I've been completely enamored with Art Gallery Voile, the hand and drape is superb and it feels silky against the skin. The top above is made with Bari J. "Emmy Grace" fabric, isn't it exquisite? The sewing pattern is from Sew Liberated, it's called the "Schoolhouse Tunic", and it came together quickly. The only thing I changed was the placket. I took out the top stitching and fused a double sided fusible interfacing instead, so that there isn't a placket stitched from the top. I would have left it be, but I didn't have the right color thread for the stitching to show, and reallllly didn't want to take another trip to Joann's--ya know? I also had to hem it an extra 1/2" because I'm on the short side. The pattern is super easy to understand, so go for it if you fancy!
I'm leaving out pictures of a dress I made from a Big Name pattern company, because friends, honestly---your eyes don't need to see that hot mess. I made a size 10 as measurements indicated, but it looks like a made a size 22. I don't pretend to understand what happened....Maybe I was abducted by aliens for a few hours and they had a go at stitching it. Maybe I was hallucinating because of my self-induced sugar high (thanks a lot Skittles).....Maybe it was Sherlock Holmes playing on the tele, I mean, how can you NOT get sucked into that show? It's the bomb!
So let's skip to the wrap skirt, because that turned out nicely.
Have you heard of the blog Sew Straight and Gather ? Terri is an amazing sewer and pattern designer. She's launched several patterns already, even though she's pretty new to the whole process, which is super inspiring! Anyways, I tested the Causu Gauchos and Trouser pattern for her (along with MANY many other testers)---and I have to say, it's awesome. Totally awesome.
Easy to understand, easy to sew, quick (less then an hour and a half)---and yet manages to have details that set it apart from other patterns. I'll be making more of these babies for sure. Well done Terri!
This top is pull-on ready, even though it's from a woven double gauze fabric. This double gauze stuff is amazing--I don't know why I haven't sewn with it sooner! These stripes have been all over blog land lately, the fabric is part of Cotton and Steel's "Ephemera" line. I wanted the mint, pink, and mustard color way but friends, let me break it down---if I wear mustard people ask me if I'm ill ALL DAY LONG. I can't do it. So when this peach and navy color way arrived I was very pleased to see it works for me. The wide stripes add a modern edge and the Japanese writing is icing on the cake.
The sewing pattern is "See and Sew B6157". Next time I'll make a smaller size and do a FBA (full bust adjustment) because it is rather boxy....But, not a lost cause. ;) Pattern fitting is a real challenge, at least for me, so I bought Nancy Zieman's Pattern Fitting with Confidence the other day. Let's hope it's written for a self-taught sewer. I'll keep you posted.
To round out the week, I finished three Mission Maxi dresses (pattern by Jamie Christina)-- but it's too cold to model those. I bought some really gorgeous knits at Joann's and they sewed up nicely and more importantly-quickly. There is a 20% off your total purchase at Joann's THIS weekend (ends Sunday night).
Lots of fun clothing and beautifully made.
I am more casual in my dress, but would love to make a skirt outfit with a t-shirt and skirt to match, had an outfit like that years ago.
And the mustard thing gave me a giggle - I'm exactly the same, love the colour but it turns me yellow.... not a good look!