During our week-long power outage, I did manage to cut out four items, all black and white. I have them finished. All quick sews, they are all casual wear because ,for the most part, I do sew for my lifestyle.
The first is a classic T-shirt dress using V8793 by Katherine Tilton but of course I lengthened it .
I was intending to use this collar but it ended up being too heavy so it will keep for a heavier weight version.
Instead I cut neck and arm bands using a red stripe Thrift Store top I had bought for just such a purpose.
The dress fabric is a cotton lycra bought at Mood's online store.
This is a very comfy dress that I already love having in my closet! I left it quite loose fitting on purpose but I can add a belt to bring it closer to the body..
Next, I made this short sleeved shirt using S2339
I was inspired by an outfit at Coldwater Creek ( I miss them already !! )
This is an Amazing Fit pattern . I cut the bodice front using the C Cup piece because I've used this before using the D cup piece and it was too big. I wear a DD bra so I'm not sure why the C is better for me ??? In any case , I love the fit and will be using this pattern again for sure.
The fabric is cotton but not gingham. The check is woven in however and has just the right amount of body for a shirt.
Nothing much to say about the construction. I love a collar on a band and used this method outlined at Diana's Sewing Lessons.
The third piece is V8792, View B which I've always wanted to try.
I had fun changing it up a bit by adding a band at the hem as well as sleeve bands.
Isn't it cool ! It's also very comfortable to wear and goes well with the grey skinny jeans, last summer's palazzo pants,as well as with my Silhouette Yoga pants which I tapered to form a "skinny " black version. The fabric is scuba knit from Fabricville which I imagine is make-believe neoprene. Whatever!I love this fabric and have made two other pairs of yoga pants this summer. No pilling unlike the ponte knit of last summer's multi pairs of yoga pants.
Well DH is calling me to watch Episode 16 of Season 5 of West Wing on Netflix. Oh my! We are so addicted to Netflix!!
I have a couple more things to show you but they will keep for another time.
Happy Sewing from
18 comments:
WOW!!!!!! Three winners!
I love that first one with the pop of red and my that collar would have been supreme!
Every single time I see S2339 made up I get angry at them for taking such an amazing basic OOP! I am on eBay now looking for it!
Everything looks great! The red stripe contrast is genius. It brings the striped dress to "designer" territory. :-)
Your dress is cute and preppy I like it and your tops. Still a bit jealous about people who do perfect collar stands.
I want to be as stylish as you when I retire as all your makes are just perfect for you and your lifestyle. The pop of red on the striped dress is fun and that neoprene shirt is amazing.
You have been BUSY! Dang! All three garments are lovely.
I think the C cup pattern piece worked for you because cup sizes in clothes are different from bras. I, too wear a C cup in McCall's patterns but a D in bras. I took classes from Marta Alto, of Fit for Real People fame, and she fit me into the fitting shell, and specified the C cup pattern for me.
I love your stylish retirement makes. Casual but put together. :)
Thanks for the info on cup sizes. I sew for a DDD daughter and always seem to overestimate the garment bust. Now that I know that I'm not alone, I will stop making that mistake, and scale it back the first time! My muslins are always a bit too round.
You look so cute inal, your creations. They are so fresh!
Wow, three awesome pieces! I am really partial to the striped dress though - the colors, the stripes, the shape - so summer.
Three lovely casual outfits. They all suit you beautifully.
I love the cohesiveness of these pieces...they work together, and all fit your style perfectly. Inspiring!
I'd have a hard time choosing a favorite of these three; love them all. And you do such good work! I hope you enjoy wearing them. Thanks for sharing the details.
Love them all, but maybe edged out a bit by the dress.
One of these days I'll get a blog post up. There has been sewing but no posts yet. Sunday I made a Sorbetto top and used your tutorial for continuous bias. It turned out really well, I think :-) thanks !
I could not agree MORE about sewing being a help in time of trouble, sadness, stress and whatever else life throws at us. So sorry about the loss of your dear friend.
My favorite is the last one. Very cute!
Hugs, Joy
WOW! So many great pieces I don't even know where to start. My favorite is the diagonal stripe top. Seriously considering making something similar for myself. Next is the Sandra Betzina dress. Absolutely LOVE what you did with those chevrons. Trimming it down may have been a little more work than you anticipated, but the final product is beautiful. Next I guess would be the black/white/red striped dress. I like the concept of that collar, but can easily see how it could be too heavy. The button down blouse is adorable. I like the way it fits you. Reminds me of one of the TNT patterns in my own stash. Keep up the great work, Diana. I love watching your wardrobe evolve.
Happy Stitching!
All very beautiful chic classics, which is very much your style. I have often wondered about the zippered collar neckline and suspected it may fold with some fabrics. I think I like your plain and simple neck better, in any case. The gingham, of course, always a winner. The Vogue t- in my stash too - it's nice to see it made up :)
Love all of these looks!
Love your tops. Please explain what makes the black check fabric "not gingham".
Thanks
Sue C
Wow, you look so stylish in these clothes. I am so pleased to see all photos here. Well dear, I have also been looking for some affordable workout clothes. I have never purchased work out apparel before in my life so please suggest some good gym clothing websites here!
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