An Introduction and A Bag

Hello! My name is Gabrielle Renée and I am the younger sister of Ashley Nicole. I am going to be her co-author of this blog and hope to bring you inspiration to dress modestly and femininely. I share my sister’s love for modest, feminine, fashionable clothes; however my style will often differ from hers so you will not see too much of the same… ;) At 15 years of age and a home-schooled junior in high-school, my interests are vast. They include: piano, guitar, modest and feminine dress, history, fashion design, photography, school (yes, you read that right.), writing, reading, art… In all that I do I hope to glorify God! Soli Deo Gloria!

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In the beginning of October I was suddenly inspired to sew a bag that I could use when I had to carry around all my notebooks... There was one problem in doing this- I did not have any pattern to use! So I set to making my own. ;) I am very pleased with the final result! It works perfectly! I already had plenty of scraps so I did not have to buy any fabric! ;)

For decoration I added lace and some delightful "Festive Posies". I LOVE Marie-Madeline Studio's posies!! 

Here is Ashley sporting my bag.

"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.

What I'm Wearing- Gabrielle Renee

Hello everyone! Here is my "What I'm Wearing" on November 10, 2009. 

 ~What I'm Wearing~

Skirt- Made by me

Black Sweater- Given to me

Black Shirt- Talbots

Black Belt- Ashley's, she bought it at J. C. Penny's

What I'm Wearing Today - Ashley Nicole

My sister and I decided we would try to do a "What I'm Wearing" post at least once a week. At least that's what we are going to aim for. :P This way it would give you the readers, ideas for different outfits. I know we enjoy seeing what others wear for new ideas and inspiration. :-)

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What I'm Wearing

 

 

 Dress - April Cornell

 Crimson Scarf - from Portobello Road, London

Jean Jacket - JCPenny's

Black Boots - Bass

~Ashley

Country Charm

Here is a little country style inspiration. I'll warn you that most of the pieces in this set are expensive! Just enjoy the inspiration! :-)

Country Charm by Bramblewood Fashion featuring Belstaff shoes

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

"Anna" - My New Formal

Next week today, I have a banquet to attend and I dearly want a new formal. So my solution is to make one with only the supplies I have on hand. :-) That's not very hard as I happen to have some lovely pale pink crepe on hand, bought on clearance at Jo-Anns last year for $2 yd. I also have some pink and white tulle that may be good for a little peak-a-boo at the hem. What do you think? 

::Inspiration::

My inspiration for my dress is from one that Anna Popplewell, wore to the Prince Caspian premiere in Slovenia.

Is it not a beautiful dress?!? I love the bow and sash around the waist. I'm hoping to copy that feature on my dress, but we'll see.

::My Copy::

My dress is going to be pale pink, with the peak-a-boo (whatever you call it) at the hem. And possibly the bow and sash, I don't know what color right now. :-)

Here is a picture of what I'm sort of talking about for the hem, Anna's dress from the Prince Caspian premiere in Paris.

 

 

 Do you see what I'm talking about now? I'm thinking on attaching a wide strip of tulle on a petticoat underneath the dress, gathered of course, to peek out below. :-)

::Patterns::

I'm planning on using M5882 for the bodice. While for skirt, I'm just going to wing it with a half circle skirt that I'll draft myself.

For warmth, as it is sleeveless, I'll either wear my cream cardigan or white bolero jacket. And I'll accessorize with a pearl necklace or large cameo necklace, my bracelet from Amanda, black heels and clutch, and possibly some white vintage gloves. Plus, style my hair in curls that are loose and down, or maybe I'll put it up. And I'm good to go!

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Coming soon! Pictures of several sewing projects I've had going on over the past few weeks, late 30s early 40s old Hollywood inspired jeans and a Maid Marian inspired dress. I'm hoping to get some pictures taken sometime today or this week-end. :)


~Ashley

Anna Popplewell pictures from: http://gallery.apopplewell.org/index.php?cat=124