2017 Year End Round-Up

Due to family issues,  2017 started off slow sewing.  But about mid-year things settled down and I was able to get back in the sewing room.  I worked on several quilts;  made a set of throw pillows, an apron, and a handbag;  9 pair of flannel pj pants for the grands; and 11 garments.  Of the 11 garments, I gave away 5 of them as they just didn't work for me.

Here's what I kept for myself:

Maxi skirt -  black textured rayon blend;  Simplicity 4137

Shirt-waist dress - black/red floral cotton blend; McCall's 6891

2 knit pencil skirts - black and gray; no pattern

Button front skirt - brown corduroy; New Look 6625

T-shirt dress - gray Ponte knit; Simplicity 1622

Now that I'm back to sewing, maybe I'll get back to regular blogging too.

Knit Maxi Dress - Butterick 6330

I made this dress a couple months, but just now getting it posted.

I also want to make the jacket later in the fall.

I made a size large, which is bigger than I need.  But the fabric is thin and very stretchy, and I didn't want it to cling too much.  I'm happy with the fit.

Fit alterations I made: added 1 inch to the front bodice length and removed 1 inch from back bodice length, and removed 1 inch from shoulder width.  These are standard alterations for me.

 I bought the fabric from Fabric.com in 2007 and paid $5.00 yard.  It's one of those fabrics that I liked so much that I was hesitant to cut it.  I'm glad to finally use and love the dress.


I really like it with a black cardigan.

And the back

I also used the pattern to make a black knit dress.  I made it calf length, added short sleeves and lowered the neckline by 1-1/2 inches. 

Monthly recap & plans

Monthly Recap

This month I sewed 5 garments and used 10 yards of fabric.  Overall, I'm pleased since these are all things I'll wear and there were no wadders. 

Lace Jacket
Pattern: Butterick 3532
Fabric: Gray cotton broadcloth and cream colored lace (2-1/2 yds)



























Knit Tankattern: Simplicity 4192 Fabric: Yellow textured knit (1 yd) 

 






















Knit Top
Pattern: McCall's 7286
Fabric: Turquoise print, turquoise solid, tan solid (2 yds)

Black knit midi tee-shirt dress
Pattern: Butterick 6330
Fabric: Black knit (2 yds)

Kimono Jacket
Pattern: Simplicity 8172
Fabric: Rayon challis, 2 prints (2-1/2 yds)

August Plans
I'm finished with summer sewing, but not ready to sew for fall/winter, so I'm kind of in limbo.
I'll start on my skirt draft in preparation for making pants for cool weather.
And work on Riley's quilt and hopefully finish it this month.
Also, look though the UFO basket and see if there's anything I want to work on.
And maybe work on some quilts.

Summer Dresses

I wanted some long summer dresses, and made 2 this month.

First is this pink print dress:

 

  I used McCall's 6923 and I made a size 14. 

Instead of adding sleeves, I just extended the shoulders.  There's a long zipper in back, but it really isn't needed as I can pull the dress over my head without it. 



















 










Close up showing the fabric.   I got it at Joann's on sale for $2.50 yd. & used 3 yards.










        



















The second one is a "duro olowu" style dress, similar to this. 
I made one like this a few years ago and still like to wear it, but wanted a longer one.
I used this OOP McCall's pattern.

I made the dress 6 inches longer, added a band between the bodice and skirt part; added a band to the bottom of the hem, and a tie belt.    I made a size 12 (instead of my usual 14) since it's very loose fitting.

I used 2 coordinating cottons that I had in my stash.