How did nearly three weeks go between my last two posts?  If the last few weeks are any indication, my presence here this summer will be slim.  Sorry in advance if weeks go by in my absence.  I am sewing.  And I will post projects…  but not with any regularity.

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On to the fun news and reason for this post:

This month is the first “season” of Project Sewn.  The ladies that run Project Run and Play for kids fashion design have started a competition for women.  It last four weeks with a different theme each week.  I didn’t participate in the first challenge because I wear very little black, but this week is different.  Week 2 theme:  The Sundress.  After wearing last summers sewn sundress a few times each week I knew I would be adding another easy dress this summer.

the pattern:  Sew Liberated’s Clara Dress

the fabric:  Kaffe Fassett Shot Cotton in Blueberry  The shimmer on this crossweave is awesome.  The raspberry and light blue threads play together to make an iridescent purple with a raspberry or blue glow as the fabric moves.  If you haven’t seen the Kaffe Fassett shot cottons, check them out.

the dress:  I wear simple clothes.  I like elastic waists and flowing skirts.  Both those things make an easy wardrobe when wrangling kids and gardening.  There are times however I want to look more polished and the details in a garment really help to accomplish a put together look.  This dress has a shawl collar and cutout sleeves.  A new mission for myself is to sew more details while maintaining an ease in wear.  This dress is a good step in that direction.  I will probably pair it with a skinny belt and ballet flats and actually do my hair when I wear it to a party this weekend.

Voting happens all weekend, so head over to Project Sewn and take a look at all the great dresses.

I have ideas rolling around for the next two weeks themes (’80′s and Your Signature Style) and hope to sew them up, in addition to finishing two lingering quilts, playing in the sunshine with my kids, cooking dinner every day, and maybe sleeping a full night here of there.  So we’ll see.

the pattern:  AMH’s Painted Portrait Blouse and Dress

the fabric:  Liberty of London ”stack of books” print (couldn’t find actual  name) with facing and trim in Free Spirit Voile seafoam

the sewing:  I am glad I found my love of hand-sewing about one year ago.  This pattern requires a bit more than most, but it is worth it.  The entire yoke lining is hand stitched.  I  put aside my usual “hurry up and get it done” attitude and took extra time to sew french seams when attaching the side panels to the front and back, in addition to all the handwork.  This means no exposed seams.  The hem is finished with voile bias trim for a hidden bit of color.

I had plans of a flannel dress version that was not made over the winter.  Maybe this fall?  Anyways, I could not wait until then to try this pattern.  And I am happy I didn’t.  There are many great versions of this blouse/dress in the AMH flickr pool;  Like THIS and THIS.

A few details:

stamped “low beam studios” detail on the yoke lining

button/upper back detail with pearl cotton loop

Lining attachment detail (please ignore the little X that I haven’t washed out)

On the hanger

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If you are in need of your spring top sewing inspiration, check out Made by Rae and her spring top sewalong flickr pools.  You have until Friday to join in on the fun.

And coming up next week…..Kid’s Clothes Week!  I will have a KCW to-do list with ideas and fabrics here on Monday.

Another transitional piece:

the pattern:  Lisette Portfolio Tunic

the fabric:  a small wale corduroy that is a sort of muted purple/muave color

the sewing:  The second portfolio came together quicker than the first last spring.  It is a great pattern.

Last year’s dress didn’t get out of the closet much last year.  It was cut to the pattern dress length and felt too long with leggings (getting all bunchy when I walked).  I didn’t like the cut of the dress with my bare legs either; I prefer a fuller skirt with bare legs.  That problem is now solved.  The denim chambray version came out of my closet for modifications before this one was cut.  I shortened the length by five inches which is just a bit shorter than tunic length in the pattern.  I also re-sewed the cuff, reversing the seam so it can be worn without a cuff.  These changes will make me likelier to wear it as the weather warms.

This corduroy version has already been worn.  I added the sleeves and cut it just shorter than tunic length again.  The neckband facing, pockets, and hems are all voile from Anna Maria Horner’s Little Folks Collection in Baby Bouquet leftover from THIS dress (which was worn a lot last year).  The button loops are pearl cotton thread chains versus the suggested fabric loops.