Wow, it’s been awhile. My lack of posts over the last few months is puzzling even to me. I suppose it’s a consequence of the pandemic. During the lockdown, I found myself lacking motivation as I struggled to find a new routine for my days. I never intended to stop writing and blogging. It just sort of happened. But since being vaccinated, I’m feeling more energized and hopeful. Do you feel it too? I do hope we’ll all back to a pleasant routine soon. In any event, I do love talking about sewing and fabric and our lovely community of sewists. So, onward!
It’s no secret that I love to sew with Liberty Cotton Lawn. Over the years, I’ve purchased more than a few yards of their pretty prints. Because I love them so, I never toss out any of the lovely little bits at the end of a project. As you can imagine, over the years I’ve accumulated quite a stash of Liberty remnants! What to do…? Sew from my stash, of course.
At first, I was intimidating by my mountain of remnants. But when I tossed a few favorites onto my cutting table, I saw a trend….the color theme was dominated by blue and gray. Yes, my color choices tend to be somewhat boring at times, but the good news is the prints in my stash naturally work together.
My first attempt was an Grainline Archer using three liberty prints.
I played around with ideas for awhile, but ended up using one dark remnant for the cuffs, the front button placket and the collar, another for the front and back yoke. An added benefit of using a darker print for the button placket is that the white buttons really pop against the navy. The Liberty print I used for the bodice is called Thorpe, a classic print that comes in many different colors.
For my second attempt, I used a pattern that’s new this year, the Harriet Blouse, a pattern designed by Mijke of @sewitcurly. This pattern has so many details that make it perfect for pattern mixing! It has lovely curved yokes, deep cuffs and a rounded collar. I used two Liberty prints for this one.
I was impressed by how well drafted this pattern is! With regard to fit, I didn’t have to make any adjustments, but just cut my usual size. I modified the style a bit. Instead of long sleeves, I shortened them to three quarter and self drafted a small cuff. Because I plan on wearing this when the weather is warm, shorter sleeves were a better choice for me. I do love the puffy sleeves on this one!
It was such fun to play with these prints. I used to think that florals as a wardrobe choice was limiting, but I find these timeless classic prints look good with everything. I can’t wait to try a bit of mixing and matching on another project!
Happy sewing and thanks for stopping by.
Hi All – – When I saw the sketches of the new Bonnie Top from Sew over It London I was thrilled. If you’re like me, you have a closet full of high waisted pants/skirts, but no tops to go with. I knew that this lovely ‘cropped’ top would fill a hole in my wardrobe. Not only that, but the Bonnie top has pleats! 
The Bonnie has a 1940s vibe with its defined waist, button up front and vertical pleats. It has a cute flat collar and short sleeves with little turn-up cuffs, a design detail that is subtle but effective. I like that the button placket is concealed – – it makes it a bit more polisihed – – a top that can go to a dress up event. There’s a dress version as well that has a knee length gathered skirt and a comfortable elastic waist. I do love the pleats, but if you want a faster make, there’s a version of the Bonnie without pleats too. I know there will be a version of that view in my future.
I love my new Bonnie top and plan to wear it with my high waisted skirts (
I’m so impressed with the fit of this dress! There isn’t a gap at the front and the neckline is just right, not too low like some patterns. I cut the size my measurements indicated and it fit perfectly, without any adjustments, always a win if you ask me:). Assembling the dress is pretty straightforward. Unlike some other wrap dresses I’ve tried, this pattern has one long front facing which makes it easy to stitch this dress together quickly. The two front bodices are mirror images of each other (rather than one bodice cut wide and one narrow to make the wrap), so the wrap closure is secure and comfortable to wear. The sleeves set in beautifully. The tie is attached to the front facings before they’re stitched together.
I made my dress out of a soft jersey that I found at Modern Domestic here in Portland (also on-line). It’s the loveliest fabric to wear and sew with – – if only I could wear this dress all the time. It has just the right amount of two way stretch for the Meredith Dress. Really, any stretchy knit will do! I could imagine this in a silky rayon knit, or in a scuba knit too.
Based on my measurements, I chose a size small, and found it to be perfect. There isn’t alot of ‘fuss’ to the instructions, which I often find confuses me more than helps. They were complete and easy to understand. With each style, there’s a pattern layout chart, and construction steps with a few diagrams. Everything was pretty straightforward on this pattern so I didn’t find any challenges. The sleeve is finished with a cuff, the button tab is folded fabric, and the collar is simply drafted and sewn in place.
I’ve really enjoyed the #sew happy color challenge on Instagram. It’s inspired so many lovely posts by members of our sewing community! The premise of the challenge (created by @katiekortmanart
