~ Colette Beignet ~

I fell in love with the look of the Beignet many moons ago.  The high waist, front buttons, and panels all appealed to me. I was also excited because Colette patterns are made to fit pear shapes so I assumed it would fit me better than the Big 4 patterns do.

The skirt pattern has tons of pieces ~ I think 12?  Either way it is a lot of cutting.  I cut skirt fabric, interfacing, and this sweet yellow lining to contrast my bright blue fabric.  I was so excited!!

Colette's instructions are amazing.  They detail exactly everything you need to do to be successful in creating a RTW looking skirt.  My measurements fit exactly in the size 12 range.  I wear a 10 in RTW clothing.  The pattern didn't list ease but with all the great pictures I've seen, the skirt is close fitting.

After I sewed the front panels and tried it on, I knew massive altercations would be needed.  The skirt was extremely baggy and not figure sculpting as intended.  I took out a little more than THREE inches total in the back and side panels.  I also had to re-draw some of the curve shaping.  In the end I had frankensteined the pattern so much there was no way to replicate it for the lining to fit properly - I'm honestly surprised that I even got the facing to fit correctly.  I think if I sew again I will try a size 10 or even an 8!

The buttonholes and buttons are a pain to put on - I knew this would be ahead of time so I was prepared.  Putting on the skirt with all those buttons is also a pain even though you only have to open 5 of them to slip in.  If I attempt this skirt again I'll opt to do fake button front and slip in an invisible side zipper.

I didn't add the belt loops but may go back and do so.

I do like the final look of the skirt but the work to get there wasn't so enjoyable.  Also, my fabric choice wasn't so good because no matter what I do I can't get the seams to iron out correctly thus I have puckering and such.  Also, I have a snag near the 4th or 5th button from when I was constantly pining and unpinning in fitting.

Fabric: 1.5 yards of Microfiber Twill Solid Royal Blue (100% polyester - I really prefer natural fibers but I was desperate to have this color to try this skirt with).  $8.90
And even though I didn't use it, my lining is cut up with the pattern so not usable anymore
1.25 yards China Silk Polyester Lining Sunflower $3.17
Black Buttons: $1.00

Total for skirt: $13.07

~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~

4th of July Dress ~ New Look 6613

I originally made this dress April 2013 during the pattern stash busting challenge.  I enjoyed the swiftness of a finished product and wanted to do something similar for Miss K's 4th of July dress - which she insisted on having and picked out the fabric herself.

I stayed with View A/B in a straight size 8 for Miss K who wears a size 8 in RTW.  There are only 3 pattern pieces for this dress which is nice; one for the band, one for the bodice and one for the skirt.  The bodice is lined and the back of the dress has elastic gathers.   The dress turned out cute with a contrasting bodice and elastic band.  It also fits perfectly.

Front of dress

The instructions are easy to understand and I had no issues.  I again chose not to add bows, ribbon, or lace trimmings because Miss K doesn't like them.

Back of dress

Fabric: The pattern calls for 2 1/8 yard of 45" wide but I eeked it out of 2 yards just fine.  I had to do some strategic placing of the bodice pieces and band piece within the 1/2 yard of strips because they all have to be on the fold.

Owls: Timeless Treasures Patriotic Owls Blue: 1.5 yards $11.73
Stripes: Freedom Star Stripes Celebrations Red/White/Blue: 0.5 yard $3.39
Total for the dress: $15.12 - a bit much for a one day dress but I'm sure K will wear it all summer.  After these pictures were taken she refused to take it off; also, she was dead set on those owls and wouldn't hear of another, cheaper, fabric.

I love this dress too!  K will rock it on the 4th which also happens to be her dad's birthday.  Someday I'll tackle other views of this dress because it is so fast and lovely.  The full skirt really makes the dress - it is perfect for twirling.

~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~

Shorts on the Line ~ Ottobre 6/2011, Pattern #37

While on vacation last week I realized it was time for one of my favorite sew-along challenges "Shorts on the Line!"  I was pretty sad thinking I wouldn't be able to be back in time to make some cute shorts I had envisioned in my mind; however, entries are accepted until July! Yay!

The family laughed at me all the way back from Oklahoma because I was testing out options in my mind for the shorts I wanted to achieve.  I wanted to use the leftover PacMan fabric from T's bathrobe and add red piping but didn't have enough fabric :(

I went diving into my stash and found this summery Stretch Yarn Dyed Cotton Shirting in Plaid Turquoise/White.  It is 98% cotton 2% Lycra.

It met the softness test for Mr. T and I had just enough with 1.5 yards.  I bought it from Fabric.com back in April 2012 for a total of $5.07.

I used Ottobre 06/2011 Pattern #37 because it is one of my favorites.  I like how it looks and I knew I could modify it to the shorts I wanted. Previously I had made blue check pjs, planet pjs, and terrycloth pjs out of this pattern.  T likes the longer "skater" style in the shorts.

I traced a size 146 this time instead of a 140 because the other 3 pjs are getting a tad small.  Then I put my medical exam paper over the front shorts pattern piece and traced out the pockets I wanted on the front - and added appropriate seam allowances.

Everything worked out smoothly and I had no problems.  I didn't look at the instructions because I've sewn them enough to know what they say.  I love the piping details I added; they make the shorts a bit special.

Mr. T walked in mid sewing and said "Whoa, those will be like awesome mom" and walked out.  I had to smile.

And we are slowly adjusting to back home-ness from our 2 trips a month apart. Whew! It was fun but exhausting.

Tulsa Zoo

Tulsa Aquarium

~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~