Autumn Hues

While I was working on this Britex project, I was concerned that I did not have a skirt that was going to look right with the finished blouse (also known as the perfect excuse to make another garment!). 

The skirt is actually from the original pattern I had pulled for the silk/cotton blend.  It is a very basic 1940s style skirt, and since it was already out, I though I would give it a try.

And then this fabric jumped out at me (I have a bad habit of pulling a bunch of yardage out when trying to find a suitable match to a pattern and never putting it away).  It was intended for this dress, but there was no way to fit all the pieces on the seriously shrunken rayon.  What was 54” off the bolt came out of the wash more like 44” – not to mention the length that was lost!  Does anyone know why stretch wovens shrink so darn much?!   

The prints are not an absolute match, but the colors and the overall floral theme was just too close not to pair them.

What I originally thought was going to be a rarely worn skirt has already seen quite a bit of action.  I really must make more of these!

Blouse:  Made by me, Simplicity 1692

Skirt:  Made by me, Simplicity 1644

Shoes:  Oh, Deer!

Earrings:  Liz Palacios

Rambling Rose

I just love silk and cotton blends!  And, of course, just about any floral print is going to have my full attention.  Beautiful fabric is such a pleasure to work with - spending extra time and working on those pesky little details does not test my patience at all (well, almost!).

The blouse may not have turned out exactly as I initially envisioned it, but I am very pleased with the finished result.

For some reason, I am not as attracted to separates when looking for patterns, but once they are completed, I suddenly remember how versatile they can be.

And no matter how many times I wear the fabric, I always manage to forget how lightweight silk dupioni is!  Dealing with the wind was a challenge for these pictures, so I think I will have to make myself a red skirt that is a bit more weather proof as the seasons change!

Blouse:  Made by me, Simplicity 1692

Skirt:  Banana Republic

Shoes:  Naturalizer

Earrings:  Shadows

Minaudière:  Banana Republic

[The fabric for this project was received in exchange for my contributions as a Britex Guest Blogger.]

Change of Plans

I knew I would be making another Simplicity 1692, I just did not realize it would be so soon!  But it ended up being perfect for my latest Britex project.

When my latest Britex fabric pick arrived, I knew that my initial idea was not going to work.  The silk/cotton was deliciously sheer and delicate, and completely unsuitable for a scalloped edge - whoops!  But it is the perfect choice for a beautiful blouse.

For a bit of a change to the original design, I altered the sleeves.  Working with the curve of the original long sleeve pattern piece, and laying Advance 5470’s lantern sleeve on top, I mocked up my idea - and it worked!  

For my next project, I am promising myself that no underlining will be required!  I really do love hand sewing, but having to work on a flat surface (my sewing table) can be rather tedious.  The result is always worth the extra effort, but I cannot curl up with my pup while standing at a table.  He keeps coming to check on me in the sewing room, and I think he is starting to feel neglected, poor little guy (or at least, he is pretending to be).

Because of the sheer fabric, I decided to go with silk organza for the back neck facing. 

Last time around, I eliminated the need for the facing altogether by cutting the back piece on the fold, but with this fabric I was more concerned with motif placement.

And I added 1 ½” to the hem length, also adding a bit of width at the bottom edge since the blouse now falls lower on my hipline.

And a hand-stitched hem is something that can be done with a snuggly Chihuahua on the lap!

[The fabric for this project was received in exchange for my contributions as a Britex Guest Blogger.]

Busy Bee

It has been an incredibly productive week, which always feels good.  I have been a busy little bee (which reminds me of Parker Posey, a neurotic Weimaraner, and the genius of Christopher Guest).  Focus, Laura, focus - because there is still so much to do!

Now I am going to concentrate on not melting in the heat this weekend – but I am not sure I will be able to avoid a steaming iron.

Thankfully, some yummy fabric makes everything worthwhile.

And I will have pictures of a finished garment very soon, I promise!

[The fabric for this project was received in exchange for my contributions as a Britex Guest Blogger.]

Successful Separates

Every once in a while, I need a quick project – instant gratification, if you will - and Simplicity 1692 seemed like the perfect pattern.  I have been curious about this one for a while now, and just needed a suitable fabric.

My rayon challis remnants were intended to make up Vogue 1207 - there was just no way to squeeze all the pieces in.  But I did not put it away – probably to torture myself.  It has been sitting in the sewing room, mocking me.  I love the dress that I made with this print, and was determined to get one more garment out of the leftovers.

The back bodice had to be cut in two to make everything fit, but I did it!  This eliminates the need for the facing, which I rather like.  Because I was feeling lazy, I skipped the shoulder pads - the blouse works without them, although I will probably add them to the next one.

The only other alteration I made was swapping out machine buttonholes for fabric loops on the cuffs.

There are so many remnant projects where I expect to find everything I need in my sewing room.  This RARELY happens, even with drawers full of notions.  There is always a zipper, or matching thread that needs to be purchased.    

But not this time!  So I am going to pretend this blouse was free - whoo-hoo!

This pattern is sure to get lots of love in the future.  There may even be another version made from remnants of this dress – I think I need a red blouse in my closet!

 

Blouse:  Made by me, Simplicity 1692

Skirt:  Made by me, Beignet

Shoes:  Nine West

Earrings:  Kate Spade