The Great Not So White Classic Shirt

I am really enjoying the Hot Patterns projects I have completed lately. They come together well and fit great. I needed a new basic shirt pattern and decided to try the Classic Nouveaux Great White Shirt - except in color. I first made a muslin making my usual alterations - sloping shoulder and high rounded back. I did not make a full bust adjustment, and found I didn't need it. I am a D - Cup and have never needed a FBA with Hot Patterns. The size is true to measurements suggested, and that is great as well.

For the "good" fabric, I used a beautiful light, floral cotton from Gorgeous Fabrics. I loved this fabric, as well as my muslin quite frankly. I have been working with knits and wovens with lycra so much lately, I forgot how enjoyable it is to work with a nice cotton. The muslin fabric I bought several years ago on sale, but was never excited about it. Once I made it up, I loved this shirt, too.

The only changes I made to the floral shirt was to raise the armhole at the bottom 1/2 inch, and narrow the shoulders by 1/2 inch. It turned out perfect. Until it gets very hot, as it certainly can, I'll wear it with the green cardigan in the second picture. The shirt and cardigan will look great with my new, white Marrakesh pants or a white pencil skirt.

Now on to my next Hot Patterns project - a shirt dress from a different pattern.

All Aboard the Train!

The Marrakesh pants are finished! I love this pattern. I made a pants muslin first, and struggled with some of the instructions. Then I decided to go with what I know, and worked it out. I tried to use Trudy's instructions for the fly front zipper, but then the waistband was too short. So for the real pants, I made the waistband extra long in the front and Sandra Betzina's instructions for the zipper. She has the best instructions for this.

As for alterations, there were very few. I love how Hot Patterns puts all of the measurements on the pattern including rise. The size 12 rise was perfect for me, but unfortunately, I needed the size 14 width. As usual, I needed a slight decrease in the width in the seat. That was it. They came out great. The fabric for the real pants were from Casual Elegance - linen-like polyester in tan and white. Because the pants were in a light colored fabric, I left off the pockets.

These pants are so comfortable. I wore the tan pair today at work and it felt as if I was in my pj's all day!

Here are the pictures. They remind me that I need to continue to try to lose those 2 pounds! The sweater set is from Silhouettes patterns. I then dared to take a picture with the pants tucked in so you could see the waistband.

Tribute to Mom

My Mom's 80th birthday would be today. She passed away exactly 11 months ago and I miss her every day. Nearly everything I do has been influenced by her - cooking, sewing, housework, sense of humor, teaching music to children in my choir. As much as she would drive me crazy sometimes (and I am certain she would say the same about me), her influence was significant. I realize that she lives on in my every day activities, thoughts, and work.

As sick as she became, one of the first questions she would ask me was "what are you making?" We shared our passion for sewing. I will be thinking about her tonight when I cut out my new scarf-shirt.

Thanks Mom for everything you gave me. Believe it or not, I really was listening.

Hot Patterns Scarf - Shirt

After purchasing this pattern, I heard from a couple of sewers that they weren't pleased with their results. I really wanted to love this pattern. Once you watch Trudy's You Tube Videos, you have to get the pattern because you just know you will look fabulous. Well.....

I love this pattern!!!! I read the comments and one review, and was determined to make it successful. I had some "silky" JoAnn's as my muslin, and I'm happy to say I can wear it. I have some charmeuse from Gorgeous Fabrics that I purchased specifically for this pattern.

The important thing is the fabric. It MUST be drapey. Not "kind of drapey", but DRAPEY! Otherwise, you will look like a balloon. Then you have to think about what tweaks you want to make. I made the usual alterations - sloping shoulders, shortened it by three inches. Then I took in the sides by one inch and added a vertical waist dart. Hanging fabric from the boobs just won't do. I think the dart made all the difference. I decided not to attach the scarf so I could use it with other outfits.

I have a Sunshine top cut out. Once it's completed, I'll make another scarf-shirt.

By the way, my sewing assistant decided to join me in the photo. She was great help today.

Mini Sewcation!

Twice this month, I have worked on the weekends. That is, I've worked my day job on the weekend due to travel/meetings. I work every weekend playing for two church services and directing an adult and children's choir. So, I decided to take today off and have a mini sewcation and catch up on some things around the house.

After grocery shopping and straightening the house, I accomplished two projects in my sewing room and cut out another. The first was a Weekender Sunshine top from Hot Patterns. This is my third of these tops and I plan to make more. They are very figure flattering and quick to make.

The second was the Draped Cardigan from Pamela's Patterns. It's the picture on top of the post. I still can't get my pictures to post in order. Anyway, this is my third draped cardigan from this pattern. I also cut out a pale yellow knit (more like butter) and will leave off the sleeves and make a vest. Pamela has a picture of this on her web page.

While sewing, I was thrilled to get a package from Gorgeous Fabrics and Marcy Tilton! My spring sewing is starting off with a bang. I have fabric to make two scarf-shirts from Hot Patterns, two pairs of Marcy Tilton pants, two pairs of Marrakesh pants from Hot patterns, and a couple of t-shirts. Stay tuned!

Has It Really Been a Year???

I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I posted on this blog! I haven't been neglecting my sewing, just my blog. Over the last year, I've made several one seam pants out of necessity. I gained some weight and needed pants fast! A combination of being a newlywed, and grieving my Mom's death by making many of her dishes as comfort food did me in. So after Christmas, it was back to Weight Watchers (I'm a life time member) and am down 8 pounds so far. I have 17 more to go.

Besides the one seam pants, I also made several jackets and cardigans. I have noticed that my style and taste for clothes is changing. I am making less structured things and focusing on better quality fabric. I have several things ready to start, including a couple of Marrakesh pants with fabric from Casual Elegance. My last completed project, as of last night was a Marcy Tilton top. I think it will become one of my favorites. I plan to make a couple more that are sleeveless for the hot, Alabama summers. Here's my new top: The first picture shows the twisted neckline, which was a lot of fun to do.

Hopefully, I won't wait another year for my next post.

My Second 1945 Jacket

I thought my black wool crepe jacket would be my all time favorite, but I love my new 1945 jacket. For this jacket, I left off the collar, shortened the sleeve to 3/4's and shortened it. I made my own trim for embellishment and fringe along the edges. This jacket went together so much quicker since I dealt with most of the fitting issues. I still needed to tweak it a little more, so the third jacket will be even faster.

Here it is: