Summer dresses, Part 2

While reading the Emma One Sock website/Inspirations tab, I came upon a great article from K Breene called Diving into Scuba.  

Since I already owned this great Ralph Rucci pattern, I went shopping for Neoprene.  I had thought this fabric to be like really long ago polyester.  This gorgeous print from Gorgeous Fabrics website sewed more like four ply silk.  Granted I changed my needle to a microtec one.  

I also left off the patch pockets which I deemed too distracting with this print.  And, that long cord tie which I would just drag in stuff!  Oh, and I put the Center front on the fold, leaving out the seam, and cut this border print cross grain.  But, the inset detail is still there and all the topstiching.

Also, the band of the dress has this wonderful quilting.  Used the recommended fleece interfacing, a garment weight out of a package from Jo Anns.  And, used the included quilting guides as a reference point to do my own thing.

Think K. Breene indicated her band didn't fit her dress, so I was super amazed that the joining of mine went tres smooth.  Practicing my non-existent French, as this dress is packed first in my suitcase for Paris this fall.  The colors look great with my little leather wallet and backpack, too.  

Summer dresses, Part I

There's nothing like a pretty dress, or a great summer fabric.  One of my fav fabrics for the summer heat is cotton pique, so when I saw this yardage (and two others, I have to confess) at Marcy Tilton.com, I was a goner.  All I lacked was a great pattern, but Style Arc was "on the job" with this Peggy pattern (my Moms name, no less)

So, the only part left, was to pick the buttons.  Vintage Sandra Betzina gift, no less.

The result is somewhat busy, but I could eat red pasta sauce in it with no fear!

  

And it fits beautifully, thanks to the little bit of Lycra.

Next up, was a rayon thistle print from Marcy, as well.  I haven't used rayon woven in a long time, but loved it in this K. TIlton dress, V6283. Made the bracelet length sleeves, because I had plenty of fabric and this print seems like a fall one to me.

Notes to self:  Cut neckline higher and think about shortening this pattern next time.

Now, to find that closet stretcher, HA!

New Sandra Betzina top and skirt -Winners!

One thing about Sandra Betzina, my fav sewing guru, is that her designs are never dull.  Take for instance, her new top and skirt.

I used a lightweight linen for the top, from Apple Annie, I think.

The skirt is a crinkle knit from the vault.  Backed with tricot, so it's almost a sweater knit weight.

Haven't worn either yet, but hoping the skirt will stay up, as there is no elastic in that band.  Update:  both my photographer, Jane, and I think this skirt needs the assurance of elastic run in the top of the band, for sure.

Otherwise, I like both and might make them again, as they were fun pieces to make this time around.

Can you believe I had this matching Chicos sweater in my wardrobe for a coverup?