Full Floral Skirt

Another month has past without a single blog post.  I can't believe I've been so lax.  Or maybe I can.  I've spent much of the last month straightening things out for a big move in August.  I have been making time to sew, but the projects I've chosen… Let's just call them high maintenance-- as in I've spent more time hunting for buttons than sewing!  


On the bright side, I found the right project to give me a little instant gratification while I wait for those buttons to materialize.  Using some gray floral poplin I bought from fabric.com and Verypurpleperson's very excellent easy full skirt tutorial, I made this: 

Styled with...

Racer-back pocket tank - Uniqlo

Drapey Silk Cardigan - TJ Maxx

Gladiators - 80%20

And one last shot-- testing out the twirl factor of the new skirt...

It looks like a keeper to me!

I should add that I made a couple modifications to my full skirt.  The waistband was created just like a self-fabric casing, only i left about 2 inches above the casing to make the paper bag effect.  I also added side-seam pockets in a contrasting (vivid fuchsia) fabric.  All skirts must have pockets!

It feels so good to finally finish a new project, and to be able to twirl in it.  What type of projects do pick when you're looking for a quick sewing fix?

Last Minute Burda Top

I spent this past weekend in the Poconos with my boyfriend's extended family, and I must say that family reunions are much better when you are not related to the other guests.  Some of the highlights of my weekend included singing with Irish folk songs, watching my boyfriend's family drink plenty of Jameson, and exploring an abandoned resort.  It was nice to get away for a few days, but it has really taken me awhile to get back up to speed with life this week--as evidenced by my lack of posts!  I'm excited to finally have the chance to share the story of my new Burda top.

Before we departed for the scenic Eastern Pennsylvanian countryside on Friday, I wanted to make sure that I had plenty of nice outfits to wear.  In addition to the H&M tankdress, I decided to make this strapless top, #113 from the 6/2009 Burda magazine.  I owe a big thank you to Marita for posting a super helpful tutorial on her blog!  I did attempt to read Burda's directions briefly, but found Marita's guidance a bit simpler and intuitive.  This was definitely a quick project--I started and finished it last Thursday, the night before we left on our trip.  My biggest trip-up was that I originally put the pleats in going the wrong direction.  No big.  I just ripped them out and flipped them the other way!  

I highly recommend this pattern for summer sewing, as it is a very quick and rewarding project.  It also fits quite well, and this is coming from someone who does not usually "do" strapless.  The top does naturally slip down a bit over time, however.  As a fix I'm thinking of adding some corset boning in the side seams of the bodice, and maybe even some silicone-backed elastic at the top.  One additional note is that the fabric I used was 1 yd of bamboo/cotton jersey purchased from fabric.com.  While making the top, I wished that I had picked a slightly denser rayon knit with better recovery.  While I'm sure this jersey will be fine for a single season garment, the grain is also not completely straight, making the pleats hang a bit wonky.

Has anyone else made this top?  Please send me links if you have--I would love to see your results!  

Ok, I'm off to work on more projects!  I cut a pair of linen pants out three weeks ago that I should really finish before summer is over!  Happy sewing :)

basic tank + border print = fabulous dress

I finished it!  Here is the completed project I promised.  I meant to post last night, but the hemming took a bit longer than I expected.  The top of the dress is a simple $6 tank top from H&M.  The skirt is lined in batiste, and finished with french seams.  This is the easy project I have been waiting for--and just what I need for my long weekend trip!

Thanks for looking, and happy sewing :)