End of 2018 Recap

Hello everyone!

As 2018 draws to a close, it is time to examine my reflections for the year.  I started 2018 believing that it would be a learning year for me, and that is exactly what it was!  There are so many things I attempted and won...and there are also things I attempted and lost--for now, lol!  But, overall, I am GRATEFUL for lessons continually learned.

I began with these goals:

• Sew all of my own clothing (excludes underwear and socks)!!! RTW FAST
• Draft slopers according to my measurements for bodice and pants.
• Enter a Patternreview Contest. 
• Copy RTW styles that I love (a must now that I will be sewing everything I need)
• Finish at least FOUR of my Craftsy classes 
• Sew for life events.

Sew my own clothing

Thankfully, I accomplished this goal with flying colors!  Compared to the first time I signed up for the RTW Fast, this time was such a JOY!  I now find myself preferring the things that I sew, and I also smile as more and more of my closet is filled with handmade items--sew filled (to the brim)! This satisfaction is what led me to decide to continue the RTW Fast into 2019!

Of course there were some shortcomings to speak of as well.  I still plan on addressing pants for 2019, and become more proficient in fitting them to my shape.  At the first of the year I was so gung-ho with figuring out pants, and then I lost a lot of steam as I made muslin after muslin.  So, while this will remain on my list moving into next year, but I don't plan on stressing myself out about it.  If I end up in dresses, tunics and leggings for the year, I am ok with that.

Draft slopers for bodice/pants

I did not finish this goal.  I started a pants sloper, but gave up around February.  I have to admit it...I have no desire to work on any more slopers for the New year.  I know all the information you gain from it is worth it; however, it might be a minute before I ever do one.

Enter a Patternreview Contest

I did this!  I entered the Sewing with Stripes contest, and I loved being a part of all the wonderful entries.  I didn't win, but I would definitely participate again.

Copy RTW styles I love

I am not really sure if I accomplished this goal.  I had a lot of inspiration pics from certain garments (Moneta dress,) but they were mostly pattern photos and not RTW garments.  I think I will count it because I still found inspiration that I turned into an actual garment.

Finish FOUR of my Craftsy classes

Did I even finish one?  I will say I heavily browsed the classes I already own, but that is about it.

Sew for life events
This one is still a work in progress.  I must confess, I am so bad at sewing for deadlines.  No matter how much I plan, I still end up short.  That is mostly because I am an overachiever in my head.  I always overshoot and say "of course I can make a jacket in a week," or "yes I can finish a whole outfit in two days!"  In my head I have already met my goal, but when it comes to working it out in real life...much different results!  I realize I should apply a formula where I automatically tack on an additional week to any expected timeline.

Overall, I wasn't as focused on goals as I have been in prior years, but I did stay on track with my #1 goal--sewing all my clothing for the year.

I have deced that 2019 will have me headed in a different direction.  Here are my aspirations for the year:

• complete a second year of the RTW Fast
• participate in Sew Your View, hosted by That's Sew Monica

For 2019 I am taking a different approach to my sewing journey based on some of my weaknesses, and the things that do and do not work for me.  For the most part, I will be sewing items that appeal to me, and are needed in my wardrobe.  Howeer I would also like to have a bit of fun too.  There are times I won't try certain styles even though the outcome may be superb.  I tend to embrace my "comfort zone" and stay there.  Though there is nothing wrong with that, this year I would like to try venturing out of that zone a bit.

So, I have decided to begin participating in the Sew Your View group on IG, hosted by That's Sew Monica.  I originally attempted this monthly sew along bck in August, but I had too many things going on, and I never finished the garment.  This year I want to focus on ONE garment a month that I have chosen to sew, and ONE garment a month that is chosen for me (but I can flexibly adapt).  And that will be it.  If I find time to complete more items, I will consider it a fantastic month.  But, my priority will be finishing these two garments first.

I will be working on embracing a simpler process than what I have been doing.  Considering my life and responsibilities (always), an emphasis on less will have to be more.  I really thought that capsule wardrobes would help to guide my seiwng, and introduce better planning, but it wasn't as helpful because I just sew too slowly, lol.  Also, I ended up feeling more overwhelmed by the amount of items I was choosing, and not really knowing how to coordinate it all.

Instead of capsule wardrobes, I will be making sure my sewn item links to what I already posess in my closet in some way.  So instead of the bigger picture of a capsule, I will keep things smaller, and create "looks" instead.  Perhaps a smaller view will help me to develop an overall theme (working backwards a bit).  I will still keep color schemes in mind for the seasons, as there are colors I tend to gravitate to.

That said, I would love to share some of my faves and fails from this year!

MOST LOVED GARMENT

I think I am choosing this one because it is a recent completion, but also because I love the versatility of this garment.  Cardigans are usually the workhorse of my wardrobe anyhow, and this one does not disappoint.  I LOVE the nice sized pockets, and the length hits me at just the right place (although if it wouldn't I would adjust it, lol)  It is definitely a TNT that I will use for more versions in the future!

MOST REWARDING GARMENT

I think I will always be team "Closet Case Patterns!"  Out of everything I have sewn, the Kalle shirt dress with button placket is my most rewarding.  I just enjoyed the whole process of making this one.  The instructions were clear, the fabric was complementary, I learned a lot of shirtmaking techniques, and I love to wear this too!  In fact, I will let you know that I finally purchased the sleeve expansion PDF, so you may see a long-sleeved version before Spring is over!

MOST WORN GARMENT

The Isla dress immediately surfaced to the top as I considered what I wore most in 2018. I just loved this dress for the summertime weather.  The silhouette was perfect for me, and the stripes created such a lovely visual effect!

LEAST WORN GARMENT

I truly wanted to love this Butterick garment, but it ended up becoming one I seldom wear.  I think the problem is the length.  It looks cute when I stand still, but once I move around in my daily life, it starts to creep up and twist around.  I have learned that I am not a crossover fan.  Except for a Vogue pattern, I have not had much success with this type of style on my frame.

LEAST APPEALING GARMENT

Dare I bring up this disaster?  My first foray into peplums with a Love Notion pattern was terrible.  It was obviously me, and not the pattern.  I have sewn other items from them that I really liked.  However, this top quickly ended up in the trash.  I am still open to peplums--only I want it to be the right peplum, lol!

GARMENT I COULD SEW IN MY SLEEP

Need I say more?  The Moneta dress is one I can pick up and sew without even glancing at the instructions.  It is perfect for so many occasions, and looks great on lots of different body types.  Out of all the patterns I own, this is one I can finish in an evening of sewing and be fully confident it will be fabulous!

MOST HEARTWARMING PROJECT

I think sewing with my little girl easily rises to the top for this category!  I enjoyed seeing the joy on her face as she progressed from step to step, and ended up with her own beautiful skirt.  I'm sure we will be wearing these next summer as well...until we can collaborate on another sewing adventure (wink, wink).

BEST UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY

The Laura Top/Dress from Rosy Pena is one that I did not expect to love as much as I do!  Every time I put on the floral version shown, or my second version in blue, it fits so beautifully.  The neckline lays so smooth, and it a great basic.  I hope to try more patterns from Rosy in 2019.  She has been expanding her line, and there are so many great options!

And that is it for 2018!!

I will be back in the New Year to announce the patterns I will be sewing for January.  

Stay sew-filled!

Merry Christmas

From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas!!

"For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

           Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Sewing planners

Hello everyone!

It's that time of year when things draw to a close, and I begin prepping for the New Year.  Actually, I tend to organize/clean/update my sewing room every month, but for the month of December, I always include plans for the upcoming year.  So today I am going to be sharing my updated sewing planner with you, and also some wonderful links if you are interested in creating your own planner too!

So, let's get started!

Let me first say that I LOVE TO PLAN!  That doesn't seem to translate to everything, but it does apply with goal setting/creating vision/dreaming.  I understand that not everyone is wired this way.  For instance, when I get around some of my friends and ask them about their plans for the next year and what they would like to accomplish, I am often met with blank stares, lol. But I am a firm believer that goals matter.  Let's face it, life is always going to be busy.  Yet I refuse to let the busyness of my life determine my direction.  Instead, my goals set my aim, and they are the indicators I use to keep me on track.  Most years I accomplish what I set out to do.  Other years I do not; however, EVERY year there is a measure of success that I know came from the extra effort to plan.

Here is a look at my sewing planner (DIY'd from FREE printables online):

 I started with a 3 ring binder that has the option of a sheet protector.  Whatever size you think is appropriate for you will work.  I think this one is 3".

While this is a planner for sewing, I am including a page for my overall life.  I think it will be a great reminder every time I open my binder.

Here is where I would like to grow.  I usually check in with myself around mid year, but I would like to try a more frequent method.  What can I say?  I am easily distracted, and this year made me realize that, lol!

This is a monthly page for spiritual growth, but I plan on using it for the year.  My faith is a big part of who I am, so I look forward to writing down things throughout the year, ESPECIALLY the things in my life I am grateful for.

I just think that calendar is SO cute!  I had a sewing-oriented one last year that I used a lot, and I will link below.  I would have used it again, but the updated 2019 version just came out, and I had already printed out this one (excited to start, lol).  But, I will use the bottom section for planning out projects, and I like that I can write in the boxes too.

So, after each month I have put in a project planning sheet for two projects.  I will speak more about that later in my wrap-up of 2018, but this one is from Seamwork's planner and I LOVE it.

And this completes my custom sewing planner for 2019!!  The best part is, I didn't have to spend any money for it!  All the materials are items I had in my home already, and a lot of it was updating my binder from last year.  Here are some links to help you create your very own sewing resource for next year:

Specifically for sewing (non-affiliated, just what I have found helpful)

• Sew DIY FREE printable planner (just released, and has a sheet for measurements too)
• Seamwork FREE sewing planner
• Burdastyle FREE Project Planner

General calendars/planning sheets

• List of 2019 Calendars (beautiful and FREE)
• Comprehensive 2019 planner

**I will add to this list if when I see any additional resources.  Happy planning!!

Stay sew-filled!

November Recap and S8393 Review

Hello everyone!

It's December!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe I am nearly finished with the RTW fast!

I hope this past Thanksgiving holiday treated you well, and you got to spend time with loved ones, family, and friends.  My family had the pleasure of spending most of that week at Disney World, and it was spectacular!

Though our time at the parks was filled with fun, my sewing output for November can be summed up by two cardigans.  The first one is a black french terry sweater knit version from Simplicity 8393:

The second cardigan is another version of S8393 that never got photographed.  I took it with me to Florida because the temperatures were in the high 70s, and I planned on having it for the cooler evenings.  Well, as soon as my mom saw me in it, she shrieked and said "I just love that cardigan! Don't tell me you made that?"

When I told her I did, she asked if she could have it.  She tried it on, and even being 5'4, it fit her beautifully.  I told her I would think about it, but I already knew I would give it to her.  Mostly because after all of my years of sewing, I have never made anything for her.  Not because I didn't want to, I just never heard her express any interest in items I have sewn until then.  So, if you see a royal blue version of this pattern on a lovely lady in her mid 60s around the Savannah area, that could be my Mom, lol!!!

Okay, so back to the first version in black.  I love this cardigan!!!!!  I made a size 12 with only a 3/8" forward shoulder adjustment.  The french terry sweater knit is from Michael Levine's, and it has a lighter variegated gray knit on the inside.  Both sides are beautiful, but I knew the black would get more wear for me.  It sewed beautifully, and my only changes to the design was to close out the splits down the side, and add a small cuff to the sleeve (the length was a tad shorter than I expected).

I admit this was a sleeper pattern for me.  I actually breezed right past it while looking in Simplicity's catalog during one of those 99 cents sales, but came back to it later.  I am so glad I did!  This is a great style of cardigan if you like the casual open look.  The pockets are a wonderful addition that are not too big or small.

I have worn this cardigan quite a few times now, and look forward to sewing a couple more neutrals.  I also entered this into the #cosycardichallenge on Instagram (Nov. 30th deadline).  Do you remember my entry from last year?

If you said the Oslo cardigan in black, then you were right!  I still have this cardigan, but it has faded quite a bit due its heavy rotation in my wardrobe.  I fully plan to sew another cardi next year if this challenge continues!!

As you can see, I am fully enjoying my RTW fast this year.  In fact, I will tell you now that I will be pledging again for next year!  That will be a whole new challenge for me, since I won't be able to prepare for the fast as I have the last two times I have done this.  Is it possible to go back to back years in sewing my own clothing???  Well, we will have to find out!

For December, I am finishing up a jacket I started mid-November, and though I could give you a sneak peek, I will wait until it all comes together.  I will tell you that it will be a nice piece to wear as the weather transitions to Spring.

Stay sew-filled!

Oct. recap and Nov. plans

Hello everyone!!

We are a little into November, and I wanted to show you what I accomplished in October.  I started five different projects, and finished a total of three:

The first two tops are Vogue 8526.  It is an out-of-print pattern that I made a couple of years ago.  I remember thinking that it fit so well I HAD to revisit it.  Well, when I went to do so, I couldn't find the pattern!  I ended up re-ordering it on Ebay just so I could see if I enjoyed it as much the second time around.  I definitely can say I did!  The brown and green version have a crossover that joins beautifully, and fits nicely.  I am still on the fence with wrap tops because I tend to have issues with gaping due to a hollow chest, but this top didn't need any tweaks.  I have worn the brown version already, and noticed some minor shifting with moving about, but nothing out of the ordinary.  Otherwise, this style is a nice change from my usual basic tops.

The third item is a pair of leggings from Simplicity 8212.  These are the leggings I wanted to sew with my daughter, but since school started she has been busy with other things.  She will get to her version one day, but in the meantime, I made a version and added a black lace accent to the bottom.

Can I tell you that these leggings fit me perfectly???  I made them from a black knit I think I found at Fine Fabrics.  If I find any other colors there the next time I visit, I would love to make these again!  I am looking for neutrals like brown, charcoal, and gray, or even beige.  I expected to need a full seat adjustment at the very least, but since I chose a super stretchy fabric, I didn't need one.  However, for my next version I will experiment with adding some more fullness.

I have already worn my leggings quite a few times.  I mean, I have LOTS of black leggings (lol), but I really like the touch of lace on these.  It goes so well with items in my closet, and is just enough to be different from the rest. I am sure I will find other places to squeeze lace in too!

Overall, I didn't do so bad. My two unfinished projects are my Oakley vest and a black basic V-neck tee.  The saga with the Oakley vest continues!  Hopefully this month will be when it makes it's appearance.

November Plans
For this month I will be focusing on a few more basics to continue filling my wardrobe gaps for Fall.  Our family is going on vacation for the week of Thanksgiving, so I don't want to overload myself.  Right now, I look forward to finishing this cardigan from Simplicity:

I chose it so that I can participate in the Cosy Cardi Challenge for this year again.  If you sew a cardigan by Nov. 30th, and post it to Instagram, you can participate and have the chance to win awesome prizes! You can read all about it here.

I would also like to sew some more shirts.  I still have not made Threadcount 1617, but I really like the look of it:

View C is my favorite view for Fall, but I also like the pockets on View D.  If I can figure out a workable fit on a muslin, I may pursue both versions.  

And, yes, I still have this pattern in my back pocket:

I would love to finish a pair of Ginger jeans before the year is out!  I am only apprehensive to start this project because I just know that it will take up a lot of time, especially with fitting them.  I like that lots of people have had success with this jeans pattern, and hope I will have the same.  However, I am learning a lot about getting pants to fit, so it will be more practice for me too, lol!

I am sure other things will come up for this month too, but this is me trying to keep it minimal.  I already went into my sewing closet, cleaned/organized, and threw away what was no longer needed.  It is still hard for me to believe that the RTW Fast is almost over for this year!  It feels like I just signed on, and I have truly been enjoying myself.

Thank you for helping me stay on track this year, and learning so much in the process!  I plan to keep going strong until the end of the year!

Stay sew filled!

S8383 Version #2

Hello everyone!

There is so much Fall sewing inspiration around, I don't even know where to begin!  I have been slowly figuring out what I want to sew, and treasuring the opportunity to do what I love--LAYER!  Yes!  I love to layer clothing.  While I appreciate a lovely summer dress that catches the breeze, I also like a top, pants, and jacket/vest/cardigan combination too.

In fact, I got to sew with one of my besties this past weekend, and we had this exact conversation.  There are so many layering combinations in our heads, but our sewing productivity just does NOT match all the things we want to make (per usual).  So, I realize I am going to have to be a bit more strategic about my sewing choices, so I can maximize my Fall wardrobe.

And I really need Fall wardrobe help.  Here's what is going on: last year when I decided to sign up for the RTW Fast, I made sure I could at least make it through Spring and Summer with the clothing I had before I needed to really be productive.  I donated lots of my Fall items from last year, and knew I would easily be able to replace any holes in my wardrobe.  Well, here we are in Fall, and I need to sew! LOL!  Either that, or I'm going to be in a real bind!

Thankfully, I did finish another version of Simplicity 8383:

This version is made from a beautiful, jewel-toned jersey knit from Fine Fabrics.  I love the leopard print that is mixed in with it, and the cold-shoulder trend is apparently still "in."  Not that it matters, because I love a good cold shoulder sleeve any day!  Again, this is a size 12 throughout, with a forward shoulder adjustment of approximately 1/2."

And speaking of pattern adjustments, I have done a forward shoulder adjustment on so many of my garments, that I don't even make the adjustment to my paper pattern unless it becomes a TNT.  For instance, I just eyeball the removal to the front, and add the same amount to the back shoulder seam while I am cutting out my fabric. It works every time! I believe in shortcuts as long as the integrity of my garment is not compromised (wink, wink).

Overall, this is a quick, easy, and satisfying sew.  It is very beginner friendly, and one you can make again and again. You can read about my first version here, if you missed it.

For now I have decided to concentrate on sewing basics until that need is filled.  I have already finished a pair of leggings, and a top, and hope to be back with those soon...as well as other things!  My hope is that your Fall sewing is off to a great start!

Stay sew filled!

Simplicity 8383 and Best Laid Plans

Hello everyone!

It's OCTOBER!

Ok, I admit that I have held on long enough.  I am now ready to bring on the pumpkin spice!!!

The weather here has been getting cooler, and that could mean Fall is around the corner!  However, I have been fooled before.  Living in Georgia as long as I have, I have been duped one too many times, lol!  Either way, this post is here to say that I have pushed "play" on pumpkin spice, and sewing for the Fall season.

To recap, I think I made a mess of September!! I created all of these amazing plans, wrote them down in my sewing planner, and never finished a thing I wanted to.  My new part-time job stole some thunder from my plans and made me a tired wreck on quite a few nights.  And then, I started two other projects that I experienced some hang-ups on as well.  It was not at all what I wanted it to be!

Finally, I decided to put everything aside, and pick up a TNT that I had confidence would work. Enter Simplicity 8383.  I made this one before as a sleeveless swing dress during Me Made May, and I wanted to revisit it to explore the cold shoulder sleeve version of View A:

I think I really like it!!  I am going to work on a few more versions because I think this outfit is perfect for work attire.  Because I am mostly on the floor with little ones, leggings seem to work the best.  That means I can easily throw over a nice dressy/casual dress, or a tunic.  It creates an outfit that gives me the ability to move well (bend, sit, spin, etc.) yet doesn't compromise the environment of the school.  For now, I will likely live in these, but I will also be adding other workwear items down the line.  Here is a view of the inside of the garment:

I sewed a straight size 12 with no modifications.  There is PLENTY of ease in this tent dress, so no grading was necessary.  In fact, I could still probably take it in slightly for more of an A line effect.  The tiger/leopard/black and white print is from Fine Fabrics, and is a jersey.  I think it is a blend of some kind too, most likely a poly.  It has beautiful drape, and sewed wonderfully.

When it came to the instructions, I did a classic neckband construction instead of the binding method recommended by the pattern.  To make sure it would lay well, I measured the circumference of the neckline, then subtracted two inches.  I remember reading about this method used by Cennetta.  It works so well for moderate knits!

I don't know if any of you have noticed, but I truly LOVE black and white.  Actually, black and cream is best, and I have gladly filled my closet with this color palette over the years.  In fact, I wear it so much that you would think that all the fabric I buy falls into this same zone.  Well, you would be surprised to find out it doesn't.  I have LOADS of colorful fabrics (and still a fair amount of neutrals) that I have challenged myself to pull out and sew.  So far, I think I have been doing pretty well in sewing color for spring/summer.  Now I will have to figure out how my color scheme will work for Fall.

So, I guess you can tell that I don't have a clear plan for Fall yet.  I'm going to take some time to figure out what my next projects will be once I finish another version of S8383...I'm thinking a brainstorming session with a warm pumpkin spice latte may help things come into alignment. 

Stay sew-filled!

Isla dress in Pineapples/Coconuts

Hello everyone!

I admit it, I like a bit of trend in my garment sewing.  And what trend isn't bigger than pineapples right now??

In honor of my birthday back in June, my wonderful best friend (who also sews) gifted me a gorgeous double-brushed poly with none other than pineapples and coconuts!  I knew as soon as I saw it that I would make another Isla dress:

Since this is a TNT for me, I made all of the same adjustments that I made in this post here.  My only snag with this version came with the length.  I used clear elastic as I did with my last version, but this time I could not get the fabric to shirr properly.  After I realized that, I knew I had two choices--take it out, or cut it off.  As you can see from the length of the dress, I chose to cut it off.  There was just no way that I was going to invest hours into removing all the stitching embedded into the clear elastic.  No thank you, lol!

So, this is a shorter version!

I wore it this way a couple of weeks ago, but I will probably make some brown leggings to wear underneath.  That should also take me through Fall as the weather gets cooler too.  But, overall, I love this dress!!!!  It is so comfortable, and so soft! I just can't help smiling when I put it on, and hope I can squeeze in at least another month of wear out of it.

As far as sewing for this month, I have been off to a slower start again.  Now that I work part-time, I have a lot more tired days, lol!  I did start a dress, but it didn't come out how I liked, so it will be relegated to PJ status.  So now I am back to my sleeveless blouse, and hoping that the Ottobre pattern will be kinder to me.

In the midst of working on my plans for this month, I did spy an amazing class on Creativebug that I wanted to shar!.  Maddie Flanagan, of Madalynn Intimates, has introduced a three part series class on sewing intimates.  The first release is the Noelle panty:

If you have ever dreamed of sewing your own intimates, what a wonderful opportunity to give it a try!  The first class looks pretty basic, and has the total beginner in mind.  While I think I could make my way through sewing underwear, I am mainly curious about understanding the different materials used for intimates, especially when it comes to bras. Also, Joann Fabrics has a discount code to get a month of Creativebug for FREE.  I tried it out after seeing the code on one of my receipts, and absolutely love the Creativebug platform, as well as the quality of instructors they have on there. 

If you have taken or seen this class, let me know!

I hope to be back soon with another finished item!

Stay sew filled!

August Recap and Sept. Plans

Hello everyone, and Hello September!

I am a bit elated to share my August Recap today because...it has been a while since I had garments to share!! 

Overall, August was a busy time with school starting back for my kids, and activities related to that (such as curriculum night, homework, extracurricular activities, etc.)  I am grateful that these pieces all got done in the midst of transitioning back to a more regular schedule:

From the top left to bottom right: Tiny Toes Ottobre baby outfit, Isla dress, and Kalle tunic 

I really love everything I made, but my favorite part of the month has to be the Kalle shirts.  For the striped blue tunic, it took me one week to make it.  However, the orange swallow version only took three nights of sewing!  I imagine it is because I had more of an idea what I was doing, but I admit I have never gotten something done as quickly as that.  Maybe one day I can get everything done in an evening??? A girl can dream right...  I know there are some of you out there that do, lol!

The Isla dress was my fun garment to make, and I will do a separate post of that one soon.  

September Plans

Before I reveal all of the things I am thinking about for September, I have some wonderful news to share that affects my sewing plans--I got a part-time job!!!  I will be working a couple of days a week as a teacher at a preschool.  It is so dear to my heart, and lines up with my passion for little ones.  I am starting in the under 2 room, with hopes of advancing from there.  The hours allow me to still be available for my own children so it is a great fit for all.

That said, I spent last week working and preparing our classroom.  And in the middle of that, I realized that I am not exactly sure what I will be wearing!!!  The dress code is dressy casual, and jeans are allowed as long as they are not ripped, faded, etc.  Leggings are allowed under dresses, but not with a top that is cropped.  So, I will have to do some evaluating of my closet.  I would love to wear dresses most days, yet I am uncertain how that would affect my mobility with such little ones in the classroom.  I think I need more nice pants!!!!!

Keeping all of that in mind, here is what I am aiming for...

I will be dedicating one week to working on a few unfinished items I never got to in August.  There is a woven top, denim shorts, and a button up shirt dress that could easily be finished with a little devotion of my time.

So, a couple of days ago I went to Gail K. and shopped their out-of print/discard sewing patterns for $1.00.  I found two gems that I want to make right away:

I am really loving both versions of the wide leg pants.  The dark blue version is a gaucho pants with a pleat feature in the front.  The light blue version is also shown on the model, and looks so tailored and pretty.  Out of the two, I think I am leaning toward the gaucho pants because they scare me.  Not the construction, but the style.  I love sewing in my comfort zone, but each month I am working to pick at least one thing that allows me to explore something new.  It may work, it may not.  But, at least I had the courage to try. Who knows, maybe I will even try both versions!! 

The other OOP pattern is Simplicity 8966, a 2 hour dress:

I love these dress options!  As soon as I saw it, the V-neckline drew me in immediately.  It usually works so well for my frame.  So, View B is what I want to sew.  I also like the way the seaming is dropped well below the waistline.  Perhaps I could achieve this effect with something I have already, but sometimes I like not having to guess.  The dress on the far right with the big pockets (View A) is also a favorite view.  I would love to know if it really comes together in two hours of sewing time.  When I put this to the test, I will let you all know! 

I also recently visited Fine Fabrics with one of my best friends. I have been wanting to sew her a dress as a birthday gift from me, and I wanted her to be in on choosing the fabric.  She has always said that she liked the dresses I sewed, so we decided the Isla would be perfect for her. 

Here is her chosen fabric:

I am a little nervous because I will be doing a full bust adjustment for the FIRST time!  I like learning new things, though, and she has a wonderful personality.  She told me she would wear it no matter what.  I love that!

Next,  I really, really, really want to make a jumpsuit!!  I had good intentions to sew one earlier this summer, but those intentions have been delayed.  I think I own three jumpsuit patterns, but Simplicity 8178 is my favorite:

My goal is to sew this entire look.  I love the little jacket, and think it would transition beautifully into Fall, and with other things. While searching for finished versions, I found a Youtube tutorial by Brittany J. Jones here. I will definitely check that out!  Her version looks great!

And, last but not least, I want to finish this Ottobre sleeveless blouse that I started (left):

I got on a roll until I got to the part where I have to make the button loops.  Turning such a tiny length of fabric was horrifying!! I couldn't find my loop turner, and even tried a few other methods on Youtube to no avail.  I think it will go much smoother once I get past this part.  At least I hope so.

And now I am off to work on all these plans!  I will check back in with my second Isla dress and update you on how the unfinished items are going in my next post.

Stay sew-filled! 

Yes to another Kalle tunic

Hello everyone!

Who's in the mood to see another Kalle tunic version?

I am now convinced that it is hard to go wrong with the Closet Case Kalle pattern!  This is my second version, and dare I say that I like this one even more that the first one I made?

I am sure a lot of that has to do with the fit for this one.  I added a 1/4" broad shoulder adjustment, and the additional roominess is heavenly.  It feels exactly the way a button up shirt should feel, and is made in such a happy color.

This is a cotton sateen shirting that I ordered from Fabricmart Fabrics this year.  It is orange/cream with little swallows all over it, but not as stiff/structured as a typical cotton shirting.  It has a soft hand, and presses well.  Oh how I wish there were more fabrics like this still available from them!!  It really creates a wonderful button-up!  It felt so light and easy when I wore it for the first time.

I decided that the back felt good with the broad shoulder adjustment, so I left the rest alone.  I now feel good enough about the fit I have achieved that I want to make a lot more colors and variations. For more details on sewing this shirt, you can visit my post here. 

So, after finishing this shirt, I posted it to my IG account, and got this response:

Apparently, there is another Kalle out there in this same fabric, lol!  I wonder what the odds are that two people would unknowingly buy the same fabric and have the same pattern in mind? What a great coincidence!!!  And, just in case you are curious, I LOVE @sewfrantic's Kalle too!

Overall, you can't go wrong with this pattern!  It is definitely a wardrobe staple for me, and I look forward to wearing it different ways.

I will be back to show you all the garments I ended up sewing for August!  Until then, here is a sneak peek of an Isla dress I completed just in time to include in my August rundown.  It is a lovely DBP (double-brushed poly) that I was gifted by a friend in none other than pineapples and coconuts!!!

Stay sew-filled!