Kirsten Kimono T-Shirt

Seems like the only thing I know how to sew anymore is t-shirts.  I used to think I would have more time to sew when I got older and when the kids were older.  But here I am, 52 years old and sewing less than I ever did.

This week I sewed another top using a free pattern from Maria of Denmark.  The pattern is free when you sign up for the newsletter; it's called the Kirsten Kimono Tee.

Of course I had to make some changes to the pattern.  Using a RTW top as my inspiration, I lengthened the front and back, curved the hem, and flared out the side seams.  After finishing the top as pictured, I decided that the neckline was too high for my liking.  So I went back, took off the neckline binding, and cut the front neckline a bit lower.  Much better--no longer did I feel like the neckline was choking me.  Well, I don't yet have a picture of the new neckline, so you just have to imagine it.

The fabric is a knit with very little stretch.  I made a size small and tapered out bigger from the waist down to the hem.

Ottobre Woman "Faded Stripes" Top 2/2015

Did I mention that I feel like sewing again?!!  I've spent the last several years knitting and knitting, but would you believe, I have not knitted a stitch in over 2 months?! I've crocheted edgings on a few baby blankets, but no knitting.  (Really, I should finish up a few projects before putting them aside).

This time I made a t-shirt for me instead of sewing for Emily. The pattern is from the 02/2015 issue of Ottobre Design Woman, and really, it is a very simple top but with big appeal to me.  I like how the t-shirt is fitted at top but is loose through the middle and hip areas.  I also like how the pattern has shoulder yokes to add a bit of interest.  I have plans to make another one soon in which I add a bit of lace fabric to the shoulder yokes.

The shirt fits great.  If I can get somebody around here to take a photo, I'll post one of me wearing it.

The Pattern:  Design #17 from the 02/2015 issue of Ottobre Woman
Fabric:  Rayon Jersey Knit
Size: 36
Changes:  I took out an inch from the shoulder area, a "petite"adjustment I often have to make to eliminate excess fabric in the upper bust/shoulder area.

  (These two photos are from the Ottobre magazine.)

Daisy Dress - Ottobre 3/2015 No. 31

 The simplicity of this dress pattern and its classic style first caught my attention while browsing through the recent Ottobre magazine.  I have been wanting to sew again (it's been forever!) and so decided to have a go at this dress.  Emily chose the fabric from my fabric closet, and off I went....

What you don't notice about this pattern is that it is fully lined.  And see that simple little pleat on the front?  For the life of me, I couldn't figure out how to fold it, and the instructions weren't much help.  I almost decided to just go with a box pleat, but then suddenly it just all fell into place correctly.

Thankfully, the lining and invisible zipper went together well--and for this, I really liked the Ottobre instructions.  The dress was finished in an evening, and Emily has already worn it to her piano recital.  My little girl is growing up, and I fear she won't want this style of dress much longer.  I really must sew more often for her while she still wants me to. 

The only change I made to the pattern was to add ric-rac to the bodice yoke seam.  I also made a matching ric-rac flower that attaches with a pin.

The design:  Daisy Dress, #31, Ottobre 3/2015
Fabric:  woven cotton
Lining fabric: batiste
Size 134 (US 9 or 10, I think)

 

  from the Ottobre magazine