Still Waters

My Bertie is still waiting for something to wear!

 Many of us who are avid/rabid quilters have a garment sewing history. When generic block patterns without fitting finesse and changes started to occur to our middle age bodies those squares and half square triangles began to substitute for skirts, blouses and blazers. It was so much easier to match seams in an Ohio Star than to do countless FBA's to attempt to keep the bust darts from ending up near our necks!

As the new Fall patterns are being revealed one (well, at least I) cannot help but remember how nice it was to have clothes that fit and had some style. My fitting issues are many but I do want to try again. I did a couple years ago, got more interested in quilting, and, well, you know how that turned out!

A little side trip to Joann's fabric yesterday let me to the patterns on sale table. I had been checking in on some other bloggers to see what kind of sewing they were doing this summer and was inspired. As a result I picked up three patterns. I haven't used a McCall's pattern for years but I wanted to start with a basic dress. Something that I could whip up quickly and not fuss too much about. A House Dress  of sorts. Not to disparage the connotation that the term may have for some (oppressive, down trodden female, shackled to a laundry tub and a stove!) I mean some little cute, light printed item to throw on in the morning and still feel fresh at dinner time without being overdressed. I always wear an apron when cooking because I am a wee bit sloppy no matter how hard I try to protect what ever I am wearing. So I think this might work.
The patterns:
  

M6747

  
Designed for knit fabrics, this little top, dress, long dress in short or long sleeves has a Henley type placket in the front. Little buttons, no zipper required. I see lots of potential here. Once I have successfully fitted my shoulders (small and crooked) done an FBA and adjusted length I might have a winner in this one.

M6885

 
 Now, this little beauty reminds me of one of the first dresses that I ever made, back in the 1960's. It was an orange-ish color, a textured woven fabric, I might still have it up in the attic. Anyway, lots of options here too. A nice little collar, and front placket, sleeveless, short sleeves or 3/4 sleeves, with or without a little tie belt. The hem can be a traditional or shirt tail option. I am thinking Madras, does anyone still make Madras?

M6102

Can't get much easier than this one, Yes?   It harkens back to the "Shift" that was so popular way back when. I can see this as a casual morning dress in a lightweight or seer sucker print. Oh, that reminds me, I have some Vintage seer sucker in the big closet, waiting for a cause. Might have found it here!

Again, all relatively simple design lines, casual and very comfortable during these hot Summer days.

If you are interested, a new web site opened a couple days ago that deals specifically with curvy ladies and garment constructions. The editors are all different sizes and come from many different backgrounds but their focus is on making well fitting clothes no matter what your size or where you curve. I plan to follow along and see just how they deal with fitting and pattern issues, there is always something to learn! Just click the link......
The Curvy Sewing Collective

Off to quilt something.....................