Pattern review - the Marjorie empire waist dress by Love Sewing Magazine

I just finished this dress for my "little sister's" (Big Brother Big Sister) quinceañera this coming weekend.  This is a FREE pattern from the UK Love Sewing Magazine.  I think I first saw it on Pinterest and was surprised it was a free pdf pattern.  Of course, you have to create an account on their website.  The one caveat is that there are no instructions.  You have to buy the particular issue in which it was featured to get the instructions - totally fair.  If you are an experienced sewer, you can easily put this dress together.

I worked methodically to get a good fit with this dress, trying it on and altering it each step of the way.  I love the end result.  I really like the vintage silhouette:  the empire waist, gathers, and A line skirt.  What I didn't like in the end were the sleeves.  They were slight bell shaped and much longer.  I felt like the dress needed to show a bit more skin so I shortened and narrowed the sleeves.  I used a beautiful woven blue stretch linen and viscose fabric by Theory from Mood Fabrics (seems sold out).  

I'll be honest, when I first put this dress on, I felt it was a bit Handmaid's Tale.  However, I decided to try it with a few different pairs of shoes and the outfit completely changed.  

Shoes, Shoes, glorious shoes.  They are a weakness of mine.  These are 5" stilettos by SJP (SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker).  These shoes are beautiful and I don't get to wear them often.  They are tall.  I plan to wear them to the quinceañera mass earlier in the day.  The second pair (which I'll wear to the reception) are from Zara.  They are made with an interesting tapestry fabric and have a much lower heel.  They'll be very comfy and dance friendly.

Lastly, I love putting my own label into the clothes I make.  It adds both a personal and finishing touch to the garment.  I have labels left over from my previous business but you can get personalized labels from Etsy or simpler ones at your local fabric/craft stores or Amazon.

What is your favorite dress silhouette? 

Sewing with color

I just finished this sheath, Vogue #1544, which will go into cocktail rotation as soon as the weather cools a bit.  The standing collar makes the dress feel a bit more appropriate for fall weather.  What I like about shapeless dresses like this is that it is so comfy but, if styled right, can still be very stylish and sexy.  I'll wear this with a great pair of slinky heels and chunky bracelets.

Since I primarily buy clothes in black, I tend to buy fabric in colors.  This is a deep purple crepe I had in my stash.  Unfortunately, I don't remember where I purchased it.

Changes I made:  I didn't add the lining because I like to wear slips with the dresses and find most linings annoying.  I didn't add a zipper because the neck opening was large enough to slip the dress over my head.  More importantly, I opt for no zipper any time I can because I'm too lazy to run to the store to buy one.  In many cases, a zipper isn't needed especially in dresses that aren't body hugging.

Overall, I'm pretty pleased and will certainly wear it which is what matters most.

Are there shortcuts you use when sewing?

A post shared by Sophie, Lola & Zeus (@thedemersdogs) on Sep 7, 2017 at 3:57pm PDT

Sewing dresses for spring and the year of the statement sleeve

I can't seem to stop sewing dresses, particularly summer dresses.  I'm clearly longing for warmer weather, backyard parties, and cocktails on a terrace.  So here are two of my latest finished projects:

I don't typically go for romantic details.  I mostly lean toward very tailored and minimal design.  However, the current "statement sleeve" trend (#yearofthesleeve) has my attention.  Flounce, bell, long or short, I can't resist this fun new detail.

The Burda pattern (Flounce Dress 12/2016 #107) turned out better than I thought it would.  I was certain the pleat and flounce detailing would push my perfectionist button to the point of no return.  It really taught me to slow down and take one step at a time.  I was pleasantly pleased with the result.  I used a beautiful crepe fabric from Mood Fabrics.  The drape and weight is perfect and will make this dress fun and comfortable to wear.  I did have issues with the pattern sleeves (as did another reviewer) and re-designed them to match the flounce detail.  I also didn't want to add a zipper so I left a 5" opening and added a pearl button and thread loop.  I think this detail is better than a zipper for this dress.

Next up...

I can tell Butterick B5211 is going to be a favorite.  It's a casual sheath dress with pockets and a few sleeve variations.  I can see many different hacks to this pattern in the future.  This dress was made with blue coral and oxford tan diamond printed polyester crepe from Mood Fabrics.

Again, I opted out of putting in a zipper and added a pearl button with thread loop.  It makes the dress lighter and adds a delicate detail to the design.  Also, zippers are time consuming and I never have enough in my supply.  So, full disclosure, I was too lazy to run to he fabric store.

As for the sleeves...the stitching on the elastic hems were visible so I tucked and tacked them under for a more pronounced balloon effect.  Add some funky wedge heels or strappy flats and this dress will go from dinner out to backyard party easily. Now, I just need an occasion to wear it.

I'm fairly new to the online sewing community (mostly on Instagram), so don't hesitate to introduce yourself. I look forward to meeting you.

Five Fab Finds from Etsy by Crafted by Lindy

makemeadress

 PrettyTape

 riverwestconcern

 homespunireland

RockTheCustardPrints

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and daughter. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here]

Bling - by Crafted by Lindy - Fab Finds from Etsy

Top to Bottom, Left to Right

1. upper arm band armlet arm cuff bracelet gold - museglass

2. Vintage Gold Turquoise Teal Rimmed High Ball Glasses Tumblers - tearinguphouses

3. 100 Edible GOLD Crowns, wafer paper, edible glitter - SweetDejaVu

4. Ode to Belle - Vintage Yellow - gold-dress gown - threadoverheels

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5. 1960s Gold Heels / 60s Shoes / Cocktail Party - wildfellhallvintage

6. GOLD Deco Poly Mesh Roll - thotdesign

7. Vintage Lace Bow Headband - paperdollaccessories

8. Vintage gold feather pin - GraceMattie

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and daughter. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here]

Just Because - by Crafted by Lindy - Fab Finds from Etsy

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1. Zuny Leather Reindeer Deer - BeeJayKay

2. 1970's Vintage Peignoir Robe in Coffee and Cream - dreamdate

3. Cable Knit Mug Cozy - Pumpkin Spice - waysideviolet

4. Grey Key - archival print of watercolor painting - reneeanne

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5. Red Fox Sculpture Sitting in A Woodland Glen - iktomi

6. Needle Felted Monkey Ball WOOLY Toy - asherjasper

7. Vintage mustard kitchen scale - AnnaLouVintage

8. Super tiny felted hedgehog - wild animals miniatures - RutaFelt

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and daughter. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here]

Seeing Red

Inspired by my earlier post, I'm now seeing RED:

1.  Old lady swear words print by sianuska
2. Red dress by annapopovich
3.  Steel coat hook by pmcustom
4.  Photo print by bomobob
5.  Embroidery hoop fiber art by sometimesiswirl

Why Not - by Crafted by Lindy - Fab Finds from Etsy

 Top to Bottom, Left to Right

1. Rainy Day Blue - ImagineStudio

2. Handmade Rustic Oak Leaf Tags for Wedding Favors - peaseblossomstudio

3. Bunny Greeting Card set of 4 easter spring blank note - Bunderful

4. Spring flowers - Asymmetrical sundress in mint green floral and red toile - TheMeasure

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5.  GROW Little House Village - thelittlereddoor

6. Vintage 60s Navy Cotton Linen Mini Summer Dress - aiseirigh

7. wood ring. maple wood - somethingshidinghere

8. Cotton paper origami lampshade - nellianna

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and daughter. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here]

Pretty Doilies - by Crafted by Lindy - Fab Finds from Etsy

Add to edit:  Blogger went down for several hours and all posts from 5/12/11 were lost.  I've re-posted and added the comments I could find.  If you left a comment and it is not included here, please leave another.  Thanks!

 
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1. Coaster crochet handmade lace beige cream doily DANCING FLOWERS - antoniyakoleva

2. That Vintage Lace - Earrings - Tasmanian Myrtle - sophiehillartist

3. summer garden pillow cover no. 17, moss green 18"x18" - Tuuni

4. S is for SALE square doily coasters with natural woodgrain - uncommon

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5. Taupe hemp a line pinafore with doily feature 0-6 months - SirTomBaby

6. 5types of Paper Doilies Package (20 sheets) - romanticPINK

7. Teapot thinking of you card - seaglasspapercrafts

8. Time for Tea - vintage doilie embroidery hoop - spring green - louloudo

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and daughter. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here]

I'm seeing red this week

The kids were seeing red today.  This was the second time, in several weeks, that didn't get a snow day while the rest of Rhode Island did.  They'll be very happy when they get out of school a day or so earlier than everyone else this summer.

I was seeing red this week on the internet.  These are a few of the things I found in my travels.

1.  Red dress by Alexander McQueen. 
on sale for $609.00 (was $1535.00)

2.  Red wire and black leather necklace by hypho, $120.00

3.  Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua, $15.00

4.  Suede party heels by Kate Spade, $298.00

5.  Candy apple red coin purse by Definition of Self, $26.00

6.  Red stairs with cat photo by Marite2007

7.  Art print by Shira Sela, $20.00

Plaid - posted by Crafted by Lindy - Fab Finds from Etsy

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1. Kinies Ruffled Waist Purse in BEIGE and NAVY BLUE Plaid - Kinies

2. The Highlander VERTICAL - Plaid Wool Fabric - Unisex Messenger Bag with Leather - Kibber

3. the picnic scarf in red and white. - miss indie

4. Autumn picnic dress, made to order - Ananemone

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5. Picnic Perfect Plaid Ruffled Rosette - Vintage Fabric New Hairflower - Agenda Hidden

6.  Plaid Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt - Wind and Turn

7. red plaid bow tie for little guys and girls - sewfairycute

8. Red Plaid Daisy Earrings - mad candy

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and new baby girl. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here.]

My Umbrella - posted by Crafted by Lindy - Fab Finds from Etsy

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1. Black Dress with applique-Red Umbrellas - ZoeChen

2. Sous la pluie Print 8 x 11.5 - teconlene

3. Red Umbrella -- 3D Mobile - Gosh and Golly

4. EVERGREENS (white) (womens extra small) - Cubist Literature

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1. Girl with Umbrella - 40x40, Framed, Matted, Behind Glass - Eddie O'Bryan Photo

2. It will not rain over me - 8x10 Print - Runaway Dreams

3. Rainy Days Laser Button Ring in Red and White - Kellie Christie

4. kids organic messenger bag / raining rainbows - Sewn Natural

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and new baby girl. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here.]