Gelato blouse

 

My second make of 2020 is also a project I cut out months ago! I still have one more to go before I am caught up with my sewing from last year. I am sharing my Liesl and Co Gelato blouse today. This pattern has a blouse and a dress pattern included. The dress is very different from the blouse with short sleeves, plain back and welt pockets. I bought the pattern for the blouse. I love a button back detail and I thought the peplum was so cute. The pattern actually has a ruffle that attaches to the sleeve. I decided not to include it while I was sewing, though. I knew I wouldn’t be able to layer a sweater over this top easily with that sleeve and also felt the blouse didn’t need it.

I used stardust double gauze in forest by Atelier Brunette. I thought the color was a really lovely shade of green and loved the gold embroidered dots. I have seen all different colorways of this fabric on my instagram feed and finally splurged on some for myself. I found this fabric fairly easy to sew. The neckline has a bias facing and that’s the only part I’m not thrilled with. It’s fine but it’s not perfect. Hence the Kylie and the Machine Imperfectly Perfect label I sewed there. I wish I used some starch to stiffen the fabric a little.

I made the smallest size with no adjustments. I’m pretty pleased with the fit but I would probably adjust the dart placement next time.

As I said before, I love the button back detail. I used gold buttons I found at Joanns. The button holes are functional but not necessary for me to open to get the top on. The placket between the second and third button down sometimes pops out. I think it happened when I put the blouse on but it happens a little with wear too.  I noticed it in some of my photos. I photographed this blouse twice because of it.  It might be from where I placed the buttonhole. I plan to stitch that part to keep it closed so I don’t have to worry.

I really like this top and would definitely make another.

 

 

 

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Tilly and the Buttons Indigo Dress

Happy New Year! My first make of 2020 was something I cut out months ago but never had time to sew it. It’s a Tilly and the Buttons Indigo dress! This pattern has a bracelet or flounce sleeve choice and a dress or top option. It has a gathered waist with an optional exposed ruffle and side seam pockets. It has no zips or buttons so it’s a pretty speedy sew and super comfortable to wear! The most time consuming part was unpicking all of my exposed gathering stitches.

I made the dress with long sleeves and the exposed ruffle. I used this tencel I bought from Joanns. It has a black background with brown leaves. I intended to make this for the fall but I’m still happy to wear it in the winter. This fabric has a nice drape to it. The pattern of the leaves runs horizontal but I preferred them this direction. I cut the pattern on the crosswise grain instead of the lengthwise grain with the selvedge.

I made a size 2 with no adjustments and I am very happy with the fit. This pattern is absolutely a winner and I plan to make more. I have fabric I have been saving for nearly a year because I was too afraid to cut into it. I think I will finally use it to make another indigo this spring!

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.

Wiksten Haori

I’m sorry for the unintentional blogging break! Life has been so busy that I’ve hardly had time for sewing for myself. I managed to squeeze in an evening of sewing last week and made this Wiksten Haori. I’ve been wanting to make this pattern for a while. This jacket is fully reversible so I was having trouble deciding on fabrics! When I saw this gold chambray and plaid cotton while browsing the LA Finch website- I knew they would be perfect for a festive jacket this time of year. The chambray is blue with a gold coating on one side and the plaid is soft with a really nice drape. This pattern calls for the lining fabric to be used for the collar. I decided to flip those fabric requirements and have the collar made in the main fabric. I liked the idea of having both a solid jacket and a patterned jacket when I reversed it.

This jacket definitely runs big. I made the mid length version in the XXS and I wish it was a little smaller. I think it’s okay but I am definitely considering taking in the back next time I make one. I’m hoping to make a cozy flannel version. I haven’t found the perfect fabrics yet though. I want to make sure they aren’t too thick so the jacket still drapes nicely.

I’m disappointed because I rushed so much. I wasn’t even thinking about pattern matching while I was cutting so the plaid is really off. I’m trying not to let it bother me too much. Besides that I’m really excited about this jacket. I know I will wear it a lot this holiday season.

I think the construction of this pattern is neat. It was fun to see it come together. I definitely recommend it! Which side do you like better- gold or plaid? I can’t decide!

Hopefully I will be back soon. I have so many projects I want to make and one of them I want to wear on a Thanksgiving next week. Fingers crossed I have time!

Matilda Dress

A perfectly autumnal Matilda dress. This pattern came with an issue of Simply Sewing Magazine last year. It has a mock neck, drawstring waist and two sleeve options- short and long with an elasticized cuff. There is an invisible zipper in the center back bodice and a couple hook and eyes at the collar. I absolutely love the fabric I used. It’s a rayon from Joann’s. The colors are perfect and it’s so soft. I bought it last year but I still noticed a bit at my local Joann’s a few months ago!

Leafling Bag

This dress almost didn’t happen. I started it last fall and was so frustrated that I balled it up and hid it away. I want to start off by saying that it had nothing to do with the sewing pattern. It was just a series of unfortunate mistakes. One of them was with the fabric pattern matching. I was trying to match the bodice to skirt. I cut the plaid upside down on my bodice so while the overall plaid would line up, the orange lines would not. I don’t think it’s very noticeable now that it’s sewn together but at the time I was very frustrated with myself.

Then, while cutting out my sleeves I managed to cut a chunk out of one of the sleeve caps. I picked up a little but more of this fabric soon after but never got around to recutting. I was really excited about this dress when I started it last year so I decided to give this another shot a few months ago. When I pulled out the new piece of fabric to cut- I realized I didn’t have enough to cut a new sleeve with the plaid in the correct direction. I ended up just using the original sleeves I cut. I was able to ease them in and I couldn’t even tell you which sleeve was cut incorrectly now.

I’m so glad I revisited this dress. It’s going to get worn so much now that it’s finished. I think sometimes we just need to step away from things for bit and come back to them when we’re ready.

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!

Pumpkin Amelia Top

I am ready for fall! Can you tell? I made a Violette Field Threads Amelia top out of this amazing pumpkin print bamboo spandex jersey from Natures Fabric. The Amelia is high low top, with lined bodice and optional ruffle trim. There is a cap, a short sleeve and a 3/4 ruffle sleeve. 

The print and colors on this fabric are so good! Unfortunately I think they are sold out of it. My friend Hannah showed it to me and we decided to split the last 3 yards that were on the site. This was my first time using Bamboo spandex. It is so soft and lightweight. I wasn’t sure what I was going to make with it at first. I have a to-make pattern list that I look over whenever I have a fabric I don’t know what to do with. I thought since it’s not heavy, it would work well with the ruffles and the gathers on this pattern.

I only had a yard and a half which wasn’t enough for this pattern. I really needed another 1/2 yard. I bought a solid navy to line the bodice with. I also wanted a longer sleeve but this was as long as I could fit.

This pattern was pretty quick to make up. The bottom edge of the ruffle is left raw but gathering the ruffles and the skirt was the most time consuming part.

This top is really fun to wear. I just want to twirl and swish around the ruffles! It’s perfect over leggings and could be worn over skinny jeans, too. I’ll end up throwing a cardigan over it when it finally starts to get cold (It was 90 degrees when I took these photos). I really love this style and definitely see myself making more!

Wiksten Shift

I have been seeing so many Wiksten Shifts on my Instagram feed since this pattern was released. I was really excited when I was asked to teach a class on this pattern next month so I was finally able to make one up!

The fabric: I couldn’t resist this mustard washed cotton from Oh Sew Shop. It’s a medium weight, has a nice bit of texture and I love the white printed wildflowers on it.

I made the short, short sleeve version of the dress with tie belt. There’s also a three quarter sleeve option, a longer version with a slit and a top. I am hoping to also make the top soon. I made the smallest size, with no fit adjustments other than hemming it an inch or two shorter.

It was a fairly quick and enjoyable sew. It’s also an easy dress to throw on! It’s perfect for these last days of summer but I know I’ll layer it up come fall.

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?

Swim Coverup Vogue 9255

Hello! I am sharing my Vogue beach coverup today. I wanted this Vogue pattern since last year. I almost bought it at a local shop but I realized at the register I grabbed the wrong size range and it was the last one in stock. A few months ago Joann’s was having a sale on Vogue patterns and I remembered to get this one! This pattern has three pieces- shorts, halter bra and coverup. I knew I wanted to make the cover up ASAP. I don’t really have any coverups for the beach so I made sure to sew this before our trip to Cape May.

I bought this embroidered cotton fabric with border from Joann’s. I think it’s so beautiful! I had originally planned to make a blouse with it but I realized it would work very well for this pattern. I was a little short on fabric so I took a little bit of width out of the main pieces and I believe the sleeves are a little shorter, too. I cut my two main pieces on the border. (bonus- I didn’t have to hem!)

This was fairly quick to sew and I definitely can see myself making one again. It was so comfortable to wear in the heat and I love the fit/style. I’m curious about the shorts and halter bra, too but I’m not sure if I’ll get around to making them anytime soon. I am in fall mode right now and can’t help but plan for cooler temps. I’m starting with some pieces that can be worn in the heat but easily transitioned next season. Hopefully I’ll be back next week with one of those garments!