Spring henly blouse

I finished up my new spring-y blouse just in time for a cold snap.  Oh well. :-) I used a button-down blouse pattern but modified it so much that it's hardly worth linking.  I'm really happy with how this turned out.  I see myself wearing it a lot when the weather gets hot. Fabric is Cindy from Sawyer Brook.

Cotton Gauze Blouse

Here is a peak at my current project, a pretty blouse made from this cotton gauze.  I am using the same pattern as my recent plaid shirt but made many modifications.

I started out by making a bunch of little pleats for the yoke before cutting out the yoke pieces.

I made quite a bit of progress the past few evenings.  It's hard to see with the busy print, but tonight, I stitched up the placket and band collar and added the buttons and buttonholes.

Button-front A-line skirt (Simplicity 2564)

I've finished my third skirt for the Sawyer Brook sew along.  I modified Simplicity 2564 (also used for my scalloped pencil skirt) to slightly A-line and button up the front.  To do this, I just eliminated the back zip and split the front piece in two, adding fabric for the overlap and folds of the button bands.

The fabric is Balsa Linen and the buttons are Kera. 

Striped tee finished

I finished up the striped top I mentioned here.  The fabric is Ines from Sawyer Brook, and it is a dream.  I'm glad I have enough left for a tank top... or maybe something for my little niece.  It's time she learned the necessity of the striped tee.  The buttons are Ruffle, also from Sawyer Brook.  I'll take photos on myself when I wear it tomorrow, but for now, here it is.

plaid shirt progress

Thanks for the nice comments on my vest. It was one of those odd projects where a vision came to me of what I wanted with my one lonely yard of gorgeous fabric. Then, everything fell into place from pattern to sewing to buttons, and now I really love the result and think I'll wear it quite regularly. It works for church with a skirt (as it is paired in the photos), and I can also wear it with a brown sweater and jeans for some cozy warmth. It's really unique for my wardrobe. I think I look pretty dorky in regular vests, but the collar somehow elevates it a bit, style-wise.

I have so many sewing plans running through my head... I can't keep up with what I want to do! That's how I like it, though. There's nothing worse than losing the desire to sew and feeling the guilt at all the beautiful fabrics waiting for you and just not wanting to sit down and sew. Anyone agree? That may have been the worst thing about first trimester pregnancy (after morning sickness and constant fatigue, of course... but they're kind of related to having no desire to sew).

So I've been plowing along with my plaid tunic. The pattern is for a tunic anyway. It's one of those empire waist deals, and I took out a bit of gathering over the tummy. If I don't like the length, I'll just cut it off at my hip anyway and we'll call it a shirt.

Here's my progress:

I know exactly why my sleeves don't match up with my fronts as I had planned (and no, I'm not going back and cutting new sleeves even if I have enough fabric). I measured 5/8" in from the front notches and matched those parts of the plaid in my cutting. HOWEVER, I didn't measure in at the correct angles so that the points really do match up. I'll know next time...


cuff


side seam


I had taken many photos illustrating how I matched plaid when sewing. I downloaded those photos, deleted them from my camera, and then iPhoto quickly died on me, erasing the photos. :-( Guess I'll document tomorrow when I match plaids on the lower body sections. Then, all I'll need is buttons, buttonholes, and a hem!

Then, on to a silk shell for me... or hubby's dress shirt I've promised for ages... or his PJ pants... or tee shirts for the kids... or a knit dress for me... or linen pants...