More Tie Dye and a Hemlock Tee

I was fortunate to spend part of my week camping along the California coast, and I have to admit I spent more than a day in my comfy new Grainline Hemlock Tee. I'm still a bit intimidated by knits and my serger, but I decided to get over it and make this tee, and I'm so happy that I did! The pattern is quick to make and the finished result is just the right amount of slouchy and comfortable.

The other part of this outfit are my new favorite leggings! Well sort of, I love the tie dye, but the pattern needs some adjustments. I used BurdaStyle's Carol Leggings pattern since I already had it in my pattern collection. I'm planning on reading some tutorials to adjust the fit for the next time. The leggings are made from white stretch cotton that I tub dyed gray and then tie dyed with black, fuschia, and deep purple. 

Elizabeth II

Trips to the fabric store are mostly for zippers and thread since I have a pretty big fabric stash that needs attention. However, my favorite local shop keeps bringing in woven fabrics that I just can't resist! After buying a few yards of this gorgeous stuff, I decided to create another variation of the Elizabeth Gathered Waist Dress from BurdaStyle's Sewing Vintage Modern. Remember the first one I made?

This Elizabeth has split shoulders with button closures, one side seam pocket, invisible side zip, and an altered neckline in the front and the back. Once again, I enjoyed working with this pattern. The fit is wonderful and flattering, yet simple enough to make all sorts of fun variations. I definitely recommend trying it out!

These photos were taken with my cow friends outside the Denver Art Museum. I was in Colorado this past week with my family for my big sister's graduation from CU Boulder. I'm so proud of my sister, Dr. Clare!

Check it out! My Elizabeth Gathered-Waist dress is featured on BurdaStyle!

Hello Again!

Hello! I'm back and hopefully this time it will stick! 

So let's dive right in, shall we?

Late last year I got an email from the lovely Jamie Lau of BurdaStyle, who is one of the authors of the new BurdaStyle book, Sewing Vintage Modern. In her email she asked me if I would like to try out one of the patterns from the book. I happen to be a sucker for dresses, especially when they are styled with a 1950s aesthetic, so of course I asked to do the Elizabeth Gathered-Waist Dress.

Awhile back, my mom gave me a set of vintage bandanas that she found while thrifting. I have been meaning to use them in a sewing project ever since, and the simple bodice of this dress pattern seemed like the perfect opportunity. To incorporate the bandana, I started by rounding off the square neckline of the pattern. Once the pattern pieces were cut in the main fabric, I positioned the bandana to my liking and cut it to match the pattern. Last I basted the neckline and straight stitched along the edges. 

After attaching the skirt to the bodice, I decided to add some pleats above the hem to make it a bit more interesting. I will admit that I wasn't very precise with this part and just eyeballed it as I sewed. Surprisingly it didn't turn into a disaster, and I'm super happy with the result!

I would definitely recommend this dress pattern. It is simple with a flattering fit, plus it is easy to alter and sew. I'm looking forward to trying some of the other variations for this pattern that are in the book, including the adorable Lillian Blouse.

BurdaStyle's new book was released back in December and they had a party at Britex Fabrics in San Francisco that I was lucky to attend. I wore this dress, purchased a copy of the book, and got to meet Jamie!

October 3

The BurdaStyle book comes out next month and I could not be any more excited!
You see the fourth dress over in the second row down? That's mine! I can't wait to see what they did with it in the book!

October 19

BurdaStyle announced the Westminster Liberty Arts Fabric contest today on their blog! I'm very excited about it! So head on over and vote! (for me maybe?!)

October 18

Westminster Contest from NattyJane on Vimeo.

October 16

Last month I mentioned a secret project that I had been working on, and today I'm excited to share it with you!

A few months ago, BurdaStyle invited me to participate in a contest in which we were asked to create an outfit using a burda style magazine pattern and Westminster's Liberty Art Fabric. I accepted the invitation straight away and started looking through all the possible patterns and fabric prints. After narrowing down the choices, I decided on burda style magazine's tunic shirt with long sleeves and a fabric print called parasols in blue. I was tempted by the pretty Liberty floral, but I decided on the parasol print because it has such nice geometric shapes, plus there are little hearts flying around!

I worked really carefully with the tunic pattern, ironing like a madwoman and taking extra care with all of the pleats across the front. My practice tunic was too baggy, so I made the pattern smaller for my final project and the fit turned out great. I used leftover fabric to make a tie for the waist that goes through side loops. The tie wasn't part of the original pattern, but I think it adds a nice shape to the tunic. It looks good and is comfortable tied in the front or the back.

I'm very proud of my work and pleased with the tunic that I created, and I hope you guys like it too!

BurdaStyle will announce the Westminster contest on Monday, so please keep that in mind and go check it out!

August 10

The other day BurdaStyle had a blog post asking the question, "how do you do gingham?" I already added the pictures in the post to my inspiration folder and am thinking of breaking out the gingham from my stash. Seriously, how brilliant are those outfits that mix gingham with a different print?
Last year I bought 7 yards of blue gingham secondhand and have used it for a couple of projects, but there is quite a bit left.

Time to brainstorm!
Any ideas?

July 17

I'm pretty good at procrastinating, but today I said no more! and got to work on my project for the BurdaStyle Book.
I got my fabric and thread for the project in the mail last week. I was given a Liberty print that is a bit more wild than I was hoping for, but it's still exciting and I'm sure I'll end up loving it by the time the dress is finished.
Anyway, back to work! I have to cut out my altered pattern and get started on my practice round.

June 30

All my favorite bloggers have made their announcements, so I think it's about time that I speak up as well... I'm going to be a contributor for the BurdaStyle Book!

In May I was asked to submit a few sketches, including swatches, of possible pattern variations. It was a challenge since I haven't done any formal sketching before, but I printed out a croquis and got to work on many ideas that I later narrowed down to four submissions. Out of the four, one of my dress variations was chosen.
Now I am patiently awaiting the arrival of my fabric in the mail. I can't wait to see what they chose for me based off my swatch and description.
I am extremely excited about this project! Stay tuned...