Maxi Skirt - Simplicity 1782

I finished another skirt, using this pattern.





















According to my measurements, I should need a size 18, so that's what I cut, but it was quite a bit too big through the waist.   The finished length listed for this skirt is 38", but this is only allowing for a 5/8" hem.  Next time I will cut it a little longer as I prefer a deeper hem allowance.   Also, it would probably look better using an invisible zipper.  The only change I made was to stitch up  the slit.

 

I used a poly-blend "linen" look fabric.  It is very thin and almost see-through.  I will definitely need to wear a slip with it.  It was a good choice for this pattern. I don't know how long I've had it, but it most likely came from Joann Fabrics.  I had 2 yards and that's what it took for this skirt.  It was easy to sew, but ravels a lot.  And it wrinkles, but not excessively.

Since it's so loose and full, it should be cool during the hot summer.  The color seems to go with a lot of different tops I already have. Plus, it suits my casual lifestyle.

Making this skirt meets some self-imposed summer sewing rules: fabric is from stash; it's a solid color basic that can mix & match with items I already own; and it will get me out of the rut of wearing pants all the time. 

Car Trash Bags

Today I'm doing some easy sewing - making car trash bags.   I made one for myself a few months ago; and several people saw them and asked for one.  So, I made 7 more to give them away.  I still have one more to make.

On pinterest several months ago, I saw some car trash bags that someone had made.  Theirs were small round ones that had a loop to hang on the gear shift.  I liked the concept, but came up with my own design.  I wanted mine to be larger and to hang from the headrest. 

I made them just the right size for a plastic grocery bag to fit into.  I put velcro on the straps so you can slide them through the handles of the plastic bag and so you can fasten it on the headrest or wherever you want it to hang.

I got the fabric at Joann's.  It's a "utility" fabric that feels almost like paper.  It was on the clearance table for $2.00 yd & was 60" wide. I made 8 of the bags from that fabric. 

So that the bag would stand out at the top (to make it easy to drop trash into it) I inserted a piece of plastic hose into a hem at the top edge.  I got it at Lowe's.  It's what you would use to run water to a refrigerator ice maker.  That was my husband's idea.

Here's one hanging on the back of the seat.

Simplicity 4221 Linen Skirt

This is another item for my summer wardrobe.  An ivory color linen skirt. 
























This is the pattern I used.

Made according to the pattern, the skirt would be about 32" long, but I wanted a longer skirt so I added 1-1/2" at the bottom, 1-1/2"  at center & also added a separate waistband.  My skirt is 36" long.   The width at lower edge is approximately 76".   Since my fabric is a little heavier than the recommended fabrics, I decided to trim a little off the front and back center seam to make the skirt more of an A-line.  I made a size 18 (finished hip measurement 46" ).  This is a very simple and quick project as there is only pattern piece that you cut 4 times. 

 

I used 2 yards of a linen blend from my stash.  I used up the entire piece, which is a good thing as I hate having leftovers that are too small to be useful.   I've had this fabric for several years and really like it.

Looking at this picture, I can see that this top is too long to wear with this skirt.

I like how this skirt turned out.  It's a simple, basic that I will probably wear a lot this summer.

Butterick 5354 Knit Top

I'm trying to come up with some summer tops that look good with long skirts.  I want something that doesn't emphasize the tummy, but doesn't look like a maternity top either.  I think the key is to have a close fit through the shoulders and bust, but just skim the tummy.  Also the top has to be just the right length.  I think I've hit the sweet spot with this one. 

The pattern I used is Butterick 5354                          The skirt is this pattern.

 In patterns, I usually run between a 12 and 14 at the neck and shoulders, a 14 at the bust, between a 14 and 16 at the waist, and 16 at the hips.   My pattern is a size 12, so I started with that and made alterations.   I like how it fits me.

Style alterations: I added a narrow band to the neckline and changed the sleeve length. 

Originally I didn't care for this color, but I think it will be a good addition to my summer wardrobe.  it looks good with this skirt that I usually wear with a black top.

 

The fabric I used is a light blue/gray knit from my stash.  I've had this a long time and don't remember where I got it.  I really like how it feels - very soft.  It's a medium weight with good recovery.  It was very easy to sew.  I have a little over 2 yards left. I don't really want another top in the same color,  so I may try dying it a darker blue.

 

Simplicity 2416 Lace Skirt

This is my first item for the Stash Sew Along.

I made view "D" the long, "wrap around" look skirt. 

I usually use a size 16, but due to the type of fabric I was using, I went up a size.  Mine's also 3 inches longer due to the way I did the waistband and the lace added to the bottom.  I like the longer length.

I wore the skirt today and while I like it, I don't love it.  The picture on the front of the pattern looks fuller and drappier (is that real word?).  Mine is more of an a-line.

The fabrics I used are a black lightweight lace and a natural color gauzy fabric for the lining.


The only fit alteration I made was to add a 1" wedge to the center back at the hip line.  I do this so the back hem will hang even with the front.

The selvage of the lace had a scalloped edge that I liked.  So I cut it off and reattached it the hem of the skirt and the flap.

Here you can see the waistband.  The pattern instructions are to fold down the top and stitch a casing for the elastic.  I don't really like that method.  Instead I used a piece of sturdy black knit, folded it in half and attached to the top of the skirt waistline; then inserted the elastic. I think it's more comfortable and looks better.

2013 Style The Stash Sew A Long

I've joined up with a group of like-minded fabric collectors for a stash sew a long. Here's the link:  stylethestashsewalong.blogspot.com

The sew a long  runs from June 1st to December 31st.   Unlike other stash busting sew- a-longs, we make no pledges about using only stash.  We make no pledges about not adding to our stash.  We make no pledges to complete certain garments according to a monthly plan. So this is a guilt free stash busting sew-a-long.  

This should be a lot of fun.  Sewing together and talking fabric, what's not to love, right?

I plan to start with a skirt (or 2).  Not sure yet which one, but here's some ideas:

 

 

Lace Knit Top

This Dress Barn top was my inspiration.








Although the finished product doesn't look anything like the pattern, I used Vogue (1261)  as my base. The design element that's the same is the hem shape.  I had used the pattern  before and love the way it fits me.

I used an ivory scroll lace for the top layer and the sleeves,  and a lightweight knit of the same color for the under layer.  Both of these came from Joann Fabrics - I used 50% coupons.

I cut a size 14, but used 3/8" seam allowances as my lace doesn't have much stretch. I also cut the sleeves a little larger.  And I made it about 1 inch longer.  The other thing I should have done was lower the armholes as they're a little tight.

I sewed the two layers of fabric together at the shoulders and sleeves, but kept them separate at the side seams & hems.

Very often, the finished garment doesn't turn out the way I envisioned it.  But this time, it actually did and I'm very happy with the results.          

Vogue 8880 Top

 





 I made view "A".





 








Peplum tops are really popular right now, so thought I'd jump on the bandwagon.

I made my usual size 14, with a few alterations.  I added 1" to the bodice length and also 1-1/2" to the skirt length.   I also added a little to the center from the waist down-more in the back than the front.  Now mine fits me like the model's on the pattern envelope.


I like the pleats at the neckline and extended shoulder/sleeves. I'm a little narrow through the shoulders and upper chest, and often have problems with necklines being too wide, but this fits perfectly.


This is a quick and easy top to make.  The view I made has only 3 pieces: a bodice front & back, plus the peplum.  You make a casing and insert elastic for the waist.






















The fabric I used is a soft cotton - I love the print.   I can see this made up a variety of fabrics  - even a stable knit would work.  I've already worn it and it's very comfortable.  I like my new summer top and be using this pattern again.  I plan to make the V-neck version too.

Good Bye to Belle

My sweet doggie, Belle, died today.  She was almost 16 years old.  She loved us and we loved her.   She will be missed so very much.

Simplicity 1622 Top

I'm finally getting around to posting something.  I've been sewing, just not taking time to get pictures and post.  I really like sewing and wearing woven tops for summer and have made several lately.  Anyway.....here's my newest creation. A simple pull-over top.

I used Simplicity 1622 and made View D.


I bought this pattern last week while they were on sale at Joann Fabrics for .99.  I actually bought it with view C (a knit top) in mind.  After looking at the pattern, I decided to try this top.  What I like most about it is the shape of the hem.  It's slightly longer on the sides, which makes it drape nicely.  I had made some knit tops in the past with this hem shape and really liked it.  I still plan to make the knit top at a later date. The pattern also includes elastic waist pants and a knit tank maxi dress.  I may try the dress.




I used a silky polyester fabric I got on clearance at Walmart last summer for $1.50 yd.  Surprisingly, it feels really nice and won't be too hot for summer wear.  And it wasn't that hard to sew, and comes out of the washer and dryer looking nice.  The way the pattern is designed, the top has extended shoulders with sleeves.  Since this is a summer top, I left off the sleeves.  The dropped shoulders made great cap sleeves.   I used my usual sizing when making this - a 12 at the neck & shoulder, 14 at the bust & waist, and 16 at the hips and the fit is perfect.  I really like the neckline on this; it's not too wide or too low; very pretty.  A cute top that's quick and easy to make. - 2 pattern pieces.   I'm sure I'll be making it again.  The only thing I would change would be to add a couple inches to the length.

Here's the back -  It looks like it's tight, it's not - the wind was just blowing.












And the side - I'm holding it in place so you can see the hemline.

Pants - BWOF

I made pants.   I worked on pants so much last fall and made so many unwearable muslins, that I was so frustrated and completely sick of pants. But after 3 months, I was ready to try again.

I used BWOF magazine May 2007, # 112.   This is the line drawing.  Very simple style: wide legs (22" at the hem), front zipper, no pockets.  I  didn't add the waist detail.








I cut a size 46, but probably should have cut a 44 as I had to remove quite a bit from the waist and a little from the hips and the legs are very loose.  They were too high waisted in the front,  so I trimmed a little off the top of the waist and narrowed the waistband by an inch.  In the back, I added an inch at the center, top of the waist.  They're still a little tight in the back crotch curve, but completely wearable.

The fabric is a gray cotton/blend that probably came from Joann Fabric's a few years ago.  It was easy to sew (but ravels badly), and comes out of the washer and dryer with only minimal wrinkling - and presses good, They will be nice to wear this summer in hot weather.


These have a wide waistband.  Even after removing an inch, it's still about 2-1/4" wide.  I like about a 2" wide waistband, so next time, I'll reduce it to that size.
 

I used a gold print fabric for the waistband and zipper fly, and since I had one in my stash that matched, used a gold zipper.




 Here's the front:

 And the back: 

They don't look bad, just one wrinkle on the right side.  I'm hoping my alterations on the next pair will take care of that. I've made alterations to the pattern, and have another pair cut out in a "linen look" fabric.

Pantone Spring Colors - PR Contest

Pattern Review pantone colors contest

I've entered the new contest over at Pattern Review. The idea is to make a 2 piece ensemble using the spring Pantone colors.  Both items must predominantly feature one or more of the Pantone colors.
 

Right now, my plan is to make a top using this floral knit.   This fabric has 3 of the colors: poppy red, nectarine and grayed jade.   The only problem is I only have 1 yard of fabric. 

Looking thru my patterns, I came up with one that might work.  I'm going to try view "B",  using a white knit for the insert "cami" part.

I still have to come up with a coordinating pattern and fabric for a either a skirt or pants. I'm thinking red..........