Suit Number Two

This one features an amazing silk/linen fabric in royal blue. Since it is quite bright, we decided to mix a black accent fabric (silk taffeta) and black buttons, and pair it with black pants.

I used Burda pattern 7284, and lined it with a blue and black checked taffeta.

It has only to be fitted and hemmed (sleeves and jacket and lining).

Suit Number One

I am making some new suits for my lucky sister.... (she also has a cape ready to be delivered!). The first is from Butterick 5428, and is made from a black-gray wool tweed, from my incredible stash of fabric. The pants are done and ready to be custom fit - that means the side seams are not yet finished and will be pinned and sewn to fit perfectly, then the waistband attached and the back zipper installed. I find this style of pants fits best and has such a smooth front, it looks slim on any figure. The jacket is finished except the hems, and the lining is not yet attached to the bottom. This allows access to all seams for a custom fit when I get there. (she lives in Winnipeg and I am flying in for fittings and giggles in less than two weeks!)

The fastener is yet to be determined, but I photographed it here with a metal embelishment that can hide a large hook and eye underneath - one option, another is a decorative frog clasp or more simple large button.... this will be determined in Winnipeg over a glass of merlot!

Visit again for suit number two....

McCalls 6408

I love this pattern. I love the idea of a self belt tied in the front OR in the back. The handkerchief hem with the stripes add to the interest of the cut, when using this crinkle cotton knit as the fabric. I will probably do this one again in a more stable solid colour knit for winter.

The pattern shows two hemlines and versions with and without the tie belt.

Vogue 8088 with short sleeves

I had a large piece of linen-blend fabric in a citron colour in my stash, waiting for inspiration. I decided that Vogue 8088 with short sleeves and interesting embellishments would be great. I took the two piece sleeve pattern and pinned the back of sleeve seam, then cut it in one piece to a 6 inch underarm seam length.

The embellishment is two ribbons, and fabric stitched in place, and then bronze hot-fx squares attached in random pattern. The result is light and artsy. I love it.

Simply Cute Skirt

Sweet little birdy, loves to pull fibre from my knitting! Just like a baby, everything goes into her mouth! Seems she likes mohair, the current yarn on my needles.

This is a cute new skirt. A wrap skirt pattern, fastened with button on the inside of the waistband, and decorative metal clips on the hip. The clips allow the wrap to stay closed, even when sitting. I find sometimes the wrap style skirt can gape when sitting. This is a good solution! The clips are sold in the button section of the fabric store.

Shorts and Cool Dress

I have spent the day in the sewing room. I finished three pairs of shorts! The shorts are very simple at the top, no pockets, no waistband, no belt loops, and a back zipper... designed to lie flat and smooth under hip length tops.

The only thing to make them different is the hemline detail, so I did some fun things with plackets and buttons...

and with a cargo style patch pocket cut on the opposite grain.

I also made a loose fitting tee shirt dress, from a two way stretch cotton, lycra navy-white pin stripe. The pattern is a really cool Vogue (1234) that has a seriously interesting construction that shows off the stripes in lots of different directions. The instructions are well thought out, and easy to follow, although this is NOT a beginner pattern!
I decided to make a matching belt that is just 2 inch strips, braided and sewn to a snap buckle. The fabric is so stretchy it fits perfectly. Very pleased with this dress!

What a great sewing day it has been... :)

Nova Scotia Raincoat

I have a trip coming up, to visit my Dad in Nova Scotia. I found last time that I was missing an all weather jacket, something for the mist and drizzle that often bookends lovely sunny days. This is a McCalls trench coat pattern, and I used a water resistant fabric with a silky lining. I made the shortest length, perfect for in and out of cars. There are 12 buttons and button holes!

Ruth may recognise the top and skirts under the coat... yes they are almost done!

Here's me with the trendy cotton scarf... ready to travel!