Madison Quilt show by Nancy Zieman

Said event is this coming Thursday to Sunday.  You'd think there would be nothing there for non-quilters.  But, I found the pattern for this top last year.

Since quilters tend to like simple sewing, this pattern is that.  Very simple to make.

The pattern piece says it all, the bottom edge goes on the fold.

You just finish the neckline (I used a French bias finish) and sew up the side seams and hem.

The fabric is a rayon batik from Gayfeather Fabrics in Madison, wi.  The owner, Virginia,  says she has another shipment coming soon.

I wear the top with linen crops for now and will switch to leggings when the weather gets cooler.  Perfect weekend outfit for me.

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?

Mesh garments

I've found some great mesh fabric from time to time, but haven't really liked wearing the tee shirts I have in it.  They are synthetic and hot!  Course, you can't go running naked in the street just because summer is such a scorcher this year.

So, when I found this neat floral mesh at Apple Annie, I wanted to try something a little more ventilated.

Happened to have just ordered this Louise Cutting pattern for the vest view.  But, the suggested jacket fabrics included organza, so I decided mesh might work.

And, I love it.  Here's the back view.  Has a lower flange, she calls it, along the hem.

I kept said flange edge raw, as I was very challenged for fabric.  The rest of the edges I faced as instructed.  Works nicely with one of my linen knit dresses (see former post)

Speaking of which, I made my "final" linen knit dress of the summer in olive green.  I ordered this color because of a "vintage Chicos" silk shirt with which I wanted to have something to wear.

I love the pocket and lower edge embroidery on this shirt.  Reminds me of St. John.

These pictures were taken under my new can lighting over my sewing machine.  Love that light on dark, cloudy days.

Sandra Betzina's new pattern up next!

Japanese linen gauze

I purchased this "to die for" fabric from Marcy Tilton (who else) with a coverup for sundresses in mind.

Then, I decided to use the sleeveless version of this K. Breene pattern

Then, I read Pattern Review and found most people hated the "fit" of this basic rectangle with a collar pattern.

Perhaps, the Pattern Review read should have been the second step, hum?

Anyway, it motivated me to install clear elastic, which is very light weight, instead of cords and stops in the plackets on front and back plackets inserted for fitting.  Also put the plackets on the wrong side of garment, to save the continuity of the fabric design.

I think this garment belongs in the success category.  Your opinions please?

What motivates you to sew?

My friend, Jane, and I were just window shopping when these comfy Keens fell into my bag.

I had this Flax dress and the accompanying short sleeve linen shirt.

But, I'm a print or stripe woman, for sure.  So, when this stripe shirting appeared on Marcy Tilton's website, the selection was easy.

I'd made this pattern before in a bold blue check, 

So no pattern testing required.

I'll probably press it before I wear it, but at least it's done!

Now, on to some sort of stretch cotton pants from the same color family, thanks to Apple Annie's Fourth of July sale.