Friday, January 8, 2016

Back in the Saddle

So, December kinda sucked sewing-wise. Then there was Christmas. And I had a new Bernina 880 under the tree!! She does everything!
Isn't she pretty? I've named her Vera. So, between getting a new machine and Jungle January, my mojo went through the roof. In fact, I have two new garments to show you today! Yay!
Let's start out in the Jungle. I had two pieces of silver foil snakeprint stretch bottom weight fabric. Because it's my stash and I can do what I want. So, I went with this stretch corduroy with abstract splashes of silver throughout the snake print. I wanted to start off with a pattern I was comfortable with, since I am still getting used to Vera.
The pants are the Jalie Eleonore, which I have made before here and here. This corduroy has slightly less stretch than is ideal for the pattern, so I kind of have to wiggle into them, but they feel awesome on. I did the full jeans style topstitching, but between the busy print and the nap of the corduroy, the stitches disappear. Still, it was great practice and I'm very comfortable with Vera now.
For the top, I decided I wanted to try out something new. My wardrobe is a bit light on tunic type tops, which I think go well with skinny pants. So, I went with the relatively recently released Butterick 6248
My problem with most tunic styles is that they lack bust shaping, so they end up looking like maternity tops on my full bust. This top has princess seaming, so it curves nicely over the bust and nips in slightly at the waist. Size-wise, I sewed my typical combo of Big 4 sizes, and you can see that it still has a significant amount of design ease. 
Also, POCKETS!! Just a little kangaroo pocket, but it's the perfect size for a set of keys or my iPhone. My fabric is a very stretchy ITY, so I stabilized the pocket openings with some fusi-knit interfacing. It keeps them from gaping open.
My favorite feature is the back, and wouldn't you know it, I got no pictures of it!! I have forgotten how to blog... You can sort of see in this side view that the back dips low and is very full. All that fullness is courtesy of a big triangular godet at center back. 
Here is the fashion drawing from the Butterick website. Surprisingly, it really does look like that! I love the fullness and swingy-ness it gives the top, without adding volume in front.
I'm very pleased with my first outfit of 2016. Here's to an awesome, sew-full year!!

37 comments:

P E Hudson said...

Wow! Love your Bernina! Totally well-deserved too! I have a Bernina 430 and love her! And, great job on stash-busting -- wow! Just Wow.

Carolyn Norman said...

This outfit looks great! I've made that Butterick pattern and love it will be making more tops like it in the spring. Also I love your window backdrop. It is perfect for framing your creations.

Renee Buist said...

You look fantastic in your new clothes! I really love the pants. I wish I could get my hands on that fabric. Congrats on the new sewing machine. I look forward to seeing your new creations.

Gillian said...

Welcome back! That outfit is foxy and super cute. Nicely done!

Da99516 said...

I FREAKING need those pants! And those BOOTS! Where did you get that fabric? LOVE. IT. ALL.

Vanessa said...

What an awesome outfit to start the year with! You look great, and I know you are enjoying your Bernina--they are lovely machines.

Kathleen Cooper said...

So pretty! Congratulations on your new sewing machine! And your first outfit of the year looks great.

Poppy Chiara said...

Great outfit! The colour of that top is fantastic, I love the godet at the back. Nice work :)
Poppy | http://poppyallanorma.com

Kyle said...

The whole outfit looks great! I know what you mean about getting used to a new machine; I'm still getting used to my Baby Lock Soprano. It does sooo many things!!

Heather Dawson said...

This is a great, edgy outfit - you can totally roar in those pants!

Becky said...

Looks great! And enjoy your new machine, how exciting!

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you so much! She is a lot of fun!

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you! I am loving them!

Katie Deshazer said...

It's a little intimidating! But so awesome. It's really fun to learn all of the cool things a new machine can do. Congrats on your Soprano!

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you so much!

Katie Deshazer said...

Thanks! I had always heard peope say how amazing they are. I believe it now! :D

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you! The fabric was from Fabric Mart, but I got it a while ago. How did I let that awesome stuff just sit in my stash??

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you!!

Katie Deshazer said...

Thanks so much! I got it at Fabric Mart, but it was a while ago. They may have something similar though.

Katie Deshazer said...

Thanks! I usually have trouble getting pics in front of the windows, since I'm back lit, but it was overcase and rainy so it worked out. I'm really pleased with the pattern. I think it will work for a variety of figure types.

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you! I'm really enjoying getting to know her. They really are fantastic machines! Now to take out a second mortgage to buy some feet... Lol!

Jennifer McAroy said...

Love those pants! They make you look super skinny too- fantastic!!!

Jo said...

Love it! You're my jungle January hero! And that top is just lovely - they go so well together. I bought the Eleonore pattern after you last posted about it but have yet to try it, I must get on with it!

Marjie said...

Great top, Katie! The whole outfit looks good on you. Happy New Year; I hope you and Vera have lots of fun together.

prttynpnk said...

Do other hobbys name their equipment? I wonder- so does Clementine, my Singer.

Heather Bee said...

Wooo Hooo! A perfect way to start out the year with animal prints and hot pink. You look puuuurrrrfect.

Justine/sewcountrychick said...

Your outfit is fierce, Katie! And the 880, wow!!! I bought a 560 two years ago and love it. But the 880 is amazing!

Cindy said...

Gorgeous outfit, Katie! I love everything about it!

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you!!

Katie Deshazer said...

You'll love it! It's so easy to sew and wears great.

Katie Deshazer said...

Thanks so much! I'm really enjoying her.

Katie Deshazer said...

I wonder that myself... Mitch doesn't name his guns, but perhaps that is a boy thing.

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you!! Pink and animal print seem such a natural pairing to me.

Katie Deshazer said...

Thanks! I'm loving her. So much fun to discover all the cool features!

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you!!

Andrea Huston said...

You look so chick!! Really nice!

Randi Crawford said...

This outfit is so cute on you! I'm especially glad to see the tunic top pattern with princess seaming in the front, since I have the same figure type, larger bust and slimmer hips and legs, and like you have trouble wearing a loose top without it looking like I'm pregnant - which would be a miracle indeed at my age! The top looks awesome on you, very flattering, even with the swingy back. I'm definitely gonna order that pattern.