White cotton cardigan

I am not sewing a lot this summer.

It is too hot, and I am too busy with other things.

At this time of the year, my house is occupied with guests, family and friends.

In this crowd is really impossible to sew.

But, I have done some crochet.

The pattern for this cardigan is from Keito Dama no. 141.

It is made from white cotton,with the 2mm hook.

Just added a bit of length to body and sleeves.

As with all the Japanese patterns, this one was easy to follow, too.

I have some more favorites from this book.

I'm still searching for suitable yarn. :)

Blue as the Adriatic Sea

Inspired with my new dress and beauty of the Adriatic Sea

I made some jewelry for my Etsy shop.

Blue dress

Another summer dress.I love dresses. :)

This one is from March Burda issue, model no.107.

Lovely sheath dress made of cotton.

Unlined,easy to sew.

I skipped the pockets, the rest is like in pattern.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Well, I do not know, I do not follow instructions.
Why not?
Well, I do not know German. My Burda magazines are in German language . LOL
So, I follow my intuition. Mostly with happy end.

But, sometimes takes too long .

"Simple little black dress"

Here it is!!! My first project from Japanese sewing book -Simple chic.

Original pattern is this simple little black dress no.3.

The pattern is very simple and easy to follow. Attached pictures are enough and understandable.

There are three sizes for each model.

I took smallest size 9( B: 90cm W:74cm H:104cm -for this model)

My natural waist is lower than in most size charts,so I always cut upper part of the dress 2-3cm longer . There is an invisible zipper.The fabric is medium weight cotton.

This model supposed the lining, but I skipped it. I used facings only around the neckline and arms.

Of course, my dress is pink/orange and with flower pattern. LOL

I 'm very pleased with this pattern. I am quite sure,one day I will sew little black dress from it.

From taffeta or silk probably.

One Yard dresses

No,I am not magician.

I am just a petite person.

And I bought only two Yards of this two fabrics.One Yard of each.

So, I chose very simple patterns for this projects.

Just two simple shift dresses.

Fabric for first dress is from Melissa Averinos, Lace in Cocoa from her Sugar Snap Line of designer fabrics.I made a simple A-line shift dress. I have constructed pattern by my self.

Well,I can't call this pattern. LOL

And I am very happy that I preserved that fabulous prints on the fabric- by using simple pattern.

There is ribbon running along the upper edge of the dress.

I made that trim from two different color ribbons and decorated it with machine embroidery.

Maybe I will add belt from same ribbon,or maybe not. I have not decided jet.

The second dress is made of beautiful cotton fabric from Blank Fabrics ( Marrakesh in the Sahara )

The pattern is from May Burda issue, model no.118.

But, I skipped a piece of fabric that goes across the front part of the dress. I haven't had enough fabric.LOL

I haven't had enough fabric to turn up regular hem, also. So I used false hem in color-coordinated trim.

There is invisible zip closure at the back.

I'm really satisfied how it turned up at the end.

Now,I have two cute day dresses. :)

Plants on my balcony

This necklace is available in my Etsy shop.
But the most interesting part, in the latest necklace photo session,is that I used lavender from my balcony.

The balcony is a special place for me. I really enjoy drinking coffee there.
Since we live in an apartment, in an old building with ugly facade,I am trying to improve it with flowers.Every year I plant something different.This is the first time that I have lavender plants. And finally I find perfect plant for my favorite place in the house.Other plants are nice, but usually the sun is too strong and it is difficult to maintain its freshness and beauty.

Here are my beauties.

I hope next year, after facade renovation, I will be able to show you more beautiful balcony.

Shirred summer dress

These dresses are all around.

Everyone is wearing them.

I said: Why not. I can make one for myself.

Here is very useful instruction.

In new Burda issue (7/2009.) is one shirred dress pattern, too.

And this is mine version.

Smocked part is till the waist.

I am not completely satisfied with the length.

Maybe I will add a ruffled hem at the bottom.

Think, it will be better in maxi version.

*******

You probably know about THIS masterpieces of smocked dresses?

I would like to have this skill.

One day maybe,until then I can only watch and dream.

Dream, dream, dream....

Wrap-over dresses

The pattern is from Burda (2/2007.)

I used it two years ago, and I am still gladly wearing that dress.

So, I decided to repeat this project TWICE this year.

Dress is absolutely adorable. It's very easy to sew and so comfortable to wear.

It has short raglan sleeves and there’s no need for a zipper.

It is made of cotton jersey.

The green dress is the same as the pattern, brown has some changes.

Due to errors in the fabric, which I later found, I had to turn lap of the dress to the other side.

The next time I have to be careful when being purchases fabric. :)

I did not sew the belt that was in the instructions, and mine dresses are little longer.

Cut size 36 (I am between 36 and 38) One size lower is perfect for this pattern.

I recommend this pattern. :)