Zebra Blush Bliss

 

I know what I like and what I don't like, but I am always open to changing my mind. Animal prints have for years been firmly in the "don't like" category. There is no logic or rationale behind that assessment, just a preference. Recently however, Riley Blake Designs released some new animal print collections that made me radically rethink my thoughts on them. My previous post showcased my new dress using "On Safari" where my new obsession began.

I am really excited to see that Mimi G designed a new fabric collection with Riley Blake Designs. Her fun animal print collection includes knits and rayon challis in fun and unexpected color combinations. 

Of all the options available, I chose the Zebra Blush Rayon with an eye to make a maxi dress using a vintage pattern. 

I decided on Mccalls 4765 which has been in my stash for many years waiting for the perfect fabric. I love the maxi-length, neckline detail and front ties for shaping. I chose to make view A with a modified sleeve from view B.

I loved the original dress design, but found it impractical for my day-to-day life. I decided to switch it up to make it more casual as a front-split tunic. This simple modification only required leaving the front open below the waistline and finishing the raw edges.

I added an elastic casing to the hems of the sleeves instead of the cuffs suggested by the pattern. These felt a bit more relaxed and sweet, perfect for the color and drape of the luscious fabric. 

I love this piece! The fabric makes me happy and the modification to the ordinary pattern feels fun and fresh. 

Is there a fabric, technique, or style you have been reluctant to consider? Do you have a hard and fast rule against it or just a vague preference, like I did? What's it going to take to have you rethink it? I hope you do and love the result like I do!

Happy Sewing,

Bianca

Estate Sale Treasures

On my previous post Fourkid commented that I should look for a Singer 201 machine to sew leather. I read her review, took her advice and did a quick search online and found an estate sale that was selling one. I did not find the listing until 4:45p.m. on Friday evening and the sale was ending at 5. I planned to be there when does opened at 10 a.m. on Saturday and made it. Unfortunately, the machine was gone already sold to some fortunate soul. I was sorely disappointed, but decided to look around and see want other offerings were available.

I found these vintage patterns.

Little Miss wants an Easter dress.

Love this Maxi Dress with double sleeves!

I love the shorts romper. Is it too young?

I love the collar on that cape.

Summer is coming!

Oh, I love view 2.

View 2 here

Umm, cannot explain what I love here, but look at those sleeves

Okay, omit the bolero, make a sleeveless maxi dress with an ultra wide tie belt in front. Use a solid  top and print skirt.

This maxi dress will take some size adjustments but I will give it a try.

I have not made a swimsuit yet, but this one will be the one.

In addition to those patterns, take a look at this hand-stitched appliqued skirt. 

It is made in India and tells quite a story. Look at all the wonderful workmanship that went into this.

I think the fish pond is my favorite section.

The best treasure of the day was meeting Rhonda and Donna of Blue Willow Estate Sales. These ladies were such a delight to talk with. We talked about sewing, quilting, and pursuing ones' passions. Sometimes you meet people and you know they are kindred. If my hubby hadn't taken the kids to the car and a line wasn't forming behind me, I could have chatted with them all day.  

 

I did not find my dream sewing machine, but all in all, I would say was a great day!

Happy Sewing!

Alabama Chanin Inspired Halter Top

Last week Alabama Chanin had a one day sale on their halter. Instead of $145 it was on sale for $120! It is a simple unembellised darling of a top, perfect for summer.  After stitching away at the last few stenciled pieces, I needed a cool down project. I liked the halter but thought back is too bare for me. I knew I could use the A.C. top as a guide for my own creation. I love sewing retro patterns and knew I had one that would fit the bill.
I flipped through my pattern stash and found this out of print Simplicity 9930 top pattern. I love all of the tops pictured and will surely make the others in time. I especially love the puffed sleeve tee on the woman with the 'fro.

For my A.C. inspired halter, I decided to sew the top here. I love the angle of the neckline and shoulder exposure. The back is cut in the same silhouette.

I bought an embroidery stitches booklet at a resale store. It gives pictorial instructions on completing 100 embroidery stitches. I was familiar with some stitches, but not others and decided this top was a perfect pallet to try a new one.

I decided on the wheatear stitch.

 Here is the finished product!

Stitch detail

Back Details

Here is my review:

Pattern Description: Misses’ Tops
Pattern Sizing: 14 with a bust of 36 inches. Based on those measurements I graded down by about four inches around.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn’t use them as I hand sewed it in Alabama Chanin style.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  

I love the angle of the neckline and ease of completing it. It is not a complicated pattern.

Fabric Used: Tan jersey cotton

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I hand sewed it with button/ craft thread and felled the seams to the inside. I bound the armholes with bias strips and secured them using a “wheatear” embroidery stitch. I stitch I learned while making this!  
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I am very happy with this top! I will make it again. It was really fast to construct. If I use a stitch I know, I can make one in an evening.
Conclusion: Good pattern to use as an A.C. base and the other intended tops. 

Happy Sewing!

Bianca