Cheerfully Observing Thread

Whew - how’s that for a long post title?! I got this cool fabric from a friend’s grandma, who was like an “extra” grandma to me. She was a big sewist who passed away a few years ago, and my friend asked if I would like some of the fabric she had collected over the years. I said yes, and one of the pieces in the box was this tiny gingham with a floral cutout and outline. It’s one of the most unique fabrics I’ve run across in my years of sewing. I decided to make New Look pattern #6732, which I think fit the fabric perfectly. I liked how  the pattern turned out enough to make it a second time, but I did a simpler version with a linen-look cotton I found (I did lengthen the bodice on both, and the ruffle on the coral one, since I am a bit long through the torso). Now I have a pretty shirt to help me remember a special lady. 

 I found this textured cotton remnant and decided to make a vest out of it, since they’re back in style and I don’t have a lighter weight one in my closet at the moment. I chose Butterick #4815 for my pattern, which I’ve owned and loved for ages. And the buttons I found were so pretty - they look like they have lace pressed into the underside!  One of the things I ended up doing quite a bit on this vest is understitching. It really helps the whole garment to just lay and hang better. Understitching is when you sew the sea allowance down to the lining. I usually press the seam open with the seam allowances on the lining side, then stitch an eighth of an inch into the lining (see the last photo). Then I press the seam again to however I usually would to finish it. I find it’s always worth it to take the extra step, as you can always tell a difference to the finished look of the garment.  I paired the vest with white dress pants since it's still pretty warm out, but I know I will be w