Fun Summer Things

For  the past two weeks, I've been trying to sew a few fun pieces to end the summer with. I wanted to use up fabrics added to my stash the last two summers. Of course, these new pieces mean too many clothes in my closets. I've made a firm commitment that for every new piece I make , I have to give one away.

I've long wanted a long sleeved white basic top to wear under this , made two years ago.

I used the neckline of V8793   , but the body of Burda 6988, which is really one of my basic slopers and I use it for many things.

The fabric is a beautiful weighty rayon lycra from my stash.


The culottes ( I'm so happy culottes are sticking around for a bit longer ! I love them ! ) are View E of this pattern.

The fabric is a quite yucky faux linen from my stash. Faux linen usually makes up in great bottoms but this one has little drape so not what I expected although I've worn this outfit and it's OK. This outfit looks so much better in person !

Then I copied a RTW top I bought with the intention of copying it to use as a new garment in my next Fashion Show. This is such a cool piece and  I've made three versions so far and it's so much fun to make and wear. I'll be posting How To Make this top at Diana's Sewing Lessons a little later if anyone is interested in trying one. I love these tops. Here is the original .I forgot to take a pic of me wearing it before giving it to my friend Ruth who loved it. I'd rather make my own I guess.

It looks like a poncho until you spread your arms.

In this photo you can see the outline of the dolman sleeve.

Here is one I made.

This photo shows the back of the top. As you can see , the wrong side of the fabric shows so you need a two sided fabric or one that is pretty on both sides. This one is burnt out polyester.

This is what it looks like on.

This next one is a stretch mesh that looks the same on both sides. You'd see me coming in this one !!

 And finally, a semi sheer polyester that I absolutely love but this one is too big and long for me. I made it to sell but love it so much that I bought more fabric so I can make one for me.

I think these tops help to make the perfect hostess outfit. Oh ! But don't try cooking with theses on. The "wings" would not be safe near a stove. Lol.

I have a few other things made including a print jean. I'm not even sure if they are still in fashion but I bought a bright flowered canvas three years ago and was determined it would become jeans ! I'll show you next time.

Please let me know what you think, particularly about the last three tops. Do you think they would sell ?

Have a great week everyone.
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Don't You Love Anne of Green Gables !

My son is here with Riley and Poppy . Every summer they have a get together or two with our other two little GD's who live in a city near by. This year I planned an Anne of Green Gables Sleepover.

 I made all the girls a simple sundress with pre-elasticated fabric to make things a little easier on myself.

All the girls wore braids in their hair and I painted freckles on their faces with a washable marker.
They all loved their dresses, too.

We live in the country and right beside our house is a hay field. Of course it was favorite place to play
and seemed the perfect place for our photo shoot.

After an afternoon at the beach, we all gathered in front of the TV and watched episode 1 of the original Anne of Green Gables series. The two older girls really loved it but the two little ones preferred going off by themselves to colour.

The girls and I have spent quite a bit of time in the sewing room  Both have made skirts and stuffies.Both girls enjoy being in Nana'a Happy Place and I think in the future, Poppy will be the one to take up the craft. Riley, not so much although she likes to play with fabric, buttons and trims.

 Both have made skirts and stuffies

We visited Fabricville one day and they both chose fabric and buttons, etc. This is what they came up with.

Riley chose disco fabric! And made a disco skirt. She also photo edited these shots !

Poppy chose a matte jersey of all things and this is what we came up wit, Riley pointed out that Poppy's dress looked like a Shirley Temple dress and I think she's right.

They each sewed another skirt but they didn't make it to the photo stage.

Jeff and girls left Sunday morning after many tears on Riley's and Nana's part. Poppy was missing Mummy so she wasn't quite so sad. Grampy Bob and I were very tired people for a couple of days but I very happily spent many hours in my sewing room all week and will have some fun things to show you next time.

I hope your summer is relaxing and that you are finding time to sew.

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