Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Twice as Nice

I only had two days left to sew after spending most of the weekend on home improvement projects...so I wanted to make these two days count. Do I work on one involved project that might not get me much return (as in garments to wear right away) during this time...or do I go for the quick project that would make me feel like my weekend wasn't wasted...*sigh* I went for the quick project...

Actually I went for the project that would eliminate something from my "Grayed Affair" Wardrobe list as well as something from my Top 10 Fall Items list...yes, I pulled out my TNT Sewing Workshop Tank Top and set to work...

But first ~ the power went off for about an hour this morning in my apartment and let me just say that I was less than pleased with my utility company that the power shut off while my COMPUTERIZED sewing machine was on...

However, I did get a basic SW Mission Tank completed in the gray EOS silk that is part of the "Grayed Affair" wardrobe:



It's just basic sewing but it's a basic that brings so much punch to a garment:



And I also finished off the JCrew Argyle Knock-off Vest:



Some simple alterations to my SW Mission Tank pattern got me this vest.

1. Folded the front pattern piece over so that I would get a v-neckline.

2. Cut the pattern on the fold.

3. Normally I cut the back piece with a 5/8" seam allowance for a back seam - this time I cut it on the fold also.

4. My SW Mission Tank pattern has been altered to give me a closer fit at the underarm seam - for this version I added all of that back in. I wanted a looser fitting version for the vest.

5. The tie strips were cut 4" wide instead of the 3" that I normally use. I also cut them 60" long.

6. The front of the vest is cut from the argyle knit and the back and ties are cut from a black knit called Suaveur Knit from Fabric.com.

7. Assemble as normal for my tie-front top.

And wallah...the vest with RTW blouse and pants:



So I'm happy that I went with instant gratification...


Because now I've got two great transitional outfits to wear for late summer/early fall!

24 comments:

  1. Love both! Gosh, you are fast!

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  2. That's a LOT of instant gratification. You must have really gotten focused when you did sit down to sew.
    Love that grey silk top.

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  3. So you got the instant gratification (beautiful, by the way!) and have the opportunity to get into the more involved, slow sewing route too. Seems like the best of both worlds. And to top it off, you got a lot of home improvement details done beforehand. Wow!

    I really like the way the two new pieces pop!

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  4. Great looking transition outfits.

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  5. You ended up achieving a lot over the weekend, even if it wasn't all sewing. The new pieces are perfect additions to the wardrobe.

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  6. Don't you have another day left to crank more out? I love both pieces. I am envious of your ability to sit down, focus and get it done. g

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  7. Two great new top to add to the wardrobe - nice work!

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  8. Love what you did with the pattern. Really like the argyle look. You will look great in it.

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  9. With such fabulous results, I say go for the instant gratification every time. Those garments are going to be great for the long transition period and they look fabulous to boot!

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  10. I love the argyle vest!! What a busy weekend.

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  11. I love the argyle vest!! What a busy weekend.

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  12. Instant gratification is a good thing. Both of those outfits are very snazzy! That red is wonderful!

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  13. Marvelous pieces - these make great outfits you can't wait to get into!

    Also love the home dec projects. A home you can't wait to come home to!

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  14. OmGoodness....luuuuuv the vest... just perfect and the tank came out great also.

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  15. Very, very wise choice! Both pieces while small, lend a great impact to both outfits. Of course, it is fun to wear new clothes!

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  16. You make more garments in the shortest amount of time! You either don't sleep or you've found a way to squeeze more than 24 hours in a day. I like the gray suit before, but that tank is the extra punch that takes it up a notch. I wasn't really feeling that argyle, but the way you've paired it with that red blouse! It's my favorite of the two outfits. A master at work!

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  17. Carolyn, I want that vest in my closet. Can you please send it to me?

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  18. Fabulous, two simple (for you at least) pieces and you end up with two amazing outfits. I love that argyle fabric.

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  19. Love outfits! You MUST be the best dressed woman in your office.

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  20. Nice pieces. Perfect for that want something fall to wear and it's still warm.

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  21. Absolutely fabulous outfits! Well done!

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