Sunday, July 19, 2015

Sallie Jumpsuit





I enjoyed making the Carolyn Pajamas so much that when Closet Case Files came out with the Sallie Jumpsuit/ Maxidress, I was excited to make this as well. I have never really made a maxi dress or a jumpsuit, or worn one for that matter. I am happy to report that this really is like wearing secret pajamas. I feel like I am curled up in my bed, but instead I am out in public with a cocktail in my hand. Sometimes its fun to look ridiculous. 

I chose this rayon knit in a magenta/ peach floral print from Fabricland. Its so soft and very lightweight. And man does it remind me of Mrs. Roper from Three's Company. It was difficult to choose between the jumpsuit and the maxidress, both would look cute in this fabric. but I decided to go for the jumpsuit, for the full 70s look. 

I made a few changes to the pattern before I started. I didn't want that tie in the back, I'm planning on wearing this on a long airplane ride and thought the tie would be annoying at my neck. So I raised the back up 1 inch to prevent it from falling off my shoulders without the tie. I can still get it on and off easily. Then I needed to add some length to the crotch. (bleh I hate that word). I am long in the torso, so I can't really buy a romper/jumpsuit with out getting the dreaded cameltoe. I added two inches, which was a bit excessive, i probably could have used 1.5 (next time). I also took 3 inches off the pant length. 



This is a really quick sew, but I had a few problems. First I made the bodice and I slip it on and the sleeve openings are too tight. All of the sizes have the marks for the opening at the same spot. Next time I will leave a bigger opening for my big guns. Then I had a problem serging the bodice to the pants, my serger was acting up, and it caught the pants in several places. BLEH. I tried taking it out in the worst bits, but this fabric is so light it was just making holes. I had to hand sew some holes closed and then I decided a belt would fix all of my problems. Now you can't really notice, and I think it needed a belt. 

I am taking a trip to Italy next week and I am definitely packing this, along with mostly me mades. It weighs nothing, and I had it shoved in my bag all weekend and then put it on after a beach day and it's not even wrinkled. I think it will be perfect to wear on the airplane, comfy and chic, the only downside is stripping down to go to the bathroom!  



Cheers to going out in secret pajamas!

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Saturday, July 11, 2015

Embroidered Hazel Sundress




I've been saving this embroidered fabric from Mood since October, waiting to make the perfect sundress. It's a linen blend, maybe 100% linen, that was from Marc Jacobs. This is actually the  second version of the same dress. The first version was something I semi drafted from something else, the bodice was too big, and just ended up weird. I had JUST enough fabric left to cut a Colette Patterns Hazel bodice, which I knew would fit.


I made skinny straps that are long enough to tie at the shoulder. I found the perfect shade of rick rack which i put along the top and two rows on the center front piece.  I took these pictures after a lunch out with my husband so my facing is peeking out, my dress is a little wrinkled and the strapless bra is falling down, Whatever, I think it looks better in person. 


And hooray for perfectly matching shoes!



This is the perfect dress to throw on a hot day and look put-together and cute!


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Saturday, July 4, 2015

Plaid Crop Top: Butterick 5895

Happy Independence Day! 


I needed something cute to wear to celebrate, and I've been eyeing up this crinkle cotton plaid at Fabricland for a while so a patriotic crop top was in order! The top is Butterick 5895, one of the Patterns by Gertie. 

I didn't make a muslin for this one, just some paper pattern fitting. The only change I made was to lengthen it about 1.5". Otherwise it would have been obscenely cropped.  The pattern does not have a lengthen or shorten line, so I added the length just under the french darts. Right now it hits just at my natural waist, so it goes perfectly with my Freddie's of Pinewood Jeans! 


The top comes together super quickly, there is no separate collar. It's one piece with the bodice and created with a dart and the facing. The trickiest part is getting the facing in the right place. The directions could have been a little clearer with better pictures. Since I lengthened it I added an extra button, and to make it extra patriotic, alternating red and blue buttons! 



To match up the plaid i was just careful cutting it out and matched up the corresponding notches on the same color stripe. I'm not that confident matching plaid, but it matches on the shoulder seams as well as the back. The side seams aren't matched up because the french seam kind of ruins it. 



This was a super fun make and a perfect addition to my summer wardrobe. To further celebrate the Fourth, I have American flag nail polish and I made some patriotic wreaths! It's gaudy and I love it. Tonight I am heading down to the beach with my family to watch the fireworks! 


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