Sorbetto Top #1

I think I may be the only sewer/blogger who had not tried the free Sorbetto top pattern, one of PatternReview's Best Patterns of 2011. I was feeling a little left out so I finally pulled out the pattern, which I printed months ago, and got busy on it. To test the pattern, I used a one yard remnant of fabric which I bought for about $1. It is a poly/cotton boxer short fabric from an underwear company. The pattern is designed to be loose enough to slip on over your head but I didn't think I would want my top quite that loose, at least not with this fabric. Rather than cut the front on the fold and make the wide tuck down the front, I cut open the front and used the extra tuck fabric to fold to the right side. It makes a nice front band for buttonholes.

 

I wasn't all that excited when I first tried on the Sorbetto. I almost decided that it was not for me. However, after realizing how well the neckline and armholes fit, I decided to carry on. The lower back was really full so I cut off 1/2 inch from the back side seams (1 inch total from the back width).  I suppose this extra allowed for getting off and on but it wasn't very flattering on me. It would also work well for someone who tucks in their blouses but I'm way beyond tucking in a blouse anymore. I go for comfort.  I also added two vertical darts to the back  to reduce fullness. Maybe I have a bit of a sway back that I hadn't really noticed before. Anyway, after making these adjustments and adding length, I really like the pattern and will definitely use it again. For me, it is basically a woven tank top.

I used self-fabric bias binding on the neck and armholes. I also added a lightweight tricot interfacing to the front band area.

I'm already thinking about my next Sorbetto. The options are endless once you get the pattern adjusted to your figure type. I think it would look nice with a shaped hem or side vents, depending on the fabric. What are your favorite Sorbetto adaptations? Sleeves? Collar? Ruffles?

A little bit closer

Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival

I took a little road trip with a friend to the Third Annual Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival last weekend in Lexington, Ky. This was my second trip to the festival and it just keeps getting better! I really didn't need any more fiber to spin but that has never stopped me before from buying more. There were lots of booths with all kinds of fiber related products and activities - spinning, weaving, knitting, felting, etc. I was especially interested in the natural dyeing. There were yarns dyed with marigolds, walnuts, cochineal, queen anne's lace, onion skins, and lots more. I moved natural dyeing up pretty high on my to-do list.

There were more fiber producing animals there this year such as alpaca, llama, sheep, bunnies, goats. 

My friend bought this French angora bunny at the festival. She is 7 weeks old and loves to be held. She rode the entire 2 1/2 hour trip home in my lap. She will produce lots of fiber for spinning in addition to being a sweet, gentle pet.

I almost got away without buying fiber until I walked through the last vendor tent. This bluefaced leicester wool from yarngeekfibers.com was calling my name. I couldn't resist. I've already started spinning it into a fairly fine yarn which I will 2-ply and make into I don't know what but I'll figure that out later.

I just happened to be in the livestock pavilion when the sheep shearing demonstration started. As much as I love to spin wool, I didn't watch this demo very long. I know the wool has to come off but that poor sheep didn't enjoy it very much!

Great festival. Great vendors. Can't wait until next year!

Ruby's Bloomers

A few months ago, I checked out Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross from the library and traced a few patterns. One of my favorites is Ruby's Bloomers, a cute little bloomer pattern which comes in 6-12 months and 18-24 months. I cut the pattern down to about 3 months. I sewed up the bloomers and put them away. My mother recently asked  if I had an idea for a baby gift for her new neighbor. I pulled out the bloomers and the leftover fabric and had fun putting together a set of personalized baby items for the new baby.

I picked up a few onesies at WalMart when they were on clearance for $2. I had purchased a soft, white bath towel a while ago to make burp cloths. The bib is from The Sewphisticated Stitcher. I always have baby embroidery blanks in my stash to make personalized baby gifts.

The "B" applique and the flower patch for the bib are from Planet Applique, one of my favorite machine embroidery websites. May is Customer Appreciation month and Planet Applique is giving away a few great gifts.
 

I'm taking the baby ensemble to my mother this weekend so that she can give it to Brooklyn, her new little neighbor.

By the way, I ran across Weekend Sewing at Tuesday Morning last week for $9.99! Now I don't have to go to the library when I need to trace more patterns!

Vogue 8469

Now this was a very satisfying sewing project! My daughter told me on a Saturday that she needed a new dress to wear to a banquet at her college on the following Wednesday. She wanted a white dress to wear with a red jacket she bought at Forever 21. Her school colors are red and white. It's always a little difficult to find a pattern that works for her because she is very petite. Hancock Fabrics had several pretty summer white fabrics and Vogue patterns were on sale. I have always liked this pattern and luckily it came in a size 6 which I only had to take up slightly to make it fit.

The midriff section has an interesting curve to it, higher in the front and dipping down in the back. I was a little concerned that she wouldn't be able to wear the brown belt that she wanted to wear but it worked out okay. I made thread loops at the side seams to keep the belt in place.

The gathers are on the sides of the front and back sections. This turned out to be a very flattering detail. Leave it to Vogue to get all the little details right.

My daughter loves this pattern and I loved making it for her. I'm on the lookout for another great fabric. By the way, it only took about 2 1/4 yards of 45 inch fabric for her size 6 dress!

Simplicity 2599

Here we go again! I've lost count of how many times I've made this Simplicity pattern. My daughter loves it as a quick, versatile top that she can dress up with slacks or dress down with jeans. I finally got around to tweaking the fit a bit and used this Burda tutorial to move the dart up since she is very petite.

I closed the short opening in the back with one of my favorite closures -  a button and thread loop.

I have been sewing a lot for my daughter lately. It thrills me that she wants to wear clothes that I make for her so, when she asks, I jump right on it. I do, however, have a couple of projects lined up for me next. Who do you enjoy sewing for?