A story in Purple

My husband and I have been married for 14 years, a second marriage for both of us.
We have a lot in common and one of the things is that we never remember our anniversary, sometimes until months later. It's a good thing we both forget isn't it.


 Last month Bob was away on hockey business and when the day of our anniversary arrived, I remembered and E-mailed him first thing in the morning,much to his surprise. When he arrived home a few days later he surprised me with this beautiful amethyst  ( my birthstone) bracelet. I was thrilled !

I don't have anything purple in my summer wardrobe except a skirt so I haven't worn my bracelet a lot which my husband has been quick to notice. Well, I had to remedy that.


First , I bought this great cardi at a hotel where we were staying  in Halifax.The skirt (a heavy ponte) and top ( a ribbed sweater knit ) are two pieces I made this spring. I like how they look with the cardi and of course the bracelet.

Next, I had to buy some purple fabric!!! Don't you love it when you genuinely  need fabric!!!


Firs,I made a top using S6619 View A but with short sleeves.

Here it is paired with a purple skirt made years ago but that I still love.

                                     A detail shot of the interesting shirring

The fabric is a soft organic cotton spandex and is a perfect match in colour for the skirt.

This top is very fitted and I was glad of the extra inch I added to the side seams which I needed.
The neckline is very low and open ( I didn't make a muslin). I of course need a cami underneath.
This is a once and only for this one. Again, not my best look.

The next piece is a second version of Silhouette's Giorgio's Top. Here is my first version.

I changed it up this time with the 3/4 sleeves and the angled sides.

The fabric is a very lightweight almost sheer cotton knit. It's too light really and I wish I had made it into a wrap instead. It doesn't hang well.

And last of all, I made this very simple princess seamed dress using S1883.

The fabric is a rayon jacquard. I decided not to line it so as to keep it as cool as possible  to wear in  hot summer weather.

 Because I didn't like the neckline , I decided to add large sew on beads. I'm not sure if that helped but it is what it is.

Comments on this pattern: 


1. The sizing is accurate I cut my usual size 12  with side seams at size 14 and I didn't need the extra. Of course I made my Full Bust Adjustment as I do for all patterns.

2. The armscyye is a bit too roomy and low. I'd at least raise them an extra 1/2 inch s next time.

3. The V-neck is the opposite of too low, ie. it's a bit too high.

4.The princess lines of this dress give it a pleasing silhouette and skims nicely over the body.

5. The length is just right (at about mid knee) on my 5'4 1/2 " frame with a 1 1/4 " hem..

6.. Yes I would make it again but would change the neckline as well as raise the armscye.

I'm going to enjoy having this dress to wear on hot days when dresses are the most comfortable garments.

I wore it last night when we had guests for dinner.

More pics here.   

Hope you had time to sew today!
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