Two Down, Four to go!

I recently posted about my winter wardrobe sewing plans, which consisted of 2 tops/blouses, 2 skirts and 2 dresses.  Oh, and a coat - I'd forgotten about that! 

Make that two down, 5 to go!

Last week I managed to sew the first item, a blouse based loosely on Colette Patterns Sorbetto. 

I say loosely because I made quite a few changes, as you will see.

Firstly I cut the body on the bias.  The first Sorbetto I made is quite boxy on me and while I do like it, it's not the most flattering garment I own.  I had experimented with a bias cut sleeveless Sorbetto earlier in the year (I wear it in bed) and the shape works much better for me with a bit of drape to it. 

Secondly, it has sleeves.  Not just any old sleeves, sleeves with gathered cuffs and buttons, and buttonholes!  (I don't like doing buttonholes!)

I used a sleeve pattern I downloaded ages ago, and basically lengthened so it was about 2 inches longer than I wanted the finished length to be.  I made some narrow cuffs and loosely pleated the sleeve fabric into them, finishing each with a buttonhole (which worked really well - maybe I should be less scared of buttonholes?) and a button from my button tin. 

I also added 3 buttons at the top of the front pleat, which I had inverted and only sewed down the top 2 inches.

So there you have it.  A somewhat altered Sorbetto.  I wore it on Sunday with skinny jeans and boots, and it looked pretty good.  So good in fact that hubby asked where I bought it!

That simple little Sorbetto took me a week to complete, so I was wondering how long it would take to make my next project, a dress from Burda 7301.

2 evenings!  That's how long!  Fabulous. 

This is made from a polyester ponte knit, so no finishing of seam allowances was required.  This considerably speeded up the process, as this part normally takes me ages. 

I made a few changes here as well, although only minor ones to improve the fit.  

I started by shortening the skirt 2 inches.  I should also have shortened the bodice by an inch I realised when I tried it on.  The bust pleats were sitting far too low.  I solved this by taking the shoulder seam up an inch, but next time I'd do it properly and shorten the bodice in the correct place.

Ugh, our garden needs some work!

The back darts had to be enlarged, as it was very loose.  I ended up making them about double the width at the base as the pattern showed.  I also took the side seams in between the under arm and the waist by about an inch each side.

I know it's supposed to be semi-fitted, but it was just a bit too shapeless for my curves.

I also omitted the notched neckline, as these have a tendency to flop down and annoy me!

Managed to capture the edge of my wheely bin "tripod"  in this one! 

I'm not sure the fabric was really the best choice for this style, but I'm happy with the end result.  It's exactly what I want from an "everyday" dress.  Stylish (I hope), but comfortable and it's not going to crease however long I spend sitting in the car - which can sometimes be a long time!

Based on these two finished items (and my failed knitted skirt) can you tell what my favourite colour is?!