Tie Dye Vogue Top

I've been wanting to make this top for awhile after first admiring Amanda's version. Amanda is one of my sewing idols. She is always making things that look like they came from a high-end boutique.

 

 

 

 

I came across this tie dye print from Mood Fabrics and I thought it would work up well with this pattern. I spent $20 for the fabric. It's a lightweight knit so I should be able to wear it into early Spring.

 

 

Vogue 1261

 

This was very easy to sew. I like the exposed seams of the raglan style sleeves. I also like the longer length and asymmetrical hem line. I took some tips from Amanda and made a few changes. I cut the back on the fold and omitted the ribbon trim that the pattern would have you apply. Like Amanda, I did not use a twin needle for the topstitching. I simply sewed 1/8 of an inch on either side of the exposed seam and trimmed the SA close to the stitching. I applied the neck binding with right sides facing together, pressed the seam to the inside, and topstitched the SA 1/8 of an inch away. I chose to leave the sleeves and hem unfinished as the pattern suggests. I think the hippy tie-dye theme went well with the exposed seams and unfinished hem. This took about 3 hours to sew.

 

I'm happy with this top in the end. It's a style I normally wouldn't have picked for myself if I had not seen Amanda's version... but I'm glad I tried it out. It's comfortable and casual but a step up from just  jeans and a t-shirt. I could see making view B which has a cowl neck.  

 

I wore this to our local public gardens. There wasn't a lot of flowers in bloom this time of year but still some cool scenery for photos!

 

 

 

~Jenny

Slouchy Hat

 

 

I crocheted this hat in just a couple of hours using Loops and Threads Cozy Wool yarn from Michaels. I also used a free pattern from Loops and Threads available here.

 

Sometimes it's hard for me to just sit and relax. I feel like I have to be doing something. Crocheting is helpful in keeping my hands busy when I just want to watch some tv.

 

This hat is super cute and instantly gratifying- my kind of project! I got tons of compliments when I first wore it out.

 

By the way, I originally attempted to blog this with the Blogger app from my smart phone... lame. I already uninstalled it. It kept saying that the post failed and wouldn't format the way I wanted it to... sorry Blogger.

 

~Jenny

Key to My Heart Alma

My second experience with Sewaholic patterns is another success! This is the Alma blouse, pattern 1204. It is a semi-fitted blouse with neckline and sleeve variations. It has an invisible zipper. As you can see, I made the long sleeved version with the notched neckline.

 

The fabric is another purchase I made during a sale at GorgeousFabrics.com. It is 100% rayon challis. I just love the weight and feel of this fabric and it sews up very nicely. Click here for a better view of the print which is a itty bitty heart and key design. I spent $21 on fabric.

 

I stayed true to one of my New Years goals and spent extra care and time on the finishing. I did french seams to conceal the raw edge except along the zipper seam and sleeve caps. On these seams, I encased the raw edge in seam binding. It truely made a difference in the quality and feel of the finished product!

 

The pattern is available in sizes 0-16. I made a 12 based off of my measurements. It fit perfectly without any adjusments. I found this easy to sew but the instructions are minimal. If you are a novice, you may need a handbook or internet handy for steps such as inserting the invisible zipper.

 

I really like the design of this blouse. The front and back darts give it a nice feminine shape, creating curves for those who do not have them but allowing those with curves to show them off!

 

I wore this out the first time as you see here- with skinny jeans and flats.

 

~Jenny

Graphic Shirt Dress

 

 

McCalls 6600

 

I've been wanting to make this dress for quite some time in a large scale graphic print. I spotted this polyester crepe de chine at Gorgeous Fabrics and fell in love with the large black and white print. I got it while Ann was running a sale and spent $27. I love the fabric! It's the perfect weight- I think I could wear this in Fall, Winter, and Spring. And it will travel well because it's virtually wrinkle free. I've sewed with both silk and polyester crepe de chine now and I think it's one of my favorite fabrics. It feels very luxe but sews up without any fuss.



 

I love the simplicity of this design. It's just an over sized shirt dress with tie belt but I really think it would flatter just about any body type. The instructions were fine. If you've every made any type of button up shirt then this will be a breeze.

 

The only change I made was to the length. I ended up shortening it by about 2 inches. It looked a little dowdy before I shortened it.

 

So I stepped out of my fashion comfort zone when I first wore this out (same day as photo shoot). Apparently bright tights in a contrasting color to your garment are all the rage. I really liked the look on others so gave it a try in these maroon tights. I have to admit, I felt a little silly at times. Not quite sure the look is for me with my shapely legs. Loved the dress with my new boots though! Next time, might go for a more monochromatic look with black or gray tights instead. 

 

~Jenny

 

Best of 2012, 2013 Goals

I wasn't planning on doing one of these but I've truly enjoyed reading everyone's recaps and goals so I thought "why not?"

 

The projects I am most proud of this year came from my Spring/Summer wardrobe plan. I made almost every garment from this collection and now have a variety of pieces I can mix and match.

 

 

The Seersucker Blazer

 

 

The Ruffle Blouse

 

 

The Cardigan and Tank

 

 

I don't want to set any hard and fast New Year's Resolutions because I don't want to disappoint myself by failing or feel obligated to do something if I've changed my mind. But I do have some general goals I would like to use to guide my sewing/blogging this next year:

 

1) Blog more often. I don't want to blog just for the sake of posting something. This goal is in line with #2- I want to have more great projects to share. I have a few ideas floating around in my mind in regards to the blog so you may see some new features and content this year.

 

2) Sew more often. I struggled with finding the time to sew in 2011 with a newborn baby but we've got a pretty good routine we developed in 2012. Logan goes to sleep for the evening, my husband catches up on his favorite sports, and I go get 1-2 hours of sewing done. It's worked out pretty well and I hope to have even more to show in 2013.

 

3) Sew according to my own personal style. I've always sewed what I've liked but I haven't really figured out my own personal style until more recently. It's a dash of trend, but mostly classic, lady-like, style... with a bit of quirk.

 

4) Up my quality. I hope to learn and utilize some better finishing and tailoring techniques this next year so that I have great looking clothes that will last.

 

5) Comment more often. If I'm following your blog, I've read just about everything you've written. But I'm terrible about commenting. I hope to comment on the blogs and forums I follow at least once a week.

 

I can't believe how much the online sewing community has changed and grown and I'm excited to see what it will bring in 2013. I am finding interesting, new blogs out there all the time. It's exciting to see that young, hip women (and men) are interested in sewing and making amazing things!

 

Happy New Year everyone!

 

~Jenny