This poor little blog got off to a good start and then was left to languish. But that doesn't mean I haven't been sewing. Au contraire, there's been a veritable flurry of garments created. I hope to add them here, bit by bit, so I remember how I put them together.
The following two garments were stitched for the 2015 Wardrobe Contest on Pattern Review.
I'm so glad lace is back. The stretchy stuff is great. I bought some at Fabricland and then tried to find a t-shirt knit to coordinate with it. I tried white which didn't do anything for the lace, and a darker blue. The blue I finally chose is something I had in my stash and has a purplish tone.
I thought through the construction of the top a lot before sewing it. It occurred to me, one night as I lay awake, that done properly, it could be reversible. Here are the steps:
1. Stitch the back seam of both the t-shirt knit and the lace knit.
2. Place the back pieces right sides together (lace against t-shirt) and sew the neckline and armholes.
3. Ditto for the front neckline and armholes.
4. Stitch the sides seams together, keeping the t-shirt and lace separate.
5. Turn right side out.
6. Stitch the t-shirt knit shoulders togethers.
7. Hand stitch the lace shoulders.
8. Hem each piece separately.
I think I'm going to tack the hems together so one doesn't ride up while wearing it.
The pattern I used is based off an OOP McCalls 4600. I scooped the neckline, left off the sleeves and slightly curved the hem. I also curved out the bustline on the front sides, easing the extra fabric into the side seam for a little extra room.
To go with the top I made a linen/rayon skirt using Marcy Tilton's Vogue 8499. I love the unique lines and looks of the Tilton patterns, but often find the volume too much for my shape and size.
Because the hem is sewn first and is curved, the length must be determined before cutting the pattern. I shortened the skirt by 4 inches. I'm 5'4" and you can see that the skirt now falls a couple of inches above my ankles.
For this skirt, I cut a 6 and fit the seams to my waist so I wouldn't need any elastic. I stayed the waist seam with tape and folded the casing over to create a facing.
I left off the pleats on the pockets, preferring a more streamlined look. Instead of zippers on the skirt, I interfaced and faced the top of the pockets for stability and added three wooden buttons (of two types) on each pocket.
Instead of the loose-through-the-hips look of the pattern description, my skirt fits more closely over the hips and then falls more loosely.
I love the fluidity of the skirt and may make another one soon.
My current wardrobe is minimal - and I want to change that. I entered the Travel Wardrobe at Pattern Review in February and now have the outfits below for summer. (The navy and white top, navy skirt, aqua dress and shrug were for the contest.)
Now I've taken on a bigger challenge - the Wardrobe Contest. Here are the details:
During this 6-week contest, you'll be required to sew the following 9 items:
4 tops
3 bottoms
2 sewist's choice
The tops may be tee's, blouses, shirts, tunics--pretty much any item that covers the top half of your body!
Bottoms may be pants, shorts, jeans, skirts, culottes, jumpsuits, etc.
The 2 "Sewist's Choice" items may be another top or bottom, a dress, a
jacket or cardigan (just examples). Ask me if you have questions but as
long as it coordinates with the other items, it works! (Remember it
must be a piece of clothing, not an accessory.)
ONE item, and only one item, can be something previously purchased or sewn or purchased during the contest.
For the past week I've been pulling fabrics and patterns, doing a little shopping and a lot of thinking. This is what I've come up with so far.
Vogue 1410 in a polka dot chambray
This dress is not my usual style but I saw it made up in a fabric store in town and really liked it. This will be one of my Sewist's Choice items. I hope to stitch it up before the contest begins.
Vogue 8689 in a small print blue and white voile
I've made this shirt twice for my daughters and now want one for myself.
McCall's 7093 in the red polka dot linen
This is a new-to-me pattern and I still need to measure the pattern and possibly do a muslin before the contest begins.
Vogue 7947 is there for the shell top. I'll make it from the stretch lace with a dark blue under shell (attached).
I'll likely not use this pattern, but a self-drafted one for which I have no photo.
Vogue 8499 from the blue linen/rayon
I'm planning to make both a skirt and a pair of pants with this pattern. I'm still on the hunt for another fabric before I decide whether or not the blue will be skirt or pants. I put the white fabric alongside just for an idea. White linen might be nice if I can't find anything else.
Vogue 8982 from the red linen
After avidly reading the reviews on Pattern Review, I adjusted the pattern (cut out a 10 based on my upper bust measurement) and did a small FBA (1/2 inch), a narrow shoulder adjustment (5/8 inch) and stitched up a quick muslin. I'll cut it out as soon as the contest begins and it will likely be the first thing I sew. Also a Sewist Choice item.
Vogue 8831 will be the last top. I'm looking for a red and white print knit but haven't found anything yet.
Whew. That's a lot to sew in 6 weeks.
