First SWAP item finished

Here is what I am planning for swap.  In my last post I put that I was making a blue yoga skirt.  I forgot that I had already changed that to a gray striped ruffled skirt as seen in the Sandra Betzina pattern on the left.

 So, in the first pattern, I have the blouse already cut out - view on the left.  Dress in the DKNY pattern - finished (pix below)  Pants, have a muslin pair cut  and skirt will be a gray stripe.

The Silhouette patterns twin set will be a gray and white fine sweater knit - both pieces.  The #95 is shown in a chiffon on the pattern envelope, but I've seen in in a heavier boucle type fabric, which is what I'm doing.  The cowl top will be in the blue and gray sweater knit that I've had waiting to make this pattern for a couple of years now!

The LH Ascona pant I've already made in a gray RPL.  I like the shape of this pattern, but have had a bit of a time getting the fit right.  I really want to try it again, but probably after I finish all the other swap items.  The CJP keyhole top is reversible in the sleeveless version.  I may also use it for a long sleeve tee without the keyhole.  Of course, I'll probably get one or two items made and then change my mind again!  Oh well.  I'm hoping to get some pieces made up so that I can have things that go together.  That's why I'm sticking to a boring Navy, Gray and Cream pallet here.  

Here are some pix about the finished DKNY dress:

I am pretty happy with how this dress came out.  The fit is good, and it is one of the simplest dresses I've made.  The back neckline is finished before the front and back are sewn together.  There is just a strip of fabric that is used for a facing, turned under, and stitched.  The front neckline is left unfinished as it is just turned in to the inside.  You could finish it, but since knits don't ravel, there is really no point.  However, I like how all the other seams are double stitched.

You can see the raw edge on the front facing here on the left.

This is the waist and center back seam.  There are no side seams, except from the waist to the under arm. 

 Even the hem and the sleeves are double top stitched. 

I really like how there are no side seams on the skirt portion.  On a large print like this (or even in a solid color) it gives a nice, clean unbroken line.

I don't know why I've put off making this dress.  It really turned out well and I'm happy with the fabric that I chose.  I don't normally pick large scale prints like this, but this one just called out to me!

Here's the back view:

We had a great time going out to dinner tonight, and although it was a splurge for the beginning of the year, it was well worth it. Now, it will be back to good eating and smaller portions!!

We acted like tourists and had the waitress take our picture!  It was so fun.  Unfortunately, my hair was having a mind of its own!  

Getting Started Early

Since I did hardly any sewing for 2014, I'm counting anything I make now for 2015!   I'm strongly considering doing the 2015 SWAP over at Stitcher's Guild.  One of the things I want to make is this Tom and Linda Platt top from Vogue 1415.  I have something called "Eurostretch crepe" which is a rayon blend.  No idea where I got it.  It's cream colored.  I think it will be perfect.

I never know how these things are going to look on me, so I decided to make a wearable muslin.  I'm absolutely in love with cotton lawn and buy it whenever I find a piece that I like.  I'm pretty sure that I got this piece at Stone Mountain Daughter in Berkley at the last PR weekend that I attended.  I'm really happy with how this turned out.

This was actually quite easy and fast.  The one thing a new sewist would need to know is that all it says is to sew in the sleeve.  There is quite a bit that needs to be eased in, and they do not have you run an ease line.  I was able to ease it in by sewing with the sleeve down and adjusting tension with my fingers, but someone new to sewing may not know how to do this.  Other than that, everything was super simple.  There are no darts in this pattern, and although there was plenty of circumference, I added a little over an inch to the front hem to add length over the bust.  

So, today I cut out the cream colored crepe, I cut out a dress from V1250, a DKNY dress that I've made once before.  I bought this fabric specifically to make this dress (probably at the same PR weekend) so I'm glad it's finally going to happen.  I'm a little concerned because the fabric does not have as much stretch as the last one I made (and I have a bit more width than the last time!)  I added a about 1.5" in the circumference, so I hope that will be enough.  I have to get this dress made this week because I'm wearing it next weekend when we go out with some friends.  When Andy and I lived in Visalia, we went out a lot, and it was never a big deal.  Visalia is an out of the way town, but we have a ton of fabulous restaurants.  If you ever go through our area, I can highly recommend 

• Fugazzis
• The Depot
• The Vintage Press
• Watson's (only open for lunch, but great vegetarian food)
• Pita Kabob - three locations, all excellent
• Brewbakers if you're looking for handcrafted brews
• Taj Palace - Indian food - lacking atmosphere, but great food
• Several sushi restaurants.  Our favorites are Gozen and Sake
• Plus a slew of mexican restaurants and chain restaurants (Olive Garden, Chilis, Panera, Wild Wings, etc)

Well, I can go on forever on that, but the point is, now when we go out to dinner, it IS a big deal.  There are several restaurants in Three Rivers, but unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend any of them.  Well, I take that back.  Sierra Subs has GREAT sandwiches and unusual menu items, but they're usually closed by the time I get home from work.  So, we're going for a big night out on the town with some friends next week and I want to have a new dress.  Here's a preview on the left.

I love the brushstroke fabric!

Well, I haven't done a lot of sewing, but I did do some crocheting for Christmas.  Made a couple of hats.

And, a beautiful alpaca/merino shawl/mobius scarf for my daughter.  I was really disappointed with the yarn because it sheds like crazy.  It is super soft and warm though.  The color is gray, but it looks almost white in the picture. 

Oh, and I did sew an ipad cover for my sister in law.  These are a pain in the butt, so I hope I don't make any more of them.  I made them for 3 of my coworkers after I made my own and said "never again."  Well, never came, but I hope that's it!