Ottobre 05-2016 #16 Slouchy Dress

Okay, it kind of looks like a sack in the line drawing but I was really drawn to this silhouette.

 

I think it’s pretty cute on the bod! I used the size 34 and I took out about an inch from the CF and back pieces. Ottobre seems to run a little wide on me. I used a purple doubleknit on the body and a black knit on the arms.

 

It has big, deep pockets which is nice. I think this would be super cute with boots, tights, and a chunky scarf.

 

I forgot to add my 1” above the bust. You can see that here. The waist and hips are higher up than they should be. I think when I add that extra length, everything will settle down to where it should be. It has a center back seam and I did a small swayback adjustment.

 

The front is made of two pieces. First you attach the CF part (I reinforced this with clear elastic), then you sew the pocket facing to the pockets.

 

On the edges of the pocket, you make tiny bartacks to reinforce the pocket seams. 

 

I think this is a great pattern for fall! I absolutely love cozy knit dresses that you can dress up and down. You could even make this a short-sleeved dress and where a long-sleeved turtleneck underneath everything. Then it would be extra, extra cozy.

 

I have another pattern from this issue all traced out and ready to go! Just wait for it!!

Finally, a Jalie Bella Dress for ME!

I’ve made this dress so many times this summer. It fits so well, it’s such a fun dress, and it goes together very easily. I have made (not even kidding here) six other Bella dresses this summer for all the little girls in my life. That’s how much of a winner it is. For my version, I used another Liverpool knit and just did my regular size. I made the sleeves 3/4 length.

 

It’s kind of a crazy print, isn’t it? I love it. It looks kind of washed out in the pictures but I think that’s because it is so bright in the background and that makes the foreground dark.

 

I love the dip at the back neckline.

 

This double knit has an interesting texture and I love it. It is very bright and fun. I promise I’m moving on and making something else. Really!!! Have you made one of these yet? I have three in my closet I wear often.

Ottobre 05-2016 #8 Knit Tunic

Phew, I kow it’s been a while. I’ve actually been sewing up a storm, I just haven’t had a chance to sit and photograph it all, edit the pictures, and blog them.

I got the Women’s Ottobre the other day and there are several things I like in it. The one calling me the loudest was this slouchy, cowl-neck tunic. I love this thing. I generally find that Ottobre’s size 34 is a little wide one on me but that is their smallest size. For this, I added my inch between neck and bust (leaving armholes alone) and then pinched out an inch in each panel. Now I can tell that was a little excessive in the bust. I realized after I made this that that would be four inches total in girth!  (Hello, sewing while drinking wine)What’s funny is that it’s about right for the girth. I could use a bit more in the bust, but overall, it’s exactly how I would want a slouchy shirt like this to fit. What really drew me to this pattern was the exposed seam in the front. They have you use a narrow rolled hem as the CF and CB seam. I really like how it turned out. I’ve never thought of doing something like that before. I wasn’t sure it would be strong enough to really hold the shirt together but it works great.

 

I used a yellow-orange (yorange? or-ello?) thread for the rolled seam. I used the same stitch on the hem and cowl edge. It came out more lettuce-y because of the stretch of the fabric.

 

It still seems a bit wide in the shoulders.

 

Here’s a close-up of the CF seam. Kind of cool, eh?

 

This is the wrong side of the CF for reference.

I’m really happy with this top and I’ll probably make another one. There are also several other patterns in this magazine I want to try.

 

 

 

Who can resist a wrap dress?

 

I just love simple knit dresses.

 

This skirt is cute and I love the diagonal seam.

 

This one I kind of adore. I have it on my cutting table right now. I love the giant pockets and the cut-on sleeves.

 

 

And I’m always looking for the perfect casual tights. Believe it, or not, but I don’t own the Jalie version of these! What? I know! And speaking of Jalie, when are they releasing patterns?

 

I have a few more things to show you guys, but be patient. My job just started again and coaching starts next week. And I have a big race this weekend. Phew!