Drape Drape 3, No. 9 Dress

Ohhhh, I have a treat for you guys today! At least, I think it's a treat because it's pretty different than anything I've sewn before. It's dress No. 9 from the Japanese sewing pattern book, Drape Drape 3. 

I am lucky here in Portland to be able to purchase both English-translated AND actual Japanese pattern books at the local Kinokuniya book store in the back of Uwajimaya Asian grocery which is a bike ride away from my house. Okay, maybe not a bike ride (damn that hill), but it's really, really close. And it also happens to share a parking lot with Mill End fabric store. #WINNING

So I recently went on a Japanese pattern book binge, and the Drape Drape books were high on my list. I ended up purchasing books 2 and 3. This particular dress is from book 3. I have the English-translated versions.

My measurements put me at the low end of the L/XL, so that is what I cut and sewed. However, I felt like it was a little too loose once I was done (probably not helped by the weight of the draped fabric at the hem), so I ran it through the serger again at each of the side seams removing an additional 1/4" from each seam. Next time, I would make the smaller size since the neckline is also a little more open than I'd like. It tends to show my bra strap...but maybe that is a good look?

This dress was actually quite simple and quick to make. The only thing I recommend is basting at pretty much every step, especially before serging! It's easy to get all those little gathers bunched up funny...and no, mine are not perfect. But I am pleased with the outcome either way. 

No, the photo above is not an announcement. I simply have bad posture and a wee mummy tummy. It is, however, a demonstration of what drugstore spray tan looks like on skin as pale as mine. Yet another sunless tanning fail for the books.

The fabric is a lovely rayon knit from Bolt Fabric Boutique here in Portland. I've been getting tons of fabric here lately - such a lovely store and a must-go fabric shopping destination for any of you visiting the area. 

Shoes are a new designer for me - Ethem. They are made in Istanbul, and I purchased this pair at pedX Shoes in Portland.

True Bias Hudson Pants in Black + White Graphic Print

So! I made these True Bias Hudson Pants two years ago! Seriously! I wear these multiple times a week both around-the-house and out-and-about. I first made them when I found out I was pregnant with Finn (not sure if I made them right before or right after, but either way, I don't think I could have survived his pregnancy without them). 

This fabric came from Joann, and I think they might still have it. I know I've seen it there sometime in the last few months. It's polyester which doesn't feel great if you live in a warm/humid area, but they have been fab for cooler days. 

These are a size 6 (I measure to 4-6) which provide me with a somewhat roomy fit and also lasted through a 50-lb pregnancy weight gain. These were some of the only pants I could wear at the 40-week mark! Super stretchy! I did not make any modifications. 

That's really all I have to say about these pants. They are awesome! Wear them all the time! Like every day! 

So here are some more pics. 

All done! Never made any Hudsons? You must! Do it now!

Grainline Studio Boat Neck Lark Tee in Mini-Striped Jersey

I have been whipping out the basics lately (since reality tells me that's all I actually wear), and this boat neck Lark Tee by Grainline Studio is a perfect example. I sized up one size to a 6 and did everything exactly as instructed (including length). I made the long-sleeved version so I can push up the sleeves or wear them long. 

I am still a bit undecided about whether I like this particular shape in an oversized version. I've learned recently that it's best to wear a garment a few times to fully determine whether or not I like my modifications (or lack thereof). In this case, I'm finding the neckline to maybe be a little toooo open, and maybe the length is a little long? But that's the great thing about making one's clothes...I can't really alter the neckline at this point, but I can certainly cut off the hem, take in a little at the side seams and shorten it an inch or two. But like I said, I need to wear it a few more times. It really depends on which pants I'm wearing as to whether or not I prefer my tops long or short. 

Pictured here are the Birkin Flares, and since they have a high waist, the length of the shirt is accentuated. When I look through my Pinterest boards, I see that many of my pinned looks include very long shirts. Maybe I'm just not used to it as I've always favored shirts that hit right at the high hip. 

The fabric is my ideal striped jersey (slightly heavy-weight, completely opaque, great recovery) from Bolt here in Portland. I picked it and a few other striped knits from the remnant bin, and they are heavenly. They're complementing my newly discovered affinity for stripes, solids and neutrals in the best way.

The picture above shows a bit of excess length. AND THAT I MATCH MY STRIPES LIKE A BOSS. Sometimes.

I do love that when I size up, I don't have pulling under my arms on the back. I have finally determined that I have wide, sloping shoulders despite having a small bust. That makes for some interesting fit challenges since my bust measurement often puts me into a higher size than necessary otherwise. Perhaps I need to start considering a small bust adjustment on more fitted garments. Or a boob job. You know, daily decisions. 

This shirt has already made it into regular rotation, and I'll be making more! I love sewing (and wearing) basic knits!