my take on the trends: neon and lace

No, you don't need to adjust your monitor... that's actually pretty close to the real color of this top! I've been thinking about trying the neon trend in a simple tank like this. I was leaning towards a vibrant pink, but having a hard time finding the right shade that would look good on me in a nice fabric. But then while checking out Anthropologie (for the first time!) in Philadelphia I saw a gorgeous silk tank in a super-bright, vibrant coral. Perfect! Oh, did I want to buy that tank! But I didn't, and later in the trip exploring Fabric Row (very cool!) my sister found the near identical color on a crowded shop shelf! For only $6/yard! And in a lovely, drapey rayon.... I love rayon. It's not exactly a neon, but super-bright! It's almost a red, and almost a coral, and almost like the most vibrant, dark watermelon you've ever seen... yum! And probably more flattering on me than a traditional neon would be.

This is another version of the Ella Tank I recently pattern tested for Liola Patterns. This time I cut a size small and shortened it about 1.5" at the waistline. I also decided to take advantage of the yoke design feature to play with another trend: lace! Lace on neon coral? Ummm... yes!

I always have a hard time with this style of finishing the arm and neck openings; making a bias strip that is turned under and sewn to conceal the raw edge, almost like a very thin facing. I can never get it to lay flat when worn, or end up pressing little wrinkles along the neckline to make it lie flat (any tips would be totally appreciated!). I wish I had bound it similar to my fishy tank or Lemon Drop Top where the bias binding is exposed on both sides, like you would bind a quilt. It would be especially nice with this lovely, light rayon! I also made a few wrinkles on one section of my narrow hem:

When altering the pattern I did not take any length out above the bust or from the straps, and decided that a low neckline would be ok with this kind of drapey, summer top. But, once constructed I discovered that the bust points were also way too low. How did I not notice that the last time I made it? So I had to take up the straps after I'd already bound the neck and arm openings, tacking them down so it doesn't show too bad:

So now the side seam doesn't hang straight, but oh well. Still a very cool, comfortable almost-perfect summer top. I'll make sure to lower the straps and arm opening evenly on both the front and back pattern pieces before I cut out my fabric next time I make this top. Then the fit should be just perfect!

fast sewing & slow sewing

First off... NO ONE ENTERED MY GIVEAWAY!  :(  A friend mentioned that maybe all of you readers were sewing admirers, but not sewists yourself. That got me wondering... how many of my readers sew? Let me know below if you'd care to share. And now... on to the sewing!

First: fast sewing!

This week I was making a costume for a friend that was totally kicking my butt! It was an easy design, but I was going without a pattern and using these awful-to-sew-with costume fabrics; slippery metallics and inexpensive sheers. I needed a quick sewing pick-me-up after that!

Enter the slouchy, lacy t-shirt! Kimono sleeves, simple banded cuff and neck binding, 4 pattern pieces and 11 total lines of stitching, mostly done on my serger. It took me about a hour from start to finish, a perfect palette cleanser after the gold and sheer orange monstrosity! (Which actually came out just fine and my friend was super pleased....)

I used New Look 6216, view B with the cuffed sleeve for a little extra length. I forget how much I like New Look patterns. They always seem to have simple, stylish designs that are easy to make your own, and are always affordable. 

This was my first time installing a narrow band for the neckline on the serger (and probably only my 2nd or 3rd time doing this finish on any machine!). I didn't do a great job. The band width ended up very uneven, but It was a good learning experience and doesn't bother me enough to not wear the shirt. I also made the pattern size I measure at, which is actually a size or two bigger than what I usually make, so it's nice and slouchy! For solid, everyday t-shirts I'd make a smaller size. 

Now the slow sewing...

Inspired by a pin on pinterest.com, I'm making McCalls 6503, view D in a woven, grey, linen-like fabric (not sure the fabric content, probably a synthetic or synthetic blend) that I picked up for free from my mom's stash! I got the pattern on sale at Joann Fabrics and only had to buy thread, buttons, and a zipper, so the whole dress is costing me under $6! On this project I'm really taking my time to practice good technique; hand basting the placket, pressing each step, finishing every seam. So far I have most of the bodice constructed and it's looking very nice! Setting sleeves will take a little time because I have very narrow shoulders, but I'm giving myself that time to pay close attention, working on it a hour or two at a time.

AND let myself take a break from this dress to whip out a fast project whenever I have the need to make something quick!

me-made-may '13 - may 19th - 23rd

Still going strong!

On May 21st I wore my slim, lace print skirt to work with a black t-shirt and purple-y cardigan. This was one of my earlier makes, and wearing it again this week I can see how far I've come in my sewing skills in just a few months! The fit isn't quite right and the zipper is sewn a little bit bumpy. But the print camouflages most of that so it still look good and I'll wear it again!

I wore my new McCalls 6751 and I love this fabric! I paired it with skinny jeans and a red cardigan.  As I mentioned in a previous post, I  have to wear a black cami under so that my bra doesn't show with the deep V int ha back. BUT I'VE ALSO DISCOVERED that the straps like to slide off my shoulder... another reason for the cami! 

me-made-may '13 - may 14th -18th

Here is my MMM '13 update! I'm doing really well, and finding it easier than I expected to reach for my me-made items when putting an outfit together. It's totally reaffirming my decision to dedicate so much of my free time to making my own garments.

Everyone at work loved my new Butterick 5885 on May 14th! Still too early to go sleeveless, and I was having a hard time figuring out what color cardigan would go with this graphic print. I decided on fuchsia... because fuchsia really goes with everything this season!

I wore my new maxi skirt on May 15th AND 16th. This is SO going to be a summer staple! I've already planned another maxi skirt fro my next project. Given how many times I've work this since just a week ago when I made it, you will be relieved to know that it launders beautifully. :)

On May 17th I wore the purple lace fold-over waistband skirt out shopping with my sister and mom. I dressed it casual with gold flip flops, a white t-shirt and a slouchy, grey sweater. So cute! 

Until later! 

me-made-may '13 - may 1st-7th

How are you doing on your Me-Made-May pledge? I pledged to wear a handmade garment twice a week, and so far so good. On May 1st I wore a made-by-me spring ruffle skirt (yet to be blogged on... but I will!) with a white t-shirt and fuchsia cardigan to work, and on the 3rd I wore my purple lace fold-over waistband skirt..

 

And I'm already on track for this week, as I mad a garment this morning AND wore it in the afternoon/evening! But more on that later...

McCalls 6614 and other projects

Sorry for the long delay! I actually finished my purple lace McCalls 6614 a while ago, but have been too busy to take pictures and post between visiting family and friends over Easter and PAX East. So here it is! Sorry for the wrinkles. I've worn and washed it a couple times and was too lazy to iron it this morning.

 

I also found some fabulous striped jersey on sale at Fabric.com. I used a free pattern from the iCandy Handmade blog to make a fabulous cardigan.

 

Look what a good job I did matching the stripes on the seams and the bands! I started it on my mothers serger (until I somehow broke the tension), then finished the front band an cuffs on my own regular machine, including the purple top-stitching. I wear a cardigan almost every day to work, so I was super pleased to find this pattern! I wore it to work and got tons of compliments, even before they knew that I made it!

Next post: McCalls 6359! I made it for my sister, so I'll be up on the blog as soon as she gets it!

what's rachel sewing today?

Leftover purple jersey, causual pattern, sexy lace side panels... you'll just have to wait and see how it all comes together!

meeting my sewing goals: i'm going to put a fold-over waistband on everything

I mean, really? Is there anything more comfortable? My most worn RTW skirt is a black jersey skirt from Old Navy with a fold-over waistband (actually, there have been at least 3, because I wear them to threads and have to replace them). Also, they go with everything, and you can dress them up or down depending on the top.

One of the patterns included with my Sewing With Knits Crafty.com class is for just that kind of knit skirt; simple, a-line, and to-the-knee. You may remember that making some knit garmets was one of my late-winter/early-sping sewing goals. For the first skirt I used the same nice, heavy, jeggings fabric I used for my yoga-jeans, pattern also from Sewing With Knits. It made a great, comfy, casual skirt with that denim look to go with everything.

 The other skirt was made with this beautiful purple lace I picked up at Winmil Fabrics in Boston. My original plan per my pervious blog post was to use New Look 6053, that I'd used previously on my slim, black and white lace print skirt (I know, I know! A lot of lace! It's ok, it's totally on trend!). This particular lace had a good stretch to it, and since I'm enamored with making knit garments I thought this would be a nice little added challenge. AND, I had a similar purple jersey in my stash. AND, then I didn't have to put in a zipper. AND, did I mention that a fold-over jersey waistband makes for a WAY more comfortable skirt and so I want to put them on everything? I'm glad I made that choice, because I'm very, very pleased with the results.

 

 I made the lace overlay a little longer than the jersey, boot-length, so the the light will peek through the lace at the bottom of the skirt.

For the lace overlay, I combined the techniques for sewing with stretch and sewing with lace (which I had to look up on youtube because I'd not worked with lace before!). I did a french seam with a nice long stitch that had just a little bit of zig-zag.

I layered the lace on top of the jersey before I stitched up the waistband. It came out perfect, as if it were the same piece of fabric!

Before I sign off I need to put in an extra shout-out to Meg McElwee, the instructor for Sewing With Knits and designer or these awesome patterns, so go check her out. And lastly, didn't those last batch of photos come out great? More to post soon!