New Camber Dress...

 Since I started documenting fabric purchases I have been able to see how long it takes me to use the fabric.  You know fabric buying is a hobby all to itself and it just happens to be associated with sewing.  The fabric for this dress was purchased in November 2020.  Just a year and a half ago.  I guess that is not to bad.  The Camber Set pattern was fitted in the early days of covid and kept me busy during the long days that I stayed with my parents.  I still enjoy the dress that I made in 2020 but decided it was time to make another one because the summers are hot and the dress is cool on those hot days.  Here is the fabric:

This is a 5 ounce cotton sateen.  Here is the finished dress - 3 ways:

Here it is the dress with the Rothy's loafers.  I love these shoes and wear them all the time.  The link to the Rothy's website will give you a $20 discount if you are a new purchasing customer and I will get a $20 credit.  That a win-win for both of us.

Dress with different shoes - Okabashi Breeze Flip Flops.  These shoes are really comfortable.  I do recommend this brand.  Link is for Target.

This time I added skinny belt and keep the Okabashi flip flops.  I think I like the idea of the belt.  Not so sure that that particular belt is the right one.  I have a bit of extra fabric so I will make a tie belt and see how it does.  

Most likely I will wear the dress most of the time without the belt but I do like the look of the belt a lot.  Maybe add a long necklace.  What do you think? 

The only change that I made with the version is that I added 2-inches to the length.  I will adjust the shoulder with the next version.  I was just a bit lazy this go round and wanted something new to wear.

On to my next project, if I can find the pattern.

Happy Stitching!

New Sleeveless Top ...Auvers Top PDF Pattern

 The weather is heating up and Itch to Stitch keeps bringing on those fabulous sleeveless tops.  Here is the line drawing for the Auvers Top:

The Auvers Top PDF pattern is a sleeveless, surplus top.  It is meant to be made from a lightweight, drapey fabric.  It has regular and full-bust options, surplus front crossing a diagonal, the blouson effect is created with elastic, back yoke, and shirt tail hem.  Sizes included from 00 - 40.  The Auvers Top PDF pattern is on sale through June 29th.  Tiered discounts still apply.

Be sure to check out the various testers versions on the blog.

I am an affiliate of Itch to Stitch.  Any purchases via the links on this post will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Hope you are inspired to make some cool summer tops.

Happy Stitching!

More Fabric Coming....

 I know I really do not need more fabric but sewing is so much more interesting when ordering new fabric.  Here is the latest acquisitions:

This is a 6 oz yard dyed stretch slub denim.  Depending on the stretch when it arrives it is destined to be a Love Notions Sabrina pant.  I hope it has enough stretch.  Care:  Machine wash/tumble dry low.

This is a Fabric Merchants Rayon Spandex Jersey Medium Stripe Navy/Ivory.  I purchased enough to make a t-shirt.  I kinda missed that this almost all rayon.  Hopefully, I will still wear it.  It is a 2-way (4-way) stretch.  Care: Machine Wash Gentle/Dry Flat.

This is a Telio Mia Slub Stretch Jersey Knit Print Floral Navy.  I purchased enough to make a t-shirt.  It is a 2-way (4-way) stretch and a polyester/lycra blend.  Care:  machine wash/tumble dry.

This is a Yarn Dyed Washed Denim Pique Indigo.  I purchased enough yardage to make the Itch to Stitch Celeste Dress (affiliate link).   Care:  Machine Wash/Tumble Dry Low.

With these purchases, I will need to get make a muslin of the Sabrina Pant pattern as well as the Celeste Dress.  The dress will definitely be first as hot weather has arrived and I need more clothes that will help me stay cool.   I am off to see if the patterns have already been printed and look for a muslin fabric for both patterns.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

(I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through my links will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  Thank you!)

Fun Men's Shirt...

 Back in 2020 when the world stood still, I worked on a shirt muslin for my husband.  I even got around to make a few shirts that have been on constant rotation and get their fair share of comments.  Finding interesting fabric can be an issue.  However a year or so ago, I ran across fabric:

My husband is a beer judge and is very active in the local brewing club.  This makes the fabric perfect for him.  I will be using Simplicity 5581.  I am thinking that a wooden button will work well with this if I can locate them.  Here is the finished shirt:

The brewer had a big smile when his shirt was finished.  He was cooking when I decided to take pictures so it is a hanger shot.  Changes that I made:

1.  Added 1-inch to the length.

2. Added 1/4-inch to the side seams and sleeves.

3.  Changed the button hole placement from 4 1/4-inches to 3-inches.  

This is a great pattern if you can find a copy of it.  It is from the early 2000s.

Happy Stitching!

Allegro Short Skirt...

 I have really enjoyed the Allegro Bottoms pattern.  The pant has been made multiple times.  I decided to start with the short skirt.  Here is my version:

This skirt was suppose to be the muslin made from an inexpensive Wal-mart find.  I made it without the pockets as the skirt that I was intending to make would not have pockets.  

Here is where I started:

1.  Skirt size 18 or 20.

2.  1/2-inches decrease at the center front.

3.  Added 1 1/2-inches to the length (I knew that I did not want a short skirt).

Here is where I ended up:

1.  I took 5/8-inch seams instead of the 3/8-inch seams.

2.  Took an additional 1 1/2-inches from the center front to get the skirt to hang straight.

3.  After seeing the length with the 1 1/2-inch addition, I decided that I did not want the shirt any shorter.  I cut a 3-inch band following the hem edge of the pattern.  Stitching it on with a 1/2-inch seam seam.  Pressed a 1/2-inch seam on the opposite edge then met the to the seam.  Topstitches both edges.  This left a 1-band to add a little bit of weight to the hem edge and added 1/2-inch to the skirt.  

Conclusions:

1.  This is a quick, easy pattern for a nice skirt.  

2.  Definitely a keeper to repeat in the future.

3.  I think a drapier fabric would work a little better although it does state that linen will work.  

If you're looking for a pattern that does a lot, Love Notions Allegro bottoms does a lot.  Fit the pant, fit the skirt and you can make pants, capris, shorts, long or short skirt.  

I did wear happily the skirt as shown in the picture but I do not know if I will wear the white tank with the skirt again.  The tank is one of my favorites but I feel like I need a different neckline or maybe even just a different style top with more volume. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Leopard Print Shirtdress

It is starting to heat up here and dresses are always a cool alternative.  This is dress is a classic with a modern twist:

This is the Akris Punto Leopard-print Belted Cotton Twill Midi Dress. Price tag: $1190.00.  Details: polo collar, short kimono sleeves, back box pleat, d-ring belted waist, a-line silhouette, hem falls below the knee, side slit hem, pull-over style.

That seems like a mighty big price tag for this wee little dress.  I think finding a similar fabric is the key here.  I found this print at Mood that might work well.  Now for a pattern.  My first thought for a pattern was this:

 This is Silhouette Patterns 4019 Diane's Wrap Dress.  Yep, not a shirt dress but you can get the look  with this dress - a belted waist, the higher collar.  Easy to lengthen if you choose.  

Other alternative would be to use an existing shirt/dress pattern that is already fitted.  Really why go down the road of having to fit another pattern if you do not need to.  How you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!