My First Spring Sew - TNT Pattern McCall's 6744

We've been hit by a heat wave here and the weather quickly turned my focus from winter sewing to spring sewing even though I have a couple of projects left for winter.  I saw this fabric and couldn't resist.

I used McCall's 6744 View C, a TNT pattern that goes together quickly and is really comfortable.  I feel like it's dressy without being fussy and it works in the heat.  Whew!

Last time I made it I made a skirt with no slit but this time I made it just like the pattern.  This ITY knit from Fabricland (the store I teach at) is black, white and coral.  The fabric flows nicely without clinging but all that flowing can make the slit come open a little more than I like.  I'll sew down the opening about 5" to remedy this...I don't want to surprise anyone.  Uh-hem.

I used a twin needle to finish all the hems and the neckline, and added 5/8" wide fusible knit interfacing to stabilize the front opening.  It keeps it's shape without stretching as I'm wearing it.

It looks like the weather will stay warm for at least another week so I'll be able to enjoy it.

Have you started spring sewing?

Diane

It's Spring at Fabricmart

I'm so happy to be back this month on the Fabricmart blog with my first spring projects, simple and lightweight black pants and a flowy and sophisticated print top.

Inspiration for sewing comes from everywhere and I'm thrilled (like everyone else) that I no longer have to organize stacks of torn out pages from catalogs and magazines but now can save anything that inspires me to my "I Wanna Make This" board on Pinterest, no papers, no mess.  And this outfit today is inspired by one of those pins.

The top is McCall's 7093, a brand new tunic pattern with different color block variations.  I made View A (without the slits) in this geometric viscose print from Fabricmart.

The top is a quick and easy sew and the only changes I made were omitting the slits in the front, taking in the sides 1/2", and adding black bias trim to the neck.  I used the wrong side of some black silk charmeuse I had in my stash.  It can be tricky to get bias trim to be even and I've found that if I ditch the pattern piece and make a free cut, I can have even binding. Here's how I do it:

1. Cut strips of bias at least 1" longer and 1" wider than the neckline pattern piece.
2. Fold fabric in half lengthwise and press.
3. Using a ruler and rotary cutter.  Cut the folded bias strip down to the desired width (see photo).
4. Cut bias same length as the pattern piece and add markings.

Yay!  Even bias strips = Even neckline trim.

I'm sure I will end up making this McCall's pattern over and over.  I always want to wear leggings but never have the right top to go over them.  Finally, I found the perfect blouse for leggings... longer in the back and shorter in the front.

The pants are from one of my "Tried and True" (TNT) patterns, Simplicity 1696.  Now, of all of my TNT pattern types, a pant pattern is most cherished.  A good fitting pair of pants is really hard to come by.

I've made these pants many times before, all with different variations, and this time I used this lightweight cotton twill from Fabricmart , deleted the slash pocket and added 4" to the length.  I ended up with a classic pair of pants that fill a gaping hole in my wardrobe. 

Spring has sprung and I couldn't be happier.  What's your first spring project?

And here's a gratuitous dog picture....he's my photography assistant!

Have a great day!  Diane - Gatorbunnysews

January was a great time to start a little spring cleaning and dream about upcoming sewing projects.  I have one more winter project in the works and then it's on to spring.  Although most of my projects begin with a pattern or fabric I absolutely can't live without, I'd like to spend more time on projects that enhance the versatility of my wardrobe.  I'm inspired by Colette's Wardrobe Architect, a series of blog posts containing style therapy and practical ways to focus sewing projects, all while looking and feeling better about yourself.   Although I haven't completed all of the exercises, I did find a lot of value January's exercise, choosing core patterns.

In choosing core patterns that both fit my body type and lifestyle, I found I chose many of my "tried and true" patterns.  These are the patterns I make and wear over and over because they are good styles for me and I have the fit down pat.  I'd like to have a few more of these TNT's so I did some searching and posted these ideas on a Pinterest board.

One of the patterns I came across is a "new to me" pattern, New Look 6194, that I have passed over many times.  I saw a version of this top by on Kollabora by Fruitylily (she's the cutest) that made me to take a second look.  I often wear sleeveless tops because so much of the year it's hot where I live so this will be a great addition to my TNT's. 

I visited the Rebecca Taylor website and found 3 amazing tops I could make from this one pattern.  The first would be beautiful made in cream silk crepe and embellished with black lace.  Simple and feminine without being frilly.

By changing the neckline from boat neck to a v-neck, I would have a completely different blouse.  Made up in a rayon challis with trim at the neck, this is a versatile wardrobe option. 

The third blouse would be lovely in a bright silk charmeuse and chiffon. Paired with jeans,  it makes it easy to look put together.  Mmmmm.

Wardrobe Architect is inspiring me to look at patterns as more of a canvas for creativity.

Are there any other Wardrobe Architecters out there?