More spring separates

Hello all!  I hope this finds you healthy and safe!  We in the northern plains are experiencing  CoVID19 at a much slower rate than other parts of the country/world, but it is rearing it's ugly head,  

Enough!  No one wants to hear more about this, right?  

My original plans with these two lovely fabrics was to make a super girly dress with a dark slip underneath.  I began working from home recently so that didn't seem practical.  After looking through my patterns, I came up with this combination of patterns to match these two lovely fabrics.  

First, let's talk about the chiffon.  Chiffon used to be a fear fabric for me.  I avoided it at all costs.  However, there are so many lovely, lovely garments made from chiffon that I decided to master some techniques to use it in a way that it works and is no longer fearful.  Why didn't I think of this sooner?  

If you are new to working with chiffon, use a simple pattern.  The one I used is very simple to construct with a looser overall style and I've taken the time to fit it to me so I know it will work.  

See what I mean?  Very simple with clean and classic lines.  

What did I do to make the chiffon work?  I am a HUGE fan of Best Press.  I buy this stuff by the gallon.  I use it after I cut the fabric out on all the rounded edges such as the neckline and hems.  Every seam I press, I use Best Press.  

For the back yoke, I cut two layers, instead of one like the pattern suggests.  

This created a lined yoke which is not only sturdier, but also creates such a pretty finish on the inside.  

I cut  bias tape from the chiffon using a sharp rotary cutter and a ruler. And, I starched that as well.  The curved hemline also has a bias finish.  

Side seams have a french seam finish.  

For the cardigan, It's a super simple sew as well.  I used a lovely ITY knit, again from Fabric Mart.  The pattern I used, is FREE!  It's from Sinclair Patterns and you can find the link here: Sinclair Patterns Harper Cardigan

If you are wondering what it looks like, here's a photo: 

This comes in several lengths as well as sleeve variations.  I made the duster in a tall size.  Oxana Sinclair offers her patterns in petite, regular, and tall.  Since I am 5'7", I love using the tall sizing.  

You'll see more of these cardigans from me!  

 

 Thanks for reading and I hope this finds you and your loves ones safe and healthy! 

Sue 

Silk Bondi Top

Talk about a fast sew!  This is a review for yet another woven tee.  This time, I made the Bondi top.  

This is a super simple top with very few seams.  I knew it'd be perfect for my double-faced Italian Silk I purchased from Treadle Yard Goods a few weeks ago.

I only purchased a yard of this.  I had no idea which pattern I'd end up using, but what I did know, is that this would be a simple top to layer, or not.   I didn't plan on this for casual wear, but I rather like it with my jeans and sandals!

This fabric was totally a splurge at $40/yard on sale!

I think it's totally worth it.  If you could feel what this feels like on your skin, you'd agree.

This top has a simple back yoke that attaches to a pleated back.  It has a banded neckline that I used the silk for. 

This was a simple fast sew and I love my new top!

Thanks for reading!

Sue

Bondi Woven top

Do you yearn for a woven tee like I do?  There are some out there but I haven't been enchanted with a pattern prior to this point.  Here is my latest crush:

This pattern is perfect if you are new to sewing garments.  This is super forgiving fit wise, and it will  use a quilting cotton, perfect for if you are a quilter or have a stash of relatively smaller pieces of fabric you really want to create something wearable out of. 

I purchased this fabric for a dress and then had some left over.  I thought this top would use it up well and guess what, I was right! 

Instructions are really good for this.  They practically hold your hand as you sew this together.  So if this is a new venture for you, you can easily pick this up and create a relaxed fit top. 

Just to have some fun, I ice-dyed this fabric using blue, silver, and magenta.  It's very subtle, and I simply love it.  I also used a hemstitching needle at the neckline to give it just a little pizzazz.

I highly recommend this pattern if you are new to sewing, if you love the idea of a woven tee, or if you have lots of fabric pieces that aren't enough to create an entire garment from but you want to do something with. 

I hope you are all enjoying your summer!
Sue