Sewing for myself ~ Magyar Kimono Blouse by Vera Vintage

Hi and Happy Thursday!

I managed to find a bit of time to do some sewing for myself.  This blouse is a vintage 1940's style by Vera Venus.  The pattern is a free PDF download from her website.

I loved the easy style and keyhole neckline and I just happened to have the perfect Swiss Dot Chambray fabric from Robert Kaufman I recently purchased from Imagine Gnats.

I think it will be adorable with a 50's style button up cardigan, jeans and boots.

The pattern is one size and it fits me perfectly - I typically wear a Medium or 8/10.  

This is actually my fitting muslin and it fits well!

I shortened the sleeves a bit and stitched two tucks in the front and back instead of four.

The keyhole and neckline are bound with 1/2" single fold bias tape which I happened to have in my stash.

If you need a tutorial on creating and sewing binding, you can find mine [HERE]

There is an adorable tie neck version of this blouse, which is definitely next on my sewing "to do" list!

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

What is a girl to do when it is hot outside? Turn up the fan and Sew!!!

Happy 4th of July to all my U.S. North American friends.  I hope you had a good one!

It has been unseasonably hot here in the Pacific Northwest - in the 90's!   So what does a girl do when it is too warm to go outside (well, if I'm not at the beach with my rascal boys!)  Why sew, of course : )

I have always loved Pucci prints and when I received this fabric in a Girl Charlee Knit Fix assortment  I knew a dress was in order!  To clarify, Girl Charlee Fabrics sells a special assortment of 2 yard cuts of knit fabric - a surprise bag every month.  Lets just say, I need to be sewing up all that knit fabric I've ordered : )

If you want to see some vintage Pucci prints, click [HERE]

The pattern is Simplicity 1804.  I lengthened the shortest version to make more of a midi length.

A versatile pattern,  I can see wearing it to the beach as a swim suit cover up or it can be dressed up for a night out!

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

Me Made May 2015

I was away this past weekend.  A Blissful few days at my annual yoga retreat : )  I brought my iPad and took a little time to look at my Instagram feed.  Well.... I kept seeing "Me Made May '15" photos and hash tags.  After a little research I found So Zo's website, the creator behind the challenge.

Since I have been designing and sewing more clothes for myself I decided to join!  So here  is my pledge:

I, Charise of ChariseCreates.blogspot.com, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '15. I endeavour to wear a handmade garment or accessory (bag, jewelry scarf) each day for the duration of May 2015'.
I am very excited to be a part of the challenge!

I am a bit late to the party but I am looking forward to wearing clothes I have made for myself.  My goal is that this challenge will help me figure out what items I need in my wardrobe and what new items I want to design and sew.  I know for sure that a pair of Jamie Jeans is in my future.  I just can't seem to find slim jeans that fit right!

Today was my first Me Made May '15 day and I wore my sparkle sweatshirt with jeans and converse and my Lovely Gathered Clutch.  The perfect outfit to wear to walk the kids up to school and do some work at home : )

xo
Charise

The Sweetheart

Even though I have been absent here on the blog I have been a busy bee!

I have been working on my new garment sewing pattern - " The Sweetheart ".

It will include both a dress in two lengths and a top with a 1940's inspired Sweetheart Neckline.

The style has a flattering fit and flare shape with cap sleeves.

It is easy to make and includes instructions on how to professionally finish the neckline with a narrow neckline binding.

This is my first sample of the knee length dress with gorgeous rayon spandex jersey from Girl Charlee Fabrics.

The top is made with Birch Organics interlock knit fabric Poppies Print in Coral.  You can find the fabric HERE. 

OK...time to put my head down and get this pattern done!

Have a great day!

xo

Charise