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...

Butterick 5706

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!