Sewing: Boho Drawstring Dress from Burda

Oh where did the summer go? I'm still around, but blogging is definitely not at the top of my list. I miss sewing and sharing, but I've been deck deep in other creative projects (interior design). I'll share some of that soon because it's been really fun. But it's been important to save time for the things that really matter: my family.

But I decided to hop on the blog for a few minutes to share something I did sew this summer. An easy little dress from Burda #6732. As I've mentioned before, I think dresses are the only way to go in the summer. You've just got one decision to make and you can throw it on! 

This isn't the most figure-flattering but it is comfortable!

I found these great boho cotton prints at the going-out-of-business Hancock Fabrics and used some velvet ribbon for the tie. You can't see them through the grass but I think this dress was perfect with some camel leather clogs. In fact it will take me right into Fall.

Hope you are all doing well and finding time for creative things!

Sewing: City Tee Pattern for the Sew What Club

The City Tee pattern is one I've been working on for some time. Or maybe "not working on" is more accurate! I drafted this pattern and sewed it in time for a summer vacation a couple years ago. Then I thought it would be fun with a three quarter sleeve to push up. Then I thought cuffs would be cute on the short sleeves. And finally I added tie neck.

If it weren't for Kelly and The Sew What Club, I may never have reached the deadline for this project. I have a tendency to iterate forever with something I'm enjoying. 

I am happy to report this women's pattern (my first!) is finished and available to The Sew What Club members for the March subscription. (I'll be selling it stand-alone in my Aesthetic Nest Etsy shop next month.)

The pattern includes the basic City Tee with cap sleeves, which is the quickest sew ever! It's the perfect impulse project and the answer to what to do with that great knit you've been hoarding. The pattern also includes options for a drop-shoulder, three-quarter sleeve, cuff and a tie neck. That should suit you for all seasons! The pattern comes in a great ranges of  women's sizes: from XXS to XXL.

You have to check out the cuff sleeve and three-quarter sleeve versions Kelly sewed. She makes this style look so fabulous! And if you haven't joined The Sew What Club you definitely need to check it out.

Sewing: Pink Wool Wrap Coat and Skirt (New Look S0267)

I found this beautiful pink wool tweed at Hancock Fabrics a couple months ago in the clearance section and nearly bought the entire bolt! Because who doesn't need a pink statement coat? I was determined to sew one for myself while the cold weather lasts because I need to prove that I sew with some of the fabrics piled in my stash.

I chose New Look pattern S0267 (as it was labeled at Hancock Fabrics)/ 6416 because I'm a sucker for a wrap coat, especially with an oversized collar. This pattern is labeled "easy," and it really was, except that I decided to add a full lining. And I broke a few needles on the wool. I lengthened the coat a bit to a midi length.

I can hear my mother kindly reminding me, "now you know tweed adds pounds...," but I don't care. I love the look so I decided to make a tweed pencil skirt to go with my new coat. I used an old (and fabulous!) New Look pattern (6773), which I also lengthened a bit. And I added some faux pocket flaps with chunky buttons.

My sweater is from Athleta, and it is cozy. I love the pale pink. And a love a chunky turtleneck. It's perfect for my monochromatic ensemble. 

So, there you have it. A coat that isn't black! It's pretty cute with jeans too.

Sewing: Quilted Floral Front Sweatshirt (McCall's M6992)

When we visited San Francisco last year I managed a quick trip to Britex Fabrics where I spied this beautiful quilted photo floral fabric in their remnants section. It was still a splurge so I only bought half a yard. And this past weekend, thanks to some fantastic eggplant french terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics, I finally sewed with it.

These two fabrics paired together perfectly for a dressy sweatshirt (that is a legitimate, though contradictory description, right?). I used McCall's pattern M6992 and it was such a quick project. I simply cut two of the front piece--one from the french terry and the other from the quilted. In fact I'm anxious to find a fun plaid to front another sweatshirt.

And I have enough of these two gorgeous fabrics left that one of my girls may end up with a dress or tunic. Just hunting for the perfect pattern given that this quilted fabric doesn't have any stretch.

Happy MLK Monday!

Sewing: Everyday Style Book Giveaway and Wilma Bag

Oh what fun it is to have a big, brand new bag! I was so thrilled when I was asked to be a part of the book tour for Lotta Jansdotter's Everyday Style because the book had been sitting in my cart for sometime, waiting for the release. I love Lotta's simple modern style and clean lines. And I was excited to do some sewing inspired by it.

There are so many great, versatile projects in this book! The book is organized by season and all of  the patterns work year round. That's such a bonus because I love it when I find a pattern I like and can iterate on it in every season by changing the fabrics and adding and subtracting layers. I'm especially excited about the a-line skirts in this book and can't wait to try one in a wool.

But in the meantime I've got lots of projects for others to tackle and a lot of places to be and a lot of shopping to do and lots of gifts to deliver by Christmas. So a giant bag is the perfect solution. This Wilma Tote meets the challenge of December easily. I love it in this bold cotton canvas from IKEA with some of Lotta's cat quilting cotton from her Lucky collection for Windham for the lining.

 

This project sewed up simply and quickly despite my scatter brained state. It will be such a pleasure to some some more after the holidays. 

Maybe this book is just what you need for the holidays! One of my readers will win Everyday Style, one of Lotta's fat quarters, Lotta's temporary tatoos, and Lotta washi tape. For a chance to win this great package enter here by December 23rd. A random winner will be selected!

a Rafflecopter giveaway And check out the rest of the tour for more inspirational sewing and chances to win.

Dec 1 – Lotta

Dec 2 – STC Craft

Dec 3 – Windham 

Dec 4 –  Noodlehead

Dec 7 – Modern Handcraft

Dec 8 – Sew Scatterbrained

Dec 9 – Crimson Tate [you are here]

Dec 11 – Groovy Baby & Mama

Dec 14 – City Stitching with Christine Haynes

Dec 15 – Craft Sanity

Dec 16 – Aesthetic Nest

Dec 17 – Sew Mama Sew

Dec 18 – Lish Dorset

Dec 19 – Fancy Tiger Crafts

Sewing: Midi-Length Camoflage Denver Dress

I want to keep sewing with the Pattern Anthology Unbiased Collection! Now that I'm converted to dresses as the easiest way to pull myself together in the morning, I need some more for Fall. I sewed the a-line version of this Denver Dress by Melly Sews for their launch tour and had been on the look for the right fabric to try the straight version, when I came across this funky camoflage knit at Jo-Ann. It was in the red tag section and it is likely in the "love it or hate it" category, but I love it. (You may recall I have a think for camoflage.)

I lengthened the pattern by about seven inches because I wanted a midi length dress. I think it works great with heels, but I've also worn it with a bootie, and I plan to throw on a cardigan and tall boots when the weather is colder.

Now the question is, with the great sweater knits out there, which is the right dress to sew next?

Sewing: My Little Denim Dress

Some of the trends returning lately have taken a minute to sink in. Jumpsuits, for instance. (I'm on board now.) Culottes took a little less time but there was still a brief pause. The Little Denim Dress however? I was there immediately. I love the look. Chic, casual and comfortable all at once.

Especially if we are talking about stretch denim, which of course we are. 

When I first saw Kelly's Lille pattern, I knew it would make the perfect LDD. While hunting for the right stretch denim (I found this at Hancock Fabrics) I made a Lille in gingham, but I couldn't wait to get to this. 

 I love it. It was nice to sew this pattern again, too, after making a few alterations for fit the first time around. You can find information about the Lille pattern at the Sew What Club. It was the women's pattern for their first month's subscription. 

I decided not to line the dress because I didn't want to interfere with the stretch denim. So I used bias tape to finish the neck and sleeves. This red, white and blue tape had been in my stash for some time. I still want to use it in a starring role but it's my little secret in this LDD.

Another not-so-secret is the fact that I left out the zipper! I thought I'd try to squeeze in the dress with the back seam basted to check the fit before installing the zipper and it went on so easily I decided to stop there. I must admit it's a bit awkward getting it off so I may install one at some point but for now I've just stitched the back closed.

It's been fun wearing this dress with gold heels, but I'm also looking forward to pulling on some boots and adding a cardigan for cooler weather. Maybe a wrap cardigan sewn in a sweater knit. There's one in the pipeline from Delia for this month's Sew What Club subscription and I can't wait.