Handmade Wardrobe

January’s personal project was SEWING!

I’ve been really focused on spinning and designing knitting patterns lately that I haven’t made time to sew in a long time, like over a year I think!!

So This month I dusted off the machine and got to work. My goal was to get one project finished and I managed to get 2 done! Sewing is so much faster than knitting but I find I need more alone time to work on it. It takes more focus for me so I have to do it while the kids are asleep or totally occupied.

Project One: Lou Box Top

As its name implies it is a box top, Simple to fit and sew, the perfect project to get back into sewing. I used some Cotton and Steel Double Gauze I have had in my stash a long time. This was my first double gauze project and I LOVED working with it and it is so comfy to wear!

I took my time on the binding and neckline and I am very happy with how they turned out (I usually find a way to mess up bindings).

I love the simple design elements of top stitching details on the hemline and the side slit.

I used a brown wooden button and a scrap of leather for the button loop on the back neck.

Overall this was a great simple pattern, very wearable, that I would recommend to any beginner sewer!

Project Two: The Shirt Dress

I have been wanting to make this dress for ages since I discovered Merchant and Mills. I love this pattern! Clear directions, fun techniques, and great end result!

I used a lightweight chambray from Joannes. The only modifications I made was to shorted it to a tunic length and I gathered the front instead of making the suggested pleat (next time I would try the pleat).

I LOVE the design with the front bib and topstitching, and those roll up sleeves are so cute!

It is an easy fit and still flattering. The back has a yoke with gathers.

And the sleeves are set in with gathers along the top.

I really love this pattern it met all my expectations! I can’t wait to try more Merchant and Mills patterns. I would love to make this again in a nicer fabric maybe double gauze or a linen cotton blend. I would love the short sleeve version as well and maybe a tank top dress version.

January was a great month of personal creating! I’m glad I set this goal for myself! Next month I think I will be working on embroidery but I will definitely revisit sewing in the months ahead!!!

Handmade wardrobe here I come!