Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Laurel Has Gone Rogue...and Sleeveless

Friends, first and foremost if you haven't seen it already head on over to the Curvy Sewing Collective, where I had the privilege of reviewing the Green Style Laurel Tunic/Dress.  Green Style has agreed to give away a copy of the Laurel pattern to a lucky gal (or guy) so make sure that when you go over to read the review that you leave a comment and enter to win!

As I have mentioned before, I am sewing some resort wear and Summery items in order to get ready for vacation.  Here is my first sew:


Those may or may not be chopsticks in my hair

I sewed the dress in a Fuchsia colored Stretch French Terry that I bought on my day after Christmas fabric binge.  It is from Fabric.com and is available here.  This fabric washed well and sewed up quite nicely.  My pictures make it appear rosy in color, but it is really the color of the fabric on their website, the yellow lighting inside my house just washed the color out a bit.

Do recognize that pattern?  Yep, it is the Green Style Laurel, with a few twists.  I kept the bodice and skirt pieces exactly the same.  But then I cut a 23 inch by 3 inch piece of the knit terry and sewed right sides together on the 3 inch sides, forming a loop.  Then I pressed it in half long ways with wrong sides together and attached it at the neck to form a collar.  Does that make sense?  Sorry that I didn't take pictures of the process!  I also added one row of top stitching around the neckline.

Look Ma, no bra strap!

My next step was to finish off the arm holes with bias tape.  I just attached the bias tape to the outside of the arm holes, and then turned it in and sewed it down.  I intentionally left the turquoise bias tape sticking out a bit as a design element, because I really liked the way it set off the fuchsia fabric.




Stretch french terry curls up beautifully, so rather than fight it, I decided to use it as a design element and let the unfinished hem curl up.  The more you stretch the edge the more it will curl.


Can you see the curled edge?

I really like the way this tuned out, and can see me making more of these come Summer.  It is perfect for lazy days floating out on the ocean!

The scooped neck line is just how I like it, and I intend to transfer it over to my TNT t-shirt pattern.  My hubby even commented on how much he liked the neckline.  I can also see me making it shirt length with vented side seams.  The possibilities really are endless when you start playing around with your favorite patterns.

Have you restyled any of your favorite patterns lately?

8 comments:

  1. Love this! It looks like it's perfect for a walk on the beach. <3 You're so lucky to be getting away this winter! :D

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    1. Thanks, Andie! We try to get away every Winter or early Spring...it is the only thing that makes Indiana Winters bearable!

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  2. Perfect comfy resort/beachy/summer dress! Looks super cool and comfy. Have fun on your trip!

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    1. Thanks, Tanya! It for sure has the comfort factor going on.

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  3. What a fabulous dress! I want this pattern!

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    1. Thanks Marike! Make sure you head over to the Curvy Sewing Collective and leave a comment on my review so that you have a chance to win it...if you haven't already!

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  4. I like the contrasting bias tape on your armholes.Nice touch.

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  5. I like the contrasting bias tape on your armholes.Nice touch.

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