Carolyn's Black Satin Formal

Check out this post to see the original sketch, design plans, and supply list...

Well, we pulled it together!  And it was even better than I imagined!  +Carolyn Atherley and I worked together on it and I think she learned a lot!  I look forward to our future projects. :-)

Patterns used: Simplicity 2398 and Simplicity 4070

Back and Side views without the sash.

Men's Grey Suede Vest

Pattern: Simplicity 2870

Supplies: Grey suede from joanns, lots of interfacing, black buttons from stash (one doesn't match, shh!) back buckle from stash, and black lining from the insides of recycled garments. :-)

This project was for my youngest brother, Nathanael.  I bought the fabric for it for him for his birthday last year and consulted him on some design elements, made a sketch, and completely forgot about it.  So did he. :-)  Which was nice, because I made it as a surprise over Christmas and he was really happy with it on Christmas afternoon.

I went for the more modern look with the rounded bottoms and straight back with the buckle to adjust the size.  In his own words (to somebody else, so they really count :-) he said he was really surprised at how well made it was.  So I guess you could take that a couple different ways, but it meant he thought is was high quality and something he would buy at a store.  

Black Coral Print Tunic

Pattern: Simplicity 2580 view B

Supplies: Black and White patterned ity knit (I think) from the red tag section at Joann Fabrics.  Black braid trim leftover from the guys doublets.

This was originally going to be a dress, so I added 8 or so inches when I cut it out.  However, I found the pattern a bit monotonous after it was all sewn together, so I chopped the 8 inches back off and hemmed it.

Last time I made this I also used a loud print and the same neckline.  That was a dress though and it was a bit tight.  I gave it away a year or so ago.  Anyway, this time I put braid trim on it and I am so happy with the way it turned out!  I hand stitched it on while watching my brother play minecraft.  Yes, I watch my brother play minecraft, no it isn't deathly boring. :-)

After a washing the neckline scrunched up.  I'm not sure if that is because the braid shrunk and the knit did not or my stitching did something weird...with a little pulling it lays fairly flat.

I haven't actually worn this with leggings yet because I just got my first pair of leggings (and then two long pairs right afterwards) recently.  I'm not sure how I feel about leggings.  Wow, I ramble a lot.  All this to say I made this in the middle of winter so I've only paired it with my black dress pants and a black skirt that makes it look like a pretty dress so far.   I'll have to post a picture of it sometime.

I put the leggings on today just to get pictures of the tunic to blog.  Pictures thanks to my little sister Emily. We're still working on it. :-)

Midnight Mermaid - My Lace Gown

To read about my design dilemmas check out this post...

Patterns used: Simplicity 4070 bodice, Vogue 8814 view C, Butterick 4443 view c bodice.

Arabella - Shannen's Grecian Gown

Patterns used: Simplicity 2692 and Simplicity 2398

Voices of the Mountain Dress

Pattern: Simplicity 4070

Fabric: A sheet from Goodwill
Lining is a purple sheet from Goodwill.  Leftover from this dress. :-)

Notions: Hand-me-down zipper from stash and one brown button from stash

I was excited to try the fit on this pattern because I like the idea of the lace overlay and want to make sure the fit is right before I get the lace.  As it turns out I'll be using it to teach a friend how to sew so it is a good thing I did!

I've discovered something about sheets.  They tend to be faded at the top edge.  I almost made a dreadful mistake in the folding of the sheets that would have put more faded pieces next to bright pieces.  Thankfully I saw it and now when you look at it you can't even tell that there are differences.

I think "gap" design element it very classy with a sheer fabric but with this it tends to look like I ran out of zipper or forgot to zip it up all the way... What do you think?

Listening to the Pocahontas soundtrack, the indie/boho feel of the fabric pattern, the odd gap above the zipper, and the cut out made me name this Voices of the Mountain.

I put invisible pockets in the side seams on this one.  They are so handy.  Why would I ever not put pockets on a dress?  I wore a skirt I had made the other day that didn't have pockets and I felt the lack very sorely.  Where to put the lens cap??!!  *sigh*

This is what the inside looks like when you do invisible pockets.  I used a pattern once and now it is second nature.  Should I do a tutorial?

The pattern didn't call for a sash but I like the look so I lengthened the piece from Simplicity 1880 here and cut it on a bias.  Even if I don't wear it as a sash I could still wear it as a headband.  My mom says she likes self-fabric sashes. 

I modified the neckline to get more of a boatneck or "bateau" as everyone in haute couture is calling it these days.  It sounds a lot like pompous nonsense but as it is french and I actually know what it means I can't help using it no matter elite and smug it sounds.

I did the cut-out my own way, but I was inspired by this bodice here.  I think it turned out quite nice. :-)  I see more cut-outs in my future!

I became extremely lazy (and I was crunched for time) and did the zipper by machine and it turned out pretty ugly.  But it works and as it is getting chilly I can cover it up with a sweater. :-)

Front

Side

Back

Bateau neck + cut-out

Pretty insides...

Not to shabby for a sheet! :-)