Remember my MeMadeMay pledge? I was going to focus on refashioning and finishing and NOT cut a bunch of new projects. Well I’m a week into May and I’ve broken it already. First an opportunity to pattern test popped up. And then not one, but both of my Minerva Makes projects arrived. Plus there’s my 1940’s Wrap Dress for the Vintage Inspired series. So I went from one project and a few little loose ends to four major projects. To top it off, Em and I are heading to America on May 28th for a month, so everything has to be all wrapped up before then. So, I’ve effectively decided to switch things around. I’ll do a bunch of new projects in May and then bring a couple WIPs with me to work on while I’m in the states in June.

Pattern Testing: Chalk + Notch Orchid Midi

Chalk + Notch released the Orchid Midi dress last fall, but now it’s getting a size range makeover as well as a second cup size. Whoop! Whoop! I’m really excited (and a little nervous) to make this pattern. It’s full of techniques that I haven’t tried. There’s a burrito yoke, enclosed shoulder seams, a skirt split with a miltered corner and an elasticated drawstring. I’m a little nervous, but the instructions look really thorough. I’m using this mustard medallion viscose from the Lapjesmarkt. I originally intended it for my 1970’s inspired version of the How to do Fashion Aalborg dress, but it was the only cut in my stash long enough for this pattern. Oh no, I guess I have to buy more fabric…

Minerva Makers: Aqua Viscose Challis & Gingham Chambray

In April I applied for the Maker team at Minerva Crafts. Simply put, every month I get to choose a fabric from their list of new-in stock, they send it to me for free in exchange for a post on their blog showcasing what I’ve made in their fabric. I’m not paid to post about them or their fabric on any of my own media. Now that that is out of the way, I’ll show you my plans!

First up is this springy viscose challis. It’s light and airy, but has a steadier hand than a lot of other slippy viscoses. I love all the colors in it. The website calls it aqua, but I the background is just a step bluer than ivory. Still this aqua-y tinge gives makes the pinks, oranges and greens a little extra pop. It’s perfect for a summer dress and I’ve got my sights set on a summer version of Vogue 9328. I’m thinking View E, with the flutter sleeve and maybe even the keyhole back.

When I saw this gingham chambray on the list, I wanted to make everything with it. Gingham is so classic and such a great print for wardrobe building. After a ton of waffling and a failed toile, I finally decided on Vogue 9182. It’s a classic sundress with a button front and princess seams. While I like the full skirt, I think a more simplified A-line might be more versatile, so I may swap it out for a slimmer skirt.

Vintage Inspired Wrap Dress

My Vintage Inspired wrap dress series continues with the Sew Over It 1940’s Wrap Dress. The 1940’s is one of my favorite decades for fashion. I’m so excited about this viscose crepe I found this week at the Stoffen Spektakel. While it’s a bit sheer, it has enough weight to hold the pleats, gathers and darts in this pattern. Plus the print is gorgeous and so perfect for the 1940’s theme!

Welcome Baby

Lastly, I’m hoping to eek out  a little gift for our friends who just welcomed a baby boy. This cotton jersey perfectly matched the colors on his announcement card. I bought 1 meter which will give me enough to make him and little something and leave a bit extra for a little summer dress for Emmi!

 

Thanks for reading and wish me luck!