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

Sewing, But No Blogging/Towels, Tops and Trousers

Happy Saturday Everyone!!! 

It's a glorious start to the day here in Chicago, the sun is shining, but...not for long :( A few nights ago, my husband and I went out for our evening walk with the dogs. When I opened the door, I saw that it was raining, yet again. We have had sooo much rain. But, I'm very careful about verbalizing what I feel in my heart as I know that times without rain are not something we want. In all things be grateful...at least try :)

So yes, I have been sewing, but just not blogging. This morning I was determined to make myself sit down and write a note. I know that it's just a matter of getting back in the habit, and as we all know, habits are easily broken and difficult to create.

I've made a number of easy summer outfits that I can just throw on and go. The pants I'm wearing below I also did in THIS post. A super simple gathered leg that makes the pants look special. The top is the Helen's Closet Elliot Sweater and Tee pattern. I made a long sleeve version of the top before I broke my arm this past winter. Loved it. Super easy to make, and just as easy to wear. It's difficult to see in the picture, but I had a piece of embossed knit that matched the pants, so I decided to give the pattern a try as a summer top. At the rate I am going, it will only last 1 summer as it will be worn out!!!

I was intrigued by an email I received from fabrics-store.com They actually have linen toweling that is 19" wide. They had a little tutorial on making linen kitchen towels using a 1 yard length of the fabric. I love linen towels, so I decided to give it a try.  

I began with a 1 yard length, and just hemmed the bottom and top edges, leaving the selvedge edge along the sides. I then put them in the washing machine and dryer. As you can see below they came out a crumpled heap. The above picture is after ironing. The natural linen has the most wonderful smell, and the texture is also quite lovely. I bought enough for 3 sets of towels, 1 to keep, and 2 to give. I'm so pleased that I think I will order enough for a few more sets as they will make wonderful gifts. You can find the fabric HERE.   

As I said, I have been making a number of throw on and go pieces. The top below is the free Zoe Top pattern from Tessuti. I am so very pleased with how it turned out. I had this lovely bordered fabric, and thought it might work well. 

The neckline is quite wide, and a little wider than I wanted for this top. So, I decided to cut a piece of the border and fill in the neckline. 

The pattern features a dolman sleeve. Rather than leave the sleeve plain, I cut some of the border and appliqued it to the bottom of the sleeve. In the end, I felt that it all came together quite nicely.

A picture of me in the top will follow shortly. I'm making a pair of white Barb pants from Style Arc patterns. I blogged about that free pattern HERE. Another easy to make, easy to wear pattern. 

Berkley and I will be going to camp! Actually, I signed Berkley up for an agility class. I think he is going to love it! And...me too :) It won't begin until the 3rd week of July. Can't wait!

Have a lovely weekend!
Rhonda