Thursday, March 24, 2016

Capsule Wardrobe, Italy 2015, #8


This top was made from a cotton/lycra knit, from Mood Fabrics.  It travels well, and has held up through several machine washings.

The pattern is Simplicity 1463.  Fortunately I consulted PatternReview.com, and basted up the sides first.  The width across the neckline and bustline was huge, so I took the sides in about 4" total.  I had to make a tuck in the neckline, which kinda works with the stripe.  The sleeve bands were way too tight, and they had to be cut about 2" bigger. 

This is the type of top I like to wear out and about during the day in Italy.  If the temperature soars it can stand alone, although most of the time I wear it with the jacket in Capsule Wardrobe, Italy, 2014, #1. 

Monday, March 14, 2016

Another Vogue 8636 in a Silk/cotton Knit


Here's another great fabric from emmaonesock.com.  It's a silk/cotton/lycra mix and behaved beautifully on my 2015 trip to Italy. You can read about it by putting the fabric number (47292) in the search box on the fabric web-site.  

I used Vogue 8636 again, adding black jet beads to hold the tucks down.  When it came time to finish the edges with the twin-needle hem, I made certain to get a new very fine point needle.  This fabric is surprisingly warm for being so lightweight.  

I wash it by hand, because of the fiber content and the beading.  "Washability" is another factor I consider when choosing what goes into the suitcase, as everything gets worn three or four times.  This top is another that goes with the jacket in my original Capsule Wardrobe.


Monday, March 7, 2016

How I buy patterns


Here's another top made from Vogue 8636, a Marcy Tilton design.  I like that the neckline can be "snugged up" with the tucks.  I generally cut a size 10 at the shoulder and neck, and then grade up to a 14-16 at the hips, to fit my "petite-pear" body type.  I also cut it a bit longer than the pattern calls for and wear it more like a tunic, generally under a "boyfriend" style cashmere sweater.

Unfortunately the pattern is now OOP (out of print), but you can still buy it here (at a hefty price!) or from Amazon, at a somewhat lesser price.  I try to buy patterns when they first come out, watching for the periodic sales at Joann's or through Club BMV.

The fabric is another wonderful cotton knit from Italy, sold by emmaonesock.com.  Good cotton knits are hard to come by these days, so when I see a piece in one of my color families, I snatch it up. 


What to Wear to Dinner!



 Here's another blouse from Simplicity 2892, also made from silk.  This piece is from emmaonesock.com (#42073), a great online source for fabrics.  I love that you can now go to the web-site and see everything you have ever bought from this site.  You can look at the original listing by putting the fabric number in the "search" box.  This is another great "go out to dinner" blouse.


I lengthened the sleeves to end at the wrist, and turned the fabric back on itself to make a hem and casing together.  Then I used 1/4" elastic in the casing, for a simple ruffle effect.  

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

What to Wear to Dinner? Why, silk and cashmere of course!


This is another top made with Simplicity 2892, a TNT pattern.  I lengthened the sleeves and finished them with 1/4" elastic in a casing.  The fabric is from Discount Fabrics, which in spite of its name, has some of the better fabrics from the Yardage Town chain in San Diego.  I liked it so much I went back for a second cut, which is destined for a jacket lining.

This is the type of top I like to wear out to dinner in Italy.  It's just dressy enough with black pants and a little sparkly jewelry.  Adding  a black cashmere sweater makes it even more special.

You may think silk and cashmere fabrics are a great luxury, but both are incredibly lightweight for the warmth they provide.  And remember, every ounce and every inch matter in a suitcase meant to carry one through a month or more in Italy!