I almost forgot to share my my Christmas Eve outfit!
It's Simplicity 1099 the same pattern I used for Kimberly's skirt here!
The fabric is a polyester and it really has a formal feeling to it.
I paired it with a thrifted blouse that's also is polyester but it has more of a silk feel whereas the skirt has more of a taffeta feel to it.
The blouse actually has a traditional collar like a typical button up but it looks better folded underneath.
It's one of the of the most beautiful and fun outfits that I have ever worn. I feel so regal and lady-like in it!
Of course I had to edit at least two with a vintage vibe! ;)
It's been awhile since I've shared a Thrift Store Score...probably because thrifting has become more of an occasional event then almost weekly like I was a couple years ago.
My NEW winter coat was from one of my thrifting trips not so long ago...a vintage faux fur coat found at Goodwill for $9.99!
I was a little worried how it was going to come out after being cleaned.
The coat says "Dry Clean Only" but our dry cleaner doesn't do fur (faux or real) so I decided to just wash it in the washing machine. It'd either get clean or fall apart... Thankfully it came out just fine!
If you're curious I washed it in-side out, on the gentle cycle and took it out as soon as it was done washing. Letting it hang dry both ways out, I brushed the fur down with my hand before it dried and it was a no complaint process!
I'm actually a bit amazed how warm it is! Which why should I be?? It's heavier then the coat I was wearing!
Merry Christmas! I am incredibly excited to share TaMera's Christmas dress with you!
The pattern is vintage mail-order pattern Sew-Rite 8238 that was originally our Grandma's. It has slight gathers where the front bodice and yoke join (I'd consider them more the shoulder straps but the pattern called it a yoke) and pleats above the waist seam for the bust shaping.
At TaMera's request I moved the zipper to center back instead of the side zipper. To cut it out without distorting the look and shape of the dress I simply cut the back bodice and back skirt as two pieces (rather than on the fold) and added 5/8 for the seam allowance at the center.
I love the ever so slight shaping at the neckline! Curved edges and sharp corners...this dress has it all!
This fabric has been in the stash for ages...I remember Mom making us dresses out of it when I has about 7 or 8. Yes over ten years ago!
Because of the way I had to layout the skirt pieces to get the border print to match up there's only a strange shaped scrap left. At one point, I was worried if I'd even find an area big enough (after cutting the skirt) to get the bodice pieces out. ...Misreading the perforated dots and cutting the front bodice wrong didn't help either...
Thankfully everything came out alright! *sigh of relief*
I'm also relieved that I chose to make a test dress prior to sewing the actual dress. Since I had already made the pattern for TaMera by making the test dress I had already figured out the few fitting tweaks that needed to be made and was more familiar with constructing it.
I really have no regrets with this dress! Which is amazing because I tend to over-obsess about the mistakes and little things in projects even when it's something only I'll probably notice.
I'll be sharing my own Christmas outfit soon so keep watching...
Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a fabulous weekend!
This year I'm taking a different approach.
I've been taking notes of gaps in my wardrobe and filled the list with the majority of those.
1. Relaxed Fitting Pants
I've noticed that I'm lacking in relaxed...lounging (if you will) pants.
When I'm sitting at my desk sewing you'll usually find me wearing denim capris. They aren't the most comfortable pair of pants or the most efficient. When it's time to try something on it's un-button, un-zip and then reverse. Whereas a elastic band would make trying on so much faster...which is a more productive use of my time.
2. Little Black Dress
This year, has been a year of loss for me. More funerals then I wish to attend in three hundred and sixty-five days and every time I found out about the next service it was to the closet I went...trying to find something respectable to wear.
I don't like dark colors and I don't wear black! I absolutely love bright prints so my closet has an abundance but naturally that's not something you wear to an occasion such as this.
My plan is two black dresses (or outfits) that are cute, can be dressed up for classier events and are respectable for funerals.
3. A Classic Button-Up
It's no secret I want to sew a classic button-up. Hey, I even tried to sew one last year by putting it on the list! A classic button-up is going to happen in 2017. Period.
4. Adorable Aprons
When you work at a cafe (located on the campus of your community college) you find yourself in black, navy, dark green or red boring aprons... but since I sew; I can change that! The aprons just need to do the job of an apron (protect your clothes) and look cute while doing it! ;)
I have a few patterns to choose from with varying styles and coverage choices. Now to decide on what fabric would be the best?
5. Workout/Gym Bag
My current bag barely has enough room for me gym shoes and a pair of socks. (Not kidding!) Forceably, I make it fit my exercise clothes or my work clothes depending. It's just not working. 😑
I haven't decided on a pattern for sure but two of the options are Elsa Everyday Tote from "Everyday Style" by Lotta Jansdotter or the Cooper bag by Colette Patterns. I'd make slight modifications to both patterns because I'll be using it for a gym bag.
6. Yoga Mat Carrying Bag
I'll need to make (at least) two yoga mat carrying bags; one for my yoga mat and one for Kimberly's.
Lotta Jansdotter has the Cecilia Yoga Bag pattern in her book "Everyday Style" which I'll be using.
7. Vogue 9201 Shirtdress
Every time, I start planning a new garment...I pull this pattern out.
There's a fabric I'd love to use but the pattern calls for more fabric them I have. I'm hoping after looking at the actual pieces of the pattern I can figure out a way to make it work!
We'll just have to wait and see...
8. Elliott Berman Textiles Digital Printed Wool/Silk Blend Classic Dress
Back in September of 2015 I won the September Sew-A-Long with my sewing group "Sew-A-Longs & Sewing Contests". (Join our group HERE) A part of the prize package was a gorgeous printed fabric from Elliott Berman Textiles! The print is absolutely breathtaking. It has taken me this long to figure out what style of garment is needed with such a unique and beautiful print.
It'll be a classic a-line skirt with a simple bodice and basic sleeves which will let the fabric do ALL the talking.
9. Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits have been on trend for awhile...and hopefully they aren't going to go anywhere because I want one!
Not as if it being on trend is going to determine if I sew one or not. ;)
We have a few modern patterns in the stash and also a vintage pattern I'd love to make!
Do you have any sewing goals for 2017? Or have any pattern suggestions for some of mine? Comment below and let me know!
