Cappuccino!

I just made the Liesl and Co Cappuccino dress from a pattern I bought a LONG time ago, but I never got around to making.  I loved the picture on the cover (first page) of the pattern so much and I wanted to replicate the dress shown there.  Usually I look at a pattern and immediately think of a different color or fabric I would like to use but not this time.  While browsing fabric.com, I came across this Art Gallery voile that had a similar look to the fabric on the pattern cover.  The dress is lightweight and a little sheer, so I will always need leggings with it but I don't mind. I really love it!  When my seven year old saw it she gasped in delight and said, "Mom, you look like outer space!"

Another Beatrix

I made another Beatrix top this week.  The fabric I chose is a light weight yarn dyed plaid - is it a gingham?  It has a very soft feel and great drape.  It was on a shelf of assorted out-of-season fabrics.  When I saw it a light bulb went off in my head.

I made view A again, but I added length to the sleeve.  I was torn between adding a button cuff (like the Oliver and S Gallery tunic) or making an elastic cuff.  I opted for the elastic cuff because I like being able to push my sleeves up and down with a minimum of fuss.

I love this shirt.  This morning was cool in my area and so I kept it on for quite a while!  This will definitely be in heavy rotation this fall!

Beatrix top

On the day it was released, I purchased the Beatrix pattern.  The teasers posted on Made By Rae had me hooked!

I opted to make view A with the 3/4 sleeves.  I tend NOT to like 3/4 sleeves, but the pictures of Beatrix tops with 3/4 sleeves Rae posted on her blog were the ones I like best so I decided to give them a chance.  I figured I could always change to short sleeves down the line if I was so inclined.

I used an Amy Butler voile that I had been saving for the project.  The fabric is buttery soft and very light.

I selected the C/D cup bodice with the size medium.  Here is my advice to anyone thinking of sewing this pattern - READ THE MEASUREMENTS SECTION.  My top ended up being too big and I had to adjust it to get the right fit.  I based my bodice choice on the cup size I usually buy, but if I had looked more carefully at the finished measurements of the garment, I would have made a better choice.  Next time I will either make the small with the C/D cup or the medium with the A/B.  I am leaning towards the latter because I can always play with the darts if needed.

The directions for this pattern are fantastic and the illustrations are very clear.  To me, it felt similar to working with an Oliver and S or Liesl and Co pattern.

For anyone who may be concerned about sewing a curved hem, it is really no big deal.  With a curve, you are working with the fabric on the bias so it is easier to manipulate.  Also, when  the curved hem is very narrow, as it is in this pattern, there are fewer issues of puckering.

I love my Beatrix!  It is so comfortable and it is a great pattern to highlight fabrics I love.  I think voile, double gauze, or linen would be best with this pattern because it is not super fitted.  A stiffer quilting cotton or heavier fabric would look awkward.

Here it is:

The bottom of the button placket is tucked under a little in the picture, but it is not usually like that! Below is another picture of the back, but the photo quality is TERRIBLE!  

One thing I need to point out is my pattern matching on this garment. The tips of my darts end at the EXACT same point in the pattern on both sides.  I also managed to match the pattern the button placket.  I am pretty proud of that!

Selfish Sewing

I didn't sew much this past year.  I won't re-state my home situation other than to say it can be completely exhausting.  Also, I took on a part-time job in addition to my full-time teaching job because i needed to buy a new, used car.

I volunteered as an independent study teacher at work this past school year.  I worked with a wonderfully creative student who is headed off to FIT in the fall to study fashion design.  Though she was brilliant at the artistic initial stages of fashion design, she had very limited sewing experience.  She worked with me after school to learn sewing and to create a couple of costumes based on YA novels she read. Each time I worked with her, I got the itch to start sewing more seriously again.  I decided to start sewing more for myself.

I started with the Liesl and Co Gallery Dress.  I thought it looked like a great piece for fall!  I made the 8 and I am thrilled with it.  It fits perfectly and it was fun to make.  I made this one in a really soft dot chambray.

When I finished, I decided to make some summer dresses.  Work is REALLY hot in the fall (no air-conditioning) and dresses are a huge part of my wardrobe.  My first dress was a Lisette pattern .  I LOVE the pleats in the front.  This is a red chambray which sewed up very nicely.

Then I made an Everyday Skirt.  I have used this pattern before and I knew I would like it.  I wear my first Everyday Skirt so much I thought a second would be useful!  I used chambray. . . again. The photo is terrible but you get the idea. I don't aspire to be a professional blogger!

Then I made two Lisette Round Trip dresses.  The first is made with Cotton and Steel fabric.  I hesitated to use a quilting cotton for a garment, but I loved the print so much I decided to give it a try. Excuse my facial expression.  My 7 yr old takes my pictures!

Then I made another in grey linen.  This time I switched the invisible zipper for an exposed zipper.

I have many more garments planned.  I have cut a couple of zippy tops (the full length version) and I just bought the Beatrix pattern.  I have some beautiful linen and double gauze I can't wait to work with!