Another Simplicity 2226 - Summer Skirt for Me

 I recently got an email from a reader who'd seen this skirt I made and was wondering how I'd modified the pattern.  I used Simplicty 2226, and actually made a muslin, something I almost never do.  I've learned that for me, store bought patterns never fit right.  The muslin was really, really poofy, too big even though I'd used and followed my measurements, and altogether unflattering.  But, I thought that I might be able to make some simple modifications and in the words of Tim Gunn, make it work!

 I love this skirt and it's probably the first thing I made for myself that I actually wear a lot.  So, in case it helps, here's how I modified the pattern.  
  I cut a size 12, but ended up using a size 6 band.  I cut about 3 inches out of the center of the front, which ends up being 6 inches since it's cut on the fold.

I did the same on both back pieces. Since I took a lot of the poof out of the skirt, it needed to be wider at the bottom so I cut the sides to be more A-line rather than straight.

I kept the gathers just in the front middle, and very little gather in the back.  The invisible zipper always gives me trouble.  Anybody know of a good tutorial for putting in invisible zippers? 

I love, love, LOVE my new skirt!  And if it ever gets warm here in MA, I'm sure I'll wear it a ton.

 I bought this fabric last summer when my husband and I were in NYC with this skirt in mind...almost a year later, here it is. 

Lastly, the requisite photo with my face.  Trying not to laugh at myself....

Clutch with a....

...strap!  Is it still a clutch?

 In honor of Roselee's GIVEAWAY, I made one more Girls Night Out Clutch with a new twist.

 A simple little shoulder strap that tucks inside the bag.

Instructions on making a strap are not in the pattern currently, but it's really easy and I'd be happy to post a step by step here, just let me know.  And don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY.  You have until Friday, April 5.

Think Spring.....TOPS!

Though it doesn't feel much like it around here (W. Massachusetts), it's Spring Top time!  I made 2 new shirts for myself last week, kind of itching for it to be warm. 

Total side not, you can choose to ignore if you want....one of my New Year's resolutions, even though I don't do New Year's resolutions, is to not crop my face out of all my pictures.  It's silly, but I always crop my face out.  Why?  There a million reasons probably going back to my childhood (just kidding), but it's time to just grow up and put it out there.  Ok, back to things that really matter, spring tops!

This shirt was a nod to one of last year's shirts with the shirring.  This time I decided to try it out at the sleeve end rather than at the shoulder.  I like it!

This next top I made with this this fun bird fabric.  I got both fabrics from Girl Charlee.

For this top, I did a cuff on the end.  I wish I had made the sleeves either longer or shorter.  It's not really a 3/4 length and ends up feeling a bit awkward.  I do still love it and have already worn it a few times.  

You can't really tell from the pictures, but both shirts also have a bit of a scoop neck in the back too.  I traced the pattern from a shirt I own that I've had for many many years.  Had to add some length to it.  Is it just me or do shirts get shorter and shorter over time?  I know I'm not getting longer....

Will definitely be making more Spring Tops, so check back soon. 

Don't forget to enter the Girls Night Out clutch GIVEAWAY over at Jane of all Trades.