MYSTLE: Butterick 5837: Gathered Bottom Maxi Skirt

Sometimes I want really easy sewing projects.  I wanted something I could throw over my head and keep moving.  This pattern fits the bill.   I made this dress using a very stretchy Jersey Knit.  I was the perfect weight and color for this project. 

I could wear a belt for more of a finished look or just be cool and comfy wearing it loosely.  Either way it can be dressed up or down depending on the look your going for.

Pattern Deets:

1.   Butterick 5837

2.   I used a JerseyKnit 

3.   I self lined top and finished the hems with a coverstitch machine

4.   I add about 2 inches too the side seams of the bottom for fullness with gathers

5.   I would recommend as it is a very quick and easy pattern

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: Simplicity 8379 - SIDE DRAPE SUMMER DRESS

What an awesome summer dress made of a Jersey Knit fabric from Fabricmart.com.  Another fabric that has been sitting in my fabric stash for awhile.

The dress to make was  Eazy Peazy from cut to sew to include hemming about an hour and half.  Just that simple.  I can see a closet full of these really easy dresses.   They are perfect for vacationing as they don't wrinkle.  I can grap it go.  Add a cute pair of sandals or tennis shoes and I'm off.



Sorry for the blurry pics.  I am working on doing better with the photography.

Happy Sewing.

MYSTYLE: McCalls 7382 - Summer Work Wear

I'm so in love with dress.  The fabric is a really soft Challis from Fabricmart.  I purchased the fabric some ago and wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, because it was very busy.  I though a nice pair of Palazzo pants or wrap skirt.  I didn't imagine initially it could be a dress let alone a long flowy dress.  The fabric was just way to bsuy for me. 

I actually went against the grain on this one literally, I mean the pattern called for a Knit, but I decided to give it a try with this fabric.  I really didn't know how it would turn out, but thank goodness it turned out even better than I expected.  

Quick Review:  McCalls 7382:

Was it Easy:  Very
Modifications:   I used a challis instead of a Knit
Sizing:   True to size (I went up a size because of the non-stretch of the fabric).
Would I Make Again:  Definitely
Do I recommend:  Highly
Notes:  This is definitely and TNT for me.

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: Simplicity 8216 - Summer Work Wear

My Wardrobe is in desparate need of updating.  I need lovely, simple chick dresses for this hot Florida weather.  When I first go this pattern my thought was to make the top, because of course I could never have enough tops.   But after looking at the pattern for awhile, then cutting it out, I knew exactly what fabric I would pair with it andthat it would be my first spring dress.  

The pattern comes together very easy, and the fabric was a nice rayon challis from Fabricmart.com.

I paired it with a faux leather Obi Belt I made some time ago.   Here is the styled look:

The only modification I made was to lengthen the pattern two inches, and omit the elastic casting at the waist.  

Happy Sewing!

Day to Night Dress Challenge

I was so happy when Elizabeth of Elizabeth Made This contacted me and asked me to be a part of this challenge.  I have had a crazy few months with health issues and other pressing matters, I needed something to get me focused and back into my sewing Mojo so this challenge was just what I needed. 

Please go to her page to get more information about the challenge and others who are participating, and find out how you can participate as well.  

NIGHT DRESS:

My Night/Evening dress is a sheath dress with keyhole opening at chest, neckband and sleeveless made with a textured stretch black Crepe from Joann Fabric. The Pattern I used is a vintage pattern McCalls 1031,by Designer Geoffrey Beene from 1968, which happens to be the year of my birth. So this pattern is almost 50 years old. I have such a love for anything Vintage.  I made no modifications to the pattern.  It was a one size pattern, so the fit was perfect.  I am very pleased how it came out and can't wait to wear it. I didn't want to take away from the elegance of the dress so I kept my accessories simple and my Vintage patent leather pumps were a perfect match.

I definitely see myself wearing this to a special event or after cocktails .

DAY DRESS:

My Day/Work/Play dress is another McCalls pattern, McCalls 7119 from spring of last year I think.  I picked this pattern because of the Raglan sleeve detail.  I have always loved this type bodice because it helps camouflage my rather large bust, I think so anyway.  The fabric I chose is a Rayon Challis from Fabricmart with a small geometric design thought.   I made no changes to the pattern at all.  I paired it with my suede brown boots and gold chain necklace.  

This dress is perfect for a day in the office, running errands, and or having brunch with friends.  

Happy Sewing!!!

Fall Wardrobe Essential - McCalls 6886

I had this fabric in my stash for over a year.  I found it on sale at FabricMart.com, and I initially purchased it to make a blazer.  Of course as usual I never got around to it, and so I packed it away with my winter fabrics.  Its a double knit, so I could have used it for something like a pencil skirt  but since it was spring/summer sewing it got packed away.  

Working on my fall wardrobe and making sure it is filled with easy transitional essentials I pulled the fabric out and immediately ran to my quickie go too McCalls 6886.  I needed a dress to wear to church.   I woke up a few hours early and quickly put it together, and was out the door and on time for church.  Yay me.  Because it was already cut out, and used so many times, it was put together in about an hour, hemmed, serged and all.

  

As you can see I paired it with a cute little sleeveless knit vest and belt.  I also can wear it without a belt and love that look as well.  I think McCalls M6886 is used a lot in sewing blogging land, so not much to say about it other than its a quick and easily modified pattern that is supper versatile. 

Happy sewing.  

Vintage Butterick 3782: Vintage 70's Halter Dress

I've been working on my Vintage Butterick dress for a few months now.  It was going to be a dress I wanted to wear to an event I was invited too, but after waiting to long to get started on it, I didn't finish it in enough time and it ended up waded up in my UFO pile.  I pulled it out again this past week in anticipation of finishing it and wearing it in September for my family reunion reception in Charleston, SC.  I think it will be a great dress for Charleston.  So close to the water and the vintage feel of the city.  I can't wait to show you guys the finish product.   

Here is a picture of top portion:

I have completed the bottom portion as well I just need to add elastic to the waist, hem, and were done.  I can't wait to take pictures. I absolutely love the flounce and "v" neckline and of course anything with pockets is Love with me. 

Here is a picture of the pattern.  

I purchased it on Etsy a few months ago.  I absolutely love the many patterns I can find on Etsy.  I feel like I can always find a gem. 

Happy Sewing!  IMD

Color Me Pretty: Simplicity 1161

This top was a really quick and easy top to make.  I wanted something cute to wear with leggings for an outing.  I purchased this fabric at Joann's months ago as usual it sat in my stash with no particular idea in mind. 

After looking through my pattern and trying to figure out what I could make, I came across this pattern.  I thought it be very playful with this multicolored fabric.  Though the cover photo on the pattern to me was not impressive at all, I did have a vision in mind.   Simplicity 1161, was awesome for this particular fabric.  The way it flows,and the colors just came together effortlessly.  

I could definitely see several of these in my summer wardrobe, especially a black or light blue eyelet fabric.  I would love to make one longer, maybe even as a maxi in a very nice soft knit fabric. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.   What do you think?

Happy Sewing!

Double Ruffle off The Shoulder Top/Dress worn by SweeneeStyle!

I had the honor and privilege to make a garment for one my favorite Fashion Style Bloggers SweeneeStyle.  She has inspired me for a long time. Her style is so chic and fashion forward.  She can take the most simplistic item and make it into a fashion show piece.  She is constantly on my radar.  

I love seeing others in my designs, and checking out how they style the garments I make for them.  It is so interesting to me to see what a person sees from fashion view point.  We can all wear the same piece but style it so very differently and get a whole different look.  

The top/dress I made for her was self drafted. I actually asked her what she would like to have made for inspiration, and she sent a pic of a dress that she liked. Off the shoulder is one of her best style aesthetics that she wears often, and wears it well.  I love how she styled a similar top on one of her blog posts, so when I thought about making her garment using her inspiration, it came to me instantly.  

The top was self drafted and I love the fullness that the doubled ruffle makes.  I curved the hem and lengthened it just enough to help it flair a little. It can be worn as both a top and or dress.   The fabric is a lightweight denim.  She paired it with white Jeans and the most gorgeous heels.   Check out more picture of how she styled the ensemble.  

Happy Day!!!

New Look Chiffon Chain Neck Halter Gown with detachable Sleeves

I am so very glad to be back to sewing for myself.  I have so many UFO's on my sewing project list to finish.  

I literally started on this gown a few months ago. I was really excited about getting it done for my upcoming fashion show that happened in early November, but it just didn't happen with all my client work.  I am very pleased with how it came out, and I lined it with a tricot knit.   

 I used New Look 6372 to achieve my look., and added detachable sleeves with small snaps.  

It was a really quick make and I probably could have finished in a day.  

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!

McCalls 6957: Royal Blue Swing Dress!

As I stated numerous times before.  I am not a dress wearer, until NOW.  I am loving dresses and seeking them out more.  I find they hide a multitude of body issues (mine I mean).  

I originally bought this Royal Blue Ponte to make a jumpsuit.  I never got around to it so its been sitting in my stash for at least a year. I wanted something summery enough that I could also transition into fall and wear.  

I've been eyeballing this pattern for months, but I have been so busy with client sewing for prom season I totally forget about it.  I pulled it out and cut out my size and just laid it off to the side.  

So I had a brief moment in between projects and decided to go ahead and make my dress, and I love it.  Its simple yet chic and I can't wait to pair it with tights, boots and a sweater or leather jacket this fall.  

Happy Sewing!

McCall's 7020: That Hooded/Cowl Neck Tunic/Dress Thingy

I refused to let my long weekend go without sewing something for myself.  I had a couple of client projects I needed to finish, and I did but I vowed to get something done for myself.   When I first saw McCall's 7020, I was excited about it all.  It looked boxy and I thought it would very unappealing on me, so I payed no attention to it at all.  Then I saw the post of Mimi of Mimigstyle wearing it and how she styled it and I really knew I wanted to make it, with the modifications she suggested:

I added 8 inches to the Hood/Cowl and stitched the pockets to the front of piece of the tunic so they wouldn't swing about inside.

I paired them with a pair of leather side trimmed tights or skinny jeans and booties.  I really like both looks. 

Happy Sewing!

Sewing for Others: McCalls 6700

My co-worker/friend, asked me to make her a dress to wear to a family Hawaiian party.  She gave m a picture of what she was looking for.  When she showed me the picture I immediately knew what pattern I had in my stash to meet her needs.  She doesn't like to show off a lot and doesn't wear maxi's often, but I convinced her she would look really cute it in.  And she loved the finished product.   

When she purchased her fabric, we both looked at it and said, that it may bee to much of a good thing to make the complete dress the same fabric.  I had a little rayon jersey so we decided to break it up a little and the black.  Though there is only a smidget of black in the skirt fabric, it really flows well I think and she agreed. 

She wouldn't let me get a picture of her face, but I love the way the dress turned out, and so does she.

Happy Sewing!

Simplicity 1375 - Linen Blend Pullover Dress with Drawstring Waist and Peekaboo Sleeve

This dress came together very nicely and I love the fit of it.  It was easy to make and I can see a few more in my future.  The fabric is fantabulous, and these pics does it absolute no justice.  The fabric is a linen blend with a gold shimmer throughout.  I originally purchased this fabric for pants, but changed my mind after looking for a fabric to pair with this pattern.  I knew immediately when I got the pattern that I would be doing View "E" first.   The V neck front is sloped very low, so I will definitely being wearing a camisole or tank under it as my puppies will not stay focused and or in check.  LOL. 

Happy Sewing!

Simplicity 2894 - Denim Shirt Dress

I've been wanting a simple but cute denim dress forever.  I recently saw one in Macy's that I love, but of course I was not going to pay $100 for something I could make.  I searched high and low for a tunic pattern because I wanted my dress to fit like a tunic, with a little flair.  I've had this pattern for some time now, but was not too interested in it in the beginning.  Not until I searched my pattern stash for a pattern to achieve the look I was going for.  The construction of this dress was simple and easy so I do see a crisp white linen one in my future.   

 

Happy Sewing! 

The Polka Dot Revolution Continues - New Look 6119 and New Look 6181 - Frankenpattern

As I am sure you guys have figured out, I am a Polka-Dot-A-holic, and I don't think I can personally have too much of the stuff. 

Summer is approaching fast and so is my many vacations. I am beefing up my work wardrobe but also adding a few pieces to my summer wardrobe.  Next week is my 10th wedding anniversary and later on this year we are celebrating these 10 years married and 12 years together on a beach in Punta Cana  if the Lord sees fit.   So I want pretty outfits in every photo op.    

Here is my inspiration and final product:

I used New Look 6119 for the bodice and New Look 6181 for the bottom and the fabric is a Jersey knit.   I really like both of these patterns as they are easy to make and so many different variations.

Happy Sewing!

Simplicity’s Cynthia Rowley 2054 - The Dress That Never Was!

There is always that piece of fabric that you wonder, why did I buy this, and for what. For me this would be that fabric. I have had it awhile, and bought it because it was on sale on an online fabric store, I think Fabricmart. I think I may have paid $3.00 per yard. When it arrived, was disappointed when I realized it was a ribbed knit but it was not my intention to get a fabric with ribbing, my fault for not paying attention to the description when I purchased it. When I took it out of the box, I just threw it on my fabric shelf and never looked at it again. 

Then a group that I am in on Facebook had a 7 day sewing challenge where you had to make a garment every day for 7 days. I knew when I said I would join this challenge that in my mind it was for the purpose of fabric stash busting and to get some things off my inspiration board. So I dived right in. I decided on Simplicity’s Cynthia Crowley 2054, because it could be a quickie project that I could serge up quickly. So I grabbed my not so happy with ribbed knit fabric, and wallah, this dress came out amazingly to my surprise. Even when I was cutting it out I didn't pay attention to the design in the fabric, and both the front and back are cut on the fold. I did not intentionally mean for the main design to float down the front of the dress st does.

Happy sewing!

Vogue 8825 - My Favorite Dress (Today)!

As usual my life is in full speed mode, but I have had a few moments to get some sewing in. 

Though I started this dress in 2013, I consider this a 2014 garment since I have not hemmed or worn it as of yet.  Its Vogue 8825, and I absolutely love this dress.  It was very easy to make and It sewed up in about 3 hours total:

The Dream Dress for Me.

Drooling and licking my lips:  If I had a pattern for this dress:

picture courtesy of ninistyle.com

 

Game over.  I would be so happy to have this dress in a money green, with a pair of pretty pink pumps.    My Easter Dream Dress.  I have a pattern close to this but no sleeves.  The price tag for this dress on the website ninistyle.com is $600.00.  For that amount of money, I could pay my car note and still make this dress and get me a hot dog and coke from Costco with change. IJS