Striped Willow top

Somehow several months have disappeared since I last posted but, such is life, right?

I had the chance to attend Sewjourn with my sister and some of her friends and it was amazing - I had the best time.  So for the first time ever I actually have a backlog of projects to show you, I just need to get them photographed.  I'm someone that likes to take photos as I wear the items so I have to hope that I have a willing photographer, daylight and that I've managed to keep my clothes semi-clean during the day.  Not always an easy combination for me to achieve!
 

This little top is a winner.  It's the Willow top/dress from Grainline Studio.  I've made a straight size 14.  I think my bust measurement was between a 12 and a 14 and I sized up.  I could probably get away with a 12 but I'm happy with the way this fits.

I've used a cotton/linen blend cut on the cross grain because I wanted the stripes running horizontally (sorry Mum, I know you hate that!)  I was inspired by this top on Pinterest.

There is no stripe matching on this top!  I can only assume the stripes were off grain because despite my best efforts there was no way I could get them to line up without skewing the top.  If you look closely you can see that even the bust darts end on a different stripe which just drives me crazy.

Fit wise I'm pretty happy with this straight out of the envelope.  I think the bust dart could be raised a little bit for the next version, and there will be a next version.  I've worn this twice in the last 7 days so it's definitely worth a second go.

A new work wardrobe staple - Style Arc Dotty blouse

Have you ever tried something on mid-make and thought that it wasn't going to work?  Well that was me with this top.  I tried it on before I attached the sleeves and thought it was pretty meh.  Even when it was finished I was undecided about whether I liked it or not.

Fortunately I packed it in my bag to take to a work conference and I fell in love with it.  This top feels feminine and classy.  I'm turning into a real Style Arc fan girl, their patterns are so good!

This is the Style Arc Dotty blouse in a straight size 14.  No adjustments or changes, I didn't even add extra length which is so unusual for me!  I've used a poly crepe from Darn Cheap Fabrics which has a great handle and feels really nice.

The pattern suggests adding a press stud to the cross over at the front but I've left that off, I'm happy wearing a cami underneath.  I did think that I could get away without a cami but when the wind blows you see everything - so maybe not!  It does need a silky cami though, I'm wearing one of those seamless microfiber ones and you can see that the fabric grabs at the top, particularly over the bust.

There's really not a lot to say about this pattern.  It's a pretty quick sew, goes together beautifully and I really like the gentle gathers at the back and on the sleeve hems.  The back neckline and yoke are finished using the burrito method which provides a lovely clean finish.  It's just a really great top, I've already worn it twice in two weeks so I know it's a winner for me.

July has been a massive month for our family - our oldest daughter turned 18 and we hosted two parties at our place for her, we've had house guests and we've had really crappy health news for my Dad and my brother-in-law so there wasn't much sewing time and there wasn't a lot of desire to sew either.

August is looking much better and I have plans to spend Friday sewing all day long, I can't wait to sew up that Vogue blouse I listed in my July plans post.

July Plans

I really want to blog my Style Arc Josie hoodie but I haven't had a chance to take photos, either the weather hasn't cooperated or it has been in the wash, so it's a planning post.  Hoodie coming soon!

My usual style is to make a list a mile long, that's not particularly realistic, and then get frustrated when I don't get it all done.  Crazy, right?  This month I'm going for something a little more realistic, just three things.

Style Arc Dotty Blouse 
This one's already cut out and ready to go.  I actually cut it out last month but then my mojo evaporated and I didn't sew a stitch.  I'm using a really beautiful ivory crepe like fabric from Darn Cheap Fabric.  I'm taking a risk here, the fabric is 100% poly - which I normally stay clear of - but this feels really lush so I'm giving it a go.

Vogue 9204 blouse
I've been feeling so cold at work lately so more long sleeve tops are an absolute necessity.  This top looks really versatile and I have a gorgeous green viscose from Darn Cheap Fabrics picked out for this one.  I'm planning on making view B.

Ginger Jeans
My love for this pattern has no bounds.  I've lost count of how many times I've made it, and despite wanting a black pair of skinny jeans for months, I held off on sewing these up because I thought I should try something different.  Then I realised I was being silly - this pattern works for me so I'm making it happen.  These are already half sewn up.

This denim also came from Darn Cheap Fabrics.  I purchased all three fabrics (and a piece of lace I hope to use soon) back in May when my mum, sister and I had a shopping trip on my birthday weekend.  I've indulged in a little fabric retail therapy to kick start my mojo so I'll be really happy to see these plans become a reality and the fabric move out of my stash and into my wardrobe.