Jumping on the Lace Trend Bandwagon

I've had a vision in my head since the fall of 2011 of a simple black lace top, a shell basically, that could be worn under jackets or cardigan, or even alone with the right underpinnings. When I found this fabric on clearance at Hancock's, I quickly snatched  up two yards, but still hadn't married my vision of this top with this fabric.

This spring, after seeing all the great lace projects on the Mood Sewing Network, I was inspired to pull out this fabric, and make my vision a reality.

I choose Simplicity 8523, which is a terrific pattern for a woven top, with many neckline variations. I choose to make view D, which has a scooped neck.

What I love about it? I love the pattern, it fits great and is a nice addition to my pattern collection. What do I not like so much? Well, my fabric shrank up quite a bit when I pre-washed it, and instead of being open and lacy, it is more bunched up and lumpy. I am guessing the fabric is a cotton, which is why is shrank so much. I may try ironing it well before wearing it to see if it will "flatten out" some.

Overall, I like my top, and will be playing around with the styling of it to decide how to wear it. I am considering a narrow belt at the waist, in a bright color. I am also planning to try it with a bright blue pair of cropped pants that are in my project queue.

Here is a close up of the lace:

In the background you can see my Snowball Shrub (which I have trimmed into a tree shape). In these pictures, it is at the end of it's bloom, but it was so pretty this year, just loaded with blooms. I guess it didn't mind to cold, wet spring we had. In this picture you can see that it was already dropping it's petals. They ground looks like it is covered in snow. While these blooms only last a short while, they are such a pretty start to the flowers that bloom in my gardens all summer.

Up next, I finished a small wallhanging, and I am finishing up a pair of short that are a muslin for a new pants pattern I am trying. I am happy to report, the fit is perfect, right out of the envelope! Stay tuned...

Blessings-
Lisa

New Patterns

It's been a while since I bought new patterns- I have been restraining myself until I make up some of the ones I have. But while at Joann's yesterday, I stumbled upon their 5 for $5.00 Simplicity sale, and my resolve broke down. There is nothing like buying new patterns to get a person's sewing mojo fired up, and that is just what I needed. Plus, at $1.00 each, how can you go wrong?

Here are the ones I choose to bring home with me:
(all images from the Simplicity website)



I have been wanting to make a maxi skirt, and some of the other options are cute too. (I can see making view C (without the gathers) as a work option, possibly in a ponte.) Now if I can only find the fabric I want for the maxi skirt. I have been on the look out for a navy and white stripe, to no avail. If anyone knows a source, please let me know.



This knit wrap dress is so cute. A wrap dress has been on my to-sew list for a long, long time. What an easy work outfit- just one piece and I'm out the door. I want to find a not-so-wild print in bright colors for this one.



I bought this one for the color blocked dress, and the cute jacket. I can even see the jacket worn with dress pants. I am always looking for layer options for the summer months to combat the office air conditioning.



A slim pant, and I want to make it in a bright color- possibly the same blue as in the model photo. I recently made a pair of pants that actually turned out OK, so now I think I can make pants (ha ha). Hopefully my confidence will work in my favor and I will be able to conquer any fitting issues I may have. Wish me (lots of ) luck!



While traveling last month to San Antonio for a weekend getaway, I had to borrow a carry-on from a friend because, sadly, I have no luggage. While there I saw everyone carrying pretty Vera Bradley bags. From purses to carry-ons to luggage pieces, each one as pretty as the next. Well, I don't have a Vera Bradley budget, but I CAN sew, so you can guess what I am gonna do. Yep- make myself a carry-on. I will make the large bag, and if it turns out well, I may make the matching tote and make-up bag. I am on the lookout for a pretty cotton fabric to use.

I can't wait until I have some time to spend in my sewing room and get started on one of these projects!

Blessings,

Lisa

Simplicity 2148- Inspired by Pinterest

Do you Pinterest? Or should I ask, are you as addicted to Pinterest as I am? I love Pinterest, and can spend hours on there discovering new recipes, interesting websites, terrific blogs, more home improvement projects than I could ever have time for, more gardening ideas than I have garden space for, and lots and lots of sewing inspiration. One of my pins was from early this spring, a cute pink cardigan with khaki shorts and a white t or tank underneath. I think this outfit is really cute, looks very comfortable, and I thought "Hey, I can make that!" The cardigan, anyway. I already have khaki shorts and  a white t.

I looked through my pattern stash for a pattern that would work and decided on Simplicity 2148.

I used view C, the purple velvet one.I did have to make a couple changes to make it more like my inspiration. I used the sleeves from a different pattern, because I wanted full length, narrow sleeves. I also left off the pockets and tab closures on the front. The pattern went together very easily, the only other changes I made were in the order of construction. I added the sleeves in flat, the sewed the side seam and sleeve seam as one. Here is my version:

All I am missing is the Coach bag and other accessories. Since I am too cheap  conservative with my money, you won't see me buying a Coach any time soon. But I bet I could find a suitable replacements for the bag and the accessories at Target.

I have already worn this, and I really like it. It is a great layering piece for the office on those days that the A/C is cranked up. Also, for those summer evenings when it gets chilly after the sun goes down.

This weeks goals:

- Blog about the adorable bibs I made for my Godson. they turned out really cute!
- Make another batch of rhubarb sauce
- Help my son get packed for his mission trip (he leaves on Saturday for 10 days! *sniff*)

Have a good week! Blessings-
Lisa