Tuesday, August 30, 2016

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.
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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.
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It has big, deep pockets which is nice. I think this would be super cute with boots, tights, and a chunky scarf.
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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.
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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.
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On the edges of the pocket, you make tiny bartacks to reinforce the pocket seams. 
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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.
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I have another pattern from this issue all traced out and ready to go! Just wait for it!!

Sunday, August 28, 2016

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.
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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.
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I love the dip at the back neckline.
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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.
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Wednesday, August 24, 2016

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.
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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.
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It still seems a bit wide in the shoulders.
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Here’s a close-up of the CF seam. Kind of cool, eh?
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This is the wrong side of the CF for reference.
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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?
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I just love simple knit dresses.
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This skirt is cute and I love the diagonal seam.
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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.
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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?
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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!