Sew News

Sew, since moving my table, what have I done?  I've spent a bit of time altering and upcycling some things.  I had this J Crew top that fit a bit awkward across the boatneck front.  I am a bit thin across my upper chest, so probably I didn't fill the top out like it needs.  The facing kept pulling out and showing which made me not want to wear it.  But it's a really comfortable and soft t-shirt and I like the detailing.  What did I do?  I had a beaded tank that was falling apart. so I took the beads off and resewed them across the front of the t-shirt to hold the facing in place and give it some details.  My husband thought it looked amazing.  I wear it with a animal print shrug and get a lot of nice complements.

Sew, that encouraged me, I then took a scrap piece of boucle, and made a pencil skirt.  Because of the loose weave, I did a lot of handsewing to make sure the lines stayed lined up.  I then had to redo the waist to make it smaller because,despite stabilizing, the fabric is so loosely woven, it stretched.  The lining helps keep it's shape, and it is really really cute.



It's not crooked, just I didn't hang it well. 



After feeling ramped by that, I got on a roll,  I made the most awesome moleskin skirt using a 1940's Retro pattern from Simplicity 4044.  Some of the reviews on Patternreview indicated the skirt sewed large, but that was not my experience.  It was exactly right.  I matched it to my little red cordoroy jacket that gives the whole outfit a Tyrolian feel.  I love the Sound of Music and I feel that it translates.  The fabric was awesome with embroidery that really added to the look. 

My next move was McCall's 6399 to make a turquoise satin blouse.  I had to make a few adjustments across the chest because I'm so thin, but otherwise, it was an easy sew.  I added a long belt to give it a bow on the side, ala Baroness Shrader.  I was channeling the Sound of Music I tell you.

Charlie and Bobbie have to be in every picture if a camera is anywhere displayed.  I wore this with my satin tiered skirt which I love and I felt dressy and romantic.

Sew my next move was a remake of a favorite pattern, Butterick 5388.  I used a buttery soft rayon with a really lively color palette.  It reminds me of little fishes, even it is leaves.  It's a bit billowly, but has a nice shape.  The colors are very interesting.

But what I'm most excited about, is the dress I made from a New Look pattern 0431.  I saw it made up in JoAnn's and was inspired.  It has princess shaping and I was concerned that if I guessed it wrong, the fabric would be ruined.  I used a wool blend speckled black and white.  It had a nice soft feel and a medium weight that suited the style of the dress.  In keeping with my Sound of Music channeling, I felt the dress needed a little umph.  I decided to added a braid similar to what is seen on European dirndls.  My husband immediately complemented the dress.  It has a nice 60's feel, and I love the neckline.  I can't wait to wear it.

Sew, with my Sound of Music influence, I think I'm done for now.  Except fixing a rip in my son's favorite pants, and cutting out another skirt from Simplicity 4044, I'm done. 

Although, I did go to Hancock's today and purchase another four pieces of fabric.  My next project is making a pair of vintage curtains I picked up at Goodwill into a spring top.  Can't wait to show you how wonderful the fabric is and what good condition it is despite being around 40 years old.

Now on to schoolwork.