Monday, April 13, 2009

Sew Good

Sorry, I was powerless to resist that pun.
I've been sewing a lot lately...for myself. There's something about Spring that makes me want to plant a garden and sew new clothes. The garden urge was pretty much fulfilled by planting a few tomatoes and cucumbers, but the sewing clothes thing continues seemingly unabated.
A few weeks ago I mentioned a Simplicity pattern that I had adapted to make a sleeveless top. I posted a picture of that top on flickr and someone suggested that it would make a cute dress. I loved that idea, so that's exactly what I did.


I kept the original modifications I'd done including removing the ruffle that separates the bodice from the skirt and replacing the stand-up collar with ties. I added about 8 inches in length and a tie along the back.


I wanted to give the dress a slightly more fitted look and I debated the use of darts or gathering with or without elastic. Of course this debate was strictly with myself because no one in my family is nearly as interested in having this kind of conversation as I am. Anyway, I went with the ties and I'm very happy with the final result.
Spurred on by my success I also made two more new tops.


The one on the right is from the same pattern as the dress and the one on the left is Simplicity 4589. I actually wrote the pattern number without having to look it up. That would be a pretty clear indication of how many times I've made this pattern.

Both of these tops were made out of fabric purchased from Pink Chalk Fabrics . Kathy has a terrific selection of fabrics and patterns and always lots of great sales.

It's with a tiny bit of embarrassment that I admit I don't think I'm done with my Spring clothes sewing.

9 comments:

Malissa said...

No embarrassment needed! These clothes are really wonderful -- I'd even say they're "sweet" and I mean that as a compliment. I'm so impressed with all of your talent. I love to read your blog!

Tara said...

I'm in the process of making myself too many skirts for the summer! I need to find some patterns for tops and dresses, because I do love wearing something that I've made. I usually look at the patterns available and think they look out of style and dowdy--so I need to open my mind and improvise! Thanks for the inspiration--they look great!

Kris said...

Your clothes are sew good! Making clothes is the best, because they are always so much more wonderful than anything you can buy. Yours look cool and comfy. Lovely colours, lovely fabrics - makes me want to rush out and sew clothes!

Chveya said...

pride! Not embarrassment. I would be proud if I could remember a pattern number from making it so often. Very nice!!

Anonymous said...

Why not? it has been ages since I made anything for me to wear. I used to make a lot of skirts. Hmmm, food for thought!

Sharon said...

I think they're all lovely. I hope you put the others on as you make them. I love the fabric with the daisies with the orange centers. Thanks for telling where you got it. I'll go have a look. ;)

lucy said...

Pretty! Pretty! Spring creativity is fun.

Marla said...

It makes me sooo jealous. I can't make a pattern fit me for anything. Keep sewing and don't even think of being embarrassed. THose of us that have had to turn to quilting and crafting to fill the urge to sew look on with awe!!!!

Cheryl Arkison said...

I wish I had the drive to sew clothes. They look fantastic!