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

Butterick 5354

I am currently trying to beef up my spring/summer wardrobe in anticipation of an upcoming trip to San Antonio. This top is another piece to take on the trip. It is a pattern I have used before, and is a great fitting t-shirt, and the pleat detail gives it some added interest.

Sorry for the not so great picture. Why is navy blue so hard to photograph? The color isn't represented very well here. It is actually a true navy blue.

Don't have my receipt, but I think I paid $5.00 for this fabric? And I already had the pattern and thread. So total cost is $5.00.

Pattern Sizing: 6-8-10-12. I cut a size 10.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are easy to follow. The pleats are a little time consuming, but not difficult.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the pleats, and that it dresses up what would be just a plain t-shirt.

Fabric Used: A cotton interlock found in the remnant bin at JoAnn Fabrics. There was a little less than a yard.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added a couple inches to the length. I also tacked the pleats to the facing on the inside so the facing would stay tucked in and not flip to the outside.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is the second time I have sewn this. The first time I made it sleeveless. I have received many compliments on that top. It is a nice t-shirt with added interest with the pleats.

Conclusion: A great wardrobe basic for spring or summer.

Up next, I made a baby gift for my bosses new baby, and will post about it soon.

Blessing-
Lisa

New Summer McCall's & a Walk Down Memory Lane

I usually don't get too excited about McCall's patterns, but the new summer collection has some great patterns. Easy-to-wear summer dresses and cute tops are on the top of my must-buy list. Here are the patterns I will be picking up at the next McCall's pattern sale:



M6551. I like the version in the orange and white print. I could see making a couple of these. It could be dressed up for work, or add some sandals and a denim jacket to dress it down for the weekend.



M6563. I like the version the model is wearing, and also the view in white, with the sleeve tabs. I can see these done up in light weight charmuse (silk or poly) or voile or lawn.



I love this pattern for cute tops. I really like the fact that this pattern (and the previous one) are not for knits. So many or the cute top patterns are for knits, and I struggle to get my knit garments to look professional. I much prefer working with wovens. These would be just as eady to wear as a t-shirt, but so much dressier.



M66564. I think this tie blouse looks so polished. I like wearing blouses for work, because they give me a pulled-together look with one piece. I think this would be nice in a rayon challis in a pretty print.



M6534. Another cute dress that can be dressed up or down.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if only I had the time/energy/money to make all the patterns I love, my wardrobe would be HUGE! But it is fun to dream and look at patterns anyway.

If you haven't been to the fabric store lately, and are looking for a little spring pick-me-up, you should go. I love browsing the aisles of spring fabrics- the seersuckers, the pretty, delicate cotton prints, all the spring colors.

It takes me back to my childhood, going to the fabric store with my mom to pick out pattern and fabric for my Easter dress every year. We would look at the new fabrics, then study every pattern book until we found just the right one. Then, back to the fabric to find the perfect fabric for the pattern. A stop at the notions department to buy matching thread, zipper, and lace or ribbon trim. Leaving the store with all these things in a bag, knowing that my mom would transform them into a beautiful dress just for me was such a great feeling. Not to mention the time my mom and I spent together.

My mom isn't able to fabric shop with me anymore, but if she could magically have a day in which she was physically able to go anywhere and do anything, I would love to go to the fabric store with her again, We would spend hours looking a fabric, sitting at the pattern table looking at patterns, and choosing new things to make for spring. Then as we walked out of the store we would say what we would always say when leaving the fabric store- "We better get home, and get sewing!"

Blessings-
Lisa