Wednesday, October 3, 2018

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!


12 comments:

  1. I like this cold shoulder garment. Looks great with the jeggings! I like when a knit fabric sews well. I hit pumpkin spice a week ago-coffee, muffin bars and cookies.

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    1. Thanks! Muffin bars and cookies! That sounds good!

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  2. So cute! I didn't used to be a b/w wearing woman but being back in the office setting for 6 years now has changed me on that and I love it. I'm in Florida so it will be a while before I seek out Pumpkin Spice. :-)

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    1. Thanks Debbie! It is wonderful how we adapt our color choices and styles throughout the seasons of life. I am glad you are appreciate b/w wearing in a new way.

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  3. Very nice top. I've got to remember the measure the neckline and subtract 2 inches method. It took me quite a while to even try the pumpkin spice thing that everyone was raving about, but now I LOVE it!

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    1. Yes! It is such a wonderful method! I have used a few times now, and liked it every time. Oh, and I love that you like pumpkin spice!!! There are always some weird products thrown in every year, and I enjoy seeing them, lol!

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  4. Great top! Your fabric chice is perfect, and the drapes are beautiful. It goes well with the black pants.

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    1. Thank you!! The drapiness is my favorite part!

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  5. So cute. It fits perfectly and like you said, keeps you looking pulled together while being comfortable.

    One of the best parts of being a sewer is dreaming and planning :) No harm in not getting it all done.

    Also, I LOVE BLACK AND WHITE PRINTS!! Lol!!!

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    1. I know you love black and white prints, lol!! That's why I love seeing a lot of the things you make...and drooling over them too!

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  6. This is lovely! The black and white looks nice. I’m really looking forward to sewing lots of jumpers for winter!

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    1. Jumpers sounds nice! I'm sure I will land somewhere, lol! I will be on the lookout for your jumpers.

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Let me know what you think!