Yes, I had a bit of a set back. Β As soon as I returned from my lazy holiday in Mexico my back went out. Β Walking is fine, standing is fine. Β That’s about it. Β So … no sitting in my sewing chair. Β π
I couldn’t help but dream, browse, and plan my future projects though … andΒ I started seriouslyΒ searching for my DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER outfit. Β I know DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER is far away yet, but I am not the type of person to leave anything to the last minute.
I started my search looking forΒ designer fashion on Pinterest. Β I managed to “pin” quite a few favourite dresses and jackets to my DESIGNER FASHION board.
I have already seen sewists on Instagram adding lace collars to their makes, so this design is not that far off.
Here is anotherΒ simple dress with special neckline.
How about a lace yoke? or appliques?
How about this vintage pattern?
Stolen right from the runway … isn’t this the most exquisite design you have ever seen?
For those of you with the talent to reuse, remake and recycle – how about this design? Β It’s beyond beautiful!
Then I found THE ONE for me! Β The beginning of my DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER contribution! Β This company (zasue.com) makes beautiful HaoriΒ jackets. Β Take a look at their website here.
And again, THIS ONE would look lovely with myΒ HaoriΒ jacket. Β But if I made this one, I would have to alter it to a skirt and a top, instead of the dress. Β I always gravitate towards making dresses, but I usually onlyΒ wearΒ skirts and tops. Β Makes no sense whatsoever! Β I should make this, but in two pieces. Β It can be easily done.
Just look at the pleat onΒ the back and the little bow at the top!
Next to searchΒ for the perfect fabrics. Β On the way to Mexico, I made a stop in Langley, B.C. and found this – a blue and cream printed upholstery fabric for my HaoriΒ jacket (unknown fibres unfortunately) and a 100% polyester called “Samantha Solids”. Β A lovely shade of blue, but when I got home, it just seemed a bitΒ lightweight. Β Then on another road trip I found this 62% polyester/33% rayon Ponti Di Roma. Β It’s actually a darker royal blue than this photo shows and a heavier weight than the 100% polyester. Β I think it will be more suitable for a top and skirt.
NowΒ … which patterns?Β I’ve already made two beach cover ups with this pattern, McCall’s M7200, here and here, so it is familiar to me and would work well for my HaoriΒ jacket.
For the dress, I’m going to start with this pattern, McCall’s M7574, butΒ make the dress into two pieces. Β There areΒ already instructions, etc. to make theΒ top only in this pattern.
When tracing the pattern and cutting the fabric, I used the shape of the top of the dress for my top …
and made the skirt from the shape of the bottom of the dress.
When it came to the pleat in the back of the top, I added an extra inch on to the back seam at the fold line. Β I’ll show you how it looks when I sew it up. Β This pattern has the funniest shaped sleeves I have ever seen, but I can already see how they go together.
So, unfortunately, no sewing this last week, but I did trace a few patterns and cut out a few fabrics for future projects, including DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER, standing at the kitchen table!
Have you been thinking about DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER? Β If you are curious, check it out here and here. Β Elle Gee Makes and Emma and her Machine have already got their entries finished!
Happy Sewing!
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