Mercer Tunic - Personalized

I seriously love this pattern. It is so "me." Simple and flowing with a few details that are so right. I always like to make the pattern just as it was intended this first go around. Then as I get to know the pattern, I become more confident in tweaking it and making it a bit different. So this here is my 3rd time sewing the Mercer Tunic and I've made a few modifications. For starters I added 4 inches to the hem when I was cutting this out. I then used a shirt-tail shirt I already had to trace the shape hem on this new tunic. I really like the extra length and rounded shape in front and back with the higher sides - especially since the print of my fabric is so boxy.

Speaking of fabric. I picked up this lovely piece while I was in Paris last month. I visited Atelier Brunette and couldn't resist this soft lightweight print in the prettiest royal blue!
The other modification that I decided to make on this version was too omit the buttons. I simply sewed the placket up about halfway (so it's not too revealing!) and left it! I felt like the buttons would just take away from the top and I didn't want that. Or maybe I just didn't find the right buttons! Anyway - I figured that I could always add the buttons and buttonholes later if I wanted.

 

Did I mention that I love this top? I think it will always bring back memories of my special trip to France this year (and maybe also the blisters on my feet from walking to find this fabric store!)

xo

-V

Mercer Tunic

The latest addition to my fall wardrobe is not one but two mercer tunics. I sewed up the first one as my wearable muslin (because really- who wants to sew something for nothing?). I got about 10 yards of this nice lightweight linen/cotton fabric at a random sewing club sale in town where they were selling fabric at $1/ pound!

After sewing this wearable muslin and loving it, I decided to cut into my "good" fabric bought earlier this year at Bolt in Portland. I will say that both fabrics were a bit hard to cut out since they are a little slippery. So I made sure to take it slow while cutting and make sure there was no shifting.
I absolutely love how both these tunics turned out. They hit below my hips, covering most of my bum, and are perfect to wear with skinny jeans or leggings. I love the small gathers at each shoulder and at the back and the button placket jazzes it up a bit. I'm super happy with how these turned out! I'm sure I'll be wearing these year round since I usually run hot and love to layer. Now my only question is - should I make more or try a new pattern?

-v

Fall Wardrobe Part 3

So, not to brag but I seriously made the best dress ever. It's cute, it's comfortable, it has pockets and it's black & white stripe. Eeeeeek! It does not get better than that in my world! This is the Gardenia Dress by Cali Faye collections pattern and it is perfection. This is the third pattern of hers that I've made and loved. It so perfectly captures my style of easy to wear and stylish all in one. It helps that I got a really dreamy knit to sew it up with when I visited Bolt in Portland last month. Because I knew that I really wanted to like this dress I actually made a wearable muslin this time. I had some grey fabric that I scored at goodwill in my stash that I used. I will say that said fabric is polyester and doesn't feel great but I really wanted to know if I needed to make this dress true to the pattern or tweak it a bit. Turns out that it was a bit tight across the bust and into the arms, so I added just a little when I cut out the "real" dress. So glad I did, because this one is perfect.

xo

-V

Leather + Turquoise

I've had this necklace floating around in my head for a while now. I think that I saw someone wearing a similar one and loved it and haven't been able to get it out of my head. So, this morning I made one. You may or may not know that I used to make quite a bit of jewelry and even had my own small business for a while. At some point along the way, it all got packed up because it was too hard to do with little babies around. But I could never bring myself to get rid of all the supplies I had. I found comfort in knowing that it was always there and I could go back to it at any time.
So today I created this simple (and easy!) necklace with some thin brown leather cord and some turquoise cubes. There is no fancy clasp in the back, just a simple knot. I love the simplicity and pop of color.

 

xo

-V

Fall Waredrobe Part 2

I'm continuing on with my Fall wardrobe update. I've been hoarding this black knit with a slight gold sparkle for 1/2 a year now, debating what to make with it. But the reality is that I like and wear simple pieces. I like a little flair but it still has to be comfortable and easy to wear. Enter the Grainline Hemlock Tee. This is a free pattern and tutorial from Grainline Studio. It's a simple boxy top that is easy and open for your interpretation and creativity. For my touch of flair I added a sheer "ruffle" on the bottom. I like my tops a little long so they cover my bum and I can wear leggings under them (because covering your bum is the only acceptable way to wear leggings!).

So I say, bring on Fall. Bring on the apples, the pumpkins, the falling leaves and the cooler temps! 

I am ready!

xo

-V

Building my Fall Wardrobe

On a recent trip to Portland I quickly peeked into my favorite fabric store, Bolt. I love that place. They carry all my favorite fabric designers and lots of good choices for garment sewing. I picked up 3 very different fabrics to make some Fall staples for my wardrobe. First up is the Perri Pullover by Cali Faye. This top is so, so comfy. As soon as it was done, I had it on and didn't take it off for 3 days!

I love the pockets, the hi-low hem and the roomy fit. This is actually the second Perri Pullover I've made. Although the first one turned out pretty good it was a size too big. This time I sized down to a small and it's perfect! I am positive I'll be making another one of these when I find the right fabric!

SOHO Blouse

Today I'm bringing you another top: the SOHO Blouse. The pattern is by See Kate Sew. I love the design of the blouse with the angled yoke and sleeves. I found this minty fabric on clearance at JoAnns and knew it would be perfect for this top. This yoke is fully lined and therefore not see-thru.

This pattern has a few options. You can opt for a straight hem instead of the angled hem I did on this one. You can also opt for regular sleeves instead of ruched ones like I did here.

The only problem I had with this pattern is the sleeves and arm holes. They are a bit snug, making it difficult to take the shirt off. Maybe next time I'll size up, or just cut the arm holes and sleeves a
bit bigger. I'll keep you posted!

I've got the fabric for my next one ready and waiting on my sewing table. I think I'll try the straight hem and go sleeveless!

-V

Keeping it Real... and more sewing

Let's be real for a minute. The makeup bag I've been using for the last few years is super nasty. Countless things have spilled inside the bag and I just keep putting my stuff back in. It's a fabric bag that I made, so technically I could wash it. But where is the fun in that??
So, you know, I made a new one.

This pattern comes from the Weekend Sewing book by Heather Ross. I love the fun pop of the turquoise zipper!

-V

June Garden Tour

 My garden is in full swing over here. Instead of writing I'll take you on a photographic tour. Enjoy!

Jasmine

Mint...lots and lots of mint.

Beets, carrots, rainbow chard, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, strawberries, blueberries

Watermelon, pole beans, carrots, potatoes and cucumbers

My favorite spot for lunch and dinner.

A view of the best spot in the yard: dining, hammock living and the tree house!