Redefining Selfless Sewing With Glam Girl Knit Fabric

I really enjoy sewing for myself and my family. Coordinating with my children is fun for us as we choose patterns and fabrics. They enjoy getting goofy in photos and ask, "will this be on your blog, or in one of the magazines." My husband is a great sport often participating in coordinating family outfits for holidays and photos. I have often asked him what I can make for him offering him his pick of patterns and fabrics. He has little interest in fashion so he usually declines. He prefers I use my time and talent on the kids and me.

When fabric arrives, no matter the print, color or substrate, I jokingly offer to use it for a project for him. With the arrival of Stretch Jersey Knit Glam Girl Black Sparkle from Riley Blake, I knew I wouldn't make him anything, but would make something with him in mind.

This jersey knit with its metallic rose gold sparkle felt like a romantic night out. I decided to make a bodycon date night dress that my hubby could appreciate.

Mccalls 7531 is a fast and easy dress to make with just 3 pattern pieces. I chose to make view D for the neckline with the full sleeve length of view C. Based on my measurements, I made the size medium with no alterations.

The fit and feel of this dress is spot on, but I may lower that back slit just a bit. With movement, knit fabrics migrate upwards causing that opening to travel as well. This dress is a treat for hubby beside me not everyone behind me.

  

This is a comfortable dress to wear and the quality of the metallics is spectacular. It is saturated and bold while being smooth to the touch. 

If I begin to feel self-conscious in this curve accentuating dress, it coordinates perfectly with my Pilvi Coat  for extra coverage. 

For now though, let me set aside the coat, arrange child-care and make a reservation...

Happy Sewing,
Bianca

I Love A Little Bit of Sparkle to Glam Up My Pilvi Coat

I love rich florals, earth tones neutrals and muted palettes. They are my go-to favorites. This year however, the metallic fabrics from Riley Blake Designs have made me rethink adding a little shimmer and sparkle to my wardrobe. The Glam Girl collection is a fun and feminine collection featuring ultra trendy rose gold metallic accents.

 

My immediate thought upon perusing this collection was fun and fancy Christmas ensembles for our family. When I suggested it to Little Miss, she had other ideas. She thought the fabrics were beautiful and needed to be made into something that would get regular use. She encouraged me to think about something I've been reluctant to make, but for whatever reason hadn't yet. She suggested I use the fabric as the motivation to get cracking!

I love sewing books but I'm not a fan of tracing patterns. I bought the book Everyday Style by Lotta Jansdotter when it was first released. I made a few projects from the book and I really enjoy them. The Pilvi coat is a project I  have long wanted, but never made. I delayed in part because of the joys tracing patterns, but also because of the Texas weather. As we are beginning to transition into cooler temperatures, I thought now would be the perfect time to make it.

I used the Black Dots Sparkle to make this unlined raglan sleeve coat. 

Once traced, the construction of this project was a breeze. It does not have set in sleeves or a lining making it a good starter coat project.

I omitted the suggested button in favor of making a pressed and tacked lapel from the facing.

To add a bit of interest, I added the Main Black Sparkle as an accent to the underside of the sleeve. It gives me the option to flip it up for fun contrast. 

There is so much shine to this fabric. It is saturated, intense and holds up well to washing. It gives a simple jeans and tank outfit an extra kick. 

Have you procrastinated on a sewing project because of a tedious part? I encourage you to do like I did, get over it! Make it! Love it!

Happy Sewing,

Bianca