Sewing Tops

07 Jan So Faux Futuristic Vest

When hubby left for work this morning the fur was flying. The metallic faux-leather with faux-fur backing spattered like confetti once cut and even stuck to the walls, my clothes and my hair.  Having just finished vacuuming the Christmas tree needles, I was not amused to watch the expensive fabric behave so poorly, but I was on a mission ….. and I had a vision to realize.  I selected the fabric from many faux-leather, faux-fur backed fabrics in the Garment District in October (2013).  More reasonably priced than most, I bought one yard to try out. I a pictured fur-trimmed vest,...

Read More

15 Sep Rite of Passage I

I’m convinced there are a few rites of passage into the online sewing community. One of them is making Sewaholic’s Renfrew Top. In spite of dozens of good reviews boasting the merits of this simple pattern, I remained reluctant to give it a try. I’ve sewn several disappointing knit tops during the past two years – why would I want to sew another one? Well, sooner or later most people come around to join the masses and I did too. Described as ‘the knit top pattern for people who dislike sewing with knits’ I bought the pattern and waited for a vision...

Read More

20 Aug Vogue 8833

I often think my Fall wardrobe is practically non-existent – most likely because I look like I’m coming down with something when I wear those traditional, Fall earth-tone colors. Fortunately the Pantone Fall 2013 report brings new colors to the mix translating into exciting possibilities for my closet! My first Fall sewing project needed to be a go-to garment. Being a lover of silk, I ordered this crepe de chine from Mood Fabrics by Thakoon - the gorgeous colors enhance every pair of pants I own!  True, the fabric would make a beautiful special occasion garment, but I'll feel special each time this luxurious...

Read More

18 Aug The Quest for Perfection, Simplicity 4149

“It’s a risky project with a lot of potential opportunities for disaster.” Hubby has been watching way too much Project Runway. “….. and you need to think about ¾ length sleeves.” ___________________________ Somehow, someway and someday I’m going to have the perfect tunic pattern. Encouraged by Julie Starr’s success, (who is also on the same quest), with Simplicity 4149, I decided to give it a try. Here’s my muslin after I made my standard adjustments to shorten the bodice – far from perfect.           The darts are too low and the back is enormous. The front is ok, but I wanted to reduce...

Read More

07 Aug Happiness is …….

I don’t know what makes me the happiest right now……  … the top I made, the pants I bought, or being back at Edisto Beach where I can eat fresh shrimp, silver queen corn and home-grown tomatoes until my heart’s content. Greetings from George and Pink, a hot spot on the campaign trail for South Carolina politicians, and the finest produce market on the planet in my humble opinion. I was once hesitant about shopping at the dirt floor market amongst the chickens and goats that roam the property, but once I quit worrying about getting my clothes dirty, the quality of our...

Read More

09 May Simplicity 2497

While sewing my casual knits the ruffles were calling my name, and I answered. The craving to sew ruffles was stronger than any craving I've ever had for chocolate, but I tried to be practical and made an all-purpose white shirt. Of course it's all-purpose! Mood Fabric's Ivory Solid Goes with Everything Silk really does go with everything in my closet! It's perfect with my re-fashioned floral pants...

Read More

01 May Merry, Merry Month of May

Make that the Merry, Merry Well, Hello! After sewing almost non-stop for over a year and a half, I'm ready to take the Me-Made-May'13 challenge created by the cute, creative and energetic Zoe from SoZoWhatDoYouKnow. Her challenge now in its fourth year has gained strength and momentum with over 440 participants. In case you don't know, the challenge is a celebration of the efforts we pour into creating our clothes by pledging to wear our handmade garments. Participants design their own pledge based on their comfort level. I pledge to wear one handmade garment made by me everyday during the month of May. I...

Read More

15 Mar New Arrival at K a t i e Spade

I’m staying at a lovely 5-star resort through the weekend (not our typical getaway) – one of those places where you swap your car for bicycles upon arrival. My husband is engaged in professional activities allowing me to bring along a suitcase of sewing paraphernalia guilt free. This morning when I discovered my white thread was left at home I called the concierge to request a sewing kit so I could hem my top. “My apologies Mrs. Gunn, but we do not furnish sewing kits.” My husband was slightly incredulous when I got dressed and pedaled to the nearest store to find some thread. I ended...

Read More

08 Mar Anchors Away

“I don't really know how to do casual clothes.”  Oscar de la Renta   I don’t know how to sew casual clothes -  the kind of knock around frocks you wear on the weekend - but I’m going to learn. I believe the art of making a simple garment requires an underestimated level of sophistication that I’ve yet to acquire.  How does one Avoid the discount department store look? Address excessive ease in loose-fitting patterns? Achieve a finished appearance despite a lack of construction details? What is Eileen Fisher’s secret? I gave myself the assignment to sew a very casual top  - one I would wear on a...

Read More