Caution, Dangerous Curves Ahead

I feel like I need a sign similar to this when I wear this outfit.  Not that I'm complaining, I've pretty much decided that I am OK with it. 

The top is a another make from my Lady Skater pattern.  I shortened the skirt pattern so that is would be 9" hemmed and did a slash and spread of about 1/2".  So 2" total, this was a fairly beefy ponte knit and I didn't want too much fabric floating around my hips. Other than that, it sewed up exactly like the other Lady Skaters.

The skirt is a the Christine Jonson Slit Skirt and Pencil Skirt 330 .  This is a new pattern to me and I made the slit skirt version.  I did some measuring (on me) and checked it against the worksheet Christine is kind enough to provide with finished measurements of all her patterns.  The slit skirt is designed with negative ease and I decided that I was not comfortable with that, so I cut out 1 size larger than my measurements suggested, giving me 0 ease at my hips and just slightly negative at my waist.

I think that was perfect with the heavy ponte that I used.  I found this great fabric at Hancock's!  I have to point this out, because it doesn't happen very often.  The pattern was great and the directions very good and streamlined.  I did manage to squeeze the pattern out of 1 yard of fabric instead of the 1.5 yards suggested by the pattern envelope.  I did have to piece the waistband to get the width, but considering my short waist, I may just narrow the waistband next time.  It wants to fold over anyway.  What is also really great, in my opinion, is there is no elastic used in this pattern. It's all based on the negative ease to keep it in place. And it does stay in place, even with my going up a size.

Me and my photographer

I see these two pieces getting a lot of wear.  I have had them finished for a couple of weeks and worn them several times already. Just late getting them documented, oops.

On to Christmas sewing, Happy Sewing, Suzanne

Lady Skater dress - take 2

So this is my second make of the Lady Skater dress.

On this make, I made the adjustments that I noted on my trial.

• Adjust seam allowances to 1" and sewed at .5", eliminating some of the negative ease
• Shorten back length by 1"
• Shorten front length by .75"
• Ease extra front length into the back at bust level
• Added another 2" to bottom of skirt

Front

 

The fabric is one that has been in the stash for 3 or more year, probably more.  I have hoarded this print even though the fabric is an poly/spandex and I was scared to cut it.  I looooove it, it reminds me of the Pucci prints, what if I mess it up? Yes, well, it shouldn't be that precious, so with success of the take 1, I cut into the fabric. 

Back-DD says this is my diva pose

However, I didn't calculate the yardage quite right, when I added the extra length on the skirt and the sleeves were a close call.  As it was I needed to piece the left one, because I was determined to have 3/4 sleeves on this dress.

My pieced sleeve

I'm still loving this pattern and I have at least 2  more planned.

Trying to twirl - trying being the operative word here!

Happy Sewing, Suzanne

My first Lady Skater

But not my last! I really like this pattern and it's an easy sew. This one was intended to be just a muslin, but it actually looked pretty good (I thought so anyway) so I went back to cut out the sleeves, skirt, neckband and sleeve bands. Finished it up and am pretty pleased with it.

I did make a few modifications -

1. I compared to a Kwik Sew t-shirt pattern that fits fairly well in the shoulders and decided to slope the shoulder by about 1/2".
2. I basted the bodice together, without the sleeves, and decided that approximately 3/4" needed to come off at the waist seam. On this one, I just trimmed off at the waist and will correct on my pattern before I cut my next one.
3. I was also having a little gaping at the armhole above my bust, so a la Marcy Tilton there is a little dart extending from the armhole. No one can see it on this fabric and if they are that close I will swat them on the nose.  I will also correct that on my pattern.
4. I did use the elastic to stabilize the waist seam, but may not if I use a heavier knit next time.
5. I added a total of 4" in length to the skirt.  I'm tall and I like knee coverage.

After looking at the pictures of the back, I wish I had remembered another Marcy Tilton and Sandra Betzina tip - make your side seam allowances 1" to allow for the different hand of fabrics. Will make that change on the pattern too. It feels perfectly comfortable, I just don't like those pulls around my back. I will still wear it, because this material screams fall to me, so a cardigan or a jacket and no one will ever see.

I wore it like this today to "summer" it up and so my daughter could help me get some pictures. She says just a tiny bit of room to eliminate the pulls and otherwise this fits as well as anything I've made lately. Woot! I claim the score.

Up next is another Hot Patterns Blouse Back Tee and some more bras.  The lingerie drawer is depressingly empty.

Trying to do the twist
 

Sorry for the blurry pictures, evidently we were having a little too much fun.


Happy Sewing, Suzanne