Spring (ish)

Despite some unsettled weather hereabouts it seems that Spring may finally be here to stay. It's a real mood brightener after a long pandemic slog, and time to make a few new things. Like a lot of folks, pandemic pounds have been added, but luckily most of the old wardrobe still (mostly) fits -- let's have a rousing cheer for knits! At any rate, it's always nice to have a few new bits to liven up what's already there, and here are a few of mine.

The Fitzroy blouse from Liesl + Co. Fabric is a slubbed cotton from Fabric Mart. I was drawn to this pattern by the neckline and the sleeve pleats which give a slight ruffled cuff appearance. It won't be worn when summer heat hits us, but for right now - and when Autumn approaches - it fits the bill. I shortened the body by about 1.5 inches and took the shoulder seam in about 1/4 inch. I generally wear shirts untucked, and even with shortening this one is very near tunic length on me and I am 5'7". In retrospect I could have gone down a size, but I have reached the age where I appreciate comfort over being stylish -- so be it.

Here's a closer look at the sleeve - the tucks don't go all the way around the bottom of the sleeve, but are on the outer edge. 

I had some cotton/Lycra jersey - also from Fabric Mart - in a color I felt was a good addition to the wardrobe so I sewed up a quick tee. Pattern is my TNT knit top, Pamela's Patterns Perfect Tee. To change things up a bit I added a gathered portion to the bottom of the elbow-length sleeve. I think I may be re-doing the bottom of the shirt by adding a non-gathered band instead of having it curved and hemmed. The fabric is just too light to stay nicely in place and wants to flip up - which is something I just can't stand. 

Last summer I made the Lacey dress from Style Arc and it was such a nice addition to the closet that I decided to make another. I used a cotton sateen print, alleged to be navy, but showing definite purple tendencies. This was also a Fabric Mart purchase (I'm guessing I hit a sale for cotton fabrics?). It was a quick and easy make the second time around, and will earn it's keep when the weather gets really warm.

Like the previous Lacey, I lengthened the bodice. It still hits above the waist, but not as near the bust. My only deviation from the pattern was not to cuff the sleeves.

And finally, a garment that can do double duty as a dress or a duster. It's Simplicity 8992 made in a not too heavy striped double knit. I'm guessing this was from Fabric Mart also and is a rayon blend. Made view 3 with 3/4 length sleeves. Instead of buttons (um, really didn't want to make them in a knit fabric) I used snaps. Easy peasy. If worn as a dress it needs a tank underneath for my peace of mind. I envision mostly wearing it as an unbelted duster though. Still, it's nice to have choices!

I do have a few things I hope to make up that are in more "traditional" Spring colors, but these days I sew to please myself alone and in colors that suit me if not the season. And why do otherwise? 😀

Back to Sewing

Still not feeling like tackling large projects, but taking baby steps to get back into a sewing mood.

I like coverups when cooking, but dislike feeling constricted by ties, so I had intended to get an apron pattern that I could just slip into (there most likely is a specific name for that style, but it's escaping me). Never got around to it, and then -- well, you know what happened next.

Fortunately the folks at Tessuti Fabrics are offering a free downloadable pattern for just what I wanted. Having difficulty linking to the pattern itself, so just click on the 'patterns' tab and take a look at what they offer -- including the freebies.

The fabric used appears to be a linen blend. It was a piece in a free bundle from Fabric Mart many moons ago, so it's just a guess as to what it is, but it was here and available, so there you go.  The pattern didn't take too much paper (about 25 sheets) and was reasonably easy to glue together (a chore which I absolutely hate!). I didn't pay too much attention to the directions until I got to the bib facing -- pay attention there if you want the nice, clean finish shown.

So, nothing earth-shattering, but a needed accessory and a small push towards getting back in the sewing groove.  I'll take it!

Top this...

Isn't it about time to start thinking about spring sewing? I'm almost always madly scrambling to get things done in the season I'd like to wear them -- this year I thought I might get a few things done ahead of time. HAH! Still trying to finish up winter sewing, except for this one lonely item -- a light spring topper.

Stats: Kwik Sew pattern 3732 fabric: a herringbone weave solid tan cotton - I think from Gorgeous Fabrics. Even if it was, it's probably long since sold out, but I think it's always worth taking a look over there to see what new goodies Anne has posted! Only minor alterations - shoulders narrowed a bit, and the under bust seam lowered so it would actually be under the bust -- may have gone a bit lower than I really needed. Pattern doesn't call for a lining, but I lined the sleeves with some Ambiance rayon to make it easier to slip on and off. I think I would have been well served to actually line the whole thing -- ah well, maybe I'll try that with my next unlined project. Top button (and buttonhole) left off because I want to wear it with a faux lapel look, i.e. with the top of the front pieces turned and pressed back.

Edited to add -- Nope, it wasn't from Gorgeous Fabrics, but rather from Fabric Mart, and not only that, but it's linen and not cotton -- sheesh. Too much fabric, and no inventory control -- what's a girl to do?