Orange Lace Dress

This year, for my birthday, my husband and I did a little shopping in DTLA. Specifically at Michael Levine Loft. There are boxes full of fabric, no yardage listed, no designer or manufacturer listed on most pieces. Just boxes full of wonderful fabric! And it's $2.50 per pound, amazing! Let's just say that I came home with quite a lot of fabric.

I found this beautiful orange lace and I knew that I needed to make a dress. I saw a white lace strapless dress at Target and decided that was the look I wanted to go for. I originally cut a medium for the dress but it ended up being too big so I would say by the time I took it in, it ended up being a size small.

Fabric: Orange lace for main fabric, red batiste for underlining.
Pattern: Mimi maxi dress by Seamingly Smitten Patterns 
Pattern Modifications:  1. Added in seam pockets because I love pockets! 2. Instead of ankle length with side slit, I cut it shorter and had the hem hit just below the knee. 3. I also cut the width smaller for the skirt so that I didn't have to gather as much material. 4. And of course, I had to add a belt! One from the same orange lace and a brown one (which I took from an existing dress that didn't fit anymore).

These adorable chain sandals are my new favorite shoe. From Zara. So comfortable and perfect for summer!

I'm currently working on a pleated playsuit for Miette and I'm going to start on a button down shirt for my husband!

Have a great weekend!
April

Skirts for the Summer

A few months ago I went through my clothes and got rid of most of my skirts. They were either maternity, too small or just ones that I had for way too long. I since realized that I wear skirts a lot so I needed to make some new ones!

I absolutely love this one. I think I have worn it every day since I made it. Its the perfect length, size and is so comfortable. I plan to make a few more very soon!

Chambray summer skirt (without pockets)

Tutorial from Dana Made It

This skirt is a little more dressy and not for around-the-house. I love being able to mix and match to dress it up or down. And I made a little removable waistband to go over the elastic if I feel like adding a pop of color or pattern.

Turquoise circle skirt

Tutorial by Dana Made It 

The most comfortable pencil skirt ever. Seriously. This was so quick to sew and I absolutely love it!

Knit coral and white pencil skirt

Tutorial by Merricks Art

Sorry for all the different shades in the pictures. Turns out trying to take pictures, edit pictures and blog while you have two little ones is quite difficult! I don't know how people do it! I was happy to get all these sewn in time for Skirt Week!

Love me knots Dress

I made this adorable dress for Miette a few weeks ago. I absolutely love the fabrics and she looks adorable in it! It's a little long but hopefully she will be able to wear it for awhile before she grows out of it!

We had a fun afternoon at the park taking these pictures. She just loved running down this hill, laughing the whole time!

Pattern: Love me knots dress by Seamingly Smitten Patterns

Fabric: Neutral linen, Michael Miller Cote D'Azur, Joel Dewberry Modern Meadow (herringbone in pond).

Sewing for Me: The Seafarer Top Pattern

Recently, I've started sewing for myself! I had the chance to test out this pattern for a knit top and I am so excited to have a few new tops in my wardrobe. Since I still have baby weight to shed, I'm trying to sew from the material I have in my stash. That way I can customize the fit.

Abby, from Sew Much Ado, just released the Seafarer top pattern. And if you are in need of a new top I definitely recommend this one! I made both versions and I wear one or the other multiple times a week. They were so easy to sew, came together quickly, and are the most comfortable tops I have.

The pattern is easy to follow and she gives awesome tips about sewing with knits. Which is so wonderful to a person (like me!) who is new to the world of knit material!

By the way, how awkward is it to pose for pictures? What do you do with your hands? Why do we notice so many flaws? If my kids are in the pictures with me, I am so much more comfortable! But I had to show you just how cute to tops are so here we go.

The first version has a banded neckline, arms and waist. I used a coral and white striped, medium weight material.  I almost lined up the stripes perfectly. So close.

 

The second version has a regular hemmed neckline, arms and waist. Blue and white striped, medium weight  material. I lined up the stripes much better on this one!

I have a few ideas for dresses, and another top, for myself and hope to get started on those soon!

Oh, and this little guy is almost 7 months old!