Sunday, September 18, 2011

Kristine, Duchess of Sewing

I have always loved the blue Issa dress that everyone knows as Kate Middleton's royal engagement dress.


Now, I have my own version of it!


I used McCall's 5752 (OOP) and 3 yards of the finest, softest, silkiest, drapiest, navy blue knit from Gorgeous Fabrics. It's called, "Poly Matte Jersey" in deep navy, and it feels like a thin silk jersey, but without the shine. There's still some left, if you want in on the most heavenly knit. Perfect for the Vogue 1250 that everyone is making right now...

So, here is the back:


And the side...


Anyhow, I made view D (long sleeves, no hanging ties), and just needed a few minor sizing adjustments. 16 was the smallest size in the envelope, but I've gotten back on the diet and fitness bandwagon, so I'm more like a 14 now. I will likely add a snap inside the bodice for modesty, but love everything else about it.


It's really comfy for being so dressy, and once I scale this pattern down to the correct proportions (even the sleeves are too wide), I will definitely make another!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Thumbs Up or Down???

I picked up Vogue 8747 during the last sale, in hopes of bolstering the "top options" in my wardrobe.


View A is the one I chose (bottom right corner) and using the finished garment measurements on the pattern paper, I went with the 16. This pattern also includes special sizing for different cup sizes, so I figured it would be a pretty close fit. As it turns out, I had plenty of room to take it in, and should've made the 14. Oh, well...


It's difficult to see the front gathers because of the print (bummer), but this is how I looked as I headed out the door for work today. I wore my super dark wash denim jeans, which made for a comfortable day.


What do you think?

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Simplicity 2362

A very good friend of mine (and former co-worker) asked me to make her this dress. She is headed to Florida next month, and said, "I have always wanted a dress made by you!". How sweet (and flattering) is that? She made it quite easy, as she came with the pattern and fabric already purchased! She is about my size as well, with no major fitting issues), so his came together with very little stress!


It's Simplicity 2362, which includes 5 views with different length and sleeve options. As a child of the 60's, she said this silky print from Joann's grabbed her attention, and I have to give her kudos... This pattern is the perfect use for such a large scale print. In the picture below, you can see the relaxed skirt pockets.


I used an invisible zipper in the back, and a blind-stitch at the hem. The true color of the green is a little brighter (my basement doesn't have a lot of natural light), and the blue is more of a royal blue.


Here is the back view...


She loves it, and I am thrilled to have a client that really appreciates my time and effort. It's exactly what she hoped for, and her happiness definitely helped rejuvenate my sewing mojo!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

One for You, One for Me!




Finished the skirt for Little Miss, and we both love it! I used Simplicity 2242, a Lizzie McGuire pattern of coordinates, which she will likely get 2 more pieces of!


It came together pretty quickly, but it sure was a lot of gathering! The pattern pieces are all rectangles, so I didn't bother to cut the paper... I just used my rotary cutter aft measuring the dimensions and number of pieces I needed.


A lighter weight cotton would be my only recommendation, as the ruffles are full enough without the stiffness of the cotton making them stand up. This will likely be her "First Day of School" outfit for 3rd grade on Tuesday...

Then, it was time to make myself a little something!


This top is from Vogue 2987, an OOP Anne Klein pattern. I have had this yard of luscious knit from Gorgeous Fabrics in my stash for far too long, and I love that I can wear it with so many different bottoms (brown, tan, gray, black).


Yes, my wrap is backwards. That's what I get for laying out and cutting a pattern while watching tv!


This came together very quickly, and my only modification was the elimination of the lining (the pattern calls for a lightweight sheer knit), so I used bias tape to finish the arm and neck openings.


You may not be able to tell from the pics, but there is a bronzy metallic sheen to it, which reminds me quite a bit of the winning look from the "Dress Nina" challenge on Project Runway" a few weeks ago. I am very happy with it, and really want to make the suede jacket (from the same pattern) to carry it into fall...