A cute new outfit!

I've been a busy little bee at my sewing machine for the past two weeks. 

First of all I made this polka dot blouse. The fabric is gorgeous- soft, cool and floaty, and was a bargain from an op shop that I've been waiting to find the perfect project for. 

These were the 3 patterns I intended to use: Kwiksew 3668 for the body, New Look 6808 (view B) for the sleeves, and New Look 6078 for the collar. However, when I made the collar it was too big for the neckline so I just cut the mandarin collar from the Kwiksew.

 

Nothing much to report with this, except to say that I left out the darts (except the bust darts) because I wanted a 'blousey' look. Unfortunately I interfaced the button placket so it sticks out a bit awkwardly if I blouse it out too much. And looking at the above photo, I notice that my button spacing is really shite.

Oh well, it's still a great blouse and I've worn it twice already. Once with my burgundy pleated skirt...

 

...but I felt it needed a pink skirt to look really cute. 

I picked up this pattern from Spotlight last week when they were having an 'all patterns $5' sale.

The fabric (which is a much nicer pink than the photos show...it's pretty much the exact same colour as the one on the pattern envelope) came from a fabric store called East Coast fabrics, which is like a treasure trove of cheaply priced, good quality fabrics. This fabric is amazing quality and was only $4.95/m!

This was so nice to sew! It would have only taken a couple of hours if I followed the instructions but I decided to add a lining, for decency (the fabric is not undie-friendly) and just to make it look more professional. It still only took me about 2.5 hours all up.

I had to reduce the side seams to 1/4 inch. I cut the smallest size and it was too tight across my thighs. I need to accept that I am no longer a size 8 on the bottom half.

And guess what? I HEMMED IT BY HAND.  I have never, ever done that! I think I will do it all the time now!

 

Husband left before I was dressed this morning so I had to take some dodgy photos in the mirror.

 

I think this skirt is the nicest thing I've made! So it's not the most exciting item in my wardrobe, but I'm very proud of it because it doesn't look hand made!