Two totally casual tops (Burda 6590)

As always, it was literally impossible to make only one of these tops.  When a garment takes 1 hour, tops, to make and is this comfortable, I need many of them in my life.  This time around, I was filling a void in my casual wardrobe where I needed a long-sleeved, comfy top under which I could wear some kind of base layer.  (Even in Northern California, I am constantly cold!) 

The pattern is Burda 6590 and it couldn't be easier.  Front, back, neckband and waistband.  No separate sleeve piece!  For alterations, I reduced the length of the sleeve part of the bodice and added a wide wristband.    

The first here is this textured poly-cotton sweater knit (unfortunately no longer available here).  Despite being a sweater knit, it's a bit on the airy side, so an undershirt or cami is good underneath.  It's comfortable and pretty, I think, and I love the scallops.  

The second is a cotton sweater knit fabric from Style Maker Fabrics (though also sold out!).  It's a really good weight--not too heavy, but nicely substantial.  Again, I added wristbands to make the cuffs and shortened the overall length of the sleeves, but otherwise sewed the pattern as designed.

I think I might have enough versions of this style, but it's such a great pattern that I know that if I see some fab fabric I'll definitely whip up another.    

Dress rain jacket with silk lining

My favorite "dress" rain jacket is now about 12 years old.  Despite its age, the lovely aqua color is still in style and fit is still so good...however, there are stains and discolorations that dry cleaning can't fix.  As sad as it is, I think it's time to pitch it.  Well, this is one of those times when I'm so, so grateful to be able to sew.  While my new version doesn't replicate that exact jacket, it's definitely a reasonable replacement.

I am a huge fan of this Burda Style pattern (B6747), especially after seeing the final product.  First off, it's actually designed for petites!  I didn't make a single petite adjustment (though the sleeves could be taken up by 1/2"...)   I sewed a straight size 10 and it fits well, with enough room for a sweater underneath.  The silhouette is obviously not fitted, but has a slight a-line shape.

The pattern has some thoughtful details, such as side seams moved forward to allow for a more ergonomic placement of the pockets, a different pattern piece for the upper and under collar (important for a good roll), and a collar "stand" that also contributes to the pleasant shape.

  

The original instructions call for a faux button over snaps.  I hadn't planned ahead for bound buttonholes, and I don't have the skills or gimp to hand finish a button hole, so I went along with the written directions.  However, I wanted to cover the male side of the snap, to make it slightly less obvious when worn open.  If you didn't see it the other day, I posted a little tutorial for covering snaps when working with thick fabric.

Horn buttons from Britex!

Yep, the green color is a bit bold.  Online it looked more "spring green" but in person it looks more "shamrock green".  Regardless, the color is definitely growing on me.  It's from Mood and listed as a water-resistant cotton canvas, intended for outdoor cushions and whatnot, but it is a great weight for this type of jacket. 

The jacket has a full lining and to up the luxury, I went with another bold choice--apricot gingham silk taffeta (also from Mood)!   I know the colors aren't a perfect match, but it was so beautiful and spring-y, I couldn't resist! 

Here are the jacket innards.  The sleeve hems are sewing on the machine (using a bag-type method) but I hand sewed the hem, with a pleat for the lining.

Action pleat in the lining! 

Overall, I am thrilled with my new jacket.  I love color, the vaguely vintage style and the lining just makes me happy.  I would be happy to make this pattern over and over again, as my jackets get worn out. Bring on the rain (but just for like, a day, please :)  

Dress for a holiday par-tay!

We've been going to the Google Holiday party for over a decade--this year was actually our 12th!  We had just moved out to California from New York for the job a month prior to the first party and I was so desperate to go that I willingly handed off my 3 month old baby to a friend-of-a-friend in San Francisco.  At the time, I wore whatever I had brought with me (a strapless black cotton dress from the Gap, which thankfully fit!), but each year since, the annual holiday party has been a really good excuse to buy a fabulous new frock.

Well, I just wasn't feeling it this year.  The dress I planned to wear wasn't fitting just right, so I pulled out this lace fabric and spent the day before the party sewing!

I used this pattern (the same one as this dress), but with some modifications.  First up, I added fish-eye darts to the back.  The fit still isn't great, but it was significantly frumpier without them.  I also added piping around the neckline, mostly because I was so impressed that the package of piping I had in my stash was an exact perfect match.

The dress is really just a shell--no lining at all.  I'm wearing a nude slip underneath, which worked fabulously.  

I used the lace edge for the hem and sleeves, doing my best to match scallops with a reasonable amount of success.

So, it wasn't the most spectacular dress at the party, but I was comfortable (bonus, considering all the tasty food) and happy knowing I had made it.  I was bummed I didn't have the opportunity to brag to anyone that I had sewn it, but I guess I'm doing that now, eh?  :)  

 I paired it with these amazing shoes, which I think modernized the whole [otherwise rather matronly] look a bit.

 Anyone else sew their holiday dress this year?

A dress to match a necklace

Yep, it's been a while!  After returning from Alaska (and purchasing even more land!), school started for the boys, then it started for me (for the classes I take) and a month later school started again (for the classes I teach).  Somewhere in there, we did a major remodel in our house and then painted and replaced carpeting in half the house.  Sewing has been low on the priority list!  Note: this has not kept me from amassing more and more fabric in the wild hopes that I will eventually have time and access to my sewing room again :)  

Even though I haven't been sewing a lot, but I do have a few completed projects to document.  First up is this dress sewn back in July, and solely made to coordinate with the necklace made by my brother's girlfriend (thank you, Olivia!):

The fabric is a ponte knit (from Harts Fabric), with a nice weight.  I liked the "scratch plaid" pattern and it played well with the variegation of the stones in the necklace.  

The pattern is a simple, 60s style shift from Burda Style. (B7031)  I love, love, love the French darts, but it makes me laugh that the description says the dress has "unsophisticated style lines".  Huh? Perhaps lost in translation?

I omitted the back zipper since the neckline is wide enough and the fabric has enough stretch.

The dress is amazingly comfortable, yet stylish enough to wear to work.  While I wore it with pointy toed black flats this fall, I'll definitely pair it with boots and tights when the weather gets colder.  

More Fall looks to follow!