I've never been a t-shirt kinda girl.  If I'm going to wear a white knit top, it better have some kind of interesting detail about it.

Like this one!  I love the back of this shirt.  This is Vogue 8879 - view B.  It's an open back drape top.  

It was very easy to sew and I only had to add an inch to the length.  And I decided to omit the sleeve bands and just have a plain cap sleeve.

I added clear elastic to stabilize the neckline and the shoulder seams.  Because I could easily see the lightweight rayon spandex knit stretching out of place.

The fabric was perfect for this style of top.  Because you need to use a knit fabric with significant drape.

And I love how effortlessly it paired with my sequin pencil skirt from Asos.com and my DV by Dolce Vita sandals.  

And with my printed pants and Steve Madden pumps.

It's been a while since I've sewn anything for Amber.  And since I've been in the mindset of sewing for the girls, we made this happen.

She needed a dress to wear to a wedding this evening.  And of course, me being me, I totally procrastinated.  I ended up cutting, sewing and fitting this dress on yesterday.  I pressed it and put it on a hanger at 3 a.m.  Sleep is for mere mortals!

I used New Look 6208, with modifications.  Instead of using the pattern's open-back version, I created my own and used a satin ribbon as a closure.  Amber is also quite petite, she's 5‘2" and she's pear shaped.  So I cut a size 8 and graded out to a 14.  I made a petite adjustment at the waist by removing an inch.  And I also gave the skirt a subtle high-low hem by removing 4-6 inches from the hem.  And I fully lined the dress.  And I moved the zipper to the back and used a 9" zipper instead of the suggested 22". 

I used a synthetic taffeta from Hancock.  It cut and sewed decently, but just touching it caused it to wrinkle like crazy.  If I were to make a dress like this again, I'd want to use a silk faille.

But the turquoise color is fabulous though and looks great on her!

This pattern has been on my "To Sew" list since last year.  I was determined to get it made this season.  And I did, in the nick of time!

This pattern is Vogue 1305.  And it's a designer one -- Lialia by Julia Alarcon.  She was also profiled on "All on the Line with Joe Zee" last season.

The description of this dress is as follows: semi-fitted, lined, pullover dress (fitted through hips) has draped right side extending into sleeve, left side slit, shoulder opening, and back opening with button/loop. Note: shoulder opening can be worn as neck opening.  

I had two major decisions regarding this dress.  The first one was, what fabric?  I knew I was going to make this dress in white.  White fabric would just seal the deal on the beautiful Grecian design.  But it couldn't be transparent, because this dress leaves very little to the imagination.  So I found this "perfect for me" fabric at Mood Fabrics.  It's a medium weight, cotton lycra jersey with a lot stretch.  With a dress like this, I didn't know if heavy stretch would work for me or against me in this design.  I chose a medium weight fabric because I wanted to be able to omit the lining... which was my second decision.  This is a white dress for summer, and I didn't want it to be hot and heavy.  So where the instructions suggested attaching the lining, I just serged and used a 5/8" hem to finish.

The only problem that I ran into was the right side and its draping.  I follow Cennetta's advice and added pleats to create ruching and maintain the draped effect.  Because there was no other choice with the weight of my cotton lycra jersey.  

Where I would normally lengthen everything, this dress is long!  So long that I decided to belt it so that I could blouse it and wear it with flats.  No lengthening alteration was needed; that really surprised me.  So I basically sewed this one straight from the envelope.  

And the only alteration I made was to raise the back opening.  With the amount of stretch this fabric has and  as low as the back opening was -- to the butt crack, it needed to be raised.  And I also made the side slit a little higher for walking ease.

So, before anyone asks -- here's the bra:

This is the Maidenform Combo Wing Push-Up Bra.  Yes, it sticks on using adhesive tapes that come with the bra and it also converts with the straps to halter or one-shoulder.  I also keep Topstick tape in my lingerie drawer and I was prepared to use them in case the original tapes weren't going to hold.  And yes, I wore this around the house before I went out in public to make sure it would hold.  

Okay, the thing you have to know about a "contraption" like this is to use common sense.  Obviously, you can NOT wear lotions, creams, body oils, etc... when wearing this, or the adhesive won't hold.  If you have a really large bust, this isn't going to work for you.  I'm a 36D and I bought the size 6.  I probably could've gone up to the largest size, a 7.  But it worked fine for me, for the few hours I had this on.  It's good as a "special occasion" bra.

All in all, this was a pretty simple pattern to cut and sew.  But I would be very particular about the side draping and forgo the instructions and create ruching.  I don't know if I'll sew this one again.  I'd like a short version in black.  I think it would make a great cocktail dress.  But this long version is definitely a one of a kind of your closet.

I love a fun top!  And McCall's 6702 is just that!

I cut view A.  I thought there was something adorable, with the Peter Pan collar, yet edgy at the same time with the open back.  That's why I was drawn to this.  And I felt that the asymmetrical high-low hemline is right on point with this season's trends.

Even though linen wrinkles like crazy (as you can see), it's still one of my favorite fabrics to sew.  I love how easily it handles.  This medium weight black one is one I've had stashed for a few years.  

I took flat pattern measurements and decided that I should cut the size 14.  I added an inch to the length.  I've sewn enough shirts to know all of the steps to eliminate the handsewing that the pattern instructions always suggest (i.e. sewing the yoke at the shoulder seam; the collar and front bands).  

The only problem I found with this pattern is that it runs a little big.  I don't mind the fullness and oversized style of the tunics, but I felt this top should've been cut a little closer to the body.  I ended up having to take in the sides a tad.  And also, the armholes were pretty large too.  But my side seam alterations solved that problem.  Just something to be aware of if you sew the sleeveless version.

The directions for the back opening suggested using seam binding as a finish.  I decided to serge and give it a 5/8" hem.  I also did the same thing for the armhole finish and the hem.

Even if you're not a fan of the open back style, this is such a great pattern with other shirt and tunic variations.  I'm thinking of perhaps turning one of the tunics into a dress!  It would be great worn with a pair of tights and riding boots!

Sixteen years ago today, God blessed Michael and I with this spectacular child... our last little baby!  She has truly been a blessing.  I know a lot of parents are biased, but this beautiful little girl has yet to give us a moments trouble or worry.  She's not a perfect child, by ANY means.  She still has her moments as a pouty-faced, brooding teenage girl.   But she is truly a joy!

Per usual, I made her a birthday outfit.

The top is McCall's 6751.  And it literally took under an hour from cutting table to final pressing!  Three pieces is all.  I cut the smallest size -- the extra small.  She told to me leave off the pocket.  And instead of bias binding, I just serged the raw edges and used a 5/8" hem.  The hemming was really easy, because once you start, the entire thing is continuous.  I used a lightweight 100% cotton chambray from my stash.  

I thought the back was so cute.  Almost like an adult version of the little crossover tops that baby girls wear. And the way the straps are set, it's bra friendly.  If I had made this for myself, I'd probably tack the back to make sure it stayed in place. 

And once again, I pulled out her "TNT" shorts pattern, McCall's 6756 and used a shortened version of view B.  I used this lovely fuchsia brocade from Mood Fabrics.com.  

And since it has absolutely no stretch, I cut the size 8 instead of a size 6.  

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Sixteen Year Old!

This time of year, I tend to grow weary of sewing summer clothes.  The magazines with all of the "pre-fall" fashion are starting to pour in and I'm longing to sew wools, tweeds, darker colors and rich jewel tones -- for myself.  And that was the opening that Mikaela was obviously waiting on, so that she could finally get me to sew non-formal clothes for her!

We decided to revisit McCall's 6756 again.  This is such a great pattern that fits her so well, I knew I'd be making this one over and over.

For this version, we went with lace.  This aqua blue (or mint) lace from Mood Fabrics.com fit the bill perfectly.

I eliminated the pockets this time.  And I underlined them with poly lining fabric leftover from her homecoming dress.  And to add interest to the hemline, I cut around the lace motif to create a scalloped edge.

Wearing:  Top: Forever 21 (similar to this one); shorts:  McCall's 6756; shoes: Target.

This is Vogue 8846.  And I used view B.

I used this absolutely amazing abstract floral print from Mood Fabrics.  

The fabric is called Springtime Floral Lightweight Silk Crepe.  And these pictures just doesn't do it justice.  It was so easy to work with.  Not has lightweight as a crepe de chine.  But it still has a great amount of body and a lovely hand for draping.

This pattern was great to work with.  Well-drafted and easy instructions.  My favorite part is that this pattern is a Vogue Pattern's "Custom Fit".  Which means, no FBAs needed!  And it does what it's supposed to do.

I made my usual alterations: lengthening by two inches.  Notice that the back is extremely very drapey.  This style may now be for everyone.  But it's a great wardrobe addition to anyone that wants a little drama in their lives.

Also, I attended "Belk's Fall Fashion" presentation.  It was hosted by Arlene Goldstein, Belk's Vice-President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction. 

Oh, and by the way... what do you think of Belk as being the accessories wall on Project Runway??

Last night, I attended Birmingham local designer Ken Laurence, who is a current contestant on this season of Project Runway premiere party.

I've known Ken for a while and I can't tell you how excited for and proud of him I am.  I love being able to witness and share in someone's dream making!  So it goes without saying who I will be rooting for this season!

And this is what I wore!

This is my self-drafted leather bodice color blocked maxi.  

The leather is deliciously soft lambskin from my local Tandy Leather.  The bodice is lined with Bemberg rayon from Jo-Ann's.  And the skirt is a poly crepe that is the perfect weight to be left flowy and unlined that I found at Hancock Fabrics.  And I decided to use a metal zipper.  

The bodice has a bateau neckline and front and back vertical darts.  And the skirt which is basically two 60" wide pieces of fabric, has a shirred waist.

I was inspired by these:

 ONE by Marna Ro and Mason by Michelle Mason

I'm sure to some, summer leather sounds crazy.  But au contraire, this dress is just as cool and comfortable as anything else I could've worn for the occasion.  People have to remember that even though this is the "Deep South", every venue is air conditioned and it's probably around 68-72 degrees indoors -- everywhere!  And in actuality, I probably could've used a jacket too!

Are you watching Project Runway?  If so, what do you think?  Who's YOUR favorite so far?