modern style, vintage soul
Last month I put together the pattern for this sweet little pleated skirt for Simply Sewing issue 26 featuring a gorgeous rayon print fabric from Rifle Paper Co. The issue arrived recently and I had fun flipping through the pages and checking out the other projects, too!
You should be able to find the issues on news stands here in the US at Barnes and Noble and JoAnn Fabrics.
Happy weekend crafting!
As fall collections start trickling into the stores, I love, love picking up on color trends and deciding what fits my style. This becomes a huge influence on what I choose to put together to offer for items in the bluebird chic shop, so I thought I’d share today what I love about colors and trends coming this fall!
[pattern block pocket tee from Anthropologie]
I loved this little article on whowhatwear.com that featured color picks from the head stylist at J. Crew, Gayle Spannaus. Partly just because they featured colors that I love, and also because they’re really going for a “fall doesn’t have to be drab” kind of look. I sincerely forget, having lived so far south for so many years, what it’s like when retailers start rolling out their fall collections and you have to cringe at how dark the colors are. My thought? It’s dark enough outside. Wear something that makes you happy.
And when I look closely at the Fall 2015 color picks from Pantone, I see plenty of potential for bright, pretty colors. It’s all about what you focus on. My favorites from their list are the teal, blue, golden yellow/tan, and olive.
[woodland plaid crinkle chiffon blouse from kate spade]
Plaid is definitely big for fall this year – that along with a lot of classic looks like stripes, and a few large print, abstract florals. I love this feminine take on a traditional plaid from kate spade.
I heard someone mention that olive green is this season’s new neutral, and I totally agree! I’ve seen it paired with pretty burnt orange, salmony pink, and golden yellow, and they all look amazing to me. It reminds me of the mums that my mom always plants for the fall. Looks in these colors in any combination or shade make me happy.
Overall, I think there are a lot of fun things on the racks this year for Autumn, and I can’t wait to add a few key pieces to my wardrobe, both through my own sewing, and shopping a few of my favorite retailers.
I’ll be the first to admit, as much as I’m not a prude, I can’t go strapless. It has to do with, ahem, other things.
So with the heat of summer upon us, I was flipping through my sundresses. (I’m not much of a shorts person – when it gets hot, I pull out the dresses. If I’m going to swelter, I still wanna look decent.) Anyway, I stumbled on to this one, which has always been a favorite, even though I haven’t worn it much.
On a whim, I decided to add straps, and now I can’t wear it enough. Well, in between washings anyway!
Start by trying on the dress.
Mark the spot where you need to add the straps with a pin – both front and back for one side. You might need a hand to mark the back!
Fold the front of the dress in half to mark the strap placement for the other side. Repeat for the back straps.
To make the straps, cut strips of fabric 3″ wide. I used bottomweight cotton twill.
I discovered after putting this together, that a 13″ length will work great. The length shown in the photo, is 15″ – it just depends on how much extra you’d like. And of course, you can always hold the strips up to the dress, and get a feel forhow long you’ll need them before you add them on!
Fold the strips in half lengthwise, trim one end at an angle, and stitch up with side.
Once you’ve stitched, trim the end, and cut to the length you’d like if you haven’t already.
Turn the strips right side out.
Press with an iron and topstitch.
Pin to the inside of the dress in the spots that you’ve marked. One strip for each of the four markings.
Using a thread that matches the dress, stitch the straps in. Be sure to pull the stretchy elastic out as your stitch, or the elastic won’t stretch anymore!
All finished! Try in on and tie the straps up at the top!
Post if you have any questions! And my apologies for the couple of first photos being blurry! I always think that my iphone 4 takes great pictures – until I compare them to my canon!! LOL
Have a lovely Monday!