Polka Dot Pullover

Back when I debuted my white moto jacket I wore this little blouse under it but I didn't take the time to blog about it. I think I was just so excited about the jacket.... 

I used Newlook 6107. I really liked this blouse but at the time and considering my fabric choice, didn't want to fiddle about with the buttons. So what did I go and do? Ignored them. Okaaaaay it's not that simple but almost. When I looked at the pattern a little closer, I decided that it had plenty of ease to make it as a pullover blouse. 

To do this, I cut the front piece on the fold, taking into consideration the seam allowance. I felt that the neckline might be a little too low for my liking so I raised it by 1 3/4 inches at the center. MUCH better! The only part that I found a little tricky was finishing the neckline... mitering the front center took some fiddling. I am overall pleased with it though! 

  

This blouse has been quite the workhorse in my wardrobe these days. I always love a polka dot and though I usually choose fabrics that are much more colorful....I can always pair it with color. 

A Refashion and a Rant

I spoke too soon about all our lovely sunshine... we are in the midst of a long stretch of rain but we did get a brief reprieve and I ran outside to snap some pics of this refashion.

I picked this skirt up at my favorite thrift shop because I really liked the fabric and pattern. 

Geez...love polka dots much? 

This skirt was a VERY easy refashion. I reused the hemmed bottom because well... who wouldn't?? I measured up from the bottom hem to my desired overall length, added two inches for my elastic casing and cut. I knew that I wanted a full skirt so I didn't take it in at all. I turned down the waist to make my casing, sewed it around and inserted the elastic. Easy.

My usual choice would be to wear a bright pop of color with this skirt but I am liking black and brown together so I paired it with a white tee and brown belt and shoes. I have been wearing my skirts with t-shirts quite a bit this summer. I find it easy and comfortable to wear, plus I don't feel so "dressed up". Well more to the point...other people don't see me as soooo dressed up. I love wearing dresses and skirts because they are really easy and comfortable, especially in the summer but I will get the odd comment.."Why are you dressed up today?" Ummmm I'm not. I'm just dressed. Just not in pajama bottoms. I know that I am not the first to rant about pajamas in public! It is such a pet peeve of mine! not going to rant..not going to rant.. So... lady in the PJ`s at the grocery store...the t-shirt is my compromise. I might even wear it to bed tonight.

MMM Day 29 Hindsight

Dress:self made Jacket:Loft(thrifted) Shoes:Franco Sarto

One of the nice things about a blog is that everything I post is dated. Telling me when I made it and what was going through my mind at the time. I'm not great at journaling, making it impossible for me tell you when I made this dress. I have no idea. It would be unfair to review this pattern due to my lapse in memory so I'll wait until I make another. I will share one thing about this dress now, I wish I had made it with sleeves! That hindsight thing....

MMM Day 26 Here Comes The Sun

Dress:self made Blazer:F21(thrifted) Shoes:Payless(thrifted) Necklace:a mystery

The sun came out today!! I can't begin to explain the joy that brings me...I wore this dress to church today, one of my Simlicity 2444 dresses. I should have worn a belt to cinch in the waist a bit because it is a tad to big now but I was comfortable..

See this dress styled just a little bit differently with a belt, here.

The envelope doesn't really do this pattern justice..

My Review: 

Pattern: Simplicity 2444

Fabric used: A rayon twill. 

Instructions: They are easy to follow. This pattern has lots of darts and pleats so if you don't like that then this may not be the pattern for you. It calls for facings which I have used but this time I fully lined the bodice using a pull through method before attatching the skirt. This is my favorite way of lining a sleeveless bodice. 

If I could change anything: I wouldn't change a thing. I have made it with sleeves as well and still loved it.

Repeat worthy? Yes, without a doubt. I have taken a "break" from using this pattern for a bit. I have made it five times already with a sixth now in production. I have also picked up an extra copy for fear mine will be too worn out to use. I like it that much!!!  I am expecting to go through withdrawl.

MMM Day 7 Jet Lag

As I started this challenge, I quickly realized that I would be travelling for the first few days of it and that scared me just a little. You see... I HATE PACKING! I tend to dress according to my mood for the day. Bright colors to cheer myself up, black to feel chic, a dress if I`m feeling girlie etc. That being said, I always over pack so that I have plenty of options to accomodate my moods.

The MMM challenge changed the way I packed this time. I knew I had to have at least one self-made garment a day so I choose one piece per day an made an outfit around each and before I knew it...I was packed. I would like to say that I am a changed woman in this regard but I will probably revert back to my old ways of packing....

Top:self-made Cardigan:Costco Jeans:Calvin Klein Sandals:Aldo Necklace:Lia Sophia 

Check out this oldie pattern... love it.

My day was filled with airports and planes so I knew that I needed something easy to wear and this top fit the bill. I made it from a grey and white polka dot using a vintage Simplicity pattern. The pattern is intended for knits but I sized it up for my woven and am pleased with the result.

MMM Day 6 Ladylike

A pencil skirt always says ladylike to me and I love this polka dot one. I'm sure that I will wear it again and again. I styled it fairly basic here, adding just a pop of color. I used Newlook 6003 to make this skirt. The only change I made was to add one inch to the width to of the waistband. I like my waistband a little bit wider.

Skirt: self-made T-shirt: self-made Cardigan:J Crew(thrifted) Purse: Nine West
Shoes:Old  Navy Belt: Joe fresh

Dressed for Spring

Well, spring has finally sprung! Now if only the grass would...these pictures look so blah with brown dead grass for background. Handsome isn't home to take pics so I tend not to venture to a new location without him. I'm just lazy like that.

This pattern is one of my favorites,(made before here). Simplicity 2444. I really love this retro silhouette and of course the pockets.  I actually made this dress a year ago and have been waiting until Easter to both wear it and post it. I made the belt from and old wool skirt that I had, each flower on the belt is made of many circles folded and sewn together. I love the combination of this outfit, polka dots, flowers, pearls and the spring color. I kind of feel like I'm eight years old, but more sophisticated. Just missing a crazy Easter bonnet.

Happy Resurrection Day!