A Wrap For Every Season

Back at the beginning of the year, Style Arc Patterns made their Salma Wrap pattern available as an incentive to raise money for the devastation that was caused by the bush fires. All proceeds from the sale of the pattern, for a 2 week period were donated to the Red Cross Bush Fire Appeal. What a wonderful way to do something worthwhile, and gain a little reward as well. So I jumped on the opportunity. The wrap is a great throw it on garment for whenever you need a little something to keep you warm, add a little spark to an outfit, or a cover-up for the pool.

I've made 2...so far :)

The first was made from a piece of lightweight wool tweed that I've had forever. A great way to use up some fabric! I like it. Great for cool days.

Because it's a woven fabric, it doesn't have a lot of drape.

The second was made from a fun knit fabric.

As you can see from the pictures, it has a lot of drape. It's great over jeans, a dress, and this one can actually go to the pool!

The placement of the arm opening is quite nice, and adds to the drama of the garment. 

What I also like is how packable the garment is. It literally folds away to nothing.

Thankfully, the fires are over. At least I hope they are. Sadly, with all we have going on in the United States, the news from Australia gets put on the back burner. 

Although the proceeds of the pattern no longer go to the Red Cross, it's still a wonderful, easy to make pattern. And too, it's one that you can make as gifts and not worry about fit! This is one pattern that you can get a LOT of mileage out of! 

Happy Sewing!
 Rhonda

Pattern Testing/Naughty Bobbins Patterns

Back in December, I had the opportunity to test the new Bon Matin dress pattern from Naughty Bobbins Patterns. So, I have been sitting on this dress for quite some time. What I especially appreciated was that Coco really wanted the input of the testers, and the pattern was not finished until she had received the comments. 

The sketch of the dress gives the impression that it is a little high-waisted. It is not. It sits beautifully at the waist. The dress is quite feminine, and because there are no zippers, or button openings, it's one that you can literally throw on and be out the door in minutes.   

Pictures of me in the dress will soon follow, but here is what I made. I had a little fun with the pattern of the fabric, using it horizontally for the bodice, and vertically for the skirt. As I said, the waistline is elasticized, and the skirt features side seam pockets.

   

The sleeves(and you know I love a good sleeve!)are 3/4 length, slightly gathered at the shoulder, balloon out at the bottom, and have a small edged finished. 

I absolutely loved how the neckline was finished. The binding is serged on 1 side, but the end of the tie is sewn and turned. The process is very well explained in the instructions. The neckline is feminine, and just a bit alluring with the opening and the tie. 

I had thought that I would order a red belt to wear with my dress, but I remembered the Sobi Obi Belt pattern from Pattern Union. I have some leftover red suede, so I think that will work out just fine :)

I just ordered the pullover and stirrup pant pattern from Naughty Bobbins Patterns. Really looking forward to putting this one together!

By the way, the Bon Matin dress pattern lends itself to some wonderful hacks. The bodice would be lovely lengthened into a tunic. I actually have it on my cutting table :) Hoping to finish it over the weekend!

Happy Sewing!

 Rhonda