The Blue Dress

OK, so I finally got off my lazy butt and started back to my sewing machine. The real problem is: I live in a 100+ year-old house without central ventilation. We can only afford to run window air-conditioning units in the one section of the downstairs (where we congregate most of the time), which leaves my sewing room BOILING hot.

The fabric I chose was so loosely woven, that I used a rolled, french hem on the bottom and "Fray Stop" on every single edge, inside. You can see the front panels laying here to await the drying of the "Fray Stop."

This is another view of the drying, while the whole thing was together. It was really a super-simple pattern, completely done in a few hours. I'd cut it out in advance and just had to spin a bobbin in the matching thread color to get started.

This is just before I added the sleeves. You can see the princess seaming in the front. Quite flattering on any shape, if its left just a little big.

This is the ties in the back, which brings it into a flattering fold. There's a slight A-line in the skirt, so that it has a billowy finish at the bottom hem. Floor length.

This is New Look pattern by Simplicity. What a nice, simple project! And, immediate gratification, my favorite kind!

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The Maxi Skirt

Everyone knows that the maxi-shirt is all the rage for summer. I, personally, love the long, flowing A-line look and flattering fit. I used Butterick Pattern 3133, shown above.

This was a super-simple, quick pattern to throw together. Simple elastic waist, clean lines, basic hem.

I used a blue checked double stretch knit. The stretch of the fabric presented the usual challenges, but it was otherwise a 2 hour project from start to finish, including cutting and pinning.

All finished, matched with a pretty, yellow polo shirt and flip flops.

There's nothing like a flowing summer skirt.

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VARF Dress

This is the lovely dress that I made for VARF...

It is Simplicity pattern 9891. I chose a royal purple with a gray-blue chiffon for the trim and sleeves. The chiffon can be more than a little difficult to work with, so french seams are always best.

This is me checking the dress for fit.

With a freaky light from my eyes...LOL.

Here it is completely accessorized with the fan, basket, straw hat, and coined scarf to match.

It was soooooooo incredibly hot. Here are a few more photos from the faire, just because:

Overall, it was much fun, and there were wonderful musicians.

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The Baby Poncho

My friend came to me with a printed out version of a photo of a product on the internet. It was an Inuit-styled poncho for a little one. She asked if I could make it. Being me, I said "sure" and off we went.

So, she measured the baby as I'd requested:

-arms straight out, fingertip to fingertip AND wrist to wrist

-crown of head to base of neck

-crown to toe

And, I used my most basic cloak making patterns (slightly modified to accomodate a baby's big head), hood patterns (we did have some difficulty with this), and went to work.

My friend ordered the fleece from a retailer online. When it arrived, I matched it with 1/4" double fold bias tape in baby blue, and utilized a white, knit frog closure for the split.

All in all, my first attempt was just super-simple. I did learn, however, through the process of measuring, that babies are generally much longer than they are wide, so the traditional concept of a poncho being nearly a perfect 1/2 circle doesn't work for their bodies. It becomes more of a rectangular shape with milder curves on the corners.

Have fun! Sew and Live with abandon and CREATE in fearless love....

Think Spring: The Tangerine Baby Doll

We've had such an incredible winter, I just couldn't help but start on some spring clothing, with the near 60 degree temperatures today! This is Butterick Pattern 5375:

Now that the 80s styles are back in, I can't rock the short denim mini and leggings like I did as a teen; but, I love the babydoll dresses with leggins and ballet slippers! Its figure-skimming lines and clean, slight a-line skirt are flattering for everyone.

In honor of the coming Spring, I chose one of my favorite colors (I do love all things orange - tangerine, melon, cantaloupe, etc.) -- tangerine. Its bright and sunny.

I used a simple, two-way stretch knit (remember to use seam binding or interfacing, or you'll make yourself psychotic). I double-stitched all the seams for extra stretch and longevity.

And, because I had leftover fabric, just for kicks, I tried out a new pattern and made matching hip-hugger panties. I used apricot colored hem tape to finish off the edges and muslin to line the crotch.

This is Mccall's pattern 5651:

The cami and slip are nice patterns, but the bras have little or no support, so they are not for women with cleavage. I've tried lining them with pre-formed bra cups, but no real luck, yet. I'll keep at it!

Next on the table is a reaper cape for my son for his Renn Faire outfit for this summer. More on that later!

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Tammy's Dress Photo

Just thought I'd put up a quick pic of my sister, at the final fitting for her dress. The flat lace isn't laying flat around the neckline, so I'll need to tack that down on the edges, but otherwise, it came out beautifully!

And, here's one of my niece now with the hook n eye closure on her skirt:

Tammy's Dress Complete

YAY! I finally received the beautiful lace I found on Ebay. And, now, have a completed dress for my sister. Here is the lovely 2 3/8" flat lace around the sleeves:

And, the complete dress:

You can see the split oversleeve and the inner sleeve, with the contrast lining. Very similar to the dress I did for my daughter, but with some modifications.

You can see the front insert panel of the contrast color (in this case, ivory). And, finally, you see my husband holding up the dress, without the hangar:

You can see that the lace on the waistline and collar is different. Its an ivory to match the off-white contrast.

And, remember, its just a modified version of Butterick pattern 4571. I eliminated the laced back and replaced it with a fold-over hook n eye closure (to allow for bra wearing), added a fold-over bussle to the back rear, and made the skirt fuller for a more defined a-line appearance.

If you like this, check out: