Summer Sewing for Myself ~ Swing Tanks

We have had the most amazing summer in Seattle.  The temperature has been in the 80's and 90's most every day!  I saw a cute tank in a local store that was perfect for this fab summer weather.  Fitted through the bust so it is flattering, but loose and swingy so it is comfortable too - just perfect for hot summer days.  

The style was a bit too junior for me - bra revealing low back and a Stevie Nicks handkerchief hem - so I decided to put my pattern drafting skills to work and created a pattern.  

The tank I drafted has a scoop back detail and adjustable straps.  The adjustable straps are such a nice detail and surprisingly easy to add. The version pictured above is an older Free Spirit print in rayon challis.  It has a beautiful drape and is super soft and comfy!  You can find the fabric Here.

The fabric I used for this tank is a Joel Dewberry rayon challis.

I purchased yardage to make a dress version in this Anna Maria Horner rayon challis print which I adore!

You can find the Anna Maria Horner fabric here.

The tank will also be a fun style to layer with a cardigan and wear with skinny jeans and boots this Fall.
I can see the dress with a knee length wool sweater, tights and boots : )

I hope you are enjoying your summer!

xo

Charise

Summer in Seattle

Summer finally arrived a few days ago. I'll have to say Seattle is an amazing place when the sun shines.

It was low tide at Alki Beach in West Seattle. The boys loved it. We found crabs, shrimp, and a starfish.




We are feverishly working on the house - Yep pretty much every surface was ruined when we bought it. Jay is scraping the glue off the cement on the front porch that was left after removing the wall to wall carpet!

I hope you are finding time to enjoy your summer!

More Summer Sewing

We have been having a heat wave in Seattle and

I've been hiding in the house sewing the past few days!

I hate to complain as I would much rather have the sun and heat than rain!!

These pants are version #2 of the Huck Finn pants from Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing. I took the basic pant pattern and added a few pockets and the cuffs. I also added adjustable elastic - the kind with buttonholes can now be purchased af the fabric store. (I think it has been available for awhile.) I love this pattern and promise I'm only working on one more for the summer though I may make some in corduroy this Fall!

Back to my sewing machine and fan!

Summer Sewing

Luc in a variation of Huck Finn pants from Weekend Sewing

Luc in Kai's shirt from Weekend Sewing.

My next project. Fab vintage 1968 shift dress pattern.

Sewing is a passion of mine. I started at the age of six making clothes for my Barbie dolls which lead me to the career as an apparel designer. It was not a straight path and I've definitely taken some turns on the road to this career.

I've heard that you should look back to what you loved at around the age of six and that is a good indicator of what may be your passion later in life.

Sewing has been put on the back burner since having the boys - other than the occasional home decoration project. This spring I happened upon the book Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. It is a fabulous book and renewed my desire to sew. I've been making versions of the Huck Finn Pant for my son Luc. I've also made Kai's shirt and a few of the dresses for myself.

My next project will be a sundress using a vintage pattern I've had for years. The fabric is from Heather Ross' Mendocino collection. I'd better hurry since the weather could change at any moment! The weather in Seattle has been unusually warm and dry and I am Loving it!!!!