 That's right! I've been blogging at Gatorbunnysews for years and now it'll be The Blue Dot Blog! The content won't change....just the name. I'll still be writing about my adventures in sewing, inspiration, tutorials, projects and my general love of sewing. You'll automatically be directed to my new blogging digs but if you have any questions about the move, please contact me. It's a bit tricky moving a blog but here goes...thanks for following and I hope you'll stay with me!
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 You know how sometimes you just have one of "those days"? Well this has been one of "those projects". You know the ones where it’s supposed to be simple and for one reason or another, or in this case several reasons, it turned to be not as quick and simple as I was expecting. There was nothing wrong with the pattern it was just....one of “those projects”.  I've enjoyed working with fabric prints lately but it's time for me to add some summer basics to my wardrobe. I purchased this stretch cotton slightly brushed medium weight twill a couple of months ago in hopes of sewing up some pants but instead I stitched up an aline skirt using New Look 6035.  For starters, I prewashed the fabric and it came out with stains. I’m not sure if it was my machine or it was damaged when I bought it but, ugh. I counted it as a loss but after a few days I washed it again and got most of the stains out. It wasn't enough for pants but there was enough to eek out a skirt.dit.  The skirt is pretty plain and although I'm looking to add basics to my wardrobe, I wanted to avoid the "Armed Forces" look (there's nothing wrong with a uniform look except when it's not supposed to be a uniform). I looked to my "Sassy Skirts" Pinterest board for inspiration and decided to add pockets and belt loops with top stitching, back darts for shape and 6 inches to the length.  The skirt should’ve gone together easily and quickly and the instructions were good but it took quite a bit longer than the 2-3 hours it should have. I put the invisble zipper in 3 times because I kept stitching too close to the coil (really?), I forgot to put the belt loops in the seam when attaching the waistband and found another stain on the fabric as I was working. Thankfully, I was able to get it out.  Well folks, I persevered and came out with a skirt I’m happy with. For sure someone needs to print a “#sticktoitiveness” t-shirt for me. I’m having a little difficulty figuring out how to style it because the topstitched pockets make it a bit too casual for the tops I wear to work. I think it looks best with a simple t-shirt and sandals or tennies. Any ideas on styling?
A print sundress is under my sewing machine now. I’ll share soon! Diane  There's a lot that goes into the development of a pattern; design, pattern making, testing, writing, testing some more, refining and the list goes on. But the best part of the development of a pattern is when it goes out to the testers and I get to what people make. I'm amazed at how gifted, skilled and generous my pattern testers are! They made some really fun Ally skirts, gave awesome feedback and were all around supportive during the entire process. Their suggestions have been invaluable. I couldn't have done it without them! Here are some of the makes from these lovely testers: Michelle from ThatBlackChic added pockets and flaps for a young and funky Ally. So much fun!   Karen made a wool version (so classic!) with pockets and then a higher waisted denim version for her lovely daughter  Lindsay of Inside The Hem made a corduroy skirt. When Lindsay sent her photos I had to giggle because I had just finished a brown cord version myself  Caroline made a fun black Ally that can be worn all year with a light t-shirt in the summer and a chunky sweater and boots in the winter. I love it!  I'm the luckiest designer ever! Thank you pattern testers....you're the best!
 The newest addition to the Blue Dot Patterns Collection is the Ally Skirt PDF Pattern! It's now available on the BDP website! To celebrate the new release, it's on sale for 30% off....just $7.00. Ally has length and pocket options and best of all, it sews up really quick  Head on over to the website and check it out!
  The Ally Skirt is a 6 gore skirt with 2 length options, button front, topstitching and flap or pocket option (because we love our pockets!) Instructions include directions for a custom fit. View A is above the knee a with flap and has a finished length of 17 1/2". View B is knee length with an inset patch pocket and finishes at 22 1/2”. This pattern is designed for the beginning/intermediate sewer.  She doesn't take much fabric and is a really quick sew. Ally is a great way to add to your wardrobe. I hope it becomes one of your TNT patterns.  Upcraft Club is doing an exclusive release today so head on over and take a look!
The pattern will be available on the Blue Dot Website on June 3rd. I hope you like it! |
About MeHi! I'm Diane, a wife, mom, sewing teacher and pattern designer from sunny Southern California. I share my sewing adventures here on the Blue Dot Blog formerly Gatorbunnysews. For more info click here. 
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