Dolman Sleeved Top

Rubbed off the pattern from an existing garment. Because it was essentially two pieces it was a fairly easy pattern to draft. The construction was a breeze except for the exposed zipper closure. 

I used a different method from the skirt exposed zipper closure I completed recently. Although the method for exposed zipper for the top is slightly trickier but it provides a neater finish in my opinion.

Basted the facing onto the top before hand stitching

I used a facing instead of bias binding and there's nothing more annoying then the facing flipping out as you wear it, so I stitched the facing down with tiny catch stitches.

Sleeve band detail

Reduced the seam allowance width to accommodate the curve of the dolman sleeve

The denim tencel fabric was lovely to work with. It's soft with a slightly heavy hand.  Needed only 1M of 60" width fabric.  Fabric is from Spotlight during their recent sales.

Shift Dress - Completed

Pattern: Self-drafted
Fabric: Linen (Harisons)
Underlining: Spun Voile (Harisons)

Details:

• Used the underlining method for lining
• Used store bought bias binding as facing for the neckline and arm hole.  Machine stitched from the front, hand stitched down from the back through all layers as this will ensure the lining do not creep up
• Also used bias binding to hem the dress and hand stitched down with catch stitch to the underlining fabric only as it's a more 'flexible' stitch
• Installed the invisible zipper and a hook and eye
• The hand of the underlining was on the stiff side instead of flowy

Undies

Pattern: Undies (Old Undies)
Fabric: Old T-Shirt

 After watching Amy Karol on Creativebug I was inspired to upcycle my old T-Shirts.  Amy teaches to use stretch lace for the waist and leg holes.  I didn't have any on hand but I had a bunch of 1/4" elastic.  It's not well done.  The zig-zag is uneven and not too nice.  It's obvious because I used a darker thread.  I didn't bother to change my threads.  It's undies after all!  It's a little tight, maybe because I was stretching the elastic a little too much. I like the fact I can do this and I'm sure they'll be many more old T-Shirts I'll be cutting up.

Caftan

Pattern: Caftan (Self Measurements)
Fabric: 1.8M 45" Soft Cotton Voile (Zaria)

 The caftan was made from a lesson by Liesl Gibson on Creativebug.  It was a very good workshop and Liesl was explaining every step of the way in her class.  The fabric is soft and drapey, suited for a caftan.