MAD FOR PLAID

I got this cool (literally) tissue thin semi sheer knit fabric this past summer at SRFabrics in Minneapolis.  I loved the edgy feel of the plaid print. When New Look pattern 6314 came out in a very  similar look fabric print,  I knew that that is what I was going to make!  Maybe not the most original idea but I knew I would like it.

Super simple to make! It was cut and sewn in a couple hours.  The only change made to the pattern I made was to add a few inches to the length of the sleeves and hem.  I used some black matte jersey from my stash scraps for the bands on neck, cuff and waistband.

It is somewhat sheer so I will use a tank or cami underneath it.  I plan to wear this slouchy sweatshirt style shirt with my leather pants.  Also I'm considering the skirt on the pattern sleeve as well-but not sure if I have it in me to wear that tulle underskirt... We shall see!

It was 18 degrees when we shot this picture-Brrrrr!

Gift set

My sisters and I exchange names for Christmas. I have four sisters.  Usually if I have the time I try to sew my gift to whomever  I get.  I wanted to make my sister Bunny something  that went with her style if you know what I mean. I decided to take the Kimona Cardigan(Simplicity 1318) that I had made earlier but make it in a Rayon Challis. The print was kind of an Ikat print in autumn shades.

Because I had made this pattern before it went together easily.  This time I finished the seams with the serger which made it much quicker.  I was pleased with how it turned out but worried that she might not have a top to wear underneath that would match well.  Then she would have to delay wearing it till she went out and bought something.  Then I remembered having a butterscotch colored poly/cotto n knit in my stash.  It matched perfectly. So I made up a quick Tshirt using New Look 0946, view B which I had made before.  We are pretty similar in size so I figured I'd just make her my size.

As soon as it was completed, I wrapped it up and sent it to her.  She was pleased with it and we both got lots of complements when she posted it on  Facebook@

Purple Haze

I needed/wanted more tops in my wardrobe so I made up McCalls 6513, view C.  I got this lovely purple, pink, black, gray and white floral burnout at SRHarris while on vacation last summer.

The only adjustments I made to the pattern was my usual one of adding to the sleeve length.  Other than that it was a perfect fit right out of the envelope. Due to the front crossover I didn't even need to worry about it being see thru. This top went together in a few hours! Now thats what I like- make it tonight wear it tomorrow!

I especially like wearing it with my Kenneth Cole velveteen jeans that I purchased a few years ago.  It goes nicely with any black, gray or dark purple skirt or slacks I have.  Great wardrobe builder! Plan on making this pattern again in short sleeves for summer.

Kimona Cardigan

I found this lovely Anna Sui silk chiffon fabric while on vacation in Minneapolis in July. It came from S..R.Harris Fabric   (srharisfabric.com) warehouse which was a real adventure to shop it!  I had wanted to jump onto the kimono jacket trend, so was looking for just the right fabric for it.  I used Simplicity 1318 which is a multisized pattern.  I used view C, size Medium.  Shortly after we returned home I whipped it up!

Well OK maybe it took a bit longer than that! I decided because of excessive raveling of the fabric that I would use french seams all over.  But the fabric looked so similar  on right and wrong sides that I could hardly tell the difference.  I cut it out single layer. Too bad I didn't have the foresight to tape mark the right side because I spent a LOT of time second guessing myself that I was sewing right sides together.  Oh well you know what they say about hindsight!  Other than that issue it was a fairly easy sew.

I would have loved to apply a fringe trim to the sleeves but could not get my hands on any that matched or complemented any of the colors in it or wasn't too heavyweight for this tissue weight silk.  Besides I was too anxious to wear it!

Very Versatile Jumpsuit

I love to wear black and thats a good thing because my job requires it!  When I decided to make a jumpsuit black was the natural conclusion.  I chose a black Ponte knit that is super easy to sew with and care for.

The pattern I chose was one in my stash-Butterick 5652.  I don't know if its still available.  I altered the crotch depth and leg length because when I held the pattern up to myself it seemed as if it would be to short.  Turns out I didn't need to or at least not quite so much.  Shame on me for not making a muslin! I think it kinda looks intentional by design according to the picture on the pattern sleeve.

It went together smoothly-no problems on this one.  I love wearing it -it is so comfy and I LOVE those pockets.  I get lots of raves when I wear it and have had several requests to make one for others.  To which I promptly say no thanks. I  tire of making the same thing over and over.

This jumpsuit is so versatile!  I made it in the summer and first wore it with a belt and cuffed at the hem with some cute sandals. I got the cummerbund style belt from Forever 21 for less than $10!  Since then I have worn it with different belts, necklaces  and shoes, cuffed at the hem or not. I even wear it with a turtleneck underneath in cooler weather.  The whole look changes fro classic to edgy to boho etc. with just a change of accessories! It has been so fun to wear that it is starting to show a little wear...  I plan on making another very soon.  When I do I will work on that one fit issue.

Going Green

I made this dress last spring sometime.  I remember I had wanted a kelly green dress for a long time.  I found this double knit fabric with a slight sheen at my local Joanns' store and planned to have a dress completed to wear for St Patrick's day.

I chose Simplicity Project Runway Pattern #2250.  This pattern has many options for design. I used the pleated surplice bodice and 3/4 sleeves.  I am always cold and only do sleeveless in the summertime.

Because of the weight and stretch of the fabric I didn't need to line it nor use a zipper. It went together quite smoothly- no issues with the pattern or fit so no need for alteration. Just added my usual  extra few inches at the hemline.

I remember having the dress done in time for St Pats' Day.  As luck would have it there was freezing rain, sleet and snow that day so I opted for long pants and 2 layers on top instead.  I have worn it  many times and it is nice to have in my closet when the occasion calls for a dress.

Missing in Action

Hi everybody!  Long time no hear from me huh?  Well I won't  even bother to make excuses, just suffice it to say I was either lacking mojo, too lazy to post or was otherwise occupied. I promise to try to be more consistent in my posting this year.

  I should tell you that although I wasn't posting my own projects, I was definitely keeping up with all my fellow seamstresses in the sewing community! You delight and inspire me to get up and make something. (Or at the very least to go fabric shopping.)  Several of the following posts will be backtracking to show what I was sewing the second half of the year.