parasal from unbrella

 
 

I have been wanting to make this for some time, I covered an existing unbrella that had a few holes with home -dec fabric ( thank you Carrie!), I pinned the fabric together over the umbrella for the pattern but still had fitting issues - although the cells appear the same they are not symetrical at all. Next time I make one I will use thinner material, the dotted fabric adds a little weight but it keeps the sun out, perfect for the beach!

simplicity 3881

well this skirt was easy but I'm not exactly happy with my fabric selection, I had to create a lining which should have been included I think. the top part is quite snug, I would think a knit would be better. 

Simplicity 3887

This is a nice summery shirt, I like sewing gauze cotton: it hides a lot of mistakes. I'm not 100% sold on the green shell buttons, I had white shell buttons picked out too if I change my mind. This is a very easy  pattern, I didn't like the way the first sleeves looked (the yellow shirt) you  need skiny arms, so I went with a loose elastic sleeve which looks a lot nicer. 

VOGUE 8405 Summer hat

                     

I love this hat. it was so easy and only  took 2 hours from cutting to sewing, I didn't use the hair canvas that was recommended for  lining because it was too dark and muddied up the white linen. I used a sheer ribbon for the larger- under ribbon, I had to tack it at about 8 places around the crown to keep it from shifting. now I just need to try to keep it clean.

***summer hat update- 8-08 I left it in a dressing room at Yonkers, never to be seen again :(

so look for a recreation soon because I loved it.

simplicity 3503

well I  must say I don't like sewing with knits, my machine does a poor zigzag and skips stitches with knits;  but I have decided to face my knit demons, I have embraced the triple stitch ( for stretch fabrics) and finally created a mostly successful dress. my greatest achievment is a non-wavy hem. I have also added my first review at pattern review.

Simplicity 3786

Simplicity 3786  - I thought the sizing ran large so I'll have to bring it in a little on the seams.

variation I made: 

all the seams (except for the one down the center) are french seams to manage the unruliness of sheers

vogue 8185

hello! I bought some challis on clearance to try out Vogue 8185, I was surprised how well the busy patterned works, I thought I had enough for the 3tiered view but either it shrinked (shranked?) a lot or I didn't follow the cutting layout.

- some deviations I made

1. didn't have boning ( or want to go back to the store) so I used plastic canvas strips sewn in bias tape

2. added elastic  tack to both back center pieces tacked to side seam ( see back close up) and also along front. this is my first strapless dress so I think I felt more secure with the added tension

so now that I know how easy this pattern is I am going to go for the 3 tiered view