Gotta catch up yet again *tears hair out* Let’s call this an occasional photo blog for my crafty products or WIPs.
Back in april (*sigh*) I made a dress from some fabric my sister sent me. Love all the natural colours of the stripes! To begin with, I merely cut out two rectangles. I added some shirring to what would be the upper half later, leaving out a few inches in the middle of the front part for the bust. – I saw something like this on the web or in a magazine before, but cannot remember where or when. Just so you know it wasn’t originally my idea. Afterwards, only side seams and hem were left to finish, but I decided to also add straps for wearing comfort. If you want a dress fast and easy to make, try this (width of rectangles = widest part of your body [usually hips, sometimes bust] + a few inches ease and seam allowance) – it flatters all types of figures.
In june or so, I made a red linen top based on Rae’s famous Spring Ruffle Top tutorial. I changed a few things and left out the pocket, though. In my opinion, it’s perfect for those really HOT days of summer. I’m sorry, but I do not have any photos of this one. Maybe another time.
In july, I desperately wanted to sew a top from some white and blue batik fabric my aunt gave to me. She had brought it back from Nigeria (where she used to live for a while) over 30 years ago. It surely must hold lots of memories for her, so I was touched she gave it to me. Her birthday was by the end of the month and I wanted to wear a top made from the fabric at her party to show my appreciation. After a looong search, I chose pattern 116 from Burda 7/2008, because it kinda fits the african style. (Okay, so maybe it doesn’t really, just my wild imagination.) I so like how this one turned out (finished it just in time, the night before the birthday), especially those mostly decorative ties at the sides look great. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to wear the top a lot, because the weather turned all bleak. I’d like to make it again, but would raise the neckline. It is a bit wide and low and I had to wear a light shawl with it. Also, I want more african batik fabrics. Found a good resource online, but for now, I have to save my money. I won’t forget about it, though! And now, just for my special friend Carol who requested it, the photo:
I am very close to finish two knitting and two sewing projects. If I ever get photos done, you’ll see them here.
Thank you all for your lovely comments so far! They truly lift me up on bad days!
August 28, 2010 at 7:59 pm
First of all, thank you for the photo of the ‘african’ top. I’m so pleased for you as I know how much you wanted it to turn out well. It certainly did: beautiful fabric and a lovely pattern, carefully sewn as always. I like that neckline, does seem to be typical of many african female tops and dresses (at least it was when I was Liberia). I’m thinking a pretty necklace would go well with it, something with lapis maybe?
I also like the fabric from your sister which you’ve transformed into an attractive dress. Amazing what you can do with two basic rectangles. A shawl would also go well with it if it was a bit cool.
Red top and current knitting projects too … you’re always so busy. I enjoy seeing how your combination of imagination and practicality produces such lovely and wearable clothes. Thank you for letting us see.