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Sunday, January 26, 2014

Basics in Navy Blue

I purchased four yards of a navy blue poly/wool blend crepe from Fabric Mart last month. Due to the width of the fabric (62"), I was able not only to get a pair of pants (already blogged about) a four gore skirt and a sheath dress from the fabric. This post is about the skirt and dress.    

The Navy Blue Sheath Dress
As per one of my last posts, I'm making a few sheath dresses in solid colors and this is the first one.  I can't believe that I don't own a navy blue sheath dress so now I do...


I used my TNT dress for this but I'm changing the construction of these dresses up just a little.  I will be using the seamed back for this dress and all of the rest of the dresses in this series.  I like the fit this look gives me in the back, so it will become my standard/go-to dress back pattern pieces.



Otherwise there are no changes to the construction of the dress.  I used navy blue piping at the neckline and armholes as I have in previous versions of my TNT dress.

Materials List~
Navy blue rayon bemberg lining
22" navy blue invisible zipper
navy blue piping
navy blue rayon seam tape
black bias binding

If you're looking for a dress pattern similar to mine, may I suggest...


A few more pics of the dress and the RTW cardigan (Isaac Mizrahi from QVC) that I'll wear with it along with my red patent leather Bandolino pumps...






The Navy Blue Four Gore Lined Skirt


Materials List~
1" no-roll elastic
Polyester charmeuse printed lining

Since I'm working with basics a TNT pattern was used to make this skirt, too. I've made this skirt quite a few times so there is nothing new or interesting about it's construction.


I did use a fun lining to add some zing to a boring basic navy blue skirt. Encased the casing in bias binding and added one of my labels to the back of the skirt instead of my usual ribbon loop.



The hems on the skirt and the lining are machine stitched and the skirt was finished.  It was an easy sew that will be perfect for work.  On really cold days, I wear my jeans and sweater or jacket combo to work and change into my skirt when I get there. Skirts are easy to transport so they are my favorite garment to wear on single digit days.

A few pics of the skirt in action...

Wearing skirt with Isaac Mizrahi cardigan
& Bandolino navy blue patent leather pumps



and a twirl shot


Here's a picture of all three "Basics in Navy Blue"



I'm calling this series of garments, "It's All About the Basics."  All of the pictures were taken by me using the tripod and quite a few of the suggestions that were given in this blog post.  I really want to thank everyone for their comments, suggestions, and encouragement because I think these pictures are even better than the last set. This gives me hope that I will improve in the picture taking department.

If anyone is experiencing the same photographic challenges that I am, can I just encourage you to keep at it.  Today was a really good day, picture wise. I started early.  I realized that it was going to take time...a lot of time *LOL*! I didn't use the full length mirror only because I need to get one.  I really don't want to take the one down in my sewing cave and it's been too cold to venture out to pick one up.  Yes, I am a cold weather wimp!  

Finally, the reason that some of these are so interesting/cool/different is because I turned music on while I was taking them.  It made a huge difference because it loosened me up and some of these are dancing shots. It also made up for the fact that I was alone which is taking some getting use to...I do miss my daughter and the grandkids!

Anyway, I've taken pictures of all but one dress so look for more garment posts.

...as always more later!



47 comments:

  1. I just used that butterick for my "not-a-Christmas-party" dress just blogged. A great basic pattern with lots of options. Btw - that skirt has a really lovely flair! Fits perfect!

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  2. Your photo shoot is great! Turning the music on is a very helpful suggestion. I love that Butterick pattern. I've made two dresses from it myself, and I wish I'd used it as the base for one I'm working on right now.

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  3. You, your photos and your basics all look fantastic! You are on a roll :)

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  4. I love the skirt most!! That's my favorite skirt silhouette! Fabulous!

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  5. Your pieces are very nice and the cardigans are a great addition. You look so happy!

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  6. Awesome basics, and your photos are really looking great!

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  7. Great dress and skirt. Love the cardigans. I especially love the red shoes.

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  8. Great basic wardrobe builders.

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  9. wonderful basics!

    You look quite relaxed in the pic...bet it was the music!

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  10. Great basics. I've been using extra back seams for a while. I like how it breaks up the flow of fabric across the back. It also gives me more fitting options.

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  11. That navy dress outfit is so cute on you! Both look great but I think the dress is particularly flattering on you.

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  12. this is great! I love it styled with the red heels & cardigan. :)

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  13. Also, I may have just purchased a few yards of 64" wide "Navy Poly/Wool Crepe Suiting" from Fabric Mart. I'm just going to blame your enabling when it turns up. ;)

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  14. Love your photos, Carolyn. Taking photos IS a huge challenge, and I think you've got the hang of it! Putting on music while you're shooting is a fantastic idea. Love your twirl shot!

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  15. Great outfits and I love a red shoe. All that navy blue makes me think of spring which is probably not happening there yet, right? And your photos look great, I really struggle with photography and don't really know anything about it so I'm really glad you put the questions out there for all the feedback, helpful.

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  16. Love the skirt lining and the sweaters, especially the second one.
    Playing music while you shoot- that's a great idea for us shy people!

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  17. Love the new basics. Looking good!

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  18. I was thinking but the third picture that you have nailed the whole tripod & timer/remote thing. The photographs are lovely, as are the dress & skirt.

    I'm making basics at the moment and getting a buzz from knowing I have an increasing range of clothing I want to wear.

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  19. Great looking outfits put together with your basics! Your pics today are really chic. Kudos to you for not letting that camera and it's newness keep you from learning it's capabilities. I am guessing your photos will improve more as you get more comfortable with the process. Love your music idea! Earth, Wind, and Fire? That would be my choice!

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    1. Bunny ~ actually my music taste is a lot more current. I was playing JayZ, Jaheim and Adam Levine...a little Mariah and Melonie Fiona. It took me three hours to get all of the outfits photographed cause I'm still using the timer method!

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  20. Carolyn: You're so adorable! I love the dress with the floral cardigan.

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  21. Love the dancing! Now that's I've seen the swirl skirt picture, I gotta say you could think about a shorter hemline. Your legs look great!

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  22. Great basics and wonderful photography! You are such an inspiration for perseverance. I bet you'd love a shutter remote. :)

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  23. Great photos! And well done on getting those "basics" into the wardrobe. They don't look basic at all with the styling.

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  24. Job well done (and modeling also). I'm still trying to wrap my brain around you making three beautiful pieces out of 4 yards of fabric. That takes real skill. Great cardigan choices also. Looks like your mojo is back!

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  25. Great looking navy pieces, Carolyn. You look great and I can tell you had fun with these photos.

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  26. You look great Carolyn! Love your basics, I simply love that sheath dress on you!

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  27. What great pieces to dress up or go caual. I LOVE how they look paired with the cardigans. Beautiful!

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  28. Firstly I love navy blue! Love the dress and the skirt. Yeah You!

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  29. Take boring basics (beautifully made) then jazz them up with gorgeous cardigans and shoes. You are a wonder, Carolyn. I love them.

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  30. Absolutely great pieces! What a great additions to your closet! Almost EVERYTHING goes with navy! Can I just say, those red shoes are calling my name! Also, what a great idea to listen to music while taking photos...yours are perfect! Looks to me like you've mastered self photos too!

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  31. Carolyn I love everything you make. You have a great eye for fashion and for what fits you perfectly. I am learning, and I will keeping up with the Carolyn's, LOL.

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  32. What a good idea to use music. Your photos really pop! But it's not just the pose, I love the shoes with the navy. Great classic pieces.

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  33. Love the skit and cardi combo. I need more solids in my life. But, for real, these photos are BRILLIANT.

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  34. That skirt is so cut on the inside I would find someway to show it off.

    I always thought sheath dresses were a fashion no for me, but you have caused me to reconsider that. You made is look so sweet!

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  35. LOVE the dancing shots!! You look so happy and gorgeous!

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  36. your photos are getting much better!!! love the new items. Can you please send some of your sewing mojo this way? thanks

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  37. Your new basics inspire me! I am in awe of how you can take such a simple pattern and make it look so good. Thanks for the pattern number. I am ordering it soon!

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  38. Beautiful work as usual. I'm loving the look with the Mizrahi sweaters as seen IRL!

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  39. Wow, you did that!! Great basics are essential to any wardrobe, and your outfits prove that!

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  40. You are one well-dressed lady! Well done!

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  41. Ooh, this navy looks great on you! A classic navy sheath is such a nice twist on the usual LBD-- love it! These photos look great! You look relaxed and like you're having fun, and the light is great!

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  42. You make me smile... love the basics. I really need to work on my own tnt patterns... love seeing how beautifully you finish the insides of the garments you make. Pictures are great too btw!

    Thanks for sharing!
    -dani e

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  43. Great pics, garments, hair styles, cardi's and shoes!

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  44. Oh my goodness, I'm retired, no diversions apart from DH wanting to go out mid week, I've most sewing gadgets, patterns, zips, loads of thread and yet.......... I just cannot keep up with your energy, full time employment, grandbabies etc. Just what are you on for such a fantastic production line. The coat I'm currently working on (for summer) has been on the go for three weeks now, and I'm only just putting on the collar with the lining still to cut out.

    And you have time to write a blog and take pictures!

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  45. I very much like the dress with the seam in the back. To me it gives it a great fit and polished look. It is obvious that you are having fun in the pictures which is great to see!

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  46. Just wonderful and versatile. These new creations look fabulous with the Issac Mizrahi sweater (I started to watch him on QVC but stopped because ant extra $$ this month went to car repairs - no sense in torturing myself). I think my favorite photos are the one of the fabulous skirt lining as well as the one with the red print sweater with the fabuloud red heels!

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