Highlands Wrap Dress

To wrap up Me Made May 2018, I'm sharing my latest make...the Highlands Wrap dress by Allie Olsen. This has been in the works for a while because my serger was in the shop for a few weeks, but my wrap dress is finally complete and I'm in LOVE!

As someone with a very small bust (34 nearly A) wrap dresses don't typically fit me. They can be so flattering on women who have curves because they wrap and accentuate all the right places. But when you are practically shapeless, wrap dresses can sag, gap, and overall hang in a very awkward way. 
With hesitation I decided to try Allie's version. It looked like it could work for my body type and, of course, since I'm making it, I could alter it to fit along the way.
I'm happy to report this dress fits me like a glove! My very first wrap dress!

The Pattern: The Highlands Wrap Dress by Ali Olsen (of Indie Sew)
The Fabric: Possibly my favorite part of this dress is the story behind the fabric! I found this crazy lime green fabric at an estate sale for $3. On a whim I bought it (lime green is definitely outside of my color comfort zone) and I thought I may just use it to make muslins. BUT, then I had the idea to overdye it with blue and see what happened. To my delight, it took the RIT dye beautifully and the color is one I feel myself in. Yay! 
The Process: The PDF pattern is quite large, but I printed, taped, and cut the straight size 0. Following Allie's instructions, I put the dress together with no modifications. The fabric was super thick at some points (I veered from her fabric recommendations and went with a heavier weight fabric) and I even had to hand sew the side seams where the elastic, waistband, button flaps, and ties met. It was just too thick to get under my machine.
While assembling the waistband I used wash away wonder tape to help create a nicer seam. That stuff is so helpful!
Given the heavier weight of the fabric, I chose to sew up the shorter version of the dress. I love the vents on the side, this helps the dress breath and move nicely.
In hindsight I would have cut out the button flaps (that help keep everything nice and in-place) in a thinner fabric. Those areas are all hidden, thankfully, but on mine they are a bit bulky.
Modifications: I made no modifications. Straight size 0.
Styling & Versatility: This is one of 2 dresses I have ever sewn and I'm extremely pleased with it. I think it's casual enough to wear to church and feel a bit put-together, but could easily be dressed up for a wedding or a fun date-night. I feel like this is a timeless dress I could see myself wearing for the rest of my life. That's a good feeling!
Overal Review: Classic wrap dress pattern that is friendly to smaller frames. Not a beginner pattern by any means, but definitely doable!

Lander Pants

After many weeks and a muslin later, my Lander Pants are finally completed! This is a high-waist pant or short pattern with retro vibes and a sleek design. I learned SO much making these pants and am super super happy with the results. Here are all the details:

The Pattern: The Lander Pant & Short by True Bias
The Fabric: Ventana Twill from Fancy Tiger Crafts in 'Brick Brown'
The Process: Ever since Kelli released this pattern, I've been wanting to make the pant version. But I really wanted a warmer burnt brown color and that's just not easy to find (especially second hand). Kelli pointed me to Fancy Tiger's twill and the rich 'Brick Brown' color was out of stock. I emailed Fancy Tiger and they were able to re-stock it (thank you FT!) which settled my fabric hunt for these pants! I love this color even though it's a little out of my comfort zone (you will usually find me in camel, navy, black, and grey). 
Next, I wanted to add to the rise of the pant, so following Kelli's lengthen shorten line, I added 2 inches to all relevant pattern pieces (check out her sew-along, that was very helpful). 
Modifications: I omitted the belt loops for a more clean-line look. I added 2 inches to the rise as well as took in the hips a bit to create less fullness and achieve a straight edge all the way down. Due to the rise, I added one more button to ensure they closed nicely with not gaping. In hindsight I could have sized down in the twill because it has more stretch than the fabric I used for my muslin. Lesson learned!
Styling & Versatility: Like I said, these pants are a little out of my comfort zone color-wise and to be honest, shape-wise. I've been a skinnies girl for years, but I really love the Kamm pant look and wanted to give it a try myself! Since most of my closet is neutral, I think these will add a fun burst of color!
As winter comes to an end, I'll be wearing these with sweaters and cardigans, then boxy tops as spring approaches. I think they will be really fun for next fall paired with heeled booties and oversized scarves.
Overal Review: If you've never sewn pants before, these will give you many chances to grow in your sewing knowledge. But they are not difficult if you take your time and follow the instructions and sew-along. I think choosing the right weight of fabric is key for these pants. I want to make another pair in the future, possibly in a dark khaki, with a zip fly for an even cleaner look.

Nikko Top by True Bias

I'm REALLY excited to share with you the latest pattern release by True Bias...the Nikko Top & Dress. Kelli reached out to see if I would be one of her testers for this pattern and of course I said 'yes!'.
This is a mock-neck style top which utilizes a knit fabric. You can choose the sleeveless version for either the top or dress. I made the long sleeved top in a striped ribbed jersey. 

The Pattern: The Nikko Top & Dress by True Bias
The Fabric: Ribbed knit jersey from Joann's Fabric
The Process: I made several versions of this top before landing at just the right size and fabric. The first run I sewed up a size 0 and the fit was uncomfortably tight. Kelli's patterns tend to run a little big on me, but not in this top. After one more attempt with some unruly fabric, I finally found this cute striped jersey at Joann's and it was the perfect choice for this pattern. I sewed up a size 4 and the fit is so much better. Be mindful to follow Kelli's suggestions for fabric (i.e. the stretch and recovery), or you might end up with a few failed attempts like me!
Modifications: I shortened the top by 1 inch following the 'lengthen shorten' line. I prefer my tops not to be super long b/c they tend to bunch up in my jeans.
Styling & Versatility: When I saw this pattern I may or may not have squealed in excitement to myself. :) Over the last several years I have enjoyed wearing high-necked tops and love how warm they make me feel. The Nikko is a wonderful staple wardrobe piece that is easily mixed with sweaters, tucked in or out, layered or not. I want to make several more of these tops to add to my fall and winter wardrobe! I think the Nikko would be well-paired with the Lander Pant and I fully plan on doing this as soon as my Landers are completed!
Overal Review: No brainer. Great pattern. Wardrobe staple. Get it!