Sunday, August 30, 2009

What I sewed for my summer vacation

It wouldn't be a real vacation if it didn't involve some last minute sewing, right? Here's what I finished on Saturday:

Asymmetric drapey top
This is a Helmut Lang top that I knocked off. The above photos are the original garment, first photo is from Shopbop.com (I'd link to it, but it's already sold out!) and the second is me trying the top on at a local store that shall remain unnnamed because they would most certainly frown on people taking clothes into the dressing room to take photos and measurements! (I realized later that I tried the top on backwards - oops!).


The original top is a very simple design, and it's made in a really nice matte stretch silk. The neckline has a facing and the seams are finished as French seams (for $290, I'd expect no less). I wanted a similar neutral grey color, but I was unable to find a similar stretch silk locally, so I dug into my stash and pulled out (once again!) the Vera Wang Lavender Label "luxe" jersey that I got from Fabric.com. The great thing is that it meant I could leave the hems raw! I like it, but it's just not the same as the silk. I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for stretch silk, but considering this top took less than an hour to make after I had the pattern drafted, not bad...

Day-to-night skirt
Gotta love digging into the Burda archives! I wanted a skirt that I could wear during the day with flats, and dress up an night with heels. The edgy front zipper meant this style fit the bill.

 

The fabric is a cotton woven with both blue and black threads. I think this will also look good with tights for fall/winter. It's lined with Ambience:


And this one I finished a couple of weeks ago but just now got around to taking a picture:

"Scratches" silk top


The pattern is BurdaStyle 8516 - Elinor (I made this one up for the first time earlier this summer). Only change from my last top is that I didn't pleat the sleeve hems, and this one has a shorter sleeve and bodice hem. This is another Vera Wang Lavender Label piece from Fabric.com, a silk twill that they named "scratches" on the website, so that's what I think whenever I see the top. (BTW - I had no idea that I'd get so much immediate use out of these VW fabrics, quite unusual for my fabric to go from stash to garment in 2 months or less!).

I've already worn this one a few times and I'm really happy with it. It's finished with French seams and narrow hems. The neckline is finished with self bias binding.

Phew! Now it's time for me to get a few hours of rest - we are heading to Italy (yes, I'm thinking what you're thinking - La Mia Boutique and *fabric*!!) but I won't feel truly relaxed until I'm on the plane and it's in the air. Ciao!

35 comments:

www.anadiaz.fr said...

Waou, so many new things! I love the Asymmetric top!

Claudine said...

Two great pieces! I love the short skirt/big top look.

Colette said...

I love the new pieces, especially the asymmetrical and 'scratches' top. You'll look just the part in Italy. Have a wonderful time away and I look forward to pics.

Buon viaggio Christine!

Rachel said...

I love the top and I just love your style!!! Where did you get those black heels?

Trudy said...

I love the asymmetric drapey top. What pattern did you use to make it?

Trudy said...

Also, I wanted to let you know that I purchased the cardi-wrap pattern, thanks to you, and hope to make it in the next month or two.

Erica Bunker said...

Love both pieces! They look great!

Jean said...

Great garments --- really love the fabrics you chose. Hope you have a fantastic time in Italy --- I am so envious!

Deepika said...

Wow, all those pieces look awesome. Have a great vacation! Can't wait to hear all about it. Italy is one country I've always wanted to visit.

Beth said...

I love the tops, esp the scratches one. The skirt is really cool too. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one that has thought of taking clothes and a camera into the dressing room. :-)

Enjoy your trip!

Beth

Anonymous said...

Great garments!! I love your personal style! Those shoes are fabulous too!

Lisette M said...

You managed to make stylish and very versatile pieces. Have a great time!

Jenny said...

You've been a busy girl! Love your top knock-off... it looks great! And your skirt is very cute- love the decorative zipper.

Rose said...

Great use of the Fabric.com stash. You look soooo nice in your new travel wardrobe. Have a good trip!

Leslie said...

You did an awesome job on that knockoff, wow! That's it exactly. And it looks great on you, as does the skirt! But please tell me more about those fabulous shoes. :-) When you get back from Italy of course, *sigh*. Have a wonderful trip!!

Amanda S. said...

Great vacation pieces! I especially love the skirt with side zipper.

Sewingadicta said...

Love both pieces!
But... I love the asymmetric drapey top specially.
Have a good trip!

katherine h said...

have a great vacation...I have never been to Italy...so jealous. great sewing, I especially love the zip skirt. I haven't seen one like it before and now you've got me thinking.

gwensews said...

Lovely pieces! I especially like the Lang top. It's very chic!

Gail said...

I absolutely adore the clothes you make. The assymetrical top and the day/night skirt are my favourites, but they are all great.

AllisonC said...

Great pieces, goes to show it's worth hanging on to those old Burdas! Have a lovely vacation!

narcissaqtpie said...

Love it all! You have great style.

Curry Made said...

Love all three! Have a wonderful trip.

loopylulu said...

Everything you make is always so cute. I love, love, love that skirt. I wish I had the 2004 Burdas. Have a great vacation

senaSews said...

Wow, you made up great garments for your trip. Enjoy your holidays and come back well ( with beautiful fabrics and lot of new inspiration ;-)

Katrin said...

Both tops are gorgeous, especially the first one. A fabulous knock-off!
Regards,
Katrin

Anonymous said...

What a lovely new set of clothes! They go nicely together too.
Enjoy your trip!

Melissa said...

Happy travels! My in-laws are going in October and I plan to send a list of goodies I'd like. :-)

Tany said...

LOVE your new clothes!!! Great job!

Sharon Sews said...

Love the new pieces!

Cindy May said...

Get out!! that "scratch" was the one fabric i was going to buy and Loohoo talked me out of it!!
you are looking fab as always. Do i need to bring attire for "going out"?? lol.

Karen said...

So glad I'm not the only person who does "research" in dressing rooms!

Enjoy Italy, tell us all about it. I'm going to Florence in later October, so I'd really appreciate any recommendations if you're heading that way.

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful Italian trip! Your latest sewing creations are just lovely. I can't wait to see what wonderful things you do next!

Nancy K said...

Wonderful clothes! Your Helmut Lang is a great knockoff. Enjoy your vacation.

kate said...

Sigh...I'm in love with that asym. top! Would you ever consider sharing the patterns that you have drafted (for those of us who like to sew, but lack the pattern-making capability).