Cheerfully Observing Thread

I wasn’t initially interested in the popular Zara shirt that sold out, or the knock-off available on Amazon, but then I saw this blue check gauze, and started thinking about the upcoming Fourth of July, and the beach, and other summery things, and I decided to my hand at making one. I used a cotton/Lycra knit for the fitted part, and attached the woven bottom part with a double needle  while stretching the top to meet the bottom and gather it automatically. The top part I made using this headband method , (I measured the length I wanted covered at the bust, doubled it and added an extra inch for the seam, and tapered it back to the center of the back [I cut it on the fold to help keep it even] to help it hang evenly around my body. For the width, I measured around my torso at the widest part of my bust, and subtracted two inches). I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out, at a fraction of the cost of the original and better quality than is usually found on Amazon! 

 How pretty is this grey and white striped cotton sundress with its tied shoulders?  It's from Butterick pattern #6205, which seemed perfect for this wider-striped fabric.  I love how it has the two tones of grey in it, with the slightly looser weave look to it.  I lined it with a cotton lawn, but it's still really light weight and cool for the hot months ahead.  I initially put a 1" non-roll elastic in it, but that turned out to be very heavy and stiff, so I pulled it out and put a 1/2" braided one instead, which was much better! 

 This cute top and leggings set are from Simplicity 8424 and the cardigan is from McCalls 7331. I thought it would be a good outfit to post this week as Memorial Day is coming up this weekend, and it turned out a bit patriotic in coloring! It’s so comfortable for stretching and doing yoga, or with jeans or shorts instead of the leggings is perfect for running errands. I made the sweater out of a very lightweight knit, so it’s not too heavy and warm as summer approaches. Hope everyone as a good Memorial Day - I'm looking forward to a day off from work, which usually means extra time to spend sewing and hanging with my kitty!

  If you follow me on instagram, you probably noticed that this top pops up pretty often. It is one of my favorites, and although the pattern (Kwik Sew 4160) is discontinued, I’ve been making it for years (and probably will continue to!).  It's an elevated twist on the basic white shirt with it's added details.  I have made it SO many times because it's so flattering and goes with just about everything. This is actually the second white one I made (I literally wore the first one out!), and I have a few in the sleeveless version for summer, too… 

From the selvage edge - too cute!   I fell in love with this fabric as soon as I saw it. Of course, it helps that it’s blue, has a nostalgic sounding name (“Afternoon Tea” by Beverly McCullough of Flamingo Toes for Riley Blake), and looks so cheerful you know wearing it will brighten your day! Added bonus that my nail polish (Priti NYC’s “Pewter Moon”) matches perfectly… 😜 The pattern is McCalls #7197, which is quite easy to make and showcases the larger print of the fabric well. Now I'm set for the spring weather that has finally arrived.

  How cool is this fabric?! At first glance, it looks grey and black striped, right? But look closely - it’s actually shot with shiny yellow threads in a complimenting pattern to the stripes. It was a remnant that came through my workplace, and I couldn't let it pass by.  There was just enough there to make this pencil skirt from an old retro Simplicity pattern (#2154, but I shortened it a few inches), and it's the perfect transitional piece for my wardrobe.