The summer sewing continues with the first maxi I've made in quite a while even though I wear them all the time. The Morrison Top and Dress pattern has turned out to be the basis for this summer's wardrobe. It's easy, quick and since I'm home most of the time right now, comfortable. I purchased 2 yards of this double brushed poly online with the idea of making a dress or jumpsuit. When I got it I figured it might be too much print for a jumpsuit (plus how did I think I'd get a jumpsuit out of 2 yards?) and better in a dress. I had just enough for a maxi, whew! I measured my favorite maxi and made the skirt the same 41" length. After cutting, it went together in under 2 hours so it turned out to be a satisfying make. The total project was less than $20 because I already had the pattern (of course, but it's $10 on the website) and the thread. It will also travel well as this fabric doesn't wrinkle. What a dream! I did end up making that jumpsuit and I'll be sharing with you very soon!
Be safe friends! Diane
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Jumpsuits are all the rage, both in the stores and in the pattern books. I’ve been inspired by all the different versions out there (I love this one from Made By Laquana) but I have to admit, I’ve been reluctant to make one since I really don't want to deal with the "operational issues" that come with wearing a jumpsuit. The best part of sewing, however, is we have the opportunity to solve these fashion issues that might otherwise hold us back. I made up two of my most used patterns in the same fabric and now have my faux jumpsuit and as a bonus, two additional separates for my wardrobe. I'm excited to be a guest blogger for Cali Fabrics and have the opportunity choose fabric from their large collection of knits for my "jumpsuit". The emerald green double brushed poly from Cali Fabrics was my jumping off point for this project because I knew I wanted something comfortable and in a beautiful color (it comes in a large selection of both solids and prints, too!). If you haven’t used double-brushed poly before, it’s definitely a knit to try. It’s stable (keeps it’s shape), soft, washable and doesn’t curl when you work with it. If you’re new to knits and need something light to mid weight, this is a great place to start. And on top of it all, it’s pretty wrinkle free so it travels well. The fabric has a 59" inch usable width and took 4 yards to make the top, pants and tie. I paired the Morrison Top and Coffeehouse Pant patterns (both are in a "Summer Bundle" sale for $15!) because they are versatile enough to adapt to a project like this. Needless to say, I have several versions of these patterns already in my closet but reinventing them as a jumpsuit makes them look completely different. I sewed the top in a straight size 6 and made a few easy changes to the pant pattern to give it the “jumpsuit” look I was after. Here are the changes I made: Widened the pant leg 4”: At the pant hem, I added 1" to the width at both the inner and outer leg and blended the seams. Added 4” to the rise: I raised the rise on the front, back, pocket and pocket facing pieces. This included 2 1/2” to bring it to true waist and 1 1/2” for a fold over casing. Used 3/4” elastic: Instead of the 1 1/2” the pattern calls for, I used narrower elastic since it would hit at the true waist. Made a fold over casing instead of a waistband: This reduced bulk at the waist. Added a 3” x 58” self tie. I cut a 7" x 59" piece of fabric, folded it over, right sides together, and stitched. As I was making this outfit, I realized this would be a great option for a capsule wardrobe. Make up these two pieces in a navy or black double brushed poly and you'll have a great foundation for a mini wardrobe. Add a striped cardigan and floral skirt and you'll have a weekend getaway capsule that's easy to pack and wrinkle free. So many projects, so little time!
I want to thank Cali Fabrics for the beautiful fabric and inspiration. It's always a pleasure working with you and your gorgeous fabrics! Happy Sewing, Diane Time, money and space are all valuable resources so reusing our sewing patterns is a great way to make the most of all of them. Today, I bring a quick post loaded with pics showing multiple ways to use the "$15 Summer Pattern Bundle" that includes the Morrison Top and Dress and Coffeehouse Pant PDF patterns. It's amazing that two simple patterns can turn in to so much! The Morrison pattern can be made up in both woven and knit fabrics and a top and dress. Here are versions that include an elegant shell, casual t-shirt, knit summer dress, maxi dress and paired with Coffeehouse Pants a faux jumpsuit. You can add a flounce or contrast bands for even more options. Even more inspo can be found in ready to wear and online. I love these options from the Morrison Pinterest board. The Coffeehouse Pant pattern works as summery beach pants, casual everyday pants and even dressed up for work. You can add top stitching, trims, a flat front waistband and use lots of fabrics including seersucker, linen to suitings and ponte knit. More inspiration here from Pinterest including embroidery on the pocket and hem. I also have a post on adding a button placket to the hem. I have a sewing friend that made up 5 beautiful sets of pajamas using the Coffeehouse Pant and Morrison Top pattern bundle. They're beautiful and comfortable and so easy to make.
I'm working on a new project using my left over scraps .I'm looking forward to sharing soon! Diane Once it starts creeping into the 90's here, I begin dreaming of summer shift dresses (check out my Summer Frock Pinterest Board), The ideal dress is comfortable in the heat, versatile enough to work in (water plants, sew and run errands too) and look good enough to go out to dinner because let's face it, who wants to cook when it's this hot?! Enter the Margo Dress! As many of you know, one of my goals as a pattern designer is to create versatile patterns that can be used over and over. It's so much easier to start with a base pattern that you know works and use it as a jumping off point for creative and unique pieces. The Margo Blouse is one such pattern. I used 2 yards of iridescent linen from my stash and coordinating DMC embroidery floss for the contrast stitching. Here are the changes I made:
That's it! Making the dress shorter or adding tiered ruffles would also make a beautiful romantic dress for the summer. Embroidery or lace added to the yoke would make a fun, bohemian feel. So many options! I have a Margo Blouse Pinterest board for even more ideas.
Happy Sewing, Friends! Diane We just got slapped with a hot spell here so it jump started me right into summer sewing. When it climbs into the 90's I grab for the loosest, softest dress I can find in my closet. I'll be adding a few Morrison dresses to my closet for these days and this is the first. I'm sewing largely from my stash since we are in quarantine (and really I should sew this stuff up, right?) and I chose this liquidy soft cotton/rayon/spandex jersey from GirlCharlee fabrics (and yes they are shipping right now!) It's a perfect pick for this pattern since it's medium weight, has a nice drape and cute print. I cut a size 6 top and a size 8 skirt and blended the two together at the waist. Generally, when I make a Morrison top in a stretchy knit I make a size 6 (so it doesn't look too boxy), in a woven I make an 8 and the dress I always cut a 8 skirt. I added a strip of interfacing at the pocket openings so they don't stretch out of shape but otherwise I made it just like the instructions and finished it in one sitting of about 2 hours. I got going early today because I love the days when I have something new to wear especially since I spend so much time at home. It's the little things, right? Next, I think I'll take the Morrison top pattern and lengthen it about 12" to make a simple t-shirt dress for these scorching days. I'll share soon!
I hope you are all healthy! Diane A lot of unselfish going on over here, believe it or not, because I have the whole gang home. My daughter came home to work remotely during the quarantine so I have her here for fittings and inspiratiion. I've been able to make some pieces for her and also finish a pant muslin (I've yet to find fabric for those so more on that later) but today I get to share a jacket I made for when she goes back to work. This is McCall's 7693, a pattern I've had in my stash since a former student of mine made it and it turned out so cute! This is a simple loose fitting lined jacket with a straight peplum. I made it up in this poly/rayon blend suiting with a light pinstripe. It's the perfect fabric for this pattern because it allowed me to play with the direction of the stripes, has good drape and presses well. I cut both the collar and peplum on the bias and the rest of the jacket on the straight grain. I have an entire bolt of this fabric so I had plenty to play with while I decided the layout (you'll be seeing a few other projects in this fabric - wink, wink). This pattern was fun to make, went together easily and, with the lining, it was really a satisfying make. The first sewing step in any project for me is staystitching and I knew since I was cutting so much of this on the bias, it was really important. But I missed one side of the peplum facing and I didn't discover it until I went to put the facing on the jacket. You can see in the first photo how much it stretched! Because it was the facing, I was comfortable just cutting it even with the front instead of recutting the entire piece. I'm happy with how it turned out. Whew! The pattern instructions call for the majority of the lining to be hand sewn in, but I knew I'd be much happier with it if I machine sewed as much as possible. I machine stitched the entire lining together including the sleeves and peplum facing, stitched it to the jacket all the way around the neck and bottom (in a modified bagged lining technique) leaving just a small corner to hand sew (the left pic). I bagged the sleeves and and closed the sides and it was done! I didn't have enough of one lining for the entire jacket so I cut the sleeves in something different. This is quarantine sewing so I made it work and honestly, I probably wouldn't notice and it felt really good to be using what I had. This is a great first lined jacket pattern for those who are ready for a new challenge. I highly recommend this pattern! Although I'm happy to have my crew home. no one is happier to have everyone here than Miss Hazel.
I have more projects to share soon! Happy sewing, Diane Hey Friends! In this trying time, let's pull together and help each other! So many people, businesses and families are greatly affected by the current pandemic. In an effort to support small business owners I will be using 100% of the SALES of my latest pattern, The Morrison Top and Dress PDF pattern to purchase goods and products by other indie makers! Pattern designers, small fabric stores (yes, many are still shipping!), makers, artists and more can use our talents to help each other.
How can you help support other makers? Join in by doing the same with your own sales, purchasing goods from other makers and promoting this on social media and tagging your fellow makers! I wish you all health and wellness now and always! Diane I've got the Morrison Top tutorial for you today. This top is a quick and easy sew that's perfect for a beginner. Let me start with the basics...it's only 3 pieces! Yes, you heard me, you can finish this versatile wardrobe staple before you even know you've started! And even more, you can make it in as little as one yard of fabric! It's both a great stash buster and wardrobe builder at the same time. The pattern can be made in either a knit or woven and today I'm showing you how to make the top in knit fabric. Ready to get started? You can purchase and download the pattern here, print it and tape it together (a "copy shop" version of the pattern is included in the package if you prefer having it printed) and choose your size using the size chart. A few notes about fabric: you can use all different types of knit for this top as long as they have at least 30% stretch on the crossgrain. If you're new to knits and sewing, choose a "stable" knit which means a fabric that goes back into place after you stretch it (has good recovery), medium weight and doesn't lose it's shape. Good beginner knits are medium weight ponte and interlock and you may want to avoid anything too lightweight or drapey your first time out. I've used a medium weight ponte for the tutorial today and just love the way it came out. So here is The Morrison Top step by step in full color....Enjoy! Don't forget to tag your makes #bluedotpatterns and #Morrisontop. We want to see what you make! That's it! You did it!!!
Happy Sewing Friends! Diane I'm not certain why people sign up to test a pattern. Is it for a free pattern, to be a part of something new, social media exposure, curiosity, a new challenge or something entirely different? Whatever it is, it's the part of the process of designing a pattern that's most important for me as a designer. Using the input from the real, hands-on working of a pattern by different people can take it from good to great. The testers for the Morrison pattern covered all sizes in both views of the pattern and different fabrics. I had returning testers, experienced testers, beginning sewists, new testers, busy working women, grandmas, nursing moms (not sure how they did it!), people pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and even my BFF! I'm humbled and amazed by the generosity of the testers and how willing they are to share their time and expertise. A heartfelt "thank you" to all of you. I couldn't do it without you! And today I want to share with you some of what the fabulous Morrison testers made during testing. Here are just some of the Morrison Testers and their beautiful makes. Some made dresses, some tops and many of them made multiple versions of each! I included links to either their Instagram or blogs (if they have them) so be sure to check them all out! Morrison Tops Morrison Dresses
I was fortunate to have the lovely Koe of Koetique test the Morrison Dress. She has a fantastic and helpful blog, beautiful makes and a really fun Instagram. During testing, she asked if she could not only make the dress but customize it too. One of my favorite things as a designer is watching what people do with my patterns. I do my best to design pieces that are versatile enough to use over and over and today I'm excited to show you Koe's take on the Morrison Dress. Like so many of us, ready to wear is often the inspiration for our projects. Koe spotted this dress and found that the Morrison would be the perfect starting off point. She added a flounce to both the sleeve and hems and she has a fantastic tutorial on her blog that shows how to not only add a flounce to the Morrison but add a flounce to any pattern.
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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. Categories
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