Burda Style Shorts and Style Arc T

Wow! Time sure does fly when you’ve been super busy. Anyway, I made these two items a couple of weeks ago and I’m FINALLY getting around to writing the blog post.

The shorts are from Burda Style magazine 06/2014 #118. These are casual cargo shorts that I made using a light-weight khaki cotton twill that’s got a little bit of stretch in it.

There is a belt that’s supposed to go with the pattern, but I opted not to make that. I just didn’t like the look of it with the shorts. The pattern calls for snaps for the pockets, but I didn’t have any that would go with the fabric, so I used a button and button hole. The pockets are pleated which makes them extra roomy. This is great if you want to really use them.

The top is the Alannah T-shirt from Style Arc. This is the second time I’ve used this pattern and I really like it. It’s easy, quick to make and fits really well. This particular one in made from cotton interlock.

The length on these T-shirts is nice so you can reach for things without exposing anything! I think this pattern is an easy pattern for beginners especially someone who may be new to using knit fabrics.

That’s all for now. I have a few more summer makes to share and then I guess I should start planning (or at least thinking about) my Fall wardrobe.

Vogue 8997

I LOVE this dress! It’s feminine without being frilly or fussy. It’s also surprisingly easy to make. This is one of those patterns that I bought because I really liked the style, but then put off actually making. I thought it would be far more complicated than it was.

I used a linen blend fabric (washable) that I’ve had for a while and a solid purple lining. The only change I made to the pattern was to raise the neckline about 2″. After making the muslin, I decided that that would be a more comfortable neckline for me personally. Originally, the front and back neck are (I believe) about the same depth.

This is not only a great summer dress pattern, but has enough variations (including long sleeves) that it can be made all year.

Until next time… Happy sewing!

Quick and Easy Vogue 8750 Skirt

I recently had to attend a memorial service and I needed something to wear. Fortunately, I tried on some clothes the day before the event and realized that what I had just wouldn’t do. The dress and skirt were too small. Luckily, I had a piece of black fabric in my stash and this pattern:

I decided on View A because I had just enough fabric to make it (less than a yard). I used a polyester crepe material for this. The lines in this pattern make a simple fitted skirt much more interesting.

The back yoke makes fitting the skirt much easier. While this pattern looks complicated, I assure you it’s not. I finished this is about 4 hours. The skirt is unlined and I think that the next time, I will draft a lining pattern for it.

I didn’t add any design changes or alterations to this since I was in a time crunch. I also don’t think it needs anything (except the lining). The skirt fit perfectly just making it out of the envelope.

Simple, easy, comfortable and quick are the keys to this Vogue Options pattern!