TRENDY TRIBAL PRINT SKIRT

I saw a skirt outfit in Anthropology that really caught my attention.  It was a tribal print with the stripes running horizontally. It was fashioned with a chambray work styled shirt.  I really liked the look!  Mental note to self" find a fabric with a similar look for the skirt.

I found this black/white woven print at my local Joanns'.  I used a simple straight skirt pattern in my stash, New Look 6130.  I liked that it had a side zip which I find easier to get on and off.  I did not line it since the fabric had enough body and it was not see through at all.  It was a snap to make.

I got a great buy on a rayon chambray shirt and voila- I had a copycat outfit at a fraction of the price of the one I saw!

I'M BACK !!

Casual in Coral

I have been absent from my blog for a few months now.  Many reasons: illness,  lack of sewing/blogging mojo,  and scheduling conflicts with my photographer.  I'm back at it and will try to catch up in the next week or so.

I made this coral colored dolman sleeved t shirt back in march.  My fabric choice is a bamboo knit from my stash.  I chose Simplicity pattern #1463 View A for my design.(same pattern as below).  I like that it is a bit more interesting shape than your basic t shirt.  It was a snap to make. I made it start to finish in one evening session.

The loose, soft comfiness of it will make it a favorite go to top with skinnies, crops, maybe even skirts.

Colorblock Craze

I got this rayon print fabric in a bargain bin at a fabric store in Lisbon, Portugal during last summers vacation.  I like to pick up fabric souvenirs. That way when I make them up and wear them I "revisit" the trip.  More memories than a t-shirt!

Because it was a remnant of sorts it wasn't a huge piece, but because their widths are wider than our 54" here in the US, I was able to get most of the top out of it . (actually I could have gotten the whole top out of it but had a better idea)  I had this piece of pinky/coral knit I had saved from an alteration project where I hemmed a maxi to a knee length dress. I decided to use it in conjunction with the print to make this color block-mixed fabric top.

I used view D of Simplicity 1463 and used the knit for the yoke,neck and armbands.  This was super simple to make.  I spent more time concocting it my mind than I actually did putting it together.

It is pictured with jeans because it was a chilly, rainy day when it was photographed. I have several bottoms it will go with. This top will be cool and comfy for the hot days of summer ahead.

Jungle T

I have a folder in which I collect pictures of styles I like from various magazines and catalogues.  This top came from Fall 2013 Victorias' Secret .  I finished it about 3 weeks ago but am just now writing a review on it.

My fabric is a sweater knit with subtle metallic threads interspersed.   I had scraps of butter soft lamb leather enough to make the self drafted shoulder guards.   I opted to not make the elbow pads that were featured on this style.  I used a basic T shirt pattern( which is OOP now)  and lowered the neckline and added a ribbed neckline. Also  I lengthened the sleeves to almost knuckle length.  I changed to a leather needle when working on the shoulder area.  It went together easily but I did take my time when working with the leather.  I wanted the stitches to look perfect.

Love, love, love my top and have lots of options for bottoms to go with.  It can be dressed and accessorized up or down.   I did save a bit my making it myself but more important it fits me!  I'll be wearing this lots until Spring gets here and again next fall.

Photo taken outside our local zoo.  Don't know if you can tell but I was FREEZING without a coat
on!

Vintage Vibe

When I found this fabric with big red and white roses on it I knew I wanted to make something with a
vintage feel to it.  That was three years ago when I was in Chicago's  Vogue Fabric Store.   I have collected a few vintage style patterns along the way but changed my mind for one reason or other. When I found Butterick 5951 I decided to go with it and NOT change my mind.

I was sure shocked to find that the fabric was a semi sheer.  I had no choice but to underline and line it!  Let me tell you this was a lesson in patience. I began to drag out my sewing sessions and almost lost the mojo altogether.   I put it aside for a bit and made two tops before getting back to it.  I wanted to complete and wear it for my Valentin's Day date.  I finished the night before.

I styled it with black hose, black Mary Janes, then jumped forward a few decades with a 60's purse and coat.  It looked great but unfortunately there was no good photo op.  So a week or so later DH shot it in his studio(home)  I think it was clever how he sent me back in time to a 1940's street scene!

Do I like the dress?  To be honest I got sick of it since it took so long to complete.  Perhaps if I put it in the back of the closet for awhile I will like it more when I "rediscover" it.

Copycat Herringbone

I was immediately drawn to the design of Butterick 5917 so I added it to my stash in August.  I'm not usually a ruffle kind of girl but this was the perfect blend of girly and classic that I couldn't resist.  The fabric is a poly-rayon knit with sprinkles of metallic in it.  The print looks like a herringbone weave.  It looks similar overall to the dress on the pattern sleeve- not too creative of me I suppose but I couldn't exist.

I worked on this dress during some snow days we had a few weeks ago.  I lined the entire dress to give it more body.  I didn't have enough fabric to line it and was stuck at home so I had to shop my stash and scraps.  Three different black knits comprise the lining but it looks just fine inside.

I like this dress a lot and it's so comfy to wear.If I ever make this pattern again it will be the sleeveless version for summer.  I do recommend trying this if the style is right for you.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

I made this top for my dear younger sister as a Christmas gift.  The polyester knit is a splashy floral/animal  print combination.  I chose Butterick 5815.   I originally thought I'd make the dress version.  As luck would have it the sleeves used so much yardage that there was only enough to make the tunic.  I'm so glad because skinny pants and leggings are so popular right now and the tunic would make the perfect topper.  Because I was using a knit I went down one size for better fit since the pattern called for a woven.  The sleeves kinda confused me but that's because I didn't refer to the instructions at all.  After I figured the sleeves out everything else went together easy peasy.

She styled it just as I imagined it should be.  She sent me this picture on her phone.  I think my sis looks great in it!

Sporty Sparkle

Last year I saw a sequined long sleeve T-shirt in a Victorias' Secret catalog that I just had to have it.   But if I ordered it I couldn't be sure that it would fit me in bodice and sleeve length (I am tall). So instead I set out on a little DIY project. I gathered fabrics and patterns until I had the perfect combination. I used  a New Look now OOP  which most resembled the raglan sleeves of the VS top. I used a black rib knit  for the body and a sequin mesh for the bodice front. I cut the neckline a bit deeper and made a ribbed neckline out of the body fabric. I backed the bodice front with the knit for comfort and warmth. I love my new VS knock-off and get raves any time I wear it. I have styled it with skinny or slouchy jeans, velvet or silky trousers successfully. I imagine it going well with sweats too as I believe that is what the model in the catalog wore it with.