I told you before that I was thrilled to be making clothes for me that actually fit. Well, it's true. I'm really on a roll with the Washi pattern. This one is made from Tula Pink's Birds and the Bees fabric.
Yeah, I know, it's August, I live in Michigan, and these are sleeveless tops. I'm thinking about that too. That's why when I took miss P shopping for school supplies today, I picked up a couple of cardigans in coordinating colors.
I've started a dress version of the pattern in Anna Maria Horner's Field Study. That turquoise sweater will look great with the dress too!
In the evenings this summer I've been relaxing with handsewing and scraps. As soon as I cut out the Tula Pink top I used some of the scraps in the hexy project. I love that with scrap projects, anything goes. How about a little 1994 meets 2012?
That cat print is left over from a star quilt of cat print fabrics that I made for M when he was quite small.I'd love to hear what projects YOU are working on.
Washi Tunic
Last week I took a fitting class with Rae and Karen where I learned some basic tips for bodice fitting. Most importantly for me was how to move the dart. After adjusting the Washi Dress pattern we made a "test" top. Here's mine.
I used some fabric that I had in my stash and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. After making adjustments to the pattern, the top/dress goes together pretty quickly.I also like the shirring in the back - no zipper!
I'm going to make a few more adjustments to the pattern and make another.
Dressmaking
I used the vintage Simplicity pattern seen here to make P a new dress for school. We still have a few weeks before school starts but it is better to have these things finished ahead! I've done last minute school sewing before and it's not as much fun.
We opted to use elastic in the bodice casing instead of the suggested ribbon and also used contrasting fabric for the collar and peek-a-boo pleat.
Here's an action shot. She wanted to make sure you could see the green fabric in the pleat.
And here's one more shot just because I thought we needed one with chickens. (I know the first photo has one too, but this one shows them better.) Those two are "teenagers" of this years new brood.
Last night I started making a Washi Dress for myself. Thank you Karen and Rae for teaching a very helpful class. It was fun to see a room full of people with very different body shapes start with the same pattern and each end up with a muslin bodice to fit their body. Seriously, it was like Advanced Potions class at Hogwarts. I am so happy to have the secrets of pattern fitting unlocked!I am thrilled that I'll finally be able to make clothes for myself again! I used to make dresses YEARS ago when I fit into a standard pattern. Yeah, I'm talking about all the way back in high school. I can't wait to show you some finished Washi tops and dresses!
