I case you didn’t know, the Amalfi dress is one of my favourites and, of course, this year I made a new one (it is only my 4th Amalfi) using a lovely viscose crepe.
You can read all about it in here 😊
Have a wonderful week
Charleston Dress for Minerva
Here is another dress I made before going on holidays. I used a wonderful ponte knit from Minerva to make one of my favourite dresses, the Charleston.
You can read all about it in here 😊
Have a wonderful week
The Brunswick Pullover
Winter is definitely here! Temperatures dropped dramatically this week and we had snow yesterday. Although being able to admire the beauty of Winter, I confess that it is not my favourite season and I deal very badly with cold.
That said, I am very grateful to Adrianna for creating another wonderful pattern, the Brunswick Pullover.
The Brunswick is an oversized pullover with two views that are interchangeable and available from sizes 2 to 22.
I made a size 2, based on my high bust measurements and didn’t made changes but depending on the type of fabric, some slight changes might be needed (all is well explained in the instruction, as usual).
This pattern is, not only very comfortable but, has some interesting details. I opted for the plackets at the hem (that I adore!) and cowl as I don’t really use the hood and the cowl will make it extra cosy. There is also a kangaroo pocket option and a sleeve pocket that I also like but didn’t have the right zip for it.
The fabric I’ve used is a really very soft sweatshirt fleece from Pin & Sew and for the placket I used a bit of Liberty Tana Lawn. This pattern and fabric combo make it perfect to hibernate. So comfortable!
In all honesty, this is a great pattern, well drafted, very comfortable and perfect for snuggling during these next moths. Mine is being used already and it will continue to be on heavy rotation for the next times.
Party Dresses
Before going on holidays, we attended a wedding and for the first time, I decided to make the dresses for both girls and myself. I was comfortable with the girls’ dresses, but not so much with making one for myself. Let’s be honest, I’ve made a few dresses for myself, but a dress to attend a wedding I was not so sure.
To start, I made M a dress I had made before and really like, the Atlanta dress by Nun Studio.
For this dress it is essential that it fits properly at the chest, so I made a size 6 for width, with size 8 for height and the fit is great.
My favourite part of the dress are the sleeves, so I wanted to accentuate that feature and used a different fabric for lining ang cotton lace. The main fabric is Broderie Anglaise from the Sweet Mercerie and the lining fabric is Liberty Felicité denim blue from Stragier. Two of my favourite fabrics 😉 and I just wish this dress could grow with her…
F asked me if I could make her a twirling dress with a sash and bow. That was an easy request, that I was pleased to fulfil.
Once more, I used a pattern I already knew, the Tinny Dress by Straight Grain, with circle skirt and regular bodice. To make it as per F’s request, I added a sash. Also, I thought a ruffled collar would look good and she agreed on adding it.
I made a straight size 8, using the same fabrics used for M’s dress. Installing an invisible zipper in this fabric was not the most enjoyable task and it’s not perfect but the sash helps disguise and it looks so pretty!
Although it was quite warm back in July, the truth is you can never trust the weather in the UK, so I decided to make both girls a cape, bearing in mind that the wedding was at the evening.
The pattern I used is the Constance Cape by Jilly Atlanta in size 7 for both girls. To choose the size I considered the shoulder to shoulder measurement and opted for straight hem, gathered collar and ties. The girls did really enjoy this cape 😊
I used a linen from Stone Fabrics for the main fabric and some Liberty (the same as the one used for the dresses) for the collar and ties. Love how it looks!
Now, this post is getting a little longer than usual and I hope someone is still reading until this point.
For myself, I thought about using a pattern for a long dress, but I was afraid I would have to make changes and I didn’t had the time to make muslins and adjustments, so I decided to go with a pattern I already knew and loved and made one more Amalfi dress…
The only change I made was to extend the skirt. I used the tea length version to start with and added 26cm.
The fabric is viscose crepe from Atelier Brunette bought at Maçãs d’Amor. I’ve used this fabric before and knew it drapes beautifully, just what I needed to achieve the look I had in mind.
Now I promise I will stop sharing summer projects and hope it won’t take too long to share my autumn make
Summer Dresses
We just got back from our holidays in Portugal where it was sunny and warm, straight to Autumn in the UK. But, before I star sewing warmer clothes, I would like to share a couple of things I made before going on holidays.
One of the dresses I made was the Fringe Blouse and Dress by Chalk and Notch. As you already figured it out, I made the dress option, view A button up front with view B sleeve cuffs.
I made a size 0 as per my bust and waist measurements, without any major changes. In fact, the only change I made was taking 5cm from the skirt front and back curve, without changing the sides. Basically, just made the curve less pronounced as I believe it suits me better since I am not tall.
The fabric used is a lovely Broderie anglaise from The Sweet Mercerie. As a side note, I felt more comfortable using a under dress slip. I did use this dress quite a lot and love the fit.
Another dress I’ve made was the Amalfi Dress by Hey June Patterns (actually, I made two more Amalfi dresses but I will share the other one later). I tested this pattern and absolutely loved it, so I had to make another to wear in my birthday.
This time I made a view A, with flutter sleeves, in size 2. Just like the first one I’ve made, I omitted the pockets.
The fabric is Rayon, Amalfi by Rifle Paper Co. and Cotton + Steel from Crafty Mastermind. I really adore this fabric, the touch and drape are so good, not to mention how beautiful it looks, right?
Hope you had a wonderful summer break 😊
The Phoenix Blouse
I can’t believe it’s been over a month since I last posted here, on the blog! I feel like I’ve been neglecting it, but the truth is I’ve been sewing a lot! Hopefully will start sharing everything soon. 😊 Nonetheless, I have tested a great pattern that I really would like to share with you, because it is really worth it.
The Phoenix Blouse is Hey June’s new pattern, released last Friday. It’s a blouse with a boho vibe, that can be made with or without sleeves. In two lengths.
I made the sleeveless with standard length version. I had a difficult time deciding the version I would make but, went with this version for two reasons. Without sleeves I will wear it during summer or spring with a cardigan and I had this fabric that I really wanted to use and I think it works better in this version.
The pattern goes from size 2 to 22 and I made a size 2 based on my high bust measurements. The pattern has some ease at the hip, so I didn’t make any adjustments and it worked well. I’m happy with the fit, very happy to be precise.
I really like how it fits and how the front yoke seams work as princess seams. I confess I was a little afraid how those corners would turn out, as the fabric is a bit slippery, but following the instructions everything turned out great. As usual in Adrianna’s patterns, the construction techniques are very good and with a beautiful finishing.
I’m not sure about the composition of the fabric I used, as it was in a remnant basket at Feira dos Tecidos (a Portuguese fabric shop) but, I would say it has viscose/rayon because it drapes beautifully. It was totally worth all the extra pins I had to use!
I think I could use a few more Phoenix blouses in my wardrobe. Maybe a sleeve version in double gauze and another sleeveless one with some colourful tassels… 😉
The Amalfi Dress
This is, probably, the most elegant dress I’ve made for myself and I love it! I’ve been dreaming with a dress like this and the pattern is finally available.
The Amalfi Dress is the most recent pattern by Hey June and, as usual, Adrianna nailed it.
This pattern is available from sizes 2 up to 22, with two lengths and two sleeve options, bust darts and elastic waist.
For my version I made the classic tea length and flutter sleeve (how could I resist it?), in size 2. Because of my fabric choice, I opted for omitting the pockets, but those are included in the pattern.
The instructions recommend lightweight drapey fabric and I used a viscose lawn, with a lovely drape from Stone Fabrics. It wasn’t the easiest fabric to work with, but I love the result!
As usual, the instructions are great, easy to follow and include how to make changes to the pattern, including full bust alteration. Also, on the good side, the pattern doesn’t have closures (great, right?) and the elastic waist makes it look so feminine but very comfortable to wear.
So, to summarize, I really like this dress, how feminine and elegant it is and am planning my next one. I think a Rifle Paper Co. rayon would look beautiful… 😉
New Tees for the girls
My girls were in need of some tees, as they have outgrown most of the ones they have, so I decided to make them a couple each, but this time adding a little personal touch. These tees were made over a month ago, but they haven’t made their way to the blog until now!
You might know that I have opened an Etsy shop recently, with girls’ clothes, and wanted to include some tees that I believe are age appropriate. Two of these tees were actually made as samples for the shop. If you would like to have a look at the shop, you’re very welcome. 😊
For all the tees, I used Hey June patterns in size 8. I made two City Park Tees and added a ruffle at the shoulder for an extra girly look.
I used a Nosh jersey as the main fabric, ribbing also from Nosh and for the ruffle I used mustard Capel Liberty Tana Lawn. I love the colour contrast and they will look great paired with dungarees.
The second City Park Tee was made using an Art Gallery jersey that I had for some time now and organic cotton ribbing from Maud’s Fabric Finds. This time also included a ruffle, but instead used broderie anglaise. I like how delicate and feminine it looks.
I made two more tees, but this time using the Morrison Tee, again in size 8. Since ruffles continue to be trendy I, once again added ruffles. I really like how it looks!
The fabrics used are the same as the City Park, but used Liberty Wiltshire instead.
The broderie anglaise used for this tee is also slightly different, as it is wider and the fabric is lighter.
These might be just tees, but I like how girly they look. 😊
I’ve got a new skirt!
It has been years since I used a skirt. Not that I don’t like them, but it’s really hard to find one that fits me nicely, so I gave up. Until now that is!
Today Adrianna from Hey June Handmade released her new pattern, the Sandbridge skirt, a casual skirt available in two lengths, five pockets, zipper fly and belt loops. As you see, a real skirt!
The skirt is available from sizes 2 to 22 and I’ve made a size 2, based on my natural waist and hips measurements, the ones that are most important in this pattern.
I opted for view A because I am not tall, so I knew it wouldn’t be as short as it is intended to and I will wear it during the holidays, which is just perfect.
The instructions, as usual, are so clear and helpful. This was the first time I ever installed a zipper fly and I didn’t felt difficulties. If you feel put aside from making the skirt for being difficult, don’t. Not only the instructions are very helpful but there is also a sew along starting next week.
I absolutely love the fit of this skirt! The back yoke makes the skirt fit nicely and this one It fits me like any other store bought did.
The hem is meant to be raw but in case you prefer a hem, just need to add the correspondent length. I chose it raw and just add two parallel lines of stitches to keep it from fraying too much.
The fabric is a light denim that I bought long ago and already used before. The only thing missing are the rivets, that I found hard to find.
I know I said it before, but I am really pleased with how it turned out. It is a great feeling to challenge myself and achieve something that always put me way.
Have a wonderful summer. 😊
The Key Largo Top
Today, Adrianna from Hey June released a new pattern and, as usual, does not disappoint. You know those patterns that go well with everything and you want to make one in each colour? The Key Largo Top pattern is one of those!
The Key Largo Top is a woven tee available in sizes 2 to 22, with different options, including a trendy tie front hem and front pieces cut on bias. It is also a great pattern to play with fabric prints.
For the test, I’ve made view B, in size 2, according to my high bust measurement. Although, view B is meant to be cut on bias and I have, in fact, cut two front pieces, I did not cut it on bias. This was only due to the print of my fabric, as I thought it would look weird. I did cut, however, the two pieces because I really like the front seam, although I know I would have avoided the print matching.
As usual the instructions are clear and helpful and pattern pieces match perfectly. It is also a fast sewing project, so this is truly a great pattern.
The fabric I used is a cotton lawn from Atelier Brunette, that is so nice to work and wear.
You can get the pattern on sale through the weekend. 😉
A Pinch of Sewing 