Simplicity 1377 in Cotton Ikat

I made this skirt sometime last year but never blogged it. It is made with a gorgeous cotton Ikat from Joann (of all places) that I wish I had bought more of. The pattern is Simplicity 1377. I have actually made the shorts and pants form this pattern as well. Neither worked for me, but both times it was my fault. The shorts were too short and too small so I gave them to a friend. I need to make myself another version though, as they were super cute on her! With the pants I narrowed the legs too much and when I sat down it would stress the seams. Those went to the donation box. This skirt is the clear winner of the three. It is a simple and quick pattern and I think it works well with this fabric. I eliminated the back pleats in order to eek out the pattern from my small yardage, but I think I like it with the minimal volume. I'm not big on volume at the waistline. I will use this pattern again and I highly recommend it. It is versatile and great for a beginner, aka a super quick make.

I think this is truly more of a summer skirt, but I was trying to be creative and layer my clothes to utilize more of my handmade wardrobe. I'm not sure I'm crazy about the way I styled the skirt here as it kind of looks like I'm wearing a unitard under it, while it was actually tights and a tank top. This photo shoot was fun because we were at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens to test out our action camera for our vacation (this post is long overdue and I am still playing catch up).  I love this little cactus garden and had fun with these pictures. Frank is really nice to be my personal photographer!

Vogue 8379 Knit Wrap Dress

Here I am playing catch up on all things Fall, and Fall, my favorite season, is slipping through my fingers. We planned and saved and I sewed and sewed for our trip to Tulum. It was amazing by the way, and I will be belatedly sharing some things about the trip eventually. Let's just call me perpetually behind.

This dress is actually seasonally appropriate right now, but I made it late last Spring, too late to wear. It is made from this gorgeous, warm and squishy French Terry knit that I scored at one of the outlets on Harry Hines in Dallas last year for a song. I sewed it up into Vogue 8379.

I slightly changed the construction to suit the knit fabric better. If I'm remembering correctly my only change was to eliminate facings in favor of bands, more in line with how I know to sew knits. It isn't my be all, end all of knit wrap dress patterns, but I do love it. I think it is the pleats at the waist that bring it down a notch or two for me. I like a wrap dress that is fitted at the waist and this one just adds extra bulk there, which isn't slimming. I notice know that It does show every bump, perhaps I need a slip underneath? I would recommend this pattern if you like the pleating detail at the waist. It is easy to put together and I love the slightly circular skirt. I think it is pretty flattering over all.