Beach Glass Margo Blouse

I made a Margo Blouse this week I’d like to quickly share with you.  I’m in desperate need of some solids in my wardrobe and because I like pretty much all shades of blue (you probably guessed that since my pattern line is called Blue Dot), I thought this “beach glass” colored linen would make a perfect wardrobe addition.

I made View B with no alterations and added etched shell buttons from my stash.  I’ve made quite a few Margos, as you can imagine, and next I’d like to make a sleeveless white one for the summer.

On a completely different note...guess what I just found out?  My 16 year old son can take pictures.  I talked him into taking these pics for me and it turns out he’s pretty good.  It was a different experience than my usual photo shoot when I typically take 10+ pics in the same pose and come back with a ridiculous amount of photos that take forever to sort through.  My son took one pic of each pose and said “I got it, do something else.”  Guys can really make things a whole lot simpler.  He’s going to wish he wasn’t so good because I’m going to ask him again.  For sure I’ll have to bribe him with a milkshake next time.

I Have Nothing to Wear...It With

I did a serious and long overdue closet clean out and found that I have some holes in my wardrobe (not a single white shirt), items I love (including accessories) that don't go with anything and lots of pretty colorful tops.  So guess what I made?  A new pretty colorful top!  Admittedly I do need some basics but this turns out to be the perfect top for right now because I used fabric from my stash, it was really easy AND it goes with one of those accessories "that don't go with anything".

I bought this woven stripe cotton fabric in Northern California (I want to say it's a Kaffe Fassett but I could be mistaken)  It's soft, lightweight and in tones of rust with touches of gray.  I have very little in the way of earth tones in my closet so it feels like something really new and different.

I used my Blue Dot Margo Blouse pattern view B but left off the placket and added reverse bobbin work along the yoke.  I've used this technique before (it's dead simple, I have a little tutorial here) and it takes this little earthy tunic from basic to a little artsy.

I paired it with this long lost necklace in my closet that I never wear.  It has beautiful glass beads and a silver pocket style watch as the pendant.  Finally I have something to wear....it with!

Did any of you do closet clean outs for the new year?

Diane

Blue Dot Pattern Challenge Week #3 - And a Giveaway!

It's the final week of the Blue Dot Patterns Creative Sewing Challenge hosted by Melissa at mahlicadesigns.  This week Melissa of Mahlicadesigns, Cindy of Cindyparrett, and a second entry from Amy of Thatssewamy.

I want to thank all of the talented bloggers that participated in the challenge.  It's fun to see what all of these creative sewers can do. 

And don't forget....all patterns are 40% off at the Blue Dot website and also in the Etsy store during the challenge  AND for even better news.... you can enter to win a pattern in our giveaway!

Answer the question below to enter the giveaway and for a second chance to win, answer the question on the mahlicadesigns blog too.  The winner will be announced December 19th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Head on over to mahlicadesigns for more pics and to see all the good stuff!

Sew Mama Sew - Giveaway Day!!!!

Good news!  It's Giveaway Day with Sew Mama Sew.  It happens only twice a year and lasts for a few days.  You can enter to win handmade goods and supplies from designers all over the world.

I'm giving away a Blue Dot PDF pattern of your choice.  All you have to do is leave a comment and let me know which one you would like: The Georgia Top, The Dover Jacket or The Margo Blouse.

I'm choosing 3 winners!  Yes, that's right....3 chances to win!

The giveaway closes Sunday December 13 at midnight PST so leave your comment before then.  I will draw the winners at random on Monday December 14.  The winners will be contacted via email so be sure to leave your email if you're a no reply commenter.

And don't forget to visit SewMamaSew for a chance to win gorgeous goods from other designers.

Good Luck!!!!

Blue Dot Pattern Challenge Week #2 - And a Giveaway!

It's week #2 of the Blue Dot Patterns Creative Sewing Challenge hosted by Melissa at mahlicadesigns.  Kyla of LifebyKy, Sarah of Musingsofaseamstress and Ashley of Sewnbyashley are up this week with a Georgia top, Georgia dress and a creative refashion using the Margo pattern.

All patterns are 40% off at the Blue Dot website and also in the Etsy store during the challenge  AND for even better news.... you can enter to win a pattern in our giveaway!

Answer the question below to enter the giveaway and for a second chance to win, answer the question on the mahlicadesigns blog too.  The winner will be announced December 19th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Head on over to mahlicadesigns for more pics and to see all the good stuff!

I Have Nothing To Wear.....It With

If I had a dime for every time I went in my closet, pulled out something cute and said to myself "I love this but I have nothing to wear it with" I'd be a wealthy woman.  Okay, well maybe not wealthy but I sure would have more money to buy more fabric.  So I've decided to pair up one of these "lonely" items with a handmade one and bring it out of the closet.

Typically I go for the same practical handbag in a neutral color (and yes, usually it desperately needs to be cleaned out) but a colorful bag that's a little impractical can sure make me feel like a girl.  This modified "hobo" bag made from super soft mauve leather and silver hardware is one such bag.  As lovely as it is, it's been sitting on my closet shelf for quite some time.

When I found this beautiful Liberty of London silk at Fabricland, my local fabric store, I heard angels sing.  I decided to splurge and as it turns out, this fabric is perfect for my bag.  That's a win, win.

I used View B of the Margo Blouse pattern in a size medium.  I made the pattern with no changes (shocking, I know) and finished it with 3 vintage buttons that I had in my stash.  This blouse has turned out to be really versatile for me.  It looks casual with jeans but I also wear it tucked into a navy skirt and it looks very "business-y" for work.  Throw on my mauve bag and I look like I know what I'm doing.

I have a few other "nothing to wear it with" pieces in my closet.  Which one should I tackle next?

Margo Blouse - New Pattern Release!

I'm happy to introduce my new pattern, the Margo Blouse!

The Margo Blouse is a women's set in sleeve blouse in two views. View A has short sleeves and a straight hem and View B has 3/4 length sleeves with elastic and a curved hem.  This pattern is versatile enough to be a cool summer top to wear with shorts or an elegant evening tunic.

Margo is designed for the beginning/intermediate sewist and comes with easy to follow instructions complete with detailed drawings.

Modern quilting cottons, chambray, lace, silk crepe and flannel would all be good choices for this top.   You can even change it up by using different fabrics on the yoke, placket and body of the blouse.

Here's what you'll need:

Fabric Requirements:

View A:  44"/45" Fabric - 2 yards          58"/60" Fabric - 1 1/3 yards

View B:  44"/45" Fabric - 2 1/2 yards    58"/60" Fabric - 1 1/2 yards

For all views: thread, three 3/4" buttons.  

For view B: 3/4 yard of 3/8" elastic.

Visit the Blue Dot Etsy Shop or Website.

I hope you enjoy sewing this pattern as much as I've enjoyed making it.  I'd love to see your finished projects!

Happy Sewing my friends!