Hawaiian Dress

I am so happy to have finally finished my Hawaiian dress from fabric sent to me from my sister in Hawaii!  I started it back in June.  I used New Look 6053.  I chose to underline the whole dress since the back ground is white and I want to wear it in the summer without having to wear a slip. 

It is knee length with a back zipper.  The fabric has a design running down the middle of it as you can see and both selvidges have ferns. 

I am so excited- I can't wait for summer! 

Feline Friday- All Dressed Up

 

Anchor, looking lovely in a doll dress with a birdhouse motif.

Alice is sporting an apron and bow.

 

Silk Shantung Dress with Asymmetrical Hem

My middle school daughter made this dress for an art project.  I was pattern maker and technical advisor, she designed and sewed it.  It is silk shantung with an asymmetrical hem, shirred waistband, lined in purple cotton.

The dress also had a box to go with it (part of the project).

She made/drew/sculpted everything except the ceramic bathtub and the tiny clothes pins.  She even made the blue grass by individually gluing yarn down.

Her project (along with others) has been chosen to be on display at a local boutique.

Pattern Review- Butterick 5030 Dress

This pattern features 6 easy variations of a very flattering flared wrap dress.  I chose view A with contrast bands.  Easy to sew.  The waist is secured with two hooks inside.  I used a knit that is printed to look like lace and a black knit contrast band.  This really started as an inexpensive test fit garment, but I like it so much, I will definitely be wearing it often!  I plan to make another one soon, in a woven peacock print without contrast bands for a different look.



Pattern Review: Simplicity 3775

I love this pattern!  It is easy to sew, wear and very flattering.  I used a velvet burnout knit.  The photos don't do the fabric or pattern justice.  I lengthened the bodice 1" to get a good fit and used my serger for most of the sewing- super speedy!

This is my second time sewing Simplicity 3775.  The first one was a short sleeved summer dress.

Pattern Review: Vogue 7693 Wrap Dress

This pattern is a few years old, but the design is universally flattering.  I have yet to see someone look bad in a wrap style dress.  This vogue pattern has a built up neck and mock wrap front with a center back zipper.  Of course, I can't leave anything alone, so I changed it to a front zipper and a real wrap!  It looks great on.  I underlined the skirt since it is a white print (rayon twill).  I sewed this to wear to my 25th high school reunion-eeek!  Sometimes I have found Vogue patterns are more difficult than they really need to be, but this pattern was clearly written.  I also wanted a small bag to carry a camera and essentials in, so I just happened to have this fabric (I love it when this happens) that goes great with the shoes and dress!

I lined the bag in a purple quilted fabric for body.

I am really pleased with how it all came together.  Unbelievably, I only bought the shoes, the rest was made from fabrics, pattern and supplies I already had in my sewing room!

Super Easy Summer Dresses

These are so easy it is almost embarrassing! I found this fabric with one edge already shirred with elastic and hemmed. Just buy enough to stretch around the body. I sewed straps but you could also use ribbon. Simply sew the one side seam and attach the straps. Hem the bottom edge at the right length or just use the selvidge! And Voila! Mom is a hero- my daughter is thrilled with these 2 I made for her. Sewing doesn't have to be complicated.