One of my all-time favorite looks for fall is a monochromatic black outfit. And who doesn't love an all black 'fit? The summer was filled with so many bright hues, so it's almost soothing to calm things down a bit. A lot of people think all black outfits are boring. The best way to make your outfit interesting is my pairing different fabrics. It keeps the outfit interesting by adding texture like I did here: a matte and a glossy.

My top is McCall's 7978. It's a corset waist style button front top. This style is very popular this season. I've been seeing these tops everywhere in all price ranges, from high-end to the junior department:

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My fabric is Italian Cotton Shirting from Mood Fabrics.com. This is a different take on a button front shirt. And I like that it's different from anything I own. I like the interfaced corset waist. It gives you that "snatched" look and I'm glad that my shirting fabric has lycra. It makes the top comfortable to wear and it doesn't restrict any movement or breathing! I used my favorite knit interfacing that matches the give of the fabric.

I needed to lengthen the midriff by one inch.

Which caused me to need 5 rouleau loops and 5 buttons instead of 4.

I made a full bust adjustment by slashing and spreading. I didn't want to have to worry about creating a dart. I just needed more room in the area for the gathers.

The back has a yoke with a yoke facing and a gathered back.

I love this top with the corset waist and the cute peplum detail. I pairs great with my faux leather Simplicity 8749 pants.

Once I learned that you can actually sew your own jeans at home, I've been a big fan. They've become one of my favorite things to sew. I find all of the topstitching completely satiating.

My history with jeans has been that I can never walk into a store and find jeans that are long enough.  I was wearing ankle grazing jeans before cropped length was fashionable. We referred to it as "Your pants are in the flood" back in the day. The long sizes aren't sold in brick and mortar locations. And after having to try on several pairs to get a decent fit, it was always a gamble when order that long length size online. And then there's the back. You either had smushed butt or gaping at the waistband in order to get a pair that actually fitted in the hips. I was a pro at adding darts to curve in the waistband.

In the last year, I've made 3 pairs of jeans. And every time I post, I get a several messages suggesting that I do a tutorial because I make it look easy. So, I figured it was time I share how I make sewing my own jeans at home work for me.

Other than selecting the correct size and making the appropriate alterations -- which varies on the fabric; I'm up to 4 pairs and they all have a unique fit... most people that struggle with making jeans, struggle with the topstitching. 

So, in this tutorial, you will get:

You can get it here:

Learn to Sew Your Own Jeans -- A Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

I found this Silky Solid Textured Crepe in Mineral Yellow at Joann. 

I felt it would be perfect for McCall's 7974. This design is inspired by the Cult Gaia Willow Dress.

Sunny Hostin wore a version on "The View". I was happy to see a woman with a fuller bust line wearing this dress. At first, I'd written the dress off as one of those sternum-baring styles that would probably look best on someone with a flatter chest. Even though Sunny closed her dress up for morning tv, I could still see myself in it.

I'm comfortable with cleavage, but I knew that for an optimal fit, I'd need to make a full bust adjustment.

I cut the bodice in a size 14, grading to a 16. I made a 1" FBA. And the bodice is still bra-friendly with a low-cut front closure bra.

The length of the bodice was fine, so there was no need for a modification. I really love the sleeve design. I've never constructed a sleeve this way before and I may add it to a shirt.

I normally am not a fan waist gathering. But with the nice cinching fit of the midriff section, there's not a lot of excess volume and the dress is really flattering.

I cut the view C midi length and finished it with a narrow hem. This dress is super comfortable and I hope I get around to making this one again in another color. 

Animal prints such as leopard and cheetah print are always fall staples. This season, I'm already seeing snake print everywhere. Snake print is so fabulous that it has the ability to make a plain, basic beginner-friendly jumpsuit illicitly luxurious.

While browsing the stores, I saw this delightfully comfortable jumpsuit at Anthropologie and I couldn't get it off my mind. And a couple of weeks later, I found the perfect fabric -- Silky Print Textured Ivory & Brown Snake Print Fabric at Joann.

My pattern is McCall's 7936. The legs are pegged and cropped unlike the wide legged silhouette of the inspo jumpsuit. But the deal sealer is the v-neck and the kimono sleeves. 

The is a "Learn to Sew for Fun" pattern. And if I were a new-ish sewer, I'd definitely want to make this. It's so simple yet it packs a lot of fashion. And with it's limited seam design, it allows your fabric to be the shining star.

The jumpsuit has a front invisible zip and a self belt.

Here is my thread chain belt carriers. And if you don't know how to make one, I have a tutorial on How to Make a Thread Chain Loop. It's the same thing... you just make it longer.

I cut the size large and I made several fit adjustments to the pattern:

This is a great wear now and later jumpsuit. It pairs so well with my gold leather Vogue 1517 jacket. I can't wait until fall to really take this entire look for a spin.

It doesn't matter if it's a hundred degrees in the shade, my mind is already on fall sewing. I'm starting off slow by creating "transitional" looks that can be worn even if the calendar says "Autumn", but the temperature says "hot AF"!

For my top, I picked McCall Pattern 7838. I fell in love with the sleeves on view A. They remind me of something by the designer Dice Kayek. They're a very modern, fresh and architectural twist on the puff sleeve.

My fabric is dupioni from my stash. I cut the size 14. I used the body from C & D, and the sleeves of A. I wanted to make sure that my shirt was "tuckable".

My pants are another version of Closet Case Patterns Ginger Jeans.

Even with these blazing temps, I'm excited about building a fall wardrobe and walking into the new season.

Here's a sew-along video for the shirt:

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Blazers have been having a moment for the last couple of years now. Then oversized blazers became a thing. So, it's a natural fashion progression that blazer dresses would be in style again. This is a big throwback style from the 80s and early 90s. I remember wearing blazer mini dresses. I actually had on a cream colored blazer mini dress one when I met my husband back 1990. 

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It's still a style that translates in a modern way that I don't mind revisiting. 

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There's a western trend going on right now. I'd like to credit Lil Nas X and his "Old Town Road" sensational hit for it.

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Plus, this dress would give me a great reason to get these boots I've been stalking:

Sam Edelman Winona Croc-Embossed Leather Western Booties

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I've been wanting a sweater or sweatshirt style dress like this. Usually when I see dresses like this in ready to wear, they're always extremely short. I love the idea of creating one for myself that won't look like a tunic.

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 It goes without saying that I love this jumpsuit. So, I'll be sauntering around this come fall. Our falls are so mild that I won't have to wear a coat or jacket for a while and I'll be able to show off those amazing sleeves.

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This is a pretty great pattern. And it looks like it'll be fun to make. I find lots of detailed topstitching so satisfying.

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The top and bodysuit will make a great addition.