Monday, August 31, 2015

Butterick 6051 - Maxi Dress


Butterick 6051 Maxi dress with red ponte skirt and stripe bodice
This is the project that almost didn't happen.  So many things happened along the way but finally it is finished.  I had this picture in my head, it was from one of  my Friday Fashion Inspirations. 
The first maxi dress, isn't it  wonderful?

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Butterick 6169 - Column Dress in Abstract Jersey

 
Butterick 6169 dress in Mood Fabrics'  abstract rayon jersey

  Dresses are one of those things that are so fun to make and so easy to wear.  One stop in the closet, grab a dress and off you go, right?  I love seeing all the dresses people make in a variety of fabric.  With that being said, my casual and work lifestyle isn't one that requires many dresses, so I don't make them often.   Now there is an exception, this summer I have needed dresses for several weddings, evenings out and some work dinners.  My wardrobe was in a sad state for dresses and I have been busy correcting this oversight.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Indiesew Fall Collection Blog Tour - Summer to Fall with The Cabin Blouse and Laurelhurst Cardigan



Welcome to the Indiesew 2015 Fall Collection  which I am thrilled to be a part of this fun tour around blogland.  Allie has done an amazing job at Indiesew, promoting independent patterns and has a great selection of patterns to jump start your fall wardrobe.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Rose - A Messenger Bag Tutorial

Back in 2012, I designed this bag and made a pattern.  My plans were several patterns all with a garden theme name.  Get it Girls in the Garden pattern company and flower names for the bag?  It was a good thought but I designed two patterns.  A good friend helped with the design of the covers and the pattern layout.  I sold a few patterns, gave away some patterns and then for the last year nothing much happened. 

Friday, August 21, 2015

Friday Fashion Inspiration - 28



Dresses anyone?  I think they are good transition pieces between seasons.  You can add layers, tights or boots as needed for the temperature.

This one from JCrew


Three different patterns, all McCall's for options
source info above photo

Thursday, August 20, 2015

McCall's 6928- Stripe Shirting


McCall's 6928 stripe sleeveless top, using Mood Fabrics' stripe shirting.
My idea for this fabric was a blouse of some kind, probably an Archer when I placed my order at Mood Fabrics.  A phone call from Mood stating there was only 1.25 yards changed my plans on the pattern but did not change wanting the fabric.  With the limited yardage, I knew just which pattern I wanted to make, McCall's 6928.  

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Mississippi Avenue Dress

I told you on the Mississippi Avenue Top post that a dress was in the works. Well, the dress is done and ready.  I love the feel of the dress, it is like the perfect, easy-to-wear summer dress.  
Girls in the Garden - Mississippi Avenue Dress in Style Maker's Rayon Challis

Friday, August 14, 2015

Friday Fashion Inspiration - 27

Wow, I have been away for a long time with this post, sorry.  All, I can say is life is very crazy for many reasons that I won't go into but it looks like we may have turned the corner and calmness is coming.  I have a break at work, so here goes the first one in a month.
Today the focus is on jackets and I found all the inspiration at Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor's Piped knit jacket
source above photo
Vogue 1465, yes nice match
source above photo

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Mississippi Avenue Top and Ultimate Trousers - Sew Indie Month Pattern Bundle

Guess what is coming?  I will just tell you, September is Sew Indie Month, celebrating all the great Indie patterns out there.  What is Sew Indie Month?  It is a month long celebration, of indie sewing patterns where designers collaborate to bring you fun blog posts and informative tutorials.    It's accompanied by a sewalong contest with fantastic prizes. Since the patterns in the SIM Bundle 1 are mostly wovens, this sale gives you time to make muslins before the contest begins in September while supporting small women-owned businesses and raising money for charity.


 This year the Sewing Indie Month HQ will be Sew Independent, which Mari from Seamster Sewing Patterns took over from Donna, who decided to step back from the site. You can buy the bundle and keep up to date with the latest SIM news on 
Sew Independent
Girls in the Garden - Ultimate Trousers and Mississippi Avenue Top for SIM Bundle 1 celebrating Sew Indie Month

Monday, August 10, 2015

Kirsten Kimono Tee

Girls in the Garden - Kirsten Kimono Tee in red/gray stripe from Mood Fabrics
I have sewn another free pattern from Maria Denmark, the Kirsten Kimono Tee.  Available on MariaDenmark blog, after you sign up for the newsletter or you can download it from Pattern Review
I made three of the week of  Kaitlyn's wedding, I had a bit of time to sew but wanted nothing too complicated.  The Kirsten Tee was perfect and all of them are in red!

Thursday, August 06, 2015

Diaper Bag and Lots of Goodies

A very, very dear friend is having a baby in about a month and tonight I went to her baby shower.  It was so much fun and this baby has a special place in everyone's heart.  My friend knew I was making her a diaper bag and she selected the fabric.  The fabric had to have fabric from  Anna Maria Horner, the mom-to-be's favorite designer.
Cargo Duffle by Noodlehead using Anna Maria Horner fabrics

Wednesday, August 05, 2015

Wedding Recap

Here are some pictures from several people's phones.    The photographer's photos will be back in 3 weeks, so then you will get the good ones.
It was a beautiful day with perfect weather, a gorgeous bride and very handsome groom.  We were blessed to share it with so many family and friends. 
The wedding ceremony was under the pergola in our back yard and the reception under a rented tent in the front/side yard.  Only one time was I worried, at 4:15 (wedding at 5) a nice big rain cloud started banking up.  During the ceremony, one big gust of wind that usually indicates rain.  No, rain, just a 15 degree drop in temperature.  It had been 92 before the cloud.  The rest of the evening it was overcast and so pleasant.  I can't wait to see the "official" pictures.