Parisian Top

The Just Add Jeans collection from Pattern Anthology may just be my favorite collection of women's top patterns. This is the Parisian Top and the second one I've sewn from the collection. I liked it so much that I had to make two! The Parisian was designed by Andrea, of Go To Patterns, featuring a peter pan collar and 3/4 length sleeves. For my first top, I decided to use a cotton interlock fabric from my grandma and contrasting black hembands.

Day Tripper Tops

I was so excited when I found out that Pattern Anthology was coming out with a collection of four knit top patterns for women! All of the designs are so cute and tops are lacking in my handmade wardrobe, so these patterns are perfect! My mom and I both decided to make the Day Tripper top, by Shwin Designs first.

Little Color Swap - What I Sent & Received

Hello Everyone! Recently I participated in a Little Color Swap, hosted by Lisa of Sweet Little Pretties. The swap was based on your favorite color and you had to send your partner 1 fat quarter, 1 spool of thread or embroidery floss, 1 sweet/chocolate and 1 surprise.

I forgot to take pictures of the items I sent to my partner, but her favorite color was green. I sent her a green fat quarter with different words on it, green embroidery floss, green buttons for the surprise, and green peppermint candies. I'm not sure if she has received it yet, but I hope she enjoys all her treats!

Lisa, from Sweet Little Pretties had my name and she did a wonderful job of picking out items in my favorite color...turquoise! I love the pretty wrapping she packaged every thing in...

 

And here is what she sent:

 

The fabric is so pretty and I love the little scissors! The thread is very pretty and shiny. I was able to use it already in a turquoise project I was working on. The match was perfect! Also, the chocolate she sent is very delicious!! Thank you Lisa!

 

~Elizabeth

Coco // What Does the Fox Say?

 

Recently, I have found some fun new blogs to follow. One I have been reading is Tilly and the Buttons and I happened to find it just as Tilly was releasing her new pattern, Coco. It can be made as a dress or a top and there is also a variation for a sixties style funnel neck (my favorite!) and rolled cuffs. I made the three quarter length sleeves but there's also an option for long sleeves.

Thank You!

Two years ago today I started this little blog. I was a freshman in college and decided I wanted a place to share and keep track of all my sewing projects.

I just wanted to say, thank you so much for reading my blog and commenting! I appreciate each of you and am blessed with all the friendships and people I have met through the blogging community. I am amazed everyday with the blogging and sewing community. Everyone is so wonderful and they are willing to share their experiences, creativity, ideas and support. I am always so inspired by what everyone is creating!

I have come a long way since my first post two years ago, and I am still learning about blogging all the time. I'm glad you're here for the ride!

Have a wonderful day and thank you again for reading my blog!

~Elizabeth

Pinafore Dress

 

This week, I was inspired by Tricia from the Farmish Momma to make this Pinafore Dress after she posted pictures of one she made with some instructions here. I am friends with her oldest daughter, whom I have seen pictures of wearing dresses similar to this one. However, I never knew they were handmade! I loved the style after I first saw my friend's dress, so I was happy to find out I could make one myself!

 

The construction was so easy! I read the blog post and that same night I cut out the pieces to make the dress, which are basically two rectangles plus the straps. The instructions given in the post say to make the skirt by multiplying your hip measurement by 4. However, I thought that would make the skirt a little too gathered for me (and Tricia made the dress for a younger girl) so I multiplied my hip measurement by 3. I think next time, even doubling it would be enough.

 

In the back I decided not to cross the straps, but you can if you want to. I also used an invisible zipper, but any type of zipper would work just fine. I also didn't put the zipper up far enough when sewing it in, but it's not that big of a problem.

 

 

It's hard to tell in these pictures, but I used red thread for the topstitching. I made a wide 6 inch waistband and the skirt hits just past my knee. The fabric is some I've had in my stash for many years. It is wool and was given to me by a sewing friend when my interest in making clothing first began. There must've been 4 or 5 yards total because I have previously used this fabric to make both me and my mom a skirt. I had enough for this dress and there are still a few bits and pieces left.

 

I want to make more of these dresses in cotton. They would be perfect for the summer and I think my sister would like one too! The wool is perfect for the weather we're having now though. It is so warm to wear, but I was freezing when I took these pictures! It was only 3 degrees! Brrrrr!

 

The skirt is very full and so fun to twirl!

 

Linking up with Farmish Momma for the Pinterest Pin-along.

~Elizabeth