Vogue 1220 In Progress

I'm working on "orange sunshine", mind you, I live in a world of black, beige, grey and navy.  Originally I thought this fabric was too much for me, but at a dollar a yard, I couldn't pass it up.   The pattern has unusual seams for fitting which were daunting for me, I wanted a good fit in back and not too much fabric in front.  I took the pattern to my tailoring teacher and she helped pin-fit.  We decided to add a dart in front (pictured), we also added some length to the collar back ( I needed an extra 1/4 inch).  I'm basting and fitting this one more than usual and so far, so good.  I know it's been slow going, but my work has been super busy these days.  Hoping to have some sewing time on Sunday and Monday.  Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Happiness is.......

I'm truly pleased with my "little brown wearable muslin/dress".  I needed something quick and easy to get me out of the sewing doldrums.  Vogue 1250 is Donna Karan's close fitting draped neck dress.  The design is beautiful, the front and the entire skirt are cut in one piece then a separate back.  Only three pieces make up this dress.  Here's what I did to the pattern:

• lengthened the front above the waist 2.5 inches
• lengthened the skirt 3 inches
• lengthened the back 1 inch- eased front into back
• cut everything a 16, eased to 18 at the bust

This cotton/Lycra jersey is leftover from a another outfit and I thought it would work as a wearable muslin.  I have a pretty and subtle leopard print that I'll use for this dress unless the June BurdaStyle has something I love more.

What worked:  The style, alterations, fabric- like the result.

What didn't:  The hem.  I have a Pfaff Coverlock that I'm not in love with and don't use very often.  The result is not as smooth as I'd hoped for; but wearable.

I'm flirting with the idea of making it in this rayon/Lycra stripe.  It has an incredible hand, with a bit of weight so it drapes very well.  What do you think?  Too much?

Does This Ever Happen To You?

I'm buying fabrics and patterns like mad, but I won't live long enough to sew everything up.  Lately I've been in a deep sewing decline.  Am I being affected by the recession?  Am I lazy?  Did my sewing angels take a vacation?  Are the movies on Netflix too compelling?  I believe it's all of the above.  Just got back from Jo-ann's Fabric and picked up a few Vogue Patterns on sale.  I'm going to sew up something super- easy in hopes that I get my groove back.  Vogue Patterns $3.99, don't miss it.

Up next, Donna Karen Dress

I like the lines of this dress, but after looking over the pattern I find some fitting challenges.  The front bodice wraps completely around to the back creating a bit of a complication for the full bust.  I've cut the pattern and tried a few tricks with the mannequin.  I'm hoping that cutting the BF seam at a larger size will solve the problem.  I'm making it in bright orange!  I don't usually wear brights colors but the fabric was calling my name... 

The Wedding Dress...Wow!

Kate Middleton chose a beautiful classic dress that truly shows her figure in a great light.  The neckline, bodice and skirt are balanced and make her look tall, slim and curvy, if she has a figure flaw- this gown certainly is hiding it well.  I believe this is a perfect reason for sewing our own clothes, although we can't always turn out an incredible fit like this- I believe that we can get closer than just choosing something off a rack.

I imagine this wedding gown is going to guide fashion a bit toward fitted, classic dressing and I think it's a good thing too.

vogue 8644 dress

This one took a while.  I've come to the conclusion that I don't love making dresses.  This one is a good cut and has two little pockets in the front.  The fabric is a very lightweight wool with lycra, I think if I make this again I'll use something with a little more drape.  It fits very well; I'm a little fuller in the hips than the mannequin and you don't see that wrinkle on me.  I used an invisible zipper instead of a regular one and am pleased with that as well, although it added a lot more hand sewing to the project.  I made this to go under the grey jacket that I posted first and they look very well together.  

Burda 2/2009-123 Wrap Blouse

This is an easy project with a few nice details.  I love the asymmetrical hemlines at the front and the bias binding ties at the sleeves.  The fabric is a lightweight rayon print from Mood Fabric in Los Angeles.  I used the rolled hem foot and a dainty zig-zag for the hems and it turned out nicely.  The pattern calls for the wrong side of the collar to be turned out to the outside but I like a loose drape instead.  Easy to make and easy to wear.