Blue Stripes

These two blue Breton stripe tops are a perfect addition to my spring wardrobe. The blue and white feels so fresh and modern. I whipped up two tops in slightly different shapes to help fill out my supply of basics.

February just flew by and I feel like I’m finally catching my breath. We’ve had some nasty bouts of sickness, my husband and I both celebrated our birthdays, plus we’re in the process of buying a new home!  It’s taken us more than a year to find a place. The market here is so competitive and there’s just so little on the market.  But we finally found a great little fixer upper townhouse in a wonderful school district. Fingers crossed we’ll be closing the end of this month!

I’m really hoping the move will jump-start my blogging.  I haven’t slowed down my making, I just find it so much more of a hassle to get photos of my makes taken here.  Our new home has an outdoor courtyard that should make getting good images a breeze.

I’m also just about to start a new job, editing photos for my sister’s photography business.  I’m training right now and learning so much.  The best part- I’ll be able to work fully from home which will make my schedule so much easier.  Working out of the house while still being with my kiddos whenever they’re out of school is no easy feat.

So-back to the tops.  These are both self drafted makes, a part of my #MakeNine2018.  The first tee is a simple cropped dolman with a split hem.  I kept the shape a bit wider and loose hitting just at my hip.  It has a wide banded neck and an extended shoulder for a small cap like sleeve.  I kept having to adjust the shape of the sleeve to keep it flat but I’m really happy with this quick make.

Fabric:

Sophie Bamboo Rayon/Spandex Knit Stripe from Marcy Tilton

from the website: Royal blue and white 1/4″ crosswise stripes in a jersey knit with a gorgeous fluid drape and 4 way stretch with good recovery.  The presence of bamboo rayon adds an appealing buttery hand, and soft smooth matte surface. The light-mid weight is perfect year around. Some rolling at the cut edge.

I like the split hem detail and how easy this is to wear with almost all my pants.  It’s worn here with my Rust Twill Culottes.  I really like this silhouette.  Plus this knit fabric from Marcy Tilton is so soft and light.

This next top has a similar sleeve-just lengthened- but a more fitted shape.  I wanted this to work tucked in for a clean silhouette but also with some interest if worn out.  I love how versatile this is.  It has a scooped neckline as well as a curved hem that is lower in the back.  I’m wearing it here with my Indigo Voile Summer Wrap pants. These were both made pretty quickly on the serger and then hemmed on my coverstitch. That coverstitch machine, though not used often, is fab.  It’s just a basic model- the Brother Pacesetter- but it gets the job done quickly and gives a beautiful finish on my knits.

I’ve been trying to add more pieces to my wardrobe to work with what I’ve already made.  These two have already gotten a ton of wear.  Plus it’s such fun working on the drafting.  I’ve got quite a few projects in the works right now.  I’m just about finished with a Renaissance gown for my 6-year-old for the Renaissance faire in Deerfield Beach.  We’re planning on going to the Kilts and Colleens Day in a few weeks since my husband is British and Scottish and I have a bit of Irish in my ancestry.  I priced out making kilts myself and it would be almost $800 to make authentic versions for the boys with our clan wool.  So we’ll buy something ready-made.

I’m also about half way done with my Turquoise Silk Tweed Chanel style Jacket and almost finished with a new knitted tank. Every time I head out with the kiddos I bring my knitting with me.  As the weather here has quickly warmed up I’ve gotten so mush done.  More pics coming soon!  Thanks for following along-Happy Sewing!