Hawthorn Dress in Chambray

My second attempt with the Hawthorn Dress by Colette Patterns. I blogged about my first version here.

The fabric is Chambray in Eggplant by Andover Fabrics.

I finished the facing with rayon seam binding. The waist and side seams are serged. The hem is a hand stitched blind hem.

A close up of the neckline. As with the first version I didn't use interfacing in the collar. The buttons are from JoAnn's.

Some baskets and pouches

Last weekend was all about bags. Saturday was just cutting out new projects. All in all I got around to cut out two dresses, one cardigan, and the following three pouches/bags/basket.

The first one is the Divided Basket by Noodlehead.

The fabric is some leftover from my first Anna dress, and the lining is red Chambray. Also leftover from a dress I yet have to blog about.

I used Pellon SF101 and Fusible Fleece 987F for the main body and the divider.

This is a very easy and quick make. I love the basket and will make more for sure. This one will be used for books.

 The Greenbacks Wallet Trio by Sew Sweetness

Version #2, without strap

Fabric: Meadow by Leah Duncan

The pattern comes with clear step-by-step instructions.

Next on my list is version #3, which is the biggest of the three wallets.

 

Pocket for cell phone on the back

The inside has nine card slots, and three slots for cash etc.

Snappy Manicure Wallet 

Free pattern by Noodlehead

Fabric is from my older sisters stash

I used ByAnnie's Soft and Stable for the first time in these projects and really like it.

Paper Pieced Pillow

This is my first paper piecing project. A pillow case for my youngest nephew. My plan for this year is to make one for each of my nephews/ niece for their birthdays. Of course a different picture for each. 

The pattern is from the website Fandom in Stitches. 

This particular pattern can be found here 

I enlarged the original pattern by 25%, and I am glad I did. It is the perfect size for a pillow. And I can't even imagine how much fiddly work it must be in the original size. This was bad enough. 

I am really glad I tried out paper piecing. It is a lot of fun to create pictures like this one. In the beginning I had a couple of pieces I had to throw away, because I started out correctly and then put on one piece the wrong way. It took a bit to get the hang of thinking upside down. But once I got it, it went really fast.

The rest of the pillow is pieced with leftover fabric from the picture. I am really happy that my nephew loves his new pillow. Four more to go! 

 I also have several ideas with a pillow for myself, a tote, a mini quilt, and the list goes on :)

Anna Dress - By Hand London

Woohoo! I finally have my own Anna Dress! I was drooling for months over all the wonderful versions found online. I traced it off the minute I picked it up from the mail, and within two days I had my very first Anna Dress. Why first? Because there will be many more to come. 

I consider this first version my wearable muslin. My measurements put me in a size 6/10. I cut it out and ,without any alterations, it fits perfectly. I love when that happens.

Now seeing myself in the pictures I don't think the quilting cotton makes it look too stiff, but I don't think I will make it again in this kind of fabric. It just calls for more drape. The stiff quilting cotton makes the sleeves stand out too much, which doesn't flatter my wide shoulders. But that is just a personal preference. I am also not too flattered about the length. It should be shorter. Next time I will make it either above knee or maxi length. Again, just a personal preference.

I will let my dress form model for the close up and the inside out view. Does anyone have an idea where to get a dress form stand from? Mine came without one, but also was dirt cheap because of that.

Something is off in this shot. The dress really isn't that crooked in real life.

All seams are finished with my serger. I thought the facing could have been a bit narrower. Something to change the next time. The side seams of the bodice should be finished before sewing the seams. It makes for a neater finish. 

It confused me a bit that they don't call for staystitching the neckline. Also there is no mentioning of understitching the facing. I did it anyway. Just a couple of things I have to put in my notes for the next version.

 Here a back view of the inside. Also the back seam is best finished before putting in the zipper. It is a very versatile and flattering dress. Easy and quick to make. 

I made already a second one in a polyester silk from JoAnn's, and are planning a maxi length version in cotton voile. Other ideas are adding a circle skirt. Oh, the possibilities!

Pattern Description:
An effortless dress featuring double pleats at the bust, kimono sleeves and a panelled a-line skirt. Variations include both slash and v-neck options, plus midi and maxi skirt possibilities and a dramatic thigh high split. Super quick and simple to make, cut it short for the perfect festival dress, or make it worthy of the red carpet with a maxi skirt and thigh high split. (from website)

Pattern Sizing:
2 - 16 (Bust 32" - 45")
I made a size 6 (true to my measurements)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, but I don't think I will make it again from quilting cotton. Rather stick to fabrics with some drape.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy instructions. There is a sew-along on their website Here

I was a bit surprised that there is no stay stitching of the neckline, or understitching of the facing.
 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
There is nothing to dislike

Fabric Used:
Quilting Cotton
 
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I understitched the facing (not mentioned in the instructions)
I would suggest finishing the seam allowances of the side seams before sewing the seam. Also finishing the back seam allowances before putting in the zipper. But that also depends on if one is lining the dress. 
No fitting alterations.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I highly recommend this pattern. It is very versatile (one could add another kind of skirt, like many have), and easy and quick to make. Very beginner friendly with a great outcome.

Conclusion:
I see many more Anna dresses in my future

Liebster Award

I feel honored to be nominated for a Liebster Award by Carrie from Crafted by Carrie. Thank you so much!

People actually read my blog?? It feels great to be part of the sewing blog world.

Rules of the Liebster Award:

1. Thank Carrie 
2. Answer her question
3. Nominate a few small-ish blogs for the award (the recommended number of blogs seems to vary dramatically as well as how many followers constitutes a ‘small’ blog)
4. Submit questions for them to answer in a post

What is your favorite garment you’ve made? 

 This is a tough one since I've made so many dresses I love. But the one piece I am proud of the most is my Alabama Chanin Style Reverse Applique Top. Blogged here.

It took many hours of hand stitching, and to think that I made it literally by hand makes me think of it as my one couture piece.

Do your friends/family know about your blog?

 Yes, they do. And I never get tired to pester them with the newest update by posting it to my Facebook wall :)

 What’s your biggest pet peeve? 

  A lunging line not hung up correctly and the dish soap on the kitchen counter.

Share 5 things about yourself that others probably don’t know. 

1. I rarely make my bed in the mornings

2. I used to paint on silk as a teenager

3. I daydream about being a singer

4. I tap danced for three years when I was a teen

5. I can shoot a bow and throw knives

What is your favorite period in fashion, and why? 

That would be the 50's with all their petticoat and circle skirt goodness.

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of and why? 

I am most proud of my masters degree in horse training. So many people along the way told me I could never get there. That I wasn't good enough and didn't have any talent. Luckily I found people who believed in me and saw some talent, and helped me to train and work hard to reach that goal.

What three things would you buy first if you won the lottery? 

1. A horse property with indoor and outdoor arena, big fields, and modern barns.

2. The new Bernina 780 or 880. 

3. Lots of Rainforest, that nobody can chop it down anymore.

What quality in a friend is most important to you, and why?

Honesty. No relationship can work if it is build upon lies. Honesty is a foundation for trust. The worst thing is to find out to have been lied to. Another thing would be respect (if I may mention two important things). Again, a relationship without respect for each other just doesn't work. With everything it works both ways. If only one person puts these things in it will fall apart eventually.

My questions:

1.What do you most like to sew, and why?
2. What is your favorite period in fashion, and why?
3. Name one guilty pleasure of yours.
4. What is your favorite music, and do you play an instrument, what do you listen to while sewing?
5. Name three of your favorite books.
6. Share 5 things about yourself that others probably don't know.
7. Share your favorite quote/ poem.
8. What accomplishment in sewing are you most proud of?


My nominations:

1. Zibergirl sews
2. Stitched up from the start