One Pattern, Two Garments

I'm pretty far behind on posting about newly made garments, but have pretty legit reasons for this. From a broken dryer a few weeks ago, to a malfunctioning hot water heater, then a really leaky toilet turned whole bathroom renovation, the past couple of weeks have been a whirl wind of distractions that are necessary to take care of.

Back in February, I made a rayon challis dress using Simplicity 1810. I really loved how it turned out and knew this pattern was a keeper. I made it from a floral burst print rayon challis from Fabric Mart. (Bought about 2 years ago.) 

The pattern was easy and because it is a loose design, the belt helps create a waist on an otherwise shapeless dress. The belt is actually attached to the dress. When you sew the darts into the back of the dress, you insert the belt edges into the dart. Then when you sew the dart, the belt stays attached. I always lose belts that coordinate with specific garments, so this is perfect for me!

The other thing I liked about this pattern was the fact that the facing ends up being stitched down without hand-stitching. The pattern calls for you to put bias tape on the armholes. I created my own bias tape from the fabric. The facing is wide enough to catch in the armhole and actually helps make the shoulder strap sturdier. 

This dress is so comfortable. It is light and airy and perfect for really hot days. Wear it on a cool day with a cardigan. I loved the pattern so much I decided to make a blouse! The pattern has both dress and tunic/blouse length.

This tunic took just an afternoon to cut and sew from start to finish. I would definitely recommend it to a beginner and as seasoned seamstress. The blue ikat print rayon challis is from Fabric.com, bought about a year ago.

Now it's time to start thinking about my fall wardrobe. What is everyone else making for fall? Stay tuned for my fall wardrobe wish list and a recent fabric purchase!

Show and Tell: My Recent Fabric Purchases

A few weeks ago I was in NYC for a fabric show. After a morning of meeting with a customer and eating a late lunch with a friend on a warm rainy day in July, I decided it was time to go fabric shopping! And where do people go in NYC to shop for fabric? Mood Fabrics of course! My first Mood (in-store) purchase was made this past February. I wrote about it here: My Trip To Mood. You would think I would not shop at other fabric stores, especially since I see so many different gorgeous fabrics everyday. But when I'm shopping for fabric at other stores, I only pick out items that I cannot find myself very easily. They have to be truly unique pieces that I know I will not find myself in the near future. 

For example, I had a silk knit print remnant I picked up at Fabric Mart about two years ago. (Sorry ladies, this one did not make it into the mystery bundles!) This silk knit was from the design room of Cynthia Steffe. There was only 1 yard left so I knew whatever I decided to do with it I would need more fabric. I wanted to finish up my study of knits (Skirt Obsession and Quick Study of Fabric Types Using the Same Pattern.) So I decided that I needed to look for a solid that would coordinate with this purple and magenta swirl print. I really wanted to find a deep purple silk knit. I dug through the entire silk knit section at Mood and did not find one :O( But I did find this bright pink/ fuchsia solid silk knit that matches one of the other colors perfectly. I also wanted the knit to be a little heavier because I am literally using this as the waistband. It was a perfect coordinate! I sewed up this skirt last weekend and will post pictures as soon as I get someone to take them!

My other two purchases were fun designer prints. Left: Anna Sui Cotton/rayon blend print. This fabric is so soft and has a challis-like weight. I would like to make a blouse from this, but I do not have a pattern in mind yet. Right: Oscar de la Renta Abstract Print. I LOVE the colors in this print. It is a woven silk/ wool suiting-type fabric. I bought just enough to make a skirt. I don't have a specific skirt pattern in mind, but am considering a pencil skirt. Before I cut into the gorgeous fabric, I'm definitely going to be making a muslin. I would hate to cut into this fabric and have it turn out badly. 

I can't help myself when I see gorgeous fabric! I wonder what I will buy next???