 I just finished a dynamic duo to add to my summer wardrobe. Here's New Look 6413 and of course the beloved Blackwood Cardigan by Helen's Closet in a combo that I got really lucky to find. I've had my eye on this rayon crepe print at Fabricland (my local fabric store in O.C.) and was fortunate to find a dreamy lightweight french terry in a beautiful rose that goes perfectly with the print. When this happens...you have to bring both fabrics home.
This dress is really simple and perfect for a beginner or anyone that needs a quick project. It calls for a front bodice zipper which I thought would be odd but actually looks really nice. It's completely unnecessary for the dress (it would pull over without it) but you would need to put it in for the jumpsuit view. Since I made this as a sample for the fabric store I included it so people could see the pattern as it's written.  I don't think anyone needs another Blackwood cardigan review so i won't add one here but I've made 5 now if that says anything about it. But what I like about this one is the color. It's not a color I would normally look at but it turns out it goes with so many things in my closet! I probably have at least 3 other outfits for it.
Just a quick share today as I've got more dresses in the works.
Happy Sewing, Diane
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 I set aside my selfish sewing for a bit to sew for my favorite girl. She's home from college and a girl needs something new when she comes home, right? I made a wrap skirt out of this rayon challis print she found at Joann. It was quick and easy and she's very happy.  I used New Look 6456 and made View C and made no changes (not even to the length) and it's perfect. You really can't go wrong with a wrap skirt, they're an easy fit and easy to make. The fabric shrunk like crazy so I had a difficult time getting all the pieces out of the fabric. I think figuring out how to make the pieces fit took almost as long as making it. Cutting and sewing was under 2 1/2 hours and I only had a few square inches of fabric left over. Yay me!  She's going away to work this summer and my plan is to make her another one before she gets back. Chambray maybe? I'm going to miss her so sewing for her will make me feel better.   There's still so much more I've made and haven't blogged about. Coming soon!
 I continue to be “The Top Lady” with another top I made to fill my closet. This time, however, I added a nice summer basic that was absent from my wardrobe. This dotted Swiss came from Mood Fabrics in LA and it only took about 1 1/4 yards. I love a project like that!  This is the third time this summer I’ve used New Look 6035. I used it here for a fun shell and here for a basic khaki skirt.  The inspiration for this shell is a yellow top one of my students came to class in. So many times when my students come to class I touch the fabric they’re wearing or zero in on a detail. I’m sure they’re used to it by now but I think I might need to work on my “boundaries” when it comes to touching other people’s garments. I usually ask for permission but surely I forget at times. If you ever catch me touching a stranger’s dress in the grocery store will you slap my hand? Do any of you do this?  I added a center front seam and a 3 1/2” wide band down the front. Originally, I wanted the top to tie in the front above the slit. When I finished it however, the tie opened the top so much you could see the camisole underneath. So awkward. Instead I made a shorter 1 1/2” slit and continued the 1/2” binding all the way around the neck and armholes. I also added my usual back neck dart to eliminate gaping in the back.  Pants are under my machine right now so I’m breaking my top streak. Yay me!
 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 |
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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