The Ultimate Swim Suit Cover Up.

I just really love how this swim suit cover up came out.   I made it for a young lady who sent me an inspiration picture of what she wanted.  The colors are so vibrant and lovely.  I self drafted this by draping on the mannequin.  I would love to make a couple more for myself, because I was really please at how it came out.  Hope you like it too.

Here is the inspiration photo that was provided to me:

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Happy Sewing!

Matron of Honor: McCalls 7047

My very dear friend, asked me to make a very special dress for her.  The occasion was her best friend and cousin's wedding.  She was tasked to be the Matron of Honor.  And of course it was my honor to make her a very special gown.  We looked at several designs and when I showed her this particular pattern  McCalls 7047 she fell in love.  

This pattern has so many options to find a design that fits.  I made a few modifications to her liking and she was ecstatic with the outcome.

Modifications:  Instead of the draped look she wanted a cowl back to show off a little skin and I added a removal insert/dickie to accommodate that, and extended the peplum in the back for more drama and coverage.

Now there is a little side story to this particular sewing project.  I actually made to fully functional gowns.  The first gown I made had glitter in the fabric, which was a disaster and left black glitter all of her body that was very difficult to remove, even after the fabric had been washed several times. Thank God I started this project about a week in advance, because we had time to go find more fabric which we did.  A very beautiful flowy sequin that came out lovely.

Happy Sewing!

Butterick 5850: Resurrection Sunday Dress.

This dress makes me smile.  I had something totally different to wear for Easter, a white linen trapeze style dress that I will share later.  I ordered a pair of orange suede pumps to wear with my white dress, but when I received them they didn't fit and I didn't have time to find an alternate pair so I decided to wear this dress that was working on anyway.  It turned out to be an awesome backup plan. 

The fabric is from Fine Fabrics in Atlanta, I picked it up in February for a client piece, but my client decided to back out and go buy a dress.  It's a Wax African Print, a little heavy, but draped well. 

I have mad this pattern several times, but mostly out of Taffeta or special occasion fabric. 

Quick Review:

• I did not like the instructions when it got to the neck section.  I really didn't need the instructions as I have made this particular dress before and a few others like it. 
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• I didn't line my dress because the fabric was heavy and double sided and not see through.  
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• I used store bought binding for my arms and did a sewing machine hem after serging edges.    
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• I added 4 inches to the side ties for length.  
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• For the neck portion of the pattern I just gathered it so it would sit nicely on my neck without riding up.  
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• There is a side sipper, and I extended right into the arm hole and used an invisible zipper.  
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• There is four panels for the skirt portion of the dress and I added two inches to each panel for fullness. 

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!!!

Vogue 8808: Black Camouflage Scuba Knit Long Dress

I finally finished my Vogue 8808.  This dress was made from some really nice Scuba Knit I found in Atlanta at Fine Fabrics.  It was a remnant and I had Just over 2 and half yards.  I had a first earmarked it for a pair of wide legged pants, but I am so glad I decided to use it for this particular pattern.  It really came out nice.  

The only modification I made was to shorten the front hem a bout an half of an inch. I paired it with a pair of Nine West Stacked heels gifted to me from my Sister.  I didn't want to add anything else to it, just wanted to keep it simple since it was camouflage it really didn't need anything else. 

A picture of it on my mannequin.

Happy Sewing!

Burda 7340: Asymmetrical Top with Side Slit

Sometimes I just want something easy peasy to wear our and about on my shopping days.  I chose this top because of my constant need to conquer my Burda fear and addiction.  This was one of the simplest tops I've ever made.  It just made me feel like I conquered another Burda.  LOL

Happy Sewing!

Butterick 5859: High Waisted Polka Dot Pants

I really love how my pants came out.  They are a perfect fit and they can be styled in so many different ways.   When I purchased this cotton stretch fabric, I knew exactly what I wanted to make with it.   I am a polka dot fanatic and can see myself with a closet full of dots. 

Butterick 5859 is a great wardrobe building pattern. It includes a top with a bow which is one of my design aesthetics I love.  The pieces are classic and well thought out as a group.  I can't wait to make a few of the other pieces in this pattern as well.

Some other style options I chose:

Happy Sewing!