Goin' Green

I don't wear much green, but that's all I'm sewing this week!

Yesterday I whipped up Simplicity 2549 (view A) for my MIL.  I won the MIL lottery, and am happy to sew for her! She's just 2 miles away, and takes the kids whenever we ask, so I owe her big time.  She asked for a couple of dresses that would work for lots of occasions, and this pattern fit the shape she wanted (fitted below bust with a-line skirt).  The lower right picture is the one she picked.

I used a beautiful silk/wool that I found at the Expo for her.  Dark teal (not quite hunter green), with the perfect weight for fall/winter (much like a crepe).  "Fine European Textiles" (from Toronto) is at the Expo every year and have the most wonderful suitings and shirtings.  Expensive, yes.  Worth it, yes!  I took the last 2 3/4 yds (60" wide) they had, and ended up with about 1/3 yd left over. No lining, just neckline facings.

It went together very quickly and easily.  I cut it out Friday night, and she took it home with her at 4pm Saturday.  The fit was good, and she was very happy with it.  Gathered sleeves are so much easier to set! I'm eager to see pictures of her all dolled up with hair and makeup (they were headed to a party last night)!  I highly recommend this pattern, and it also has slim skirt if you prefer that style.

My only issue was "petiting the pattern" for her 4'10" frame, but even that wasn't too challenging.  I used the tutorial that Bunny has on her blog, and folded out 1/2" on the bodice front, back, and sleeve.  I hemmed up 2" instead of 1 1/2", and it really looked perfect on her.  When I get the pics, I'll post them!  I should've taken pics during construction, but it was going together so well, I didn't really think of it!

The next green project is Little Miss Princess's Halloween costume.  Maid Marian, remember?

I'm using Simplicity 5520 for the dress (view B, top left) and Simplicity 5512 for the cloak (view A).  I got all the fabric at Joann's, along with miles of gold trim and some faux fur to trim the cloak.  No fur on the dress, and the front tulle piece will be separate, and tied on (like an apron) with wide gold trim.

The faux fur has a super long nap, and reminds the kids of Grandma & Grandpa's old Golden Retriever!  Regardless, the materials cost considerably less than the catalog price tag, so I'm happy.  I'm sure she will be, too!