New Makes Week! Grand Finale
I don’t have just one thing to share today, I have FOUR garments made from the same basic pattern!
First though, if sewing clothing is something you are wanting to try, I have a series of posts about sewing with commercial patterns. Often, it’s reading the pattern that feels so intimidating for people when starting out with garment sewing, so I broke down the process in a series called “How to Read a Sewing Pattern”. Click here for part one and then follow the links through the series.
Ok, let’s get to it!
This fabulous pattern is Simplicity 9045 and I’m obsessed. It’s just a basic top pattern, but I made a full bust adjustment so the fit is perfect, I love the cut of the arms and neckline and the hem shape and length is perfect too. It’s possible that all my Summer tops will be out of this pattern!
My first version was a basic black rayon one. I found the black rayon at the thrift store months ago and it was just big enough for this top.
Next, I made two more tops! For this striped one, I wanted to do something interesting with the print, so I made a yoke for the front by cutting it the opposite direction and in the back, I mimicked that at the bottom.
My third version is probably a favorite. I had a scrap of a rayon linen print that I’ve been keeping for a few years because I just love it, but didn’t have enough to do anything with. I also had a thrifted rayon denim dress hanging in my closet that was simply not flattering on me, but had a full skirt. I merged these two fabrics and managed to cut out this top. Eek, sorry this photo is burry and that I didn’t get a photo of the back, but it’s the opposite of the front, denim on the bottom and the print on the top yolk.
I think part of the reason I’ve made this pattern so much now is because I can use my garment scraps creatively. It’s easy to save and use scraps of denims or quilting cottons that you can use for lots of little projects, but it’s hard to know what to do with garment fabric scraps. I have a whole post on how to use up those garment scraps right here.
Ok, my last version of this top pattern is not a top at all! As you all know, Easter under quarantine meant no church for us, but if I had been able to wear an Easter dress that day, this is what it would have looked like! I knew what shape I wanted and I knew the bodice could be made from this same pattern. The skirt took some trial and error. I initially made it too boxy, so I added elastic to the waistline. I didn’t like how that looked at all, so I took that out and added ties to the waist seam. They tie in the back and give some much needed shape to the dress. This rayon fabric is part of Hobby Lobby’s Spring fashion line.
That wraps up my week of new Summer makes! This last one is my favorite. It’s the most basic things that always end up being my favorites that get worn over and over.
If you’re wanting to start sewing your clothes, don’t forget to read my post here to get started with patterns!
