If you've been watching and paying attention, you know that I'm a fan -- a BIG fan of the 1970s style. So, when I saw the Fiona Sundress from Closet Case Patterns, I knew I needed this. I seldom buy indie patterns, so on the occasions that I do, you know I love a pattern.

This is such a classic style dress. I knew my version would look great in white denim that I already had in my collection. I'd planned for this piece of fabric to go to a similar style 70s inspired dress. But the back of this one was game-changing.

Based on the Closet Case sizing, I started with a size 12 at the top, grading to the 16 for the hips. Even though this dress is meant to be worn bra-less, I still needed a FBA. 

Also, I had to lengthen the bodice pieces by one inch. I cut the skirt in the below the knee length.

I like this dress a lot and I want to make one in a blue denim with the classic back that will transition into fall.

When this pattern, McCall's 7752 was released, I knew it looked familiar to me. So, I started looking through images on my phone and then on my Pinterest.

It reminded me of the Caroline Constas Artemis Top. It's not an exact replica, but it's close enough for me to get the point across. So, I decided I would make it in a white solid stretch cotton poplin from my stash.

Being that this is a bustier style top, I knew from sight I would need to make a FBA. I've only sewn a 2-piece bra style bodice once before. So I had to remember how to make the adjustment.

I started with a size 14.

This is what my FBA on my bra pieces looks like.

This alteration made sure I wouldn't have that "smushed boob" look.

For the midriff, I lengthened the front by an inch. For the back midriff piece, I normally need around a half an inch swayback adjustment. So I lengthened the back midriff piece one inch from the side seam, grading to half an inch to the center back.

For the back peplum piece, I made a one inch full butt adjustment. 

Being that a peplum is basically a round skirt, I needed to prevent it from hiking up in the back.

There is boning at the side seams for support. 

Using cotton twill tape, I created hanger loops.

I don't remember if the instructions suggested, but I added an hook and eye.

For the sleeves, I modified them so that they would look more like my inspiration top.

I created the look by shirring instead of inserting elastic.

The shirring provides good stretch!

I really like this top. And I hope I get a chance to make another one, perhaps the next time with shoulder straps. And BTW, my shorts are a khaki pair of McCall's 7726. You can see the first pair here!

Lucy from London, as I affectionately call her, sent me her latest pattern and it's just as amazing as all of the other ones. She's my favorite indie pattern designer because her patterns look like of-the-moment ready-to-wear, and that's what I'm always looking for.

This is the TPC 18 Twist Dress. There are two variations: this one with the center front twist and the other one with the side twist. I plan to make that one too. For this one, I cut the size 14 and I added an inch to the hem. 

My fabric is a blue and white striped cotton shirting from Fine Fabrics. Per usual, Trend Patterns uses the Metric System and 1cm seam allowances. So, make sure that you measure twice and cut once, because there is no room to let out.

Creating the twist was pretty simple and the instructions and photographs in the instruction booklet are exceptional, especially if you're visual like me.

The neckline and the sleeves are faced.

The dress has an invisible zipper and fish eye darts.

I have a new found love for easy to wear dresses like this, that can work with heels or flats. And with this weather, you can't beat a dress made from a crisp, cotton shirting.

There is no other reason for me making this dress, other than I had some red fabric and this dress looked interesting. As a sewist, that's a damn good reason!

When I bought McCall's 7775, I liked both versions. Usually when there are two different patterns in an envelope, the styles kind of go together. I don't see the cohesiveness in these two designs. That's not a bad thing... because I feel I got two dresses for the price of one. And I decided to go with view D first. Only because I didn't have a red invisible zipper on hand. I still plan to make the other one.

My fabric is a red poly crepe, that I think is probably a peachskin that I purchased at Fine Fabrics. This fabric has no stretch, but the drape is incredible. It's as lovely as a 4-ply silk crepe. 

I cut the size 14 and graded to a 16 at the hip. I didn't have to add any additional length, because I plan to wear this dress with heels and flat sandals. This pattern has only 3 pattern pieces (front, back and back facing). But don't be deceived that this pattern has no level of difficulty or lacks design interest.

There is a lot of pleating and I carefully transferred all of my markings, because there is no way you can wing this.

The pleating and the interesting collar is why I was drawn to this dress.

And also, it has really good cut-in shoulders.

Even the armhole has a nice style, and it's not too low that your bra will show.

There is a center front seam that ends in a slit. You can adjust that to your own particular comfort level.

This dress is unlike anything I have in my closet. And it's also a machine-washable pullover. Plus, it looks just a great with flat sandals. So, I plan to really enjoy wearing this.

Very rarely do I sew something with the intent of wearing it the same day. When I woke yesterday morning, my day was pretty routine... I got up, went to gym, came back home and sat outside with my morning coffee and scrolled Instagram, while the news played in the background. I saw one of the local accounts that I follow was a sponsor for the Art on the Rocks at the Birmingham Museum of Art and they were giving away tickets for last night. As soon as I entered the drawing, I immediately thought, "If I win, what will I wear?"  And lo and behold, about 30 minutes later, I actually won! Thanks Bromberg's! 

I typically attend at least one of the Fridays each year, but I definitely hadn't planned on attending last night. So, I was a little caught off guard. Sure, I have plenty of options in my closet that I can pull from, but me being the me that I am -- I wanted something new! 

I'd already been contemplating this outfit, because I had the exact amount of fabric it would take - 6 yards! And it seemed simple enough that I could cut it out and sew it up in a few hours. My fabric is from my bundle that I bought from Fine Fabrics that I showed in my latest haul video. I'd bought with the intention of making something else, but I decided it worked better for this look.

Normally, I cut a size 14... it's my go to Big 4 size. And I sometimes go with a 16 for bottoms. So, I thought it was best if I bought the pattern envelope with the size large because I can always take in. The top is pretty big. I could have actually made the medium. 

And I probably could've made the medium in the skirt too. The one good thing is everything was the right length. Aesthetically, I love a floor grazing maxi. 

But for the sake of my own clumsiness, ankle grazing works best for me. I've been known to step on the hem and fall walking up steps. I am not the most graceful gal!

I found the most perfect grosgrain ribbon that matched my fabric. So I narrowed the waistband on the skirt and used the ribbon as the ties. It was a perfect transition!

And the skirt has pockets. 

And who doesn't love pockets?!

I love that these two pieces together look like a maxi dress, but they can easily be separated. I love how quick this went together and how comfortable and cool it was for an evening out!