New Look 6223: Silver/Grey Fit and Flare Dress

I was invited to attend a celebration in honor of one of my clients who is a Pastor.  The event was semi-formal but since it was a church event, I didn't want to wear and or make anything that was to blingy or too formal.  I wanted something I could integrate into my normal everyday wardrobe.  I just didn't see the since in having another formal/semi whatever dress or outfit that would just sit in my closet.  So, I decided to make a dress with some fab Brocade fabric I have had in my stash for at least a year.  I used a pin striped silk fabric for the lining and pockets.  I normally do not line anything, because of this Florida humidity, but decided since this was formal affair I should. 

I knew I wanted it to be dressy enough for the occasion, but not overdressed and uncomfortable, as I find formal dresses to be a pain.  I am really laid back and formal to me would be a swing dress with sexy heels.  Formal to the floor gowns make me feel like I am in a straight jacket, and I am severely claustrophobic.  Hence my love for all things flowy and unrestricted.  I do love maxi skirts though, so I guess its just my crazy in the head kind of way of thinking. 

Here is my New Look 6223:

The Silver belt and sparky pumps is how I styled it for the event, though my shoes don't look very sparkly in this picture, I think the belt and shoes complimented the dress well.  

The black pumps and skinny belt is how I plan to wear it to work and or church.  Easy breezy and quick.  I lined the bodice a pinstriped silk lining and used that fabric for the pockets as well. 

Quick Pattern Review:

Fabric:  Brocade 

Ease of Difficulty:  This pattern is so very easy to make.  I didn't even follow instructions, I just kind of made the top, and then pleated the skirt, to fit the bodice.  I Lined the bodice only so I wouldn't have to worry about hemming edges. 

Modifications/Changes:  None

Would I Recommend:  Yes. 

Happy Sewing!

I've Been Sewing.

Hi all.  I know it appears as far as blogging goes I've dropped off of the grid.  Life kind of took off for me this past summer, and I have been sewing for clients like crazy.  This Blog was basically for me to chronicle my sewing endeavors and growth.  But since I started sewing for others, it just kind of took off and my clientele has really grown.  So, I am going to try and get back on target and get back to showcasing my sewing for myself.    

I am not really sure where I wan to go.  As my full time job which I actually enjoy pays my bills, my sewing gives me the ability to work out my creativity knots and also to make some extra cash.  I have actually done pretty good sewing for other, well beyond my expectations.  

Here are a few things I that I have done in the last month, that I had not had an opportunity to blog about.  

The green dress is a vintage Simplicity Jiffy pattern, No.  5363 which I purchased off of Etsy.  When I tell you its so simple, it was just to easy and I can see a this dress in my closet in several variations. The Pattern literally has two pattern pieces, and a sash.  I should have added pockets put I guess I was way to excited and forget.  

The other look is a pair of gold wide legged pants I made using a pattern, I honestly can't remember which pattern though.  I do remember adding a casing and elastic, as the pattern called for a side zipper oh and of course a zipper.  The pants are made out of a very flowy challis I found at Fabricmart.com. The black knit top is a Ann Taylor top I got from a thrift store. 

Happy Sewing!