Showing posts with label knits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knits. Show all posts
Colors of Korea Formal Simplicity Dress

Colors of Korea Formal Simplicity Dress




My husband and I recently took a trip to Sweden and attended a formal gala themed "The Colors of Korea." We were asked to wear colors from the South Korean flag and I didn't have a dress for the occasion, so you know I made one!

Over the course of the next year it is my goal that each new make of mine uses a fabric and/or pattern from my stash. I needed to purchase a fabric for this dress since I didn't have one in my stash that fit the dress code so I searched my stash for a pattern I already owned and found Simplicity 2580. I originally thrifted this pattern for a very inexpensive price since it looked like something I would wear, but I didn't have any specific plans for it. Glad I grabbed it when it was available!

Working with this fabric was a breeze, even when I needed to unpick seams a few times. However, I really struggled with the sizing and ease of this pattern. My measurements had me in a size 12/14 but I am usually a size 10 in Simplicity patterns so that's what I cut. I ended up taking three inches out of the bust in a number of increments and could have taken a bit more out. But the hips were a good fit so I graded from the under-bust to the hips. Thankfully there was elastic in the center back to help hold the dress up.

This view of the pattern called for a tie closure behind the neck but I decided to trim down the ties and sew them together at the center back to create a more formal look. To get into the dress I really have to shimmy my head through the opening. This may not have been the best idea, but it was the quickest fix. I also cut an additional three and half inches off before the bottom of the skirt before hemming it.

Ultimately the dress looked great and I felt comfortable eating in it. However, the weight of the fabric pulled the dress down as the night wore on and I needed to readjust the tension at the front of the neck multiple time throughout the night. It was choking me! I may wear this dress again because I've already made it, but I honestly wouldn't make View E again.

Pattern: View E of Simplicity 2580, printed in 2009
Size: 6-10
Fabric: 2 1/2 yards of matte jersey knit fabric with 50% stretch, 94% polyester and 6% lycra, machine wash and line dry
Time: 4-5 hours due to fit issues, it should have taken much less time

Cost to Make:
pattern - $1-5, I can't remember the exact cost
fabric - $8.99/yard, for a total of $22.50 (but it often runs 30%)
*elastic and thread from stash
TOTAL VALUE: approximately $25
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Marissa
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Cher Top in Minerva Linen Viscose

Cher Top in Minerva Linen Viscose



My husband and I recently took a trip to Sweden. The weather was cool and called for a moderate amount of rain so I packed lots of layers, including my new Cher Knit Top in Minerva Core Range Linen Viscose Sweater Knit. I felt both comfortable and stylish in it, a travel win! Head over to my Minerva profile to read all about this make and purchase your own linen viscose here.

Fabric for this make was gifted to me by Minerva in exchange for a post on their site. This post contains affiliate links and I appreciate your support!
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Marissa
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Maroon Cotton Lycra Westminster

Maroon Cotton Lycra Westminster





I've had the Styla Westminster on my to-make list since it came out, and I can't believe I waited this long to make it! I love that this single piece can elevate my whole outfit. It has truly become a staple in my fall wardrobe.

I used maroon cotton lycra jersey knit from The Fabric Fairy in my perfect shade. This fabric is gorgeous and has stood the test of time and multiple washings. I think I need shirts in every color.

To create a square neckline the Westminster is self-lined, creating a shapewear effect. I made the long sleeve view with an elastic channel and love the visual interest these sleeves offer. One critique I have of this pattern is that the inner sleeve seams are longer than the elasticated outer seams and I find myself pulling up the inner sleeve seams throughout the day as I wear the top. If I were to make this top again I would size up one size, make the scoop neck version and use a single layer of fabric on the body finishing the neckline with a band. I would also make the shorter sleeve version and potentially add elastic to the inner seam as well as the outer seam.



This stylish new Westminster was the perfect addition to my fall wardrobe. I can wear it casually with a pair of jeans or dressed up with a plaid skirt. The sleeves add visual interest without adding too much bulk allowing me to layer over this top well. I'm getting a lot of wear out of it!

My goal for the next year is to make garments using a pattern and/or fabric from my stash. I had the Westminster pattern printing and waiting to be made and was able to use a fabric featured in my calm summer palette. This make is fitting all the bills.

Size: 4 
Time: 4-5 hours

Cost to Make:
pattern - $11 value (gifted to me)
fabric - $20 value, plus $9 shipping (gifted to me)
*elastic and thread from stash
TOTAL VALUE: $40 value

The Fabric Fairy fabric and Styla Westminster pattern were both gifted to me. I'm genuinely loving this top and am sharing my honest opinions in the post above.
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Marissa
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Stanton Hoodie 1/4 Zip

Stanton Hoodie 1/4 Zip


 



It's September, I'm officially moved, and the weather in Michigan is cooling off at night. That means its time to start sewing snuggly things!

I recently had the pleasure of joining Cashmerette in sewing up the 1/4 Zip option for their Stanton Hoodie expansion pack, this month's Cashmerette Club pattern. The 1/4 Zip was a quick and rewarding sew and my new sweater is perfect for this transitional weather. I really appreciate how detailed Cashmerette pattern instructions are, even down to the pattern piece numbering (sew piece one to piece two, then piece three...). The instructions even include a suggested stitch length for each step. Plus all my seams matched up perfectly. Slow clap for this pattern.

To make a coordinating set I used the True Bias Hudson Pants for a pair of jogger shorts. I widened both the front and back pieces by 1/4" at the base of each side seam to give more ease around my thigh. I also elongated the outer seam by 1/4", but wouldn't do that again. There was just barely enough fabric for these shorts, but I'm so glad I was able to make it work!

To complete the outfit I made a StayStitch Pattern Lola Tank in white cotton interlock. It was quick, easy, and so stylish - a perfect naptime sew!

Packing up everything in my last sewing room, fabric and patterns and notions, forced me to take a long hard look at everything in my stash. For a while now I've been purchasing fabric and patterns more quickly than I could sew the garments I've been dreaming of. But I really want to make those garments, that's why I've purchased all the supplies! So over the course of the next year I plan to only make garments with a fabric and/or pattern I already own. I want to focus on using the items in my stash that I love. 

For this outfit I already owned the Stanton Hoodie pattern and was gifted the expansion pack. I already owned the Hudson Pants patterns and have made them several times this year. And I won the Lola Tank pattern in an Instagram giveaway! My main fabric, the French Terry, was gifted to me from the Fabric Fairy and I already owned the pocket lining fabric. I only needed to purchase the ribbing from Minerva. I was also gifted the white cotton from Fabric Fairy. This set is a perfect match for my "calm summer" color palette and I feel great wearing it.

Patterns: Stanton Hoodie and 1/4 Zip Expansion Pack, Hudson Pants, Lola Tank
Size: 4 in the Stanton, 4 in the Hudson, 
Fabric: 1 1/2 yards Candy Pink Cotton Lycra French Terry knit from Fabric Fairy, 1 meter Minerva Core Range Tubular Rib Stretch Knit in Bright Pink, 2 yards Light Pink 3/8 Cotton Hoodie Drawstring Flat Tape, remnants for jersey knit from my stash; 1 1/2 yards Bright White Cotton Interlock from Fabric Fairy
Time: 4 hours for Stanton Hoodie, 3 hours for Hudson Shorts, and 1 hour for Lola Tank

Cost to Make:
patterns - Join Cashmerette Club for as little as $9, this month, and get the Stanton Hoodie plus expansion pack, $18.50 Hudson Pants pattern (which I used multiple times), $16 Lola Tank pattern
fabric - $17 French Terry, $1.50 Flat Tape, $15 Cotton Interlock (plus $9 shipping) from Fabric Fairy; $13 Tubular Rib (plus $5.50 shipping)
*interfacing, pocket lining, thread, and zipper from my stash
TOTAL VALUE: $104.50

The Fabric Fairy fabric. Cashmerette Club pattern, and Lola Tank pattern were gifted to me for these makes. And I sure an thankful, because I've been wearing this set weekly! All opinions are my own.
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Marissa
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Summer White Tennis Set

Summer White Tennis Set


 


This year I've been subscribing to The Everyday Style School's seasonal capsule wardrobes and, paired with sewing exclusively in "my colors," I've been loving my makes! One trend I've been noticing this season is white tennis dresses/outfits and pairing the GreenStyle Creations Aria Twist Top and Rally Skirt, in my true white, was my answer to this trend. For fabric I used two yards of The Fabric Fairy's Carbon White Bi-Layer Poly Lycra Tricot.


I'm not much of a tennis player, but I'm looking forward to the ability to mix and match these pieces, most likely wearing the top for yoga and the skirt to play golf. Due to the bi-layer nature of the fabric this tricot is highly wicking while still being structured and opaque, making me confident in my choice to use white. I appreciate that the skirt comes with both briefs and shorts options. I know I'll enjoy the addition of the pockets offered in the shorts view!


I made size "E" for both patterns, using the shorter top with the racer back and the 3/4 circle skirt in the shortest length. I think I'll get the most wear out of the skirt and would be more likely to make that pattern again in the future. If I were to make the top again I would size down to a "D" and would try to add a shelf bra or cups.

The second adjustment I would make if I were making this set again would be to use a zigzag stitch at the top of the skirt waistband. I made the mistake of using a triple straight stitch at top of waistband and, while it does stretch, I have a difficult time getting the skirt on and off. I've made this same mistake with leggings in the past - when will I learn?!

Both patterns were quick and easy to make and the fabric was a breeze to work with. By the end of the first night wearing the set I had avocado on both pieces (thanks Baby A!) but I'm happy to report they laundered well and I have a perfectly white set again. I love this addition to my summer capsule.


Patterns: GreenStyle Creations Aria Twist Top and Rally Skirt
Size: E, both patterns
Time: Both garments were quick sews and I would estimate I spent about 5 hours on them both including printing and taping the pattern and cutting everything out

Cost to Make:
patterns - $15.50 (purchased on sale) plus printing costs
fabric - $25 plus shipping (value)
*thread from my stash
TOTAL VALUE: $40.50+

I recently joined The Fabric Fairy's promotional team and was gifted this fabric. But rest assured I love it and would purchase it again on my own!
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Marissa
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Minerva Core Range Striped Cotton Jersey

Minerva Core Range Striped Cotton Jersey


 







I have been absolutely loving the new Minerva "core range" fabrics. These are fabrics that Minerva can reorder repeatedly so you always know you can get more. I certainly made the most of the striped cotton jersey Minerva recently gifted to me, making a McCall's 6886 cropped to be a t-shirt, a fitted Itch to Stitch Lago Tank and even a pair of Megan Nielsen Acacia Underwear. I wish I'd ordered more, good thing I still can! To read more about these makes visit my profile on the Minerva page and click here to order your own striped cotton jersey, in any number of colors!

This fabric was gifted to me in return for a post on Minerva's site and this post contains affiliate links. I love this fabric and will certainly be ordering more! Thank you for your support.
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Marissa
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Stanton Sweater in White French Terry

Stanton Sweater in White French Terry


 




I was recently gifted both the Stanton Hoodie pattern and this beautiful white French Terry from Minerva to participate in their #TopIdol challenge. The most fun feature of this sweater, for me, is using the reverse side of the French Terry for the cuffs and bands. You can read all about my make on the Minerva site and purchase your own Stanton Hoodie pattern and French Terry here.


This fabric and pattern were gifted to me in exchange for a post on Minerva's site. This post contains affiliate links and I appreciate your support! I love this French Terry and am glad its part of Minerva's "core range" which can be purchased again and again.
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Marissa
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Linen Hudson Pants

Linen Hudson Pants


 

I can hardly say enough good things about these linen joggers. I just LOVE them and have been wearing them nonstop since they came off the sewing machine!

I used the True Bias Hudson Pants patterns and sized up two sizes to compensate for the woven fabric. I already owned this pattern in tissue, which I had cut out in my size to make my first pair of French terry joggers. You should have seen me trying to add back in the additional two sizes while cutting out the pants - actually you can see a reel on my Instagram account. Its kind of hilarious in retrospect, even if it wasn't too funny at the time!

I also increased the ankle cuff pattern pieces to 12" x 5" so I could fit my foot through the opening and use the same two inch elastic I used in the waistband. If I make woven joggers with this pattern again I would increase the length to about 14", allowing putting my foot through the opening a bit easier.



I used a shoelace purchased from Amazon for the drawstring and, since I wanted to make this a "luxe" look I splurged on gold aglets for the tips of the laces. I love how the coarse texture of the linen contrasts with the polished drawstring details.


To complete the look I traced off my favorite Athleta top and tried to recreate it with a complementing bamboo. I think the bamboo was just too heavy and this top feels too big, not to mention the hems on the body and sleeves aren't particularly pretty even though I used stabilizer. I may turn it inside out and pin out some of the excess material to try to salvage it because I'm not loving it right now.


Eversewn generously donated the sewing tools I used to make this "luxe for less" look. Thank you Eversewn! I love my new linen joggers, and am working on loving the top.

Patterns: True Bias Hudson Pant, Athleta dupe t-shirt
Size: 8 Hudson Pant
Time: Both garments were surprisingly fast sews, I would estimate I spent about 6 hours creating the whole look.

Cost to Make:
pattern - previously owned the Hudson Pant pattern ($18.50 value) and created the t-shirt pattern using my favorite Athleta t-shirt ($54.00 value)
fabric - $19.50 for 1 1/2 yards linen, $24.50 for bamboo yardage
elastic - $9.00 for 2" soft waisband elastic from JoAnn
shoelace and aglets - $7.00 for set of 55" shoelaces and $9.00 for 4 gold aglets
thread and stay tape from stash
TOTAL: $69 for the both pieces, a $141.50 value
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Marissa
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Avery Leggings and Power Sports Bra Athletic Set

Avery Leggings and Power Sports Bra Athletic Set


As soon as I learned about Destashify, a website for makers to buy and sell their unused supplies, I jumped right in. I had just had my colors done and was excited to purchase a few new fabrics that would highlight my best features. And while I was there I posted a few of my own unused supplies!

One of the fabrics I purchased was this nylon periwinkle blue Supplex knit, originally from Spandex World. According to the fabric description Supplex wicks moisture, dries quickly, and doesn't fade. It was 62" wide and just over a yard in length (41"). It was described as opaque with a dry hand and stretched at least 30% in both directions. I appreciated the fabric description and felt confident purchasing the fabric, especially since I had worked with Supplex before.

Since I am now a stay-at-home mother with an active baby I wanted to a pair of Avery Leggings in the ultra high rise. I have made the Avery Leggings in the past and loved how they fit, but forgot to read my notes from this make which indicated I would want to remove 1" from the top of the waistband. I am only 5'1" after all. And what do you know, I made them too tall. I also needed to shorten the elastic in the waistband for a more snug fit so I ended up cutting off the sewn on waistband and starting over. I love the final product and am glad I took the time to make them fit me correctly.


To complete the set I made the GreenStyle Creations Power Sports Bra in the same Supplex knit and lined it with a nude-to-me athletic knit from my stash. After taking my measurements I decided to make the 32D in the basic racerback view to check the fit. I was thankful to find Sewing with Sarah's YouTube video series which walked me through each step and was like sewing with a friend.

The Power Sports Bra is very comfortable to wear and I will certainly make it again. However, I do have a bit of rippling across the cup seams. Perhaps a slightly smaller cup size, or skipping the serging inside, would help to alleviate that. I will also pre-measure and grade out at the top of the bust where the straps attach in future makes. There was a bit of extra space there and my attempt to snug that up created some waves near my armpit. I'm excited to try the nursing version and some of the strappy options once I master the fit.



I love how comfortable this set is, both for chasing baby and finding my inner peace. I wear the leggings weekly and Very Peri is the Pantone color of the year!

Time estimate: 1 hour to cut each pattern, 2 hours to sew (and re-sew) the Avery Leggings and 3 hours to sew the Power Sports Bra for a total of 7 hours
Size: medium Avery Leggings (ankle length), 32D Power Sports Bra
Fabric: Supplex from Destashify
Care instructions: machine wash cold, line dry

Cost to Make:
Avery Leggings pattern - previously owned
Power Sports Bra pattern - won online
Fabric - $9
*yards of clear elastic, 1 1/2" woven elastic, athletic lining fabric, and thread from my stash
TOTAL: $9

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Marissa
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Halifax Hudson Lounge Set

Halifax Hudson Lounge Set


As a fairly new stay-at-home mom I'm finding new wholes in my wardrobe that I didn't have in my professional wardrobe. These days I need outfits that make me look and feel put together while also being very flexible and easy to wash. In January I decided to make myself a lounge set in my colors, which I had done for a Christmas gift.

The first and most obvious hole in my wardrobe was my lack of joggers. I had seen a variety of other sewists make the Hudson Pants and knew I wanted to give them a try. I decided to use a pattern I already owned, the Halifax Hoodie, for the top of my lounge set because I had made it once before and loved it. I was thrilled to find this gorgeous See You at Six Ponderosa French terry and coordinating ribbed knit on June and Lu Fabric's site and knew it was exactly what I was looking for.

I made a straight size four in the Hudson Pants. The pattern calls for two inch elastic, but I used the one and a half inch elastic I could more easily source. This was a mistake I will not make again as I barely had enough room to sew the two channels for the drawstring. I'm glad the drawstring is functional on these joggers because, even though I measured, my elastic isn't quite tight enough. These were a quick and easy make, when baby girl let me set her down, and I was thrilled with how the ribbed knit enhanced the finished product. I will certainly be making more of these. And my husband liked them so much he has asked for his own pair!

I made the same version of the Halifax Hoodie that I had previously made, view D with the cowl neck. I really like this version because it gives me a bit more visual interest up top where I could use it. The French terry of the cowl lays very nicely and I would make this version again. I shortened the sleeves by two inches and they fit nicely, but I might only shorten them by an inch in the future. I wish I had also shortened the body of the sweater since I'm so short and to better highlight the waistband of the joggers. I did run out of ribbed knit and ended up only having enough for the back waistband of the sweater. I don't mind that little detail, although I wish I had sewn the ribbed portion to the front of the sweater. I used shoelaces for both drawstrings.



Time estimate: 1 hours to cut each pattern, 3 hours to sew each pattern for a total of about 8 hours to make this lounge set
Size: small Halifax Hoodie, 4 Hudson Pant
Fabric used: See You at Six Ponderosa Green French Terry (3 yards) and coordinating ribbed knit (1/2 yard, but needed more)
Care instructions: machine wash, cool, hang to dry

Cost to Make:
Hudson Pant pattern - $18.50
Halifax Hoodie pattern - previously owned
Fabric - $66 for the French terry, $11.50 for the ribbed knit
Elastic - $5 (purchased extra yardage)
Shoelaces - $14 (purchased two sizes)
*thread from my stash
TOTAL: $115
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Marissa
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Nursing Tulip Tee

Nursing Tulip Tee



Many generous friends shared their maternity wardrobes with me and it was a huge blessing! I sewed a few maternity items I wanted, but didn't need to make a lot of new garments. However, many of those same friends are still nursing and not ready to part with their nursing tops so I need to make a few nursing friendly options for myself.


Thankfully I had the Patterns for Pirates Tulip Tee in my collection, which comes with a nursing option. Having made this Tulip Tee once before it was straightforward to make, even with the additional modesty layer below the tulip "petals." I used a fusible knit stay tape to achieve the best possible hem along the bottom and sides of the top panels and love the final result. I didn't make any changes to the pattern and can certainly see a few additional versions making their way into my nursing wardrobe.

Click here to see my first version of the Tulip Tee, in a sparkling blush sweatshirt fleece from Minerva.

Pattern: Patterns for Pirates Tulip Tee
Size: small
Fabric: black knit blend, originally from JoAnn
Time: 4-5 hours

Cost to Make:
pattern - previously owned
fabric, stay tape and thread - from stash
TOTAL: FREE
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Marissa
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Willow Wrap Dress - Nursing Top Hack

Willow Wrap Dress - Nursing Top Hack



I have a new hole in my wardrobe and have been energized to create nursing friendly garments post baby. In the short amount of time I've been nursing her I found that I prefer tops and dresses that can be pushed to the side so I can easily see baby's latch. This H&M top was the perfect inspiration for just such a top!


I used the Willow Wrap Dress pattern from Love Notions as the base for this top and added a modesty panel in coordinating fabric using a similar ready-to-wear nursing top I already owned for reference. This pattern has so many options, I started by cutting the plain front panels at the lower neckline and the skirt pieces at the line for a peplum style top.


To better match the inspiration top I narrowed the skirt front piece by an inch on each side at the bottom. I created a modesty panel by folding the front pattern piece in half, placing it on the fold, tracing a curved neckline two inches above the lowest point of the V and cutting it off six and half inches below the armscye. I sewed the modesty panel to the shoulder seams after adding the knit binding to the neckline, but would sew it in before finishing the neckline in the future as this didn't create the cleanest finish.


I loved working with this fabric from June & Lu Fabrics because it was stable enough to hold its shape even after nursing baby a few times. Of course, I had a bit of fabric left over and had to make baby girl a few coordinating onsies and headbands. These are our first mommy and me outfits! I love this top and wear it regularly - it can be dressed up with black slacks or worn more casually with jeans.



Size: Small
Fabric: Organic Water Lilies in Creme Jersey Knit Fabric by Elvelyckan Designs, 1 yard (*this is a directional print so make sure to purchase enough); Organic Rose Solid Jersey Knit Fabric by Elvelyckan Designs, 1/2 yard. Find this fabric and coordinating solids at June & Lu Fabrics.
Time estimate: 5 hours, including cutting and sewing

Cost to Make:
pattern - previously owned, $12 value
pattern printing - previously printed, $17 value
fabric - gifted, $21 value plus shipping
thread - from stash
TOTAL: $50 value

This fabric was gifted to me in return for social media posts. This fabric has great recovery and I love how it washes and wears. I would purchase it in the future!

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Marissa
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