Style Maker Fabrics Spring 2017 Blog Tour
Spring 2017 Blog Tour
Every Spring and Fall, the Style Maker Fabrics blog tour has been one of my favourite ways to get new sewing inspiration.
Needlessly to say, I'm pretty chuffed to have been invited to join Michelle and this amazing group of bloggers to dream up some new spring sewing inspiration for all of you! Michelle sent me all of the fabrics here today as part of the tour, but as always, all opinions are my own.
I actually have two outfits to show you today - Here's how that happened.
When I first saw Michelle's lineup of spring fabrics, filled with bold florals in bright, fun colours, my first thought was making another version of my all-time favourite summer sundress, the Seamwork Catarina.
I picked this blue rayon crepe immediately (because, hello) but I couldn't get this beautiful white swiss dot out of my head.
I got the idea that I could have the best of both worlds by making a set using an Odgen Cami (which I LOVE) and swiss dot as the top, and the rayon crepe with the Catarina Skirt as the bottom.
So, that's what I did first.
And, truthfully, I hated the results, friends.
The fabrics are beautiful, and the cami was great, but man, that skirt was not flattering in the slightest.
Not my favourite silhouette on me.
I wore the ensemble out a few time to give it a real try, but once I saw these finished pictures I knew in my heart something had to be done about the skirt.
I cut it up - hacked it into pieces.
Luckily, since it was just a gathered skirt (aka, a long rectangle) it was easy to selvage into something nicer.
Like an Orla Dress from French Navy Now.
And that's how I ended up with two outfits for this tour. Let's take a closer inspection at the cami first, shall we?
I love this swiss dot, guys.
It's sheer, beautifully feminine, but also classic. I've been loving this look with a pair of jeans - classic combo. Plus, it's been lined with two layers of cotton batiste to it's wearable with any bra underneath.
But that's not the best part.
My favourite part about this make? The fact that it's completely reversible. So now not only do I have a wonderful swiss dot cami, but a classic white one for when the occasion is required.
I couldn't resist the option for versatility.
If you wanted to make your own, all you need to do is lengthen the lining and sew the hem together - I used a rolled hem on my serger to do the trick.
Moving onto my new favourite pattern - the Orla Dress. Did I mention it's free?
This one is sewn up in a lovely rayon crepe. This bold floral pattern is a show stopper and I'm really into this navy colour. I've been seeing so many flowy floral dresses like this in RTW this season and I'm so happy to have one of my own.
I'm always a sucker for rayon, so I'm already a little biased when it comes to judging a rayon - but believe me when I say that this dress feels like wearing a cloud. I think the crepe texture adds a lot of visual interest to the dress.
So lightweight, so soft, and so dang easy to throw on and go!!
Pattern-wise, I love the way this slight gathered skirt doesn't make me look like I'm expecting (unlike its predecessor... I'm looking at you gathered skirt). Plus, this dress fits me perfectly with no fit adjustments - I can't wait to try more French Navy Patterns as they're released!
I've already wore this dress out once to class and I can already tell it's going to be much more versatile (and flattering) than that skirt.
Talk about a happy accident, am I right?
So I'm curious to know, have you guys had any happy sewing accidents like this before? I would love to hear your stories.
Secondly, guys, I've got to encourage you to take a look at some of the other awesome makes coming up. Every one of the bloggers involved is someone who I've hugely admired, so I know you'll get plenty of inspiration.
Coming up tomorrow is Kimberly from Sweet Red Poppy - I can't wait to see what she came up with!
Lastly, I want you to know that there are some extra fun bonuses going along with the tour! Abby and Lindsey from Inside the Hem have swatched loads of Michelle's newest fabric options.
And, kicking off SEASON TWO of the Maker Style Podcast next Monday is an interview with Michelle talking about the top fabric trends for spring - you won't want to miss out on this one.