How many Camilla tops is too many? I don’t know, because I haven’t reached that number yet. But since I have a couple of them already, I figured Virginia needed one too. She has some important stuff coming up (cough, cough, grad school interviews, cough, cough) and this is the PERFECT top for looking professional and being comfortable. I think she’ll pair it with a little jacket or cardi, but however she decides to style Camilla, she won’t have to worry about looking the part!
This cowl neck is by far one of my favorite features on a shirt. It is cute and flattering on everyone. It takes a shirt up several notches from the a basic tee without taking a ton more fabric. And this one comes with some fantastic options! Shirt length, this tunic length, or even a dress option! Plus, Virginia chose sleeveless so she doesn’t get too warm with the layers, but add some sleeves you boom! A ton of variations to the same shirt.
This one is made of this gorgeous double brushed poly from Sly Fox Fabrics. I love the lightness and drape of it. Super easy to wear and she won’t be worrying about wrinkles! Plus, just look at how lovely these colors are. I am never disappointed when we order from Sly Fox. Except of course if I don’t order enough yards.
I’ve already blogged about Camilla in a solid DBP, and a lovely sweater knit. So far, I haven’t found a fabric I don’t like for this pattern! Grab your copy here, and have some fun adding this fun top to your closet!
Holy shit, y’all! I’m doing a craft market!! I’m equal parts excited and nervous, but I could not be happier to be diving in at Tucker Brewing! They have such a fun beer garden, great beer, and I love how important supporting local is to them. Because they are a local, family based business!
This has definitely been a process! Less than a month ago, Virginia sent me the info and I decided to jump in to see how it goes. I made a list of things I wanted to sew, approximate quantities, and how I wanted to display stuff on my table.
Of course, as soon as I signed up, I got sick. Was down for a damn week. That definitely put a hitch in my sewing schedule. But, with a few long nights, and Virginia jumping in to help at the last minute, I have inventory!!!
I so enjoyed the entire process of picking fabric and matching outers to linings to zippers. I love each of the pieces I made and hope Tucker does too!
I also love that I was able to use some of my favorite patterns!! I knew I needed to make up some of the Rebecca Page Zoe Zip Pouches because everyone needs those. They’re so versatile and make great gifts!
Then I added in some of the key fobs I shared a while back. These are one of my favorite things, so I’m hoping Tucker thinks so too! I also made just a couple lanyards to go with them. These were surprisingly fun to make and I need to remember to blog how I make them for you!
5 Out of 4 released their scrunchie pattern while I was prepping so I made up a handful of those! They were fun and I was able to do the hand sewn finishing on my lunch break! So convenient!!
I made a few items I can’t share just yet! So enjoy the stickers on a few pics and keep and eye out for when I can share the fun!
I definitely wanted one type of larger item on my table. Something that draws the eye and is a little luxurious. Immediately the Rebecca Page Cora popped in my head. Probably because I was wearing one of mine! It is my favorite cardigan. So comfy and easy to wear. It feels like jim jams!! But every time I wear mine, I get tons of compliments! That’s a win!
So if you’re in the Tucker area, and want to shop small tomorrow (30 November), stop by Tucker Brewing to support local crafters! Mention this post at my table and I’ll give you a subscriber discount. 😉
I am ridiculously excited to be sharing another free pattern with you today!! Nothing makes me happier than sharing something fun! This little clutch is just adorable. A little fun, a little sassy, super useful, and so very versatile!
It is such a quick sew, I can’t even believe it. Plus, the scrap busting options are endless. This could be really cute patchwork quilted to use even the tiniest of scraps! And most of us keep the supplies needed on hand. A zipper, some interfacing, and a bit of woven fabric. Boom and done!!
Now, the zipper is a bit longer than the ones I typically keep on hand (I buy 8″ zippers in bulk), but not so long that it will be hard to get your hands on. I really wanted to be able to get my phone in and out easily and still have room for whatever I want to carry. I made these versions out of quilting cottons, but this would be so fun and easy out of all kinds of woven fabrics. Accents in faux leather would be lovely, some great outdoor fabrics, suede. Endless options!!
I did my best to make these pattern pieces easy to make, while still having some unique features, so you should be able to trace and cut everything out of regular US computer paper, no glue needed, if you prefer to make pattern pieces, rather than cut fabric directly. This is definitely my preference if I’m planning to make more than one of anything. Measurements are quick and easy (and I hate gluing paper together), but for repeats, it’s just easier to have the pattern cut and ready to go.
Now I have even better news! I’m doing a sew along to show just how easy this pattern is to make up!! And to show a quick hack, if you’re scared of zippers or just don’t feel like adding one (the navy one with the periodic table lining). Check out The Sewing Summit! It is a week long event with some of the most amazing sewists, designers, and fabric experts sharing their knowledge with you. Free to attend live, or grab the videos forever at a reduced price ahead of the event. However you choose to participate, I’m sure you’ll be able to learn something new and exciting, and meet some new peeps in the sewing community!
Grab this free pattern right here, and be ready to sew it up with me! Don’t forget to tag me if you share anywhere, as I’d love to see your finished product!
I’ve been eyeing this one for a while. A cute, simple top for cooler months. Easy to sew and a few options to keep it spiced up. Heck yes. Now that I’ve made it for Virginia, I don’t think she can wait for another one!
She chose the straight tunic, with slim, extra long sleeves. She didn’t want to add the hood or cowl neck, which are wonderful options. You can also choose short sleeve, regular long sleeve, or a non-slim sleeve. So really, this one can be just about anything you need!
Virginia picked this absolutely gorgeous sweater ribbed knit in Spiced Rum from Sly Fox Fabrics and it is so damn cozy!! We might have ordered this fabric in just about every color, and totally regret the ones we missed! (Remind me to order this Licorice before it sells out. I just LOVE it!!) It is soft and luxurious inside and out.
5 Out of 4 put this lovely top on sale for just $5 this weekend!! You should definitely grab your own Weekender Tunic if it is one you’ve had your eye one, or if you’re just seeing it for the first time. 🙂
When I heard Frocktails was coming to Atlanta, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to meet some local sewing people! Bought my ticket, gave a little thought to what I had in my closet that would be cute. Just let that sit in the back of my mind and start to get excited. Then, I got an update email from them that there would be a straight up red carpet and professional photographers. What?! This obviously means I need a sparkly dress. I don’t know why, but that’s what my brain tells me.
Now I’m on the lookout for a fancy dress that isn’t too fancy, so I can wear it again if I want. Something that won’t take too long to make, but is not something I already have in my closet. I polled a few friends and got suggestions on styles they’d put me in and ended up in a style I’ve worn on a few locations. Definitely didn’t step outside my comfort zone here, as suggested, but I am just a sucker for classic, vintage vibes!!
Off to Fine Fabrics to find something inexpensive but fabulous! A few more annoying texts sent to friends to help me decide. Turns out they have so many pretty, sparkly fabrics to choose from!! And I rarely explore the fancy fabrics aisles. (That’s the official name.)
Home again to start hacking the pattern! I started with the vintage, gorgeous, ridiculously fabulous Patsy Party Dress from Rebecca Page Sewing. This has been on my “wish I had a reason to wear it” list since I saw the first line drawing. NOW I DO!!! I used the free version, but the add-on pack is amazing. Seriously gives you every fancy look you could need for a strapless dress.
This pattern also includes all the info to give structure and support so if you want to go braless and still feel supported, you can. There is info on interlining and how to add boning. There’s a blog post on adding a waist stay for even more support. (Peeps! I wrote this one! You should check it out.) In my desire to just sew quickly, I wanted to totally skipped most of this. I did interline the entire thing only because the sparkles are a little sheer. I would have added the waist stay, but ran out of time. More on that later.
Now, I love the vintage strapless look of the Patsy, but I needed to add straps. I wanted sparkly, cagey, strappy delight and I wanted that to start from more of the sweetheart neckline. I also needed to do a full bust adjustment (the free princess seam FBA download is super easy to follow and worked PERFECTLY!) A quick muslin of the bodice to check the FBA is the perfect opportunity to start this hack.
I pinned the muslin to my bra (the one I’m wearing under the dress, so everything sits in the same place) and marked how low I want the sweetheart to sit. I didn’t want to lose the vintage feel, so I didn’t go cleavage low. I took off the muslin and used my french curve to ease that point into the side of the center front piece. I didn’t want to lose any bra coverage on the side either, so just drew a nice, smooth curve. Cut off this bit and pinned it back on. It was exactly what I needed!! So a quick transfer to the pattern piece and I’m good to go!! (Keep in mind seam allowance when you do this!! You’ll lose 1/2″ from the top edge.)
The only other change I made was adding the strappy goodness. I wanted straps on straps on straps! Straps for days! Interwoven and heading in unexpected directions. Just straps. I wanted them narrow, but not so narrow that I’d throw them across the room while trying to turn them right sides out. I cut strips 1 1/4″ wide and sewed with a 3/8″ seam allowance. The fabric is super lightweight and it was really easy to turn them. Eight straps later and I’m ready to ask Virginia for help in figuring out where to place them.
This process was…fun. I clipped them to the front where I thought I wanted them. Then asked Virginia to pin me into it (that back is hard to pin myself!). Small tweaks and another check, and they are basted on; then I’m ready to figure out back placement. I tried something I thought I’d like and hated it. Virginia to the rescue! She moved straps around and clipped them where she liked them, with many photos shown to me so she could adjust and tweak. After triple checking that they were interwoven correctly (pro tip, they’re not…don’t look too close), I sewed them in between my main fabric and lining. A really good press and deciding not to understitch, and my bodice is ready to be sewn to the skirt.
Why didn’t I understitch? Well, I find those straps make it difficult to get a smooth line across the entire front of the bodice. My machine tends to bump a bit when I get to that extra thickness, and I don’t want to be sad every time I see it, or take it slow and responsible to get it right. But I still don’t want my lining sneaking out. So what the hell choice is that?! Bad sewist!! I just cheated the lining to the wrong side. When I pressed, I pulled it down a scant quarter inch lower than it is supposed to be. Really, really good press here and pinned the lining lower than the bodice all the way down, and across the bottom. Why? You might ask. Because I’m cheating on the next step too.
The pattern has stunning finishes, inside and out. But, I’m looking for quick and dirty and this is just for me. So, I’m not doing the lining how it is suggested. I’m treating the entire bodice as one at this point. Sewed my skirt on, then attached my zipper, after adjusting the back to take out extra width since my fabric stretched out a bit during construction (this step is included in the pattern and is one of the most important ones to get the right fit. It is worth the extra time. Promise!). Usually the zipper would be sandwiched in between the outer and lining, so there is no way it sneaks out and is seen. But, I’ve got straps RIGHT THERE. They give me some coverage for a little seam allowance sticking up. I can serge the back edge, make sure to get that zipper tape fully secured, then, if needed (and only if needed), it can be tacked to the lining with just a few hand stitches. Then I won’t even need those straps as a just in case. Yeah, I’m lazy. But I just saved myself from hand sewing the bodice lining all the way around the waist. Calling it a win!
That’s it. The dress just needed a hem and it was good to go! I left it hanging to let it stretch out fully. Hemmed it and decided if it needed a waist stay. (Why not? It doesn’t take long.) It turns out I ran out of time for hemming though. The outer fabric needed to be hemmed by hand. It was just the prettiest option and it. Took. Forever. So my lining is currently unhemmed and I didn’t have time to add a waist stay. I finished the outer hem an hour before I needed to leave. Whoops! Still had to pick some shoes, and a hairstyle. Thankfully, I played with some lippie options and watched youtube videos to learn how to put stuff on my face earlier in the week. A little help from the sister and I’m off to Frocktails.
This event was really fun. It was cool to be in a place where everyone had this crazy, common interest. I met some awesome new people. Some from just around the corner, some a bit further away. Some brand new, but oh so impressive, sewists, and some ridiculously experiences sewists!
I did finally get to meet Jessica, from 5 Out of 4 Patterns! She lives not too, too far from me and we’ve never met! That was cool as hell! And the superstar Aaronica, who is as fabulous in person as expected!!
All in, it was a really cool night. My feet and throat hurt (I’m old, but the music was too loud), and I definitely had a slow start this morning, but it was a night I won’t soon forget! If you have a Frocktails event near you, I highly recommend making some time.
