Rebecca Page Sonia Skirt

Hi all,

Yes, I've been sewing.  Sewing up a storm actually, but I've been pattern testing and that takes time and you need to wait for the pattern release in order to post.  

Welp, that day has come!  

I was lucky enough to get to make this adorable skirt.  I love this pattern!  It is a fun and fast make and depending on your fabric choice, you can make this super casual or dressy.  It's up to you!  

I used a fabric from my staff.  This is a crepe in a rich print.  I can't remember where I got it but I suspect it was a Fabric Mart purchase.  This fabric was lovely to sew.  I am now a bit sad I waited so long to stitch it up.

This skirt definitely has a swish factor. 

Those little pockets are really nice too.  I made the midi length.  If I had enough fabric, I would have made it longer but I didn't.  With super swishy skirts like this, they are a bit of fabric hogs.

I love the fit of this straight from the package.  I made zero alterations to it.  I simply matched my measurements to the pattern and it fits perfectly.

I also like the belt loops.  Luckily, I had the black textured belt and it works with this quite well.

See how full this is?  I should also mention that I covered my own buttons for this.  I knew the buttons on this had to be special and covering your own was just the right touch.

My top, is the Itch-to-stitch Bellavista top in the softest knit from Sly Fox Fabrics.

  

I've made this top numerous times and I still plan on more.  How's that for an endorsement?  

But back to the fabric...

I found Sly Foxo online and went ahead and purchased the knit in several colors.  I am so happy with how this fabric looks, performs, and feels, that as soon as I make the four or so tops I plan to with what I have in my stash, that I'll order every available color.  It's amazing!

Thanks for reading!

Sue

a little fall sewing!

Hi Sewing friends! 

Today I am reviewing my August Fabric Mart post.  I love these separates I made.  Sometimes its fun to sew for the upcoming season. 

First, I want to review the Thea Pant by StyleArc.  I simply love this pant!  I used FM's midnight blue Designer Linen.  This stuff sews like a dream!  It washes, dries, and presses well.  I highly recommend it for these pants! 

Here's what my version looks like: 

See what I mean about the perfect weight for the pattern?  These are so very comfortable!  

This pattern, like all SA patterns, is very well drafted.  This fits me just how I had hoped it would, straight from the package.  As with all SA patterns, there isn't much hand-holding but honestly with a pattern this straight forward, a beginner could make it work.  

The paperbag waistband is so comfortable and totally 'in' right now.

I feel like these are the perfect length for me as well.  For reference, I am 5'7".  These are hemmed at 2" from the bottom, just like the pattern calls for.

These pockets are the perfect depth.  When I wear these, I find my hands stuffed in them all the time.  

I also made my tank and cardi.  For the tank, I used a FREE pattern, called the Lago tank from Itch To Stitch.  Check it out here: Itch to Stitch Lago Tank Pattern link

I had to size down from what my measurements were but that's okay.  Its a free pattern and I really like how it fits and feels.  

For the cardi, I used the uber popular Blackwood cardigan in the shorter length.  I left off the pockets since I knew the pants I had made for this outfit had pockets. This pattern is fun and fast and cute!

I really love this outfit!  I hope you are sewing for the next season, no matter where you live!

Sue

Blackwood Cardigan Round 2

Unless you've been vacationing on Mars, you've seen all the love shown to the Blackwood Cardigan by Helen's Closet.  

All this love is for good reason.  This pattern is awesome!  It looks good in so many different fabrics and every version I see is so cute!  

In reorganizing my current sewing space to move to another, I am seriously wondering about my over-flowing stash and why I am hanging onto some fabrics for so long.  This floral knit mesh is one of those fabrics.  When I pulled it out again, it was like the creativity train hit me upside the head and the Blackwood Cardi came into site.  Bingo! 

This pattern can be totally sewn on the serger if you'd like.  It is drafted exceptionally well and versatile.  What else can I say about it?  

In case you are wondering about the length, I did add 4" to the bottom.  Since this is summer-weight, I also left off the cuffs and hemmed them.  I knew I'd be pushing them up.  If I pull them down, they are bracelet-length.  

With this ultra light weight fabric, I stabilized the shoulders and back neckline with SewkeysE tape 1/2" wide.  For the hemline I used 1" SewkeysE tape in clear so it's double sided. This stuff works like a dream!  

I did leave off the pockets since I knew I'd be wearing this over something that most likely had pockets.  

For the cami, I had a bit of this vibrant fabric left and since remnants aren't welcome in my sewing room any more, I decided to make a tank to wear under this cardi.  The pattern I chose is this one: 

As you can see, this is by Itch to Stitch.  This pattern is FREE!

I love testing different pattern companies FREE patterns and this one was a pleasure to sew.  I had fun color-blocking it with my remnants.  

Plus, it was a fun challenge to use the mesh as the binding at the neckline and arms.

Enough for now!  

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Itch to Stitch Bellavista Top

Happy weekend all!  

I had some fun with some luscious sweater knit I purchased last summer.  I'd been waiting for the right pattern to come along and decided on this one by Itch to Stitch.  

How cute is this?  That cowl neck and the swing of the top is perfection.  

I barely had enough knit to make this top.  I slightly modified the sleeves but more on that later. 

This pattern, as with all Itch to Stitch patterns, are exceptionally well drafted.  I made ZERO alterations to this.  

I made a muslin and decided I needed some additional bust room, but honestly after getting this created, I decided for my final garment I didn't need to make that adjustment.  

This is an instant gratification project.  It literally takes only a few hours, start to finish, to create it.

For the hems and shoulder seams, I used SewKeysE hem tape.  Wonderful stuff!  

I highly recommend this pattern!  So cute, so stylish, so easy!

As you can see in the photo above, I slightly modified the cuff on this.  I tried to give it a slight bell shape but it doesn't flare as much as I would have liked.  I might end up making those cuffs non-flared, if that makes sense.  

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

 

Brasov Wrap top meets leopard!

This is my first go at an Itch to Stitch pattern and I must say I am quite smitten!  Are you familiar with Itch to Stitch?  

I found this pattern on Pattern Review and had to purchase it.  It was easy to tape together and sewing it was a breeze!  

Normally I shy away from wrap tops.  Being fuller busted, they simply aren't work appropriate and more importantly, I don't feel very comfortable wearing them.  Albeit I certainly haven't spent a great deal of time fitting them properly so they would be work appropriate.  Anyhoo, I digress.  Let's get back to the pattern!

There are 20 steps to this pattern all of which are necessary and well-explained.  A beginner with some experience sewing knits should be able to stitch this up with good results.  What is essential to this top is to mark all the pleats and markings well so you match everything up precisely.

Simple, right?

My fabric is a knit made by Stof.  If you've read my blog lately, you'll know that I drool over this maker.  These knits are so soft on your skin, substantial for garments with some shape, and wash/dry superbly!  

I so enjoyed putting this together and I see more in my future!  

Sorry the above photo is a bit blurry.  That is the stitch I use on my Bernina 430 for hemming.  My coverstitch has been in time-out so long I should consider selling it, especially with the great result I get with this stitch and a few others on my regular machine.  

Thanks for reading!

Sue