Baby Blessing Dress

In my children's clothing class in college, one of the assignments was a baby blessing dress. I won't get any use out of it any time soon, but I am saving it for my baby girl some day!

I used two types of white tricot fabric: sheer and opaque. The bodice, sleeves, and both skirt layers all have sheer tricot laying over opaque tricot. The two layers gives the fabric a really pretty sheen. 

Tricot is perfect for a blessing dress because it is super soft and stretchy.

The two long skirt layers. Each layer is finished off with thick satin ribbon. 

I wasn't sure what embellishments/trim to add to the dress at the time. I'm glad I kept it simple because my style is always evolving and my options are endless! I can always add lace or more ribbon later. 

My First Swing Dress

Last year was my first attempt at a swing dress. I bought this super thick, soft light blue knit fabric. 

I made a few mistakes along the way, but I fixed them with the second swing dress I made. 

The fabric was a bit too heavy and it still shrinks with each wash! It is a much different shape now than it was at the beginning. 

It is more form fitting on the upper bodice than I had intended and the hem droops at the side seams. 

I've always been taught that you should let a dress or skirt hang for a while before hemming it, but I never have the patience! Therefore, my hems are often not straight..

I love the way the neckline turned out and I love the length of the sleeves. 

I learned that for the desired look, I needed to add fullness to the center back with a seam. 

It ended up being a great summer dress for nights out or days at the beach. 

With my family at the Hollywood Bowl summer 2015

Swing Dress Pattern

In a previous post, I showcased a swing dress I made for Easter. I still wear it regularly and plan on making ten more of them. My sister Rachel recently made herself a swing dress and she asked to see a picture of my swing dress pattern. I took a picture of the simple pattern just to give her an idea of where to add fullness.

When it came to cutting out the fabric, I ended up cutting the front and back pieces wider than the pattern showed. I used all the width that the fabric would allow. These pattern pieces were just a guide in getting the shoulders and neckline the right shape. When it comes to a swing dress, you can't go wrong if you just add as much fullness as you can starting under the arms. 

I also decided to make the back two separate pieces with a seam down center back. This is how I added so much fullness to the back.

I learned from the mistakes I made on a previous swing dress. I did not add the center back seam on the first swing dress I made and all the fullness was in the side seams. I wanted to add more to the sides and the back for extra fullness. 

The hem looks uneven, but I cut it so the back is slightly longer than the front. You can also see all the fullness that the back of the dress has. 

Baby Kempler!

BABY BOY KEMPLER DUE IN MARCH!

We can't wait for this sweet baby to arrive! I have been so busy lately that I haven't had time to sew anything new, but now that my body is so rapidly changing, all the more reason to sew for my baby!

This picture was taken the week we found out we were pregnant (in July). I was so convinced there was already a bump, but there definitely wasn't one yet!

I love sewing for babies and I'm so happy that I now have the perfect excuse to do more of it. I love the soft knit fabrics and the fun colors that come with children's clothes. Plus, they are always comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. 

The same week we found out we were pregnant I went through my fabric stash and pulled all the knit fabrics. I have a pretty good stash already, but I'm sure it will grow over the next few months. 

My mother-in-law gave us this little dresser for the baby's things. I immediately found the right corner for it and filled it with the few things we already have.

 

Now THAT is a bump! This was taken in October right around our half way mark! 

Patterns

My pattern making process begins with the idea, inspiration, or sketch. When I see something I like or imagine a piece of clothing I want to make, I immediately think about the pattern. I try to picture what the pattern pieces will need to look like in order to get the look and fit I want. 

I made these slopers in my Fitting and Alterations class in college. We got basic store-bought patterns with bodice front and back pieces, skirt front and back pieces, and a sleeve. We also did the same for pants, but I have yet to use those slopers.. My body has changed a lot in the last few years since making these and I'm afraid they won't be the right fit anymore. 

We cut the pattern pieces out of cheap fabric and used markers and lots of basting stitches to get the perfect fit. Among other things, I matched the waist line to my exact waist, I moved the shoulder seam to the perfect place and I adjusted all the darts. Once I got the right fit, I transferred the patterns onto card stock. Now they are durable and ready to be used over and over again.

The most important tool in pattern making is the tissue paper! A few years ago, I went to a medical supply store and purchased a roll of tissue paper that is used to cover patient's beds. Best purchase I ever made!

Along with tissue paper, I also use a ruler, gridded cutting board, tape, scissors, and a pencil. 

I still refer to my old pattern making textbook regularly.

It gives instructions for everything: adjustments for knit slopers, all kinds of sleeves and necklines, changing the type of dart, the shape of the skirt, you name it!

I try to create variety in the clothes I make for myself. I am drawn to simple fabrics, usually solid colors. I try to make something unique and different each time, especially when the fabric is simple. I recently made a wrap dress and that was a new experience for me. I had never made a wrap dress, never tried flutter sleeves, and don't have much experience with chiffon. It was so fun to try something new, and I referred to my book for pattern adjustments along the way. 

Once I've made and used the pattern, I store it in a plastic bag, give it a name, and store it away in my overflowing drawer of patterns. 

I prefer making my own patterns over using store-bought ones because mine are simpler to use, they fit me perfectly, and it allows me to design my own wardrobe!