Category Archives: 2011 Sewing

De-peared: Sewaholic Renfrew Tops Galore

Posted in 2011 Sewing, Finished Projects by

I’m battling a cold right now, but I wanted to take the time to share 3 tops I made in December; they were all made using the brand new Renfrew pattern from Sewaholic Patterns! I was lucky enough to be selected as a pattern tester for this top and I wanted to end 2011 with a bang by sewing up all 3 versions.

Even though this pattern company caters to pear-shaped women, note that this pattern is very easy to alter for non-pear shapes, like me. As with other Sewaholic patterns, the instructions and diagrams are great. And the pattern pieces were stellar as well, it’s so nice when markings match up!

Okay, so let’s have a look, shall we?

This one’s too tight

First up, view A: the v-neck top with short sleeves. I made a size 4 at the bust/waist and size 0 at the hip. I’m actually one size smaller than the chart’s size 0, but found that the fit was just fine because the hem band fits snuggly around the hip. The bust portion of this top felt a little snug though, so instead of looking into an FBA or other alteration I went up to a size 6 for the next two tops and found the fit comfortable. Not sure if that was the alteration to make, but it works :)

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Colette Oolong: The Sydney Harbour Dress

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Here it is! My second Oolong dress, which I affectionately call the Sydney Harbour Dress, or “Hey Ma, I finally finished it!” Yep, after almost 2 months this dress is ready for the holidays. I’ve also included this in the Sew Weekly’s “Free for All” challenge.

Hereby Proclaimed: The Sydney Harbour Dress
Pattern: Oolong Dress from Colette Patterns
Fabric: Slightly over 3 yards (3 meters) of navy Japanese cotton from Tessuti Fabrics in Sydney, Australia(!)
Pattern Level: Intermediate
Size: 4
Alterations: Raised the waistline 1 1/2″; shortened the hem to above knee length

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Sewing Through the Decades: 1920s Tulip Kimono

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Guy: So, what are you up to lately?
Me: Sewing.
Guy: What are you sewing?
Me: (cheery) A 1920s robe!
Guy: Ah ………….why?

I guess that does come off kind of random.

But, hey, now I have a robe to stylishly drink mint juleps in on the front porch…….this winter. Though I have to say this keeps me quite warm, which for some reason surprised me but I’m not complaining!

Pattern: 1920s Tulip Kimono from Decades of Style
Fabric: “Van Gogh” rayon and chambray for the contrast, both from Sew L.A. Fabric
Size: Group A, 32″ bust
Pattern Level: Beginner
Paired with: My favorite pair of blue suede shoes! (Sofft brand Mary Janes, sooo comfy)

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A Dress So Pink and Shirred

Posted in 2011 Sewing, Finished Projects by

Another dress completed, and just in time for my upcoming vacation! I’m going to be in Florida so the color combination still works even though we’re now in the midst of fall here in Virginia. I’m on a wee bit of a roll here, 2 dresses in a week, very satisfying indeed. The dress color is a little washed out in these photos, but scroll to the end to find a detail shot for the true pink color.

…The Basics…
  • Fabric: 2 yards of pink and white striped seersucker from Joann’s
  • Pattern: None! Self-drafted, but based on this dress photo from a class offered at Sew L.A.
  • Details: Straps forming an X in the back made from the fabric’s selvege; handmade self-fabric belt
  • Time in Stash: (fabric) a little over 1 month; (pattern) in my imagination for about 4 or 5 months

The Music of the Night Dress

Posted in 2011 Sewing, Finished Projects by

Hello! A busy and rainy week delayed me in finishing this dress, but it finally happened and I’m very happy with it! This is my Music of the Night Dress, which was made using the fantastic Lonsdale Dress from Sewaholic Patterns. I’ve loved all of Tasia’s versions, and knew I wanted to make it when she first sent out the announcement in her e-newsletter. She loves fitted bodices and full skirts (like me!); I can’t wait to see her future designs.

…The Basics…

  • Pattern: Lonsdale Dress from Sewaholic Patterns (2011)
  • Fabric: 3.5 yards of thrifted black and beige poly/silk (?); cotton underlining for the skirt
  • Notions: stay tape at the front bodice neckline; fusible woven interfacing at the waistband, black 16″ zipper trimmed down to about 13″; black hem tape at inner hem.
  • **Time in Stash: only a few months for both pattern and fabric!
**I’m trying to use as much of my fabric/pattern stash as possible these next few months; I’ve even set a personal goal to make at least 5 items before I’m allowed to purchase more (unless it’s fabric for a project for another person, though I have to admit I’d like to keep those to an absolute minimum!).