The Sheath Dress by The Avid Seamstress

This is an Indiesew Blogger Team post. Indiesew has kindly sponsored the pattern, I've used for this post - and I'll link directly to the pattern just below.

So very simple -  yet so perfect. The Sheath Dress designed by The Avid Seamstress could very well become one of my favorite go to patterns when I want to make something fast, easy and flattering. The original pattern comes with a round neckline, invisible back zipper, optional pockets and two sleeve lengths to choose from....and an elastic waist option.

As you can see I altered the pattern a bit and made higher neckline. I also omitted the zipper, pockets and waistband. You could even cut the back on fold if you have enough fabric. Oh, and the dress is also unhemmed = new dress in less than one hour. What's not to like?!

This is a beginner friendly pattern. The instructions are utterly amazing - you are thoroughly guided through every step of the construction. The Avid Seamstress definetely has some of the best instructions I've some across. 

The fabric is a beautiful pleated velvet from The Sweet Mercerie. I need more of this. Must have green velvet culottes. And a tee. And another dress....oh, and a jumpsuit.

My new Christmas dress, check! Apparently my 19 year old daughter has a new Christmas dress. Sigh.

The Human Christmas Tree - over and out!

Lotte Martens Blog Tour - Copper Rain

Do you know Belgian based textile designer Lotte Martens?

She designs and handprints beautiful and unique fabrics at her own atelier in Leuwen or in collaboration with European partners and every step in the production process is completed with greatest care.

Some months ago I was kindly asked if I would be interested in joining a Lotte Martens fabric Blog Tour. Didn't need to think twice about that offer. The hard part was to pick the fabric for my project - as there are so many beauties to choose from.

At the moment you can only buy Lotte's fabrics at European shops - but soon you'll be able to buy from non European shops as well.

For my project I chose the gabardine fabric 'Koperen Regen' (Copper Rain) - a beautiful copper colored rectangle/square 'rain' print on a dark navy blue background. I used one panel (60 cm x 145 cm with the print beeing on one half of the 145 cm width) and 1 metre of the corresponding uni colored gabardine for Wilma's new jacket.

I had initially planned for some selfish sewing with the fabric - that was until my kiddo caught a glimpse of that copper print....heart eyes all over place.

The sturdy material is perfect for bags and outerwear so we agreed on some sort of coat - and preferably a simple design to highlight the beautiful fabric.

I browsed through my collection and finally found just the right pattern. A design from the Japanese sewing book 'Casual Sweet Clothes'. The patterns in the book are designed for women. Small women. My 10 year old is almost 160 cm tall and just the height these patterns are designed for so I figured  the smallest size would fit her - and right I was. The fit is spot on. The jacket is based on the patterns D and Q from the book.

As you can see I used the copper print for the back of the unlined jacket. The hood is supposed to be lined, but I just couldn't find the right fabric for the lining (and I was out of the main fabric) so instead I finished the seams with bias tape. Now I wish I had finished all seams with tape. The jacket has cropped raglan sleeves and patch pockets. Closes with zipper and one button.

Unfortunately the jacket isn't suitable for the current cold Danish weather - but it'll be perfect for spring time.

Thank you so much for inviting me Lotte and Eva.

 
 

Chanelling her inner Beyoncé.

 

 

 

 

The Issie Top Tour

Almost four years ago I participated in The Little Betty Top tour hosted by the pattern's designer Sew Pony.

Betty has gone through some changes and is now called Issie - but she's still the same great easy fitting strech top but now with even more options to choose from.

She can be made with or without ruffles, with or without ribbing or even with a little tie collar - and comes with instructions for a dress length as well.

We adored her back then and love her even more now.

I made Wilma a size 12 cropped sweatshirt version in french terry from The Sweet Mercerie. I kept the ruffles but instead of a waistband I lengthened the bodice a bit (more at the back) and made tiny side seam splits. I also omitted the neckband and instead of folding the right side towards the wrong side of the fabric I did it the other way around and topstitched. I also sewed the ruffles on top of the bodice with two rows of stitches and left all the edges raw. I like this edgy touch paired with the girly ruffles. The sleeves. I added width and length to the bottom and turned them into balloon/bishop style sleeves. 2017 - year of the sleeve.

• Issie is available in English, French and Dutch and comes in sizes 1-12 years (all sizes included in the pattern)

• You can get the pattern with a 10% discount throughout the tour with this code: ISSIERELEASE10 

Be sure to stop by all these lovely ladies to see their take on the Issie Top

MONDAY 23/10: anaaisID//frl.love//naaisgerief//
WEDNSEDAY 25/10: VINK//amore//MeToezie//
FRIDAY 27/10: Beletoile//Flaflinko//Froleintilia//Ariane//
MONDAY 30/10: Riddersenrozen//128//
WEDNESDAY 1/11: WithlovebyEva//ByDagbjort//Stannel//
FRIDAY 3/11: Nah-connection//DoGuincho//Groovybabyandmama//liiviundliivi//
MONDAY 6/11: Pistolwhip//Mendandmakenew//Kneesocksandgoldilocks//
WEDNESDAY 8/11: Creativecatoo//Justaddfabric//Casennina//
FRIDAY 10/11: Enjoyfulmakes//Kaatjenaaisels//Larth//Whileshewassleeping//

Thanks for inviting me dear Suz - it's always a pleasure. 

The Trevi Top & Dress

This is an Indiesew Blogger Team post. Indiesew has kindly sponsored the pattern, I've used for this post - and I'll link directly to the pattern just below. 

Trevi, you had me at 'high cut shoulders'....

High cut, cut-away, cut-in, American shoulders (an expression I've learned from Burda) - I'll take it. There's just something about this type of shoulder cut that I can't resist - and with this beautifully designed subtle cut-away on the Trevi you can wear an ordinary bra under it. Win.

The (original) Trevi Top & Dress pattern designed by Hey June (one of my absolute favorite Indie designers) is a versatile and flattering trapeze top or dress for woven fabrics with high cut shoulder straps and a full button down back.

Well, none of my makes have a button down back and the top is made of knit jersey. As stated above - a versatile pattern and so easy to customize.

For the top I cut both front and back on fold - and I finished the armholes and neckline with self drafted bands. I straightened the original curved hem on the back piece and turned the front curve into ties. I know, I should have taken some photos of the changes I made, but trust me they are very simple. The pants are the Ninni Culottes by Named Clothing. My fourth and not last version. The fabric is a pleated satin.

The dress version is actually a lengthened top with the original curved back hem and straight hem front piece with an added gathered skirt. The fabric is a woven crepe with a little stretch. I cut two back pieces as I was planning to make a tiny slit opening at the back neckline, but it turned out that no opening was needed - I can easily pull the dress over my head without (and I could have just cut the back on the fold with this woven version as well).

The original version with the buttons is beautiful, but hey - if I can avoid button holes I sure as hell do so.

 

Red & Champagne Pink

Self drafted culottes in pleated champagne pink silver foil satin fabric from The Sweet Mercerie and a double layered top in beautiful bright red crepe viscose/rayon from METERMETER. The top is a slightly modified version of this Burda pattern and made from leftovers after finishing a gorgeous dress for myself (not blogged or Instagrammed yet - but will be as soon as I convince that Instagram husband of mine to shoot some decent photos).

These are the only red items in our wardrobes. I can't remember last time I wore red. Truly. Must be 20something years ago. Now I want more. I foresee a Kyoto tee in a bright red jersey....

 

  

 

Summer Staples - Simple Linen Dress

A super simple pull over dress with gathered skirt and pockets, of course. A hacked vintage pattern. The kind of dress that I want to make in all the colors. For me as well. I also want her hair.....

 

Farrah Summer Blog Tour

Lucky me. Not only did I get to play with the Farrah Blouse and Dress pattern by the talented Chalk and Notch - I was also allowed to pick fabric from the one and only MissMatatabi for this tour project.

This was actually my second pick. My first choice was a striped (linen) fabric, but MissMatatabi was almost out of that one, so instead I went with this light weight Kokka cotton voile. Is it wrong to say that I'm sort of happy that the stripes were sold out?! That's how pleased I am with this outcome. The Farrah and this fabric is a perfect match imo.

Farrah is designed for woven fabrics (however I have seen some lovely jersey versions as well) and has an adorable ruffle detail:

- at the sleeves as I've done (view A)
- or at the front (view B).

Both blouse and dress length include a hi-low hem with side seam slit.

As you can see I opted for the blouse version and did some minor modifications to get the look I had in mind. The ruffles are so cleverly sandwiched between the front/back panels and an under arm gusset. Originally the beautiful ruffles just follow the curve of the design in all of their lengths but I wanted to be able to wear the blouse belted, so I had to move the ruffles up a bit or else they would get caught in the belt. In order to do so I simply gathered my ruffles and thereby shortening them prior to attaching. I really love the belted look but of course it can be worn without as well. I didn't make any other adjustments besides the ones already mentioned, so this is how it look on a 176-ish cm lady.

With the coupon code 'trine' you can get your own copy of the Farrah pattern with a 15% discount this week. I know it's designed for woven fabrics but I might just have to make a ponte version as well. I think the stable knits would be great for Farrah. And, if I had another 3 metres of this fabric I would definitely turn it into a kimono. The print is just so beautiful.

If you enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below you could be the lucky winner of a $50 gift certificate to my favorite Japanese fabric pusher MissMatatabi.

Be sure to stop by the other amazing participants. I love what I've seen so far.

Dear Gabriela/Chalk and Notch, Leslie/ThreadBear Garments and Frances/MissMatatabi, thank you so much for organizing this tour and for inviting me to join.

 (I wonder what I'm looking at here. Superman - is it you?!)

 

  

CHALK AND NOTCH FARRAH SUMMER TOUR

JUNE 19: HELEN'S CLOSET

JUNE 20: ME SEW CRAZY

JUNE 21: GINGER PEACH STUDIO

JUNE 22: GROOVY BABY MAMA
JUNE 23: THE SARA PROJECT

a Rafflecopter giveaway