Shwin Designs' Anna Top and Lucy Tunic

Shauna of Shwin & Shwin just came out with 2 cute patterns in women's sizes.  This first one is the Anna Top/ Dress.  I made mine a top just because tops are way more practical and has the most chance of being worn.  I found this cute blue floral fabric in the red tag area of JoAnn's.  I think it's cotton lawn and there's probably a little bit of synthetic fibers in there.  It's soft and light and just lovely for a summer top.  The top portion is chiffon, leftover fabric from a dance costume.

The pattern calls for folding the bias tape to the inside so that it is hidden; I changed it up a little by letting it show.  I just love this top, it's cool and breezy for summer, and the shape is simple and classic.  I might have to make a million more.

This next one is the Lucy Top.  Another classic, but modern style, it can be made totally reversible.  The underside of this top is a lovely blue voile from free spirit.  I haven't worn the reverse side because it ended up looking too much like scrubs, haha.  But anyway, the fabric shown is birch organic quilting cotton from Lima Sews.  These pictures were taken after a full day of the top being worn.  I look like a rumpled mess.  I had a little trouble with the button-holes and they ended up being too big for the buttons.  Next time I will try adding a little bit of interfacing to the wrong side to make sure the fabric doesn't stretch.

Here I am with Queen Elsa!

The Birthday Dress: Violette Field Threads Maggie

 

 

Sometimes I apply for pattern testing calls not really thinking that I will be able to make the cut.  Especially when its a pattern maker like Violette Field Threads, who are extremely popular with a huge following.  So when I got the email right around Christmas, I was pleasantly surprised and even happier when I opened the file and found the dress that I was to make. 

 



This is the Maggie Dress.  It has a high-low hem, split sleeves, a contrast belt, and unique shoulder detailing.  It can be made in woven or knit; I chose to make it in this super-soft floral jersey from Girl Charlee. 

I love the flowy-ness of this dress and I think it works beautifully in knit.  As with all VFT patterns, the instructions are clear and concise, and they break it down for you so that even beginners can follow along easily.

And oh yeah, they have the women's version of the Maggie Dress too. 

Tova Top!

It's hard to believe but it's been about 10 years since I've made an item of clothing for myself.  My wedding dress no less.  But the long hiatus has ended with this lovely top. 

  I had seen photos of Wiksten's Tova Top all over sewing blogland but balked at the price.  Who would spend 30 plus dollars on a pattern when you could get them for a dollar or 2 at JoAnn's?    Then my friend Gail  made not one but 2 really cute shirts.  After stalking the Wiksten shop for a few weeks, I was finally able to get my hands on a pattern.  

This top is super-flattering for any figure, but especially for those of us who have an extra roll or two in the tummy area, which I am going to blame on the birthing of two kids and not the bag of cheetos I had with my lunch.

I've discovered that it's really really hard to take photos of myself.   But here's a closer look.

And here's one with the other arm down.  By the way, the fabric is Lisette Lawn from JoAnn's.

The greatest compliment of all?  When S saw me wearing my Tova Top, she asked, "Where's my shirt like yours?"  A mini-tova?  Stay tuned.