Week One: Pinstriped Overalls

I've decided I want to improve my sewing. I've set myself a goal to do at least one sewing project a week. Technically, I decided this two weeks ago, so this is really Week Three of the goal. And, really, I've done at least one sewing project every week for the past four. But since I'm introducing it here, now, we'll label this Week One. Unless of course I completely slack and someone asks how long I lasted, then this will totally be Week Three. I mean Week Four. Whatever.

On to the project...


I've had in my head for some time an idea for some adorable dressy overalls made out of men's slacks. I went to the local thrift store and found a pair of pinstriped dress pants that looked in really good shape.

Cost $6.
And then I got to work destroying them.


Here is where we retitle this post "Lost in Translation". The overalls are freaking amazing in my head. Seriously, want to cry so cute. But yeah, getting that out of my head and as an actual finished garment? Not so easy. Here is the best picture of what I have as of tonight...

No, my baby doesn't feel well, how did you know?

My favorite part of them are the cuffs...

Everything else, well, not so cute. As he ran around in them for the 15 minutes or so this afternoon, I kept laughing because really, their pretty much not cute at all. Here, proof...

If that crotch doesn't convince you, that's what she said, um, hows about some back action...

Wow. Yeah, so anyway not so much what I had envisioned.

BUT, this is exactly why I started this little goal. I really would like to improve not just my construction skills, but my pattern-design skills as well. And from my four hours of dealing with this scary little number today, I've learned a lot already. A $6 lesson in how not to make overalls, assuming you had Cute as a goal.

I may just try this project again. I've already picked out a seam or two with some other ideas to try in mind. Maybe the pinstriped overalls of my dreams will one day exist. But until then, there's always next week.