Sub-$5 outfit!

I finished a new dress a while ago but haven't taken any good photos of it yet, so here are my two latest creations.

On my last trip to Spotlight they had a special on Kwik Sew patterns- they were only $6 each, so I grabbed this sweet little blouse pattern. I was very impressed by the fact that View B only requires 1 metre of fabric. Now I can use up some small cuts of fabric that I seem to have accumulated.

 

It was super easy and came together really well. I graded the waist and hips up to a 10 and kept it as 8 everywhere else.  

I always like to make wearable muslins because I hate wasting time and effort to be left with something unwearable. So I used this sheet that I found in an op shop earlier this year. And you know what? I  ACTUALLY THOUGHT ABOUT PATTERN PLACEMENT. First time ever. I'm rather pleased with the result.

 

Pattern used: Kwik Sew 3668

Fabrics and notions 

An old sheet

6 blue buttons from my stash

Yellow bias tape (for armhole facings)

Thread

Interfacing

Pattern alterations or any design changes

I used store bought bias tape instead of  making my own. As if I was gonna sit there cutting out more fabric and ironing in the creases! Pshaw!!!

Graded the waist and hips to a larger size

Did you use any new skills?  

Pattern placement!

 

Problems?

It only has 6 buttons, and I think it needs 7 or 8. It gapes a bit, and I'm not exactly over-furnished in the bust department. Next time I will leave out the interfacing in the button placket as I think it makes it too stiff and gapey.

 
Cost
Pattern: $6

Fabric: Sheet was $3.95; I used about 1/8 of it. So 50 cents. 
Buttons: From a box that I got for $2. Maybe 2 cents per button.
Thread: Stash
Total: $6.62

Wearability factor

Good! I'm wearing it today with my new skirt. I will make the next one in a bright fabric. Something not from an op shop.

I just love the little collar- it's so cute!

 

Here's the second half of the outfit!

I just decided on the spur of the moment on Monday that I desperately needed a black skirt. I have heaps of black skirts, but they are all very 'worky'. I needed something to wear with  my casual tops. I went to Fabric Frenzy and they had suiting on sale for $4.95/m so I grabbed 4 metres. It's great stuff- very good quality with a lovely drape.

I had this pattern in my stash for a while but hadn't used it.

 

Pattern used: New Look 6872

Fabrics and notions 

Black suiting

Interfacing

Snaps

Pattern alterations or any design changes

The pattern has a side zipper, but I prefer them at the back, so I cut two backs instead of one. I also made the waistband slightly longer so I could have it cross over at the back and fasten with buttons instead of hook and eye.

Did you use any new skills?  

No.

 

Problems?

When I cut out the waistband I thought it was miles too small....but it ended up fitting perfectly! 

I used plastic snaps instead of buttons and the placement is kinda dodgy but I can live with it.

 
Cost
Pattern: $6

Fabric: About $4 worth

Fabric, thread, interfacing, snaps from my stash

$10

Wearability factor

Great! I love it. It swishes really nicely and will look great both at work and running around with the kids.

I will definitely make this again. It only took me about 3 hours from cutting to wearing.