 100th post! How exciting is that! And we've only been blogging for 6 months.

"Peasant Disguise" - Maid Marian Inspired Dress

Inspired by Maid Marian's "peasant disguise" in Robin Hood BBC. I set off to recreate this dress for the Maid Mariain Fashion weekend, but was unable to finish in time.

::Inspiration:::

::My Version::

 

::Pattern::

Out-of-Print M9456

Pattern Description: MISSES’ DRESS IN TWO LENGTHS: Princess seamed dress has back ties on all views and patch pockets on view B.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 10 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Nope, as I made changes to the design.

Were the instructions easy to follow? So easy I didn't use them. :P

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The pattern is baggy and doesn't look right. But, with my design changes it looks fine.

Fabric Used: Calico from Jo-Anns.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: YES! I shortened the longest length, it was easier then lengthen the pattern. Changed the length of the sleeves, and added ruffles to the sleeves and neckline. I also added lacing to the side.

Would you sew it again? Have no need to.

Would you recommend it to others? Only if they wanted to copy Maid Marian's dress.

Old Hollywood Inspired Jeans

I struggle with finding jeans that fit and are not too tight, nor too loose. I had told myself several times that I should try sewing my own jeans, but got scared! :p Then a couple weeks ago, I decided that I wasn't going to be afraid anymore.

I knew that I wanted jeans that had a Old Hollywood feel to them. Like my inspiration below: 

Ginger Rogers Hollywood Pattern

Off to Jo-Ann's I went looking for the perfect pattern, or at least one I could adapt. And lo, and behold, I found the perfect one! With no adaption, Simplicity 3686 would work like a charm for my brand new jeans, which would have that Old Hollywood feel.

                               Pattern Description: Misses pants with slim & wide leg.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 10 (used it as is)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow? When I was doing the mock-up I ran into trouble! I COULD NOT sew the pant legs correctly! It took five tries and a week before I got it right! But, once I was working with the jean it went together like a dream!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern, super cute and stylish! It has that 1930s/1940s Old Hollywood feel to it!

Fabric Used: A nice denim from Joann's.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Nope. Next time I would shorten the length just a tad, as the legs are a little long. :-)

Would you sew it again? Yes!

Would you recommend it to others? Sure, they are so cute!

 

 

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::Sneak Peak::

Here's a sneak peak to my Maid Marian inspired dress!

Can you guess which one I copied? :-)

~Ashley

Modern Maid Marian - Take Three

I'm sad to announce that today is the last day for Maid Marian's Wardrobe: A Fashion Event. :-(  How very sad. Amanda, I'll be eagerly awaiting your next event! Hint, hint. ;)

I did plan to show you three outfits that I had  put together, but sadly, I ran out of time. I'll just have to show them to you'll some other time. :-)

- What I'm Wearing -

Wrap Around Jean Skirt - made by me for the event 

Cream Turtleneck - St. Johns Bay JCPenny

Brown Moleskin Vest - Same as before

Crimson Scarf - from Portobello Road, London

Burgundy Cloak - Made by me

Borrowing my brother's sword - Vision Forum 

Black Boots - Bass

Today's outfit was inspired by Maid Marian's Nightwatchman outfit.

 

 

Modern Maid Marian - Take Two

I'm having so much fun putting together modern Maid Marian outfits for this week-end! I'm one who likes to dress with a theme. Like I had the Anne of Green Gables phase and Little House phase. :P Well anyway, back to today's outfit.

 What I'm Wearing:

Brown Moleskin Vest - Made by me (Same as yesterday)

White Blouse - IZOD

Orange Scarf - Target

Brown Plaid Skirt - Worthington JCPenny

Black Boots - Bass (Same as yesterday)

See you all tomorrow for the final day!

P.S. I'm sorry about the bad lighting in the pictures.

Modern Maid Marian - Take One

Today I put together a Modern Maid Marian outfit for me to wear. I combined Marian's love of Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood, with her life in the castle which is more feminine.

What I'm Wearing:

 Cream Ruffle Tank-top - Gap

White long-sleeve T-shirt - Gap

Moleskin Vest - Made by me for this event

Green Pendent Necklace - 1928 Jewelry Kohls

Jeans - St. Johns Bay JCPenny

Black Boots with buckles - Bass

  I believe the ruffles and necklace show Marian's feminine side. While the vest and boots remind us of her more rustic, Sherwood Forest side.

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Simplicity 2556 - Maid Marian Vest

For my vest seen above, I used view A, the middle and right picture on the cover. Except for my version, I didn't add the lining. Shh! Don't tell anyone. Instead, I used the serger to finish the insides, so it won't fray.

I used brown moleskin for the vest, which works great! This is the same fabric I used for my Nightwatchman mask.

How to Make Maid Marian's Nightwatchman Mask

Here is a step-by-step on how to recreate Maid Marian's nightwatchman mask for yourself.

1. Study the picture of Marian’s mask to get a feel on the shape and fit. Draw the mask on paper in any size. This is to get more of feel on how the curves are and work.

2. Measure your head from the front of your ear to the front of your other ear, horizontally.

3. Next measure from the middle of your forehead to just above the tip of your nose.

4. Take these measurements and draw the mask again, on regular paper, using your measurements for how long and wide the mask will have to be to fit you.

5. Cut out the pattern. Pin to what ever kind of fabric you want the mask made out of. Cut.

6. Finish the edges of the mask using either a serger or a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.

7. Cut out two lengths of ribbon that will be long enough to tie in the back of you head. Attach ribbon at corners of the mask.

8. Try the mask on to find out where your eye holes will be. Cut out the holes, once you removed mask from face. Finish the eye-hole edges with a zigzag stitch, and you are finished!

I hope this helpful! If it is not helpful, let me know and I’ll try to help you out.

 

Medieval Maid Marian - "Nightwatchman" inspired outfit

Today I'm going to start with my medieval outfit, as my modern Marian outfits are still being sewn. :D

I sewed this outfit back in August just for fun, after gazing at all of the Robin Hood BBC pictures on Amanda's blog. I had fallen in love with Marian's outfits, with a list of what I wanted to copy a mile long! =) I knew I need to make at least one of them. So I went with a Nightwatchman inspired look.

::Inspiration::

This picture was inspiration for my mask and cloak.

While this red dress of Marian's was my inspiration for my red dress - just minus the beading and sleeves (which I love).

 

::My Version::

 

::Patterns I used::

I used McCall's 4491, view C for my dress.

I'll do a separate post on how you can make Maid Marian's mask for yourself sometime latter today. As it is quite easy and simple.