New Look 6104

 Recently, I finished up New Look 6104. I actually completed two of these, one with sleeves and one without. The one with sleeves will be blogged at a later date when the complete project it's a part of is finished.

I've been focusing most of my efforts on separates lately, because I've discovered that is a huge gap in my wardrobe. Currently on my table is three more circle skirts. After I finish those and three more tops, I think I'll be able to put my attention to some fabulous dresses for next spring and summer. I need to get a jacket or coat made this year for winter, but I'm finding it really hard to think about the snow and cold that is coming, when we are still having wonderfully warm days.

Enough about me... here's the deets on what you're really here for. *winky face*

I had just a yard of this great yellow floral cotton in my stash and it was just big enough to get the sleeveless version of #newlook6104 out of. Luckily, I had some pink bias tape in my stash as well, and that was a perfect match so no facings needed on the arms or neckline.

I posted this picture of the buttons in my stash to one of my Facebook sewing groups, and there was a complete divide on whether these matched or not. I was hesitant after seeing the photograph, because in reality, I thought they were a lot closer in color. After some hemming and hawing I decided to just go for it and sew one on... lo and behold, they match tons better than I thought they would.

I love the pin-tuck detail on this top, this is my first time doing pin tucks, and they turned out really great. I think I'll be putting on lots more things!! Side note, the top button really isn't that uneven, I just didn't think to straighten it before I took the picture... oops.

Finally some pictures of me actually wearing the top. I've worn this top several times, and have had to restitch two of the buttons so far. It's a great shirt, and I wish I had a bold blue skirt to go with it. Maybe that's a project for next spring.

I tried to prevent the yellow from getting washed out in these pictures, because it really is a great buttery shade. Alas, when you are your own photographer, you take what you get sometimes. Plus, I don't have a fence around my yard, and I'm not brave enough yet to set up outside and get pictures.

I was feeling a bit sassy, when I was taking these. I finally got a day truly to myself. My children were with their grandmother and I was free to get these done... so... sassy pictures.

All in all, New Look 6104 is a great pattern, very easy to follow, sews up super quickly and I think it looks great.

There you have it!

Pattern: New Look 6104 - $2.50 from Wal-Mart

Fabric: Yellow floral quilting cotton from stash - $0

Trims/Notions: Button and bias tape from stash - $0

Not too bad for $2.50!! I couldn't get a better deal than that at the thrift store!

Until next time!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Just popping in to leave a quick update. Today is my birthday! We aren't going to talk about which one I'm celebrating... because that's unladylike! Of course!!

That's exciting, but even more exciting, my five year old baby boy started school today! So bittersweet! I am also excited about starting school next week. I'm going back to college and I'm going to make it count this time. 

I've been sewing a lot of projects in preparation for school. I've got lots to share with you. Problem is, I've got no pictures yet. :( Sadly, in my mad rush to get everything ready for the start of the school year, I've had no time to set up any photos. So hopefully I can get that done this weekend for you all! I've got some great stuff to show you.

 If you follow me on Instagram (click the link on my page) you've been seeing it as it's coming off the machine. If you don't follow me on Instagram, do it!!! I hope you all have a wonderful day. Good luck to all the mommy's out there with kiddos going back to school! 

Until next time!

Finally... New Look 6457

 The saga that is New Look 6457 started here, in October of 2014. It was finally completed in April of 2015. All that time it was hanging up without a hem or zipper. Otherwise, it was completely finished. Why did it take me so long to finish? I have no answer for that. I'm going to say it was partly due to winter blues here in Ohio, but I'm sure there was more to it. I just don't know what.

I have to say though, that I'm kicking myself in the pants for not finishing it right away. It is easily one of my favorite dresses this summer and I've been wearing the heck out of it. The fabric is light and on the thinner side, but not poor quality thin, just comfy lightweight thin. 

It did take some work though getting the fit just right. I made a muslin on this one for the first time. I'm so glad I did because when I cut the 16 (per my measurements) it was easily 1-2 sizes too big. I went back and cut it again at a 14 and it was much better. Did a little more tweaking at the bust line and finally had a fit I was happy with.

  

I added a nice navy piping detail in the bodice and I really like how it turned out. Looks fancy!!

There really aren't any more construction details on this one though. Once I got the bodice fit right, it was a breeze to put together, I just neglected to finish it for so long. Here they are, finally, the pictures of the finished dress!

I'm a bit more busty than my trusty assistant Millie. So the fit isn't as good on her as it is on me. I'm working on that. Millie is going to be getting a pretty cover and some padding in the right places very soon. :)

That's it! New Look 6457 view C, I believe. Finally complete and fabulous! Thanks for following along! I'm getting ready to start school in a couple of weeks and am making two new skirts, a dress and a shirt before school starts! I'm ambitious, but I think I can make it!

Until next time!

Watermelon Two Piece 50's Style Playsuit

This just might be my favorite sewing project so far! I picked this fabric up 3 times in Joann's and put it back every single time, telling myself it was too over the top. It was on sale recently and I finally had to give in to temptation and scoop it up. To me, nothing says summer, more than watermelon! 

This watermelon playsuit is a collaboration between my trusty 3/4 circle skirt #Simplicity1200 and #Simplicity1426 version A! 

 

Normally this is something that I would feel far too self-conscious to wear. Honestly though, I feel like my fears are completely unfounded in this. It's so flattering and when I wear it, I feel like a million bucks! It's just so much fun. In this post, I'm going to talk mostly about the top, because the skirt is #Simplicity1200 which I've done several times now, here and here, no point in rehashing those details.

The only thing I changed on #Simplicity1426 was the neck band on the top. I mistakenly only cut out one piece when two was needed. After cutting everything else out, I didn't have enough fabric to fit one more. So I improvised and used the same simple black bias binding that I used to bind the hem of the skirt. I'm really glad I did too. I feel like having the black at the top and the bottom of the set creates a cohesiveness that I really like.

I used simple black buttons on both pieces so they would be minimal and understated. I wanted them to blend in with the outfit. I feel like they do just that.

#Simplicity1426 was a great pattern to sew, it sewed up quickly and the directions were really simple to follow. I'll be sewing this one again in one of the other versions I'm sure!

There isn't much else I can say about this make. I'm so pleased with how it turned out. Now I just wish I could have an excuse to wear it more often!!

Thanks again for stopping by! This makes #vintagepledge number 9 for me!

Until the next time!