Feels Like Summer
My first fabric collection is here!
If you are following me on Instagram then you know I recently released my first collection of designs “Feels Like Summer” now available on the Spoonflower website!
My collection features a few of my favorite things and colors for summer. Obviously I’m obsessed with watermelon and my plant babies.
One of my first makes with my own design, I choose Watermelon Skin in original and pink background. You can find these prints in my Spoonflower design studio here.
Feels like summer has a total of 11 designs (some smaller scaling upon request). There are currently 3 variations of Watermelon skin, 3 variations of Hot Plant Summer, 3 variations of Bouquet, 1 Like Water, and 1 Colorful Feathers.
This collection was created and intended to mix and match prints with each other. For instance, the stripes in the Like Water design share the same colors as the Colorful Feathers design.
Hot Plant Summer would look beautiful with any mix of the 3 color ways . The Bouquet print features a large scale bouquet in green background, medium scale yellow background, and small scale nude background. I think it would be fun to mix the large scale with the small scale for a fun floral project.
The dress
For my first project I went with the Mimi G Simplicity pattern 8639 and Spoonflower Sport Lycra. While sport lycra is most used for swimwear, I love to also create dresses and activewear with this fabric. I used a strong power mesh lining for the bodice portion of the dress and a lighter weight mesh for the skirt. Overall the dress hugs my curves very nicely if I might say so myself.
The pattern is very straight forward and does also include an invisible zipper and darts in the back bodice. I feel if you aren’t the greatest with installing a zipper on stretchy fabrics, you can opt out of the zipper as long as the dress will stretch enough for you to put on the dress. The pattern instructions do not specify but some seams need a zigzag stitch and not a straight stitch. You don’t want your seams popping when you put the dress on and if you sew in complete straight stitches, this will happen.
Mimi G has a YouTube tutorial per usual that you can also refer to.
SpoonflOwer Fabric suggestions
My top choice in every print is Spoonflower Satin! I mean why not satin? Satin is lightweight, smooth, sexy (slip dress season) and perfect for maxis, blouses, and as my friend Seweu likes to say booty clappers. Lol
Sport Lycra is my next favorite because we’re making all the swimsuits this season right? But we can also make all the activewear and dresses with this one too.
All the knits Spoonflower offers are a great choice, Modern Jersey being high on my list for color boldness.
Chiffon and Poly Crepe de Chine are also perfect for those flowy lightweight blouses, coverups, and dusters for summer.
The Lightweight Cotton Twill has won me over in the bottom weight fabric category. I have plans to make several boiler suits and jumpsuit with this fabric.
Cotton Poplin and Cotton Lawn are great for all those gathered, big, puffy sleeves we want this summer.
I love creating new designs so this is only the beginning. My next collection will be dropping soon!!
Please subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with new drops. I’m so excited to share this portion of my creativity with you all and I can’t wait to see what you create!! Thank you for stopping by and your continued support.
Happy Summer!!
Summer Makes
The Finish Line for a Vacation Wardrobe!
Greetings lovelies!
Today I want to talk about this pile of fabric I’m under and the race to completing my summer vacation wardrobe. I’ve only been planning this years summer vacation for the past year. You’d think I’d be done with all my makes for this getaway by now but…I’m not! A few weeks back I reflected on the pieces for 2019 I’ve made so far and I was really impressed with myself. But when it comes to summer, I have so many ideas and creations in my head I’m finding it hard to focus. There is no doubt, Spring/Summer is my favorite season!
This week I’m actually focusing on a solid plan and that plan includes…how many looks do I want for this trip? (or should I just be naked the entire time?), how many previous makes are coming along?, gotta make at least one swimsuit (I’m using Katie Kortman’s Spoonflower Sport Lycra), and the most important creation, my vow renewal dress. WHAT THA?
I’ve narrowed it down to 6 new looks and 3 oldies (but that is subject to change lol). Stay tuned for these looks! I love them all and I’m sure you will too.
Are you a planner for vacation wardrobe? Do you wait until the last minute to whip something fresh together for your getaways? Or do you pack for holidays like a minimalist? I’m curious.
Cyan Ink
Cyan a.k.a that color ink cartridge you have to replace in your printer. Printer? What’s that? lol. Who’s still replacing ink cartridges other than me?
Cyan Ink
I think I’ve gone a little overboard with my current stripe addiction but I can’t help it. I made a vow to myself to sew my Spring/Summer makes from my stash. So as you can see, my stash contains lots of stripes. I am currently low on pants and skirts. Honestly I don’t feel as though I make enough bottoms. I initially wanted to make this as a matching top and bottom set but I ran out of fabric. So pants it is.
Alright, can I tell you how much I love these pants? They will be one of a few handmade pieces I’m taking with me for my summer vacation. This Vogue pattern 9319 is VERY EASY (but I struggled with my waistband, it happens okay). You can complete this project as an afternoon sew. Obviously cutting out stripes tacks on a little more time. My trick for stripes is always match your notches before cutting. Okay the waistband was perfect until I got to the back. This pattern has 2 pleats in the back and they threw my stripe matching up a bit. I took the waistband off 3 times. Well on the 3rd try I said if it doesn’t turn up the way I imagined, then it’s just going to have to be good enough. Well it was good enough and I LOVE THEM. I plan on making the shorts soon and I would definitely recommend this pattern for all sewing level.
What do you think about my Cyan stripe pants? Are you rocking more pants or more shorts this season?
Black with a kick
Black with a Kick!
Let me see those legs! Tis the season for sunshine and skin. I decided to create the high-waist shorts view of McCall’s pattern 7726. There are a couple of different ways to construct the pleating with this pattern so be sure to read the instructions and pattern pieces. I got a little confused with the shorts view (it happens).
I choose this black striped poly-blend obviously because I have a stripe obsession. The texture of this fabric is smooth and semi heavy weight. The fly on this pattern gives the shorts a very clean look and feel. On the inside of my shorts, I added binding to the pocket and waistband seams. You can choose to serge but I wanted this make just as extra on the inside.
I would definitely recommend this pattern and I will make it again. Next time I will make the pleats loose at the waist. I consider this pattern moderate (especially if you’re new to installing a fly and pleating).
Paired:
Jacket: Guess
Bra: Soma
Shoes: Aldo
Bag: Kate Spade
Fabric: G Street Fabrics
Stripes Galore
Are you obsessed with stripes like I am? This rainbow linen is lightweight and has a beautiful drape.
I can’t get enough of this dress! It’s perfect for Spring/Summer. I was inspired to use this linen after seeing one of my favorite bloggers, Tabitha Sewer, create with it. I added a front panel to the skirt to break the stripes up a little and buttons to give the dress more detail.
Cutting out the fabric was a little tricky. Just make sure to match your notches before cutting and you can achieve this same look. By the time I finished cutting the fabric I was seeing double lol. You can choose different directions to cut out your fabric.
The dress overall was fairly easy to construct. This pattern is beginner friendly. I would definitely make this dress again. If you have used this pattern or are planning to use it please share your looks with me.
Thanks for stopping by and remember
“Sewing is FUN-damental”
Fabric: Joann
Pattern: Vogue 9357
Shoes: Aldo
