Papercut Ashling Dress

Hello! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I feel like that’s how my last few posts have gone. I’ve been terrible about posting these past few years but I’m hoping to be better about it! Anyway, here’s one of my most recent makes- a Papercut Ashling dress. I loved this pattern as soon as I saw it.

It’s no secret that I love ruffles and this one has the option for three! Waist, collar and sleeve cuffs. I ended up just doing to the waist although I had planned on the sleeve cuffs. I ran out of fabric. 

I was between sizes and should have sized down. When I first tried it on, I was disappointed. I took the shoulders in a little and that helped. I wish I had shortened the bodice an inch or two but it would have been too much of a headache to unpick once I realized. I am happy with how it turned out, though. It’ll be an easy dress to just throw on with some flats and feel put together. 

This lovely rayon is from Art Gallery. It’s called Intrinsic Deep. I love all the colors in the design. I had a hard time deciding what color buttons I wanted to use but I ended up on these pink vintage buttons I had in my stash.

I hope to make another in a cotton one day. The tan gingham one on the Papercut site is so perfect! There’s also an option to just make a top which would also be nice. My spring/ summer sewing plans are out of control. I want to make all the things! I just finished a Friday Pattern Co Davenport dress so I’ll be back to share that soon and maybe some of my future sewing plans.

Thanks for reading!

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Forget Me Not Patterns Lola

 

I am excited to share my Lola dress with you today! This pattern is by Forget me Not patterns. Lola can be made as a top or a dress. There’s a boat neck (what I made) or a scoop neck option. The back is really pretty with a yoke and an inverted box pleat plus an optional ruffle (which I of course added)

Lola has so many size options! I was really impressed. There were small, medium and full bust options. I went with the small, size 32 and the fit is perfect.

For fabric, I used a spotted rayon crepe I bought of Etsy. When it arrived it reminded me more of chiffon. It was ever so slightly sheer and wasn’t going to work for the jumpsuit I had planned it for. I’m glad though because I just love it as this dress! I can wear this dress over my slip and it’s perfect.

The only adjustment I made was I shortened the dress by a few inches when I was cutting it out. It ended up being a little shorter than expected but I think it’s fine.

This pattern also has an optional waist tie. I really like it styled with this belt I own but I might make it later! I can picture myself wearing this dress all year round! With tights and a chunky cardigan in the fall and like these photos in the spring/ summer. It can be made in a solid fabric as a basic or it’s a great canvas for a really fun, bold print.

Because this fabric frays (and I also didn’t feel like rethreading my serger) I used French seams for the whole dress. It has such a nice clean finish. I tried to use my narrow hem foot for all the hems but I’m still getting the hang of it. I ended up just folding the hem as I went along on my machine and it turned out fine. The final touch? A Crafty Pinup label at the neck. I really like adding labels to my me mades now. 

I hope everyone is doing okay and staying safe ❤️

(Pattern was gifted)

York Pinafore

I’m excited to share my Helens Closet York Pinafore today! It’s no secret I love a pinafore. I have quite a few in my closet. I love how easily I can create different looks with just changing the top underneath. I’m feeling overwhelmed by the amount of clothes I have lately and how few I actually enjoy wearing. Pieces that I can get more wear out of are important to me. I’m planning on reading the Curated Closet in the New Year and really focus on getting my wardrobe where I want it to be.

The York has multiple styles that can be mixed and matched- there’s 2 lengths, two necklines and patch pockets or a kangaroo pocket. I went with the short length, higher neckline and the patch pockets.

I used this amazing bow print corduroy I got from Sew Over It (it’s sold out now!). I only had a meter because I was planning to make a skirt but I was so excited when I realized it was enough for this. There’s only three pattern pieces which makes this quick to cut out. I did spend time pattern matching on the pockets, though. The arms and neck are faced with bias tape. I used store bought because I was short on time but I wish I had made my own. The pattern calls for double fold bias tape but single fold works as well. I would recommend using single fold if you go the store bought route. The double fold is a little too thick in my opinion and I honestly am considering re- facing the whole thing.

There’s not much fitting involved in this pattern. I used the size chart and my measurements and am happy with it. There’s no fasteners or closures on this garment so it just slips over your head.

I wore it to go get our Christmas tree and it was comfy layered with a turtle neck and tights. I definitely recommend this pattern. In fact, I have another cut out already! The next one will be in flannel with the lower neckline and same length. I’m hoping I have time to sew it up soon.

Pumpkin Patch

I am so happy it’s finally fall! It’s my favorite season. I always look forward to a visit to a local pumpkin patch. Fall is also my favorite season to sew and dress for. I’ve been busy making a lot of new garments but the weather is taking it’s time cooling down. It was nearly 80 degrees this day but I was determined to finally wear this outfit!  It’s an Ellie and Mac Be Smart Jumper and a Sweetheart top from Gertie Sews Vintage Casual.

This is my second Sweetheart top. The first one I made years ago as a short sleeve, summery version. I was going to buy the Tilly and the Buttons Agnes pattern but I remembered this was similar. I was so happy to see that there was a long sleeve pattern piece included. I’m trying to limit the amount of patterns I’m buying. This top is a really great basic to add my wardrobe. I plan on making more of these. For this one, I used a burnt orange rib knit I found in the remnant section at Joanns. I know I will wear this a lot this season.

The Ellie and Mac Be Smart Jumper is a circle skirt with waistband and straps. I used a plaid knit I had left over in my stash. I didn’t have enough to cut the circle but I did have enough to create a gathered skirt by cutting two rectangles. This was a very fast sew. I’ve already made another that I’ll be sharing soon.

 I love how these two pieces work together. I’ll be wearing this again with tights when the weather finally cools down. I’ll be back soon with more fall outfits!

Sew Over It Libby Shirt

The Sew Over It Libby shirt pattern has definitely been on my radar for a while. I’ve been seeing so many beautiful versions popping up on my Instagram feed. Sew Over It was having a summer sale a few weeks ago so I finally caved and bought this pattern! Libby is a button down shirt with a boxy fit and a notched collar. There are two hem lengths- I went with the longer of the two. I love the grown on sleeves (no setting in!) and there is also a sleeve cuff which I thought was a nice design feature. As far as fit, I cut a straight size 8 and am happy with it. Because it is boxy and I used a fabric with a lot of drape, it’s an easy pattern to fit.

I had bought this Figo rayon when I bought the pink rayon for my Bonnie blouse because I loved it so much. The blue is such a gorgeous color and it pairs wonderfully with the yellow gold flowers. This is a great pattern for larger prints because there are no darts or seams running through the main bodice pieces.

Libby was easy to sew except for the collar. I don’t sew collar stands or notched collars very often so it took me a little while to wrap my head around what I was supposed to do. Marking your notches and dots on your pattern definitely helps (I had to go back in and darken some of my marks) but I had to really zoom in on the instruction photos to figure it out. I kind of just went for it and it started to make sense/ come together.

I think Libby is a great basic blouse. I would love to make another in a sold color. I think I’ve said this before but I really need to more solids in my wardrobe! I don’t have too many things to pair this top with but I did really like it with these RTW white jeans.

Of course I have to mention these flowers! This a nearby farm and their flower field in the summer is one of my favorite photo spots. I just made it there this week (where has the summer gone?!) and am hoping to make at least one more trip this year. I planned to take photos with the sunflowers but they had just cut them down. Fortunately I was able to buy a bouquet of them. They are huge!

Have you made the Libby shirt pattern?

Tilly and the Buttons Romy & Jessa

Tilly and the Buttons recently released 2 new patterns! Romy– a envelope neck knit top or dress with optional back ties and different sleeve lengths. And Jessa– high waisted shorts or flared leg pants with zip fly and tab closure and pocket or pocket flap options.

First, I’ll talk about my Romy! I bought this dreamy Robert Kaufman knit from LA Finch Fabrics. (I think it’s sold out but I found some here) I love it so much I managed to squeeze this top and another garment (coming soon!) out of it. I also found it in two other color ways on other sites and I’m so tempted to get some! I made the short sleeve version and didn’t add the ties because I didn’t have enough fabric. I think it’s a really cute tee that I’ll get lots of wear out of. Something to note- that I’ve heard from lots of other people- is this pattern runs a little large so definitely keep that in mind. The design is supposed to be looser fitting but you might find your regular size is too big. I fall between sizes. I sized down and I’m happy with the fit. I definitely recommend trying it on as you go so you can sew it smaller if needed. I have fabric on the way to make the long sleeve dress with the back ties.

I opted to make the shorts for my first attempt at the Jessa pattern. I really needed denim shorts so this was perfect timing! I used some medium weight denim I found at Joann’s. I decided to do the two patch pockets on the front for some seventies vibes. I also decided to try something different and do the fun tulip flower topstitching on the pocket. I love it so much. I’m kicking myself because my old machine had so many decorative stitches and I never used any! The shorts pattern also includes cuffs but I just hemmed mine.

As far as fit, I cut my size according to the chart but they seemed really large when I was making them. I’m so glad I tried them on before attaching the waistband. I was able to easily take them in on the sides and center back, as well as make the waistband smaller. I’m pretty pleased with how they turned out.

I’m hoping to try the pants version in the fall.

Both of these garments are going to be on regular rotation this summer! Are you planning on trying either of these patterns?

(Patterns were gifted by the TATB team)

Itch to Stitch Zamora Blouse

Hello! I just wanted to share that I made a Zamora Blouse from Itch to Stitch and styled it three ways. I am so in love with this colorful blouse. You can read all about it and see my three looks over on the Itch to Stitch blog.

Me Made May Roundup

 

Hello! I just wanted to pop on here to talk about Me Made May before we get too far into June! My pledge this year was to wear at least one me made garment everyday for the entire month of May. I have to admit I missed a day or two (one definitely being the day we flew home from Florida) but I’m still pretty proud of myself! And I think the fact that I wore TWO me made outfits all of the other days of my vacation makes up for it.  I didn’t document every outfit. What did I learn from doing this challenge? Well, I already knew this but I need to make more basics and garments for everyday life- things like pants for work and comfy knit dresses. I already have plans for a few of these.

 

 

Did you participate in Me Made May?

By Hand London Jenna Dress

By Hand London recently released a new pattern- the Jenna dress! I was instantly drawn to the 90’s vibes of this dress. Jenna has two versions- a square neck and short sleeves with sleeve ties like what I made or a higher neck with a peterpan collar and bracelet length sleeves. They both feature a lined bodice and bias cut skirt (two different length options) , and of course can be mixed and matched for a variety of combinations. This was my first time making one of their patterns. I have the Sarah top but haven’t gotten to it yet!

I found a textured cotton at Joanns. I couldn’t resist the peachy pink color or the daisy print! I wasn’t sure what to make with it at first but the next day a lightbulb went off and I realized it needed to become a Jenna! Luckily I had bought just enough. I used a white cotton I had on hand to line the bodice. Unfortunately this fabric stretched a little while sewing because of the texture. I wasn’t expecting any issues so I wasn’t prepared! I switched out to my walking foot after several seams and it helped.

I really wanted to bring this on my vacation so I stitched it up pretty quickly. I should know better than to rush, though. I didn’t let the skirt hang for 24 hours and since it’s cut on the bias, the zipper ended up pulling weird after the skirt set. I definitely have plans to resew the bottom half of the zipper and possibly shorten the zipper a little, too.

As far as fit goes, I have to say the bodice is a little large but definitely wearable. Next time I make this, I will definitely grade down the bust and maybe take it in a little at the top of the center back. Despite it’s flaws, I really do love this dress and definitely hope to make another. I think the peter pan collar version would be so wonderful in the fall. Maybe since I am going to fix the zipper, I will try to alter the fit of the bodice while I’m at it.

And I have to mention the peonies! We took these photos in a local peony garden. I went early in the season last year but this year we happened to catch them at full bloom and it was beautiful!

Butterick B6318

B6318 is part of Butterick’s vintage collection. It’s from 1961 and has a gathered skirt, high neckline, dolman sleeves and waist ties. I’ve had this pattern for a while now. I bought it during one of Joann’s pattern sales but never had any real plans to make it. I recently saw a few versions pop up on Instagram and I finally felt inspired to give it a go! I got this Rifle Paper Co fabric last year when they released their English Garden collection. It’s such a beautiful fabric with so many great details in the print. I kept changing my mind on what to make with it! I think I bought 3 yards so I wanted a pattern that wouldn’t leave me with a lot left over.

As far as fit goes, I’m happy. I graded from a 6 in the bust to an 8 in the waist. I don’t think I’d change a thing. I like the style of this dress and I think this pattern is a winner. I try not make dresses like this anymore though because I can’t wear them too often. I don’t know if I’ll be making this dress again anytime soon. Or if I did, maybe a shorter length would be more wearable.If I made this again, I’d also use a dyed fabric instead of a printed fabric because you can easily see the wrong side of the waistband fabric when it’s tied. I thought about backing it but I didn’t have enough fabric and I was worried it would be too bulky. 

TULIPS. Obviously the show stopper here. About an hour from where I live has a farm that planted a million tulips. Literally. It’s called Holland Ridge Farms if anyone reading is from the New Jersey area. I wanted to go last year but I found out about it at the very end of the season. I made sure to keep an eye on their page this year so I didn’t miss out. It was so gorgeous. I didn’t want to leave! These are easily my favorite photos I’ve taken for the blog.