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mar•kay•lee
She/ Her
5’0” 39, 33, 44 (current (ish) measurements!)
Came for BST, stayed for sewing inspo ❤️
CA —> TN —> CA!
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Happy pattern release day to @forest.and.thread ! I was so excited to pattern test for this Cinch Me I’m Dreaming dress 😍 The shape of the sleeves immediately caught my attention, and the channels that can be cinched were such a unique detail! I wanted to highlight the structure of the dress, so I used a medium weight jacquard fabric from @blackbirdfabrics .
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During the testing window, it was really fun to read others’ sewing process notes and helpful to be able to ask questions and get feedback when needed. This was my first time testing a pattern, and everything went smoothly! The only downside for me was not having a sew-along video to reference.
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A few sewing notes- I was between sizes on the chart and decided to size up. I made a size 14, b-cup with no fit adjustments (this fit me well but I think a 12 would have been ok too!) The pattern was much more time consuming than I anticipated, but totally worth the time! Each channel is made using bias binding, and you need approximately a million yards of bias tape lol. I want to try a more lightweight fabric next to really be able to adjust the amount of cinch 😍
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#forestandthread #threadityourself #cinchmeimdreamingdress #cinchmeimdreaming #blackbirdfabrics by @markaley_sews
10
2 years ago
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We’ve got a black tie wedding to attend in a couple of weeks on the coast of Italy ✨ I searched high and low for a dress I could wear that wouldn’t be too sweaty, easy undergarments, I wouldn’t have to worry about weight fluctuations, etc! I found one back in April, and took it to the local Nordstrom for some alterations. I went to pick it up about a week ago, and long story short.. they ruined the dress 😭 I’m 5 ft tall and curvy, so formal dresses right “off the rack” never fit properly.. I decided to make one instead! I’ve worked on this dress probably 6+ hours a day for the past week, and it’s finally done. My back and knees are also done, so I’m just going to need to lie down until we leave for our trip!
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This @roberts.wood Damsel Dress pattern is quite expensive and you only get two sizes, BUT it is unlike any dress I’ve ever seen or made. It’s intricate and interesting. The pattern is difficult, but I was able to complete it without too many issues (I would call myself somewhere between confident beginner and early intermediate with my sewing level lol). I would have liked to redo the first strap I made, but I’ve accepted that good enough is what I need right now! 
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I made this in a size 3 with some beautiful silk fabric I’ve been too scared to cut into (purchased from my local fabric store @textile_fabrics_nashville during one of their generous sales!!) Each elastic channel is able to be tightened or loosened for your favorite fit. There’s 20 channels, so it is very customizable. I went for a looser fit to be more comfortable! If you want to try this pattern, I’d recommend combing through the Roberts Wood profile “tagged” section, and any variations of the hashtags for this pattern for inspiration and to pick up tips like- just buy the bodkin! And using 3/4” elastic instead of 1” to make this project less painful!
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#robertswood #robertswoodkit #damseldress by @markaley_sews
28
2 years ago
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A delightful Halloween running around our neighborhood 🍂 After a chaotic sewing machine bust, I was still able to make a few things for Quinn’s costume! Her hat is an Etsy pattern from Butterfly Tree, and her overalls are made from the Melbourne Romper by @jilly_atlanta 🩷 by @markaley_sews
8
3 years ago
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I bought the Feeling Loopy pattern to make their dress version… realized it was fitted in the bust enough that I wanted a toile before cutting my 6 yards of fabric. So, I bought 6 more yards of a different fabric for this plan but decided to just toile the Mini Crop Top instead! 🤭
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This pattern had a lot of construction techniques that were new to me so it was pretty slow going, but the super interesting design made it exciting and fun! I’m looking forward to making the dress version next (in one size down.. yay toile) 💃🏽
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My only complaint is that there are three versions, two back closure options, and two strap options ALL in one mixed together instruction booklet. This made it extremely difficult to know what I was doing next, and I accidentally skipped something and had to use my seam ripper often 🤪
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@forest.and.thread Feeling Loopy Mini Crop Top, size 12, in @libertylondon Sana B cotton lawn via @jonesandvandermeer
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@alicealexanderco Tracee Pants in Emerald, size 8, shortened by a lot
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@toryburch Penelope Strappy Sandal
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@abacusrow Hibiscus Earrings
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#forestandthread #feelingloopypattern #feelingloopyminicroptop #libertylondon #libertyfabric #libertycottonlawn #jonesandvandermeer #memade #tennesseesews by @markaley_sews
6
3 years ago
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Putting together an outfit for a “cocktail attire” event is too much fun ✨ I found this fabric at my local store and could not contain myself! I bought a yard and then went back for several more yards soon after that! It’s a lovely lace fabric that also feels sturdy and wearable. Very excited about this version of the Wilder Gown 💕
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@fridaypatterncompany M Wilder Gown, only mod was to shorten each skirt panel a couple of inches, fabric via @textile_fabrics_nashville
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@lindquist.object Ray in Pitaya
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@abacusrow Hibiscus Earrings
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@ferragamo Ortensia Mary Jane
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#fridaypatterncompany #fridaypatterncompanywildergown #wildergown #thewildergown #memade #tennesseesews #localfabricshop #lindquist #lindquistobject #abacusrow by @markaley_sews
13
3 years ago
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I made Quinn a tunic with this Poppy fabric awhile back, and I was excited to find that I had enough fabric leftover to make something for myself! This too was a pretty quick make, but I think I’ll need to redo the band with a softer elastic for comfort 😅
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I made a size medium without any modifications (I fall into the size large according to their chart). I like the shape of the arms and the length of the top, but still trying to figure out the bra situation!
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@fridaypatterncompany M Saguaro Top in Hokkoh Poppies, orange via @stonemountainfabric
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@nettlestudios M Mid Easy Pants in Denim
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@beklinawoman Matisse Platform Mules in Umber
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@alchemillajewelry Posies Earrings
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#fridaypatterncompany #stonemountainfabric #hokkohpoppies #fridaypatterncompanysaguaroset #saguaroset #tennesseesews #memade #nettlestudios #beklina #alchemillajewelry by @markaley_sews
3
3 years ago
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Parasol Dress Round Two! I got this incredible fabric from the recent Stonemountain sale.. bought every last bit they had in stock 🫣 I made this dress a smidge shorter than my last version, but otherwise, kept all the rectangles the same size. This pattern with Thigh Society shorts is the best sweaty summer combo!
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@criswoodsews Parasol Dress in @stonemountainfabric Deadstock Plaid Seersucker
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@bryrclogs Gabe Clogs in Kelp
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@alchemillajewelry Posie Earrings
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#criswoodsewsparasol #criswoodsews #stonemountainfabric #memadewardrobe #tennesseesews #bryrclogs #bryr_kelp #alchemillajewelry by @markaley_sews
6
3 years ago
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Finally sewed a fitted garment!!! ✨🌿 This is the turnaround Tata Twist Tank, which I was able to sew in just a day! (Thank goodness for preschool). I love that this tank can be worn a couple of ways, styled with a bra or fun underboob 🤪, and it is so comfy. Lots of notes on this make if you care to read them!
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I sewed this pattern in a similar fabric first in size G, which corresponds to my current 38” bust. The fabric was stretchier than the pattern calls for, so I knew it would likely need some adjustments! This time around I made it two sizes smaller, shortened the straps 3 whole inches (did not adjust the underarms with that and it worked just fine!), and sewed the side seams at 3/4.” It wasn’t terribly difficult to make adjustments, try on, make more adjustments, try again, and so on, which I really appreciated!!
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@bygraciesteel Tata Twist Tank, size E, in Laguna Cotton/ Spandex Jersey in Evergreen from @stonemountainfabric
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@corderaofficial Checkered Maxi Pants
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@hereu_ Soller Mary Jane Loafers in Custard 
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@alchemillajewelry Alien Spaceship Earrings
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#tatatwisttank #stonemountainfabric #stonemountainanddaughter #memadewardrobe #cordera #hereu #alchemillajewelry #smallshirtbigpants by @markaley_sews
7
3 years ago
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I’ve had this fabric in my stash since 2020! I adored the fabric right away, but my blue hands after touching it briefly made me nervous to sew with 💙🩵 After seeing @firecrackerfabrics make this dress in black and white, I knew I needed to copy their version! I washed this fabric maybe 7-8 times with a bunch of salt, and the indigo dye seems to be stable for now 🎉
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This pattern was lovely to sew with! Everything is based on measurements, so I loved not having to work with pattern pieces. For this version, each top panel measured 27.5” x 12.75” and each skirt piece measured 49” x 31” (added a bit of width to make it more gathered.) 
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@criswoodsews Parasol Dress in @merchantandmills Indigo Hopscotch
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@angulus_official Cross Strap Sandal via @mamaowl_
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@alchemillajewelry Posies Earrings
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#criswoodsews #criswoodsewsparasol #criswood #merchantandmillsfabric #merchantandmills #indigodye #angulus #alchemillajewelry by @markaley_sews
28
3 years ago
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I’ve had this @aceandjig Hannah Dress just hanging in my closet for almost two years. I adore the fabric but was not a fan of how the drawstring waist sat or looked on my short frame.. Over the weekend I decided to just cut it up and hope for the best! I simply cut and hemmed the top half of the dress, and for the skirt, I removed the pockets to make more space for my hips and refinished with a comfortable elastic waistband ✨ Super excited to have two separates to get more wear throughout the year!
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#aceandjigalterations M Hannah Dress in Capri
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@alchemillajewelry Orange Vine Hoops
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@bryrclogs Gabe Block Heel in Kelp
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#aceandjigcapri #aceandjigcommunity #alchemillajewelry #bryrclogs #bryr_kelp by @markaley_sews
21
3 years ago
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After a few months of sewing clothes for Quinn, I finally felt excited enough to sew something for myself ✨ I’ve had this remnant from @nettlestudios stashed for a couple of years! It’s not a color that I have much of in my closet.. I loved this yarn dyed pink and red fabric, but I had no idea what to make with it 😅 Finally decided on turning it into a fun occasion dress for some upcoming weddings this summer!
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@fridaypatterncompany The Wilder Gown, size M, shortened the skirt layers a couple of inches each, less gathered than recommended because I ran out of fabric!
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@alchemillajewelry Posies Earrings
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#toryburch Penelope Strappy Sandal
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#fridaypatterncompany #thewildergown #wildergown #nettlestudios #alchemillajewelry by @markaley_sews
9
3 years ago
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Happy Father’s Day to Quinn’s favorite Dada ❤️ I made them Mary Poppins shirts to celebrate her love of “Poppins!” and Francesco’s love of matching 🥄 👜 🎠 by @markaley_sews
2
3 years ago
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