Red Top

Here's a little top I made at the beginning of the summer. It seems like the fashion these days is to wear loose fitting dresses. I think they look like maternity tops, so I added a belt.



I used a cotton batiste that I bought two years ago when my mom and I went to NYC to buy fabric. I've been whittling away at my stash so I don't feel too guilty about buying MORE fabric recently. This top was relatively easy to make, but the fabric I chose was sheer, so I decided that French Seams were a good choice. Those take more time, but the end result is more durable and more beautiful! Since the top is sheer, I would need to wear a tank underneath, but it needs to be a fairly low scooped tank, since it would ruin the square neckline if you could see it.



The detail of the sleeve. The picture is with my dying camera...so it's a little blurry. Watch out if you have larger arms...I found this to be a little snug on my bicep and I'm not a muscle-y person.

Currently, I'm working on a wrap dress. Here's a preview of the fabric. I love it...maybe a little too loud, but, eh. I'm almost finished with it...and it has been way more challenging than the things I've been making lately. More pieces, more sewing, more time. Hopefully, it will be a good fit...

Summer Sewing

This summer, despite having an active toddler, I've managed to do a fair amount of sewing. I thought I might do a little show and tell, plus some pattern reviews.

Let me start with the most recent finished garment, a Simplicity 3778. Here is the pattern folder pic:

It isn't something I would typically choose to sew, but it seemed easy, and I thought it might be a good pattern to go with the fabric I had. Plus, it's breastfeeding friendly, since the top will come down in a snap.

Here is the front view. I made it in size 14. For those of you who don't know, the pattern sizes are based on actual body measurements and are different from ready to wear (RTW) sizes. I'd typically wear a 6 or 8 in RTW. That just tells me that the clothing companies have gone through reverse inflation to make people feel good. I think it's just confusing.

The directions and pattern are fairly good. I was able to follow everything very well. I changed a few things about the garment, namely, I didn't put a zipper in the back. The dress has enough ease to fit over my shoulders or hips, in addition to elastic, so I didn't think the zipper was necessary. I tried out the elastic guide to cut my elastic for the back, but had to shorten it so it would support the fabric well. I shortened it about 4 inches from the size 14 guide, and given a do-over, I'd shorten it even more.
Here's a detail of the yoke. The fabric is a medium-heavy weight linen. I took my fabric and squirted it with water. Then I mashed it up to get lots of wrinkles, and I ironed those wrinkles in! I applied a rectangle of interfacing to the back, and did some free motion stitching over the top to catch my wrinkles. I used a matching green batik for the facing. While I'm talking about fabric, I should mention that the belt I used was purchased. Without the belt, the dress makes me look like a green blob since the skirt is so full. If I were to use a lighter weight silk or rayon, I think the belt might not be as necessary.


Here is the back...I don't know what kind of bra to get...that I suppose will come later!