Hot Patterns Montpellier Dress – Really is Fast and Fabulous!

This is one of those patterns that I knew I wanted the minute I saw it.

It’s just one of those easy, breezy simple to wear in the summer dresses. So I made this from a linen-like fabric in navy blue.

There were a few alterations I made in order to get to this point. I did make a muslin of the dress and basically worked in stages so that I could see the effects of each change I made.

First, I shortened it by 3″. I knew it would need to be shortened just from the picture on the envelope. The muslin cut my leg off at a weird (unflattering) spot, so 3″ off to start.

Then it was VERY full so I needed to reduce the fullness, but keep the shape of the dress. So, I marked the waist on the muslin, then added a dart in the front (you really can’t tell with the dark, solid fabric) that extends from the waist to the hem.

I reshaped the curve a little about 1/2″ to reduce it in the back. Since the back has a seam anyway, that was easy to sew the “new” seam. The front I actually did cut on the fold and added the dart as mentioned above.

The only thing I had actual trouble with was the in-seam pocket. I really wasn’t getting the instructions, so I did it the way I knew how. I cut off the facing and reshaped the pocket to get it done.

While all of this sounds like a lot, it took a few hours to work out the adjustments. Actual construction was pretty fast (about 4 hours). This dress is perfect for a linen blend or some other breezy type of fabric. It’ll be great for summer weather.

That’s all for now. On to the next project…

Shorts 3 Ways with 2 Patterns…

Lately I’ve been working on sewing for Spring and Summer. Although the temperatures here in the mid-Atlantic haven’t really warmed up consistently, I thought I’d try to get a jump on things this year. And knowing that I need some new shorts, I thought I’d give two different patterns a try.

One is Vogue 9008 and the other is BurdaStyle 6812. I must say, I REALLY like the Burda pattern best.

I made the Vogue shorts with the flat front (see picture below). I do like these, but the flat-front (no pleats) does not have pockets (the pleated front does). I really like shorts with pockets and a flat front.

By the way, these are all wearable muslins that I made.

Then I made the Burda pattern as is (it has pleats but not as pronounced as the Vogue). I like that, but was determined to figure out how to get that fit with a flat front.

So, I pleated the pattern piece before cutting it out, then re-traced the piece so I had a new front.

This is basically the style I want! I will adjust the crotch length which will require shortening the zipper, but I think I’ve got my TNT shorts pattern. And the best part is, the BurdaStyle pattern is really easy to make! And there are variations in the pattern for pants and culottes. You could, of course, adjust the length of the shorts to your own preference. I just happen to like mine about this length.

Sunny and Bright – McCall’s 6172 Blazer

It took me longer than I anticipated (doesn’t everything), but I got it done!

I have wanted a bright yellow blazer for a couple of years but never got around to making it until now. I’m so glad I did because I really like it.

This is a pattern I’ve used before. It’s pretty easy to put this together, although there are a lot of pieces (as with most lined blazers). But, the process is pretty straight-forward. I also like how this pattern gives easy to follow instructions on how to do welt pockets.

I’m wearing this with a dress I made last year M2401 here. Now that it’s finally gotten warm and the snow has melted, I’m looking forward to more Spring/Summer sewing.

*sorry for the slightly blurry pictures. I think I didn’t have the setting on the camera quite right.