Garden Party Dress: Oliver + S

Garden Party Dress
The Garden Party Dress from Oliver + S is something I have been meaning to blog about for some time now.  It was the dress that got me sewing again after a 5 year break during which I finished a Master’s Degree.

I came across Oliver + S by accident, searching for a dress to buy no less! I saw the adorable patterns and images, such as the one featured (and the Pinwheel Tunic, my next spring project), and decided to pull out the old Janome and make a dress.

Fall Garden Party Dress

D-00002My first attempt was from an unknown cotton fabric I had in my closet for some odd years.  The dress ended up being the perfect nightgown as it was slightly see through and extremely soft.

My second attempt ended up being simply wonderful! I was so proud after all these years that I could still make a pretty dress on the second try! It was all thanks to the amazing tutorial included in the pattern and the easy to follow instructions provided by Oliver + S.

I used a Fall Floral Corduroy print from Hobby Lobby. It is currently out of stock, however, there is a dark blue version here.  I used a Grey Corduroy for the contrasting waist band.

Now that it is colder, the dress still looks fantastic paired with leggings or tights and a long sleeved shirt.  Such a versatile dress!

Fancy Garden Party Dress

Coming back to the Garden Party Dress last week in anticipation for the holidays, I attempted a more dressed up version.  I chose a wired tulle from Joann’s from All That Glitters Fabric in coral with a simple nude stretch knit from Sew Classic Knits as a lining.  I simply cut out each fabric in all pattern pieces expect for the facing and sleeve lining in which I only used the knit.  Once cut out, I laid the tulle on top of the knit and sewed as directed.

There was slight puckering on the waist band, which I am confident would have not been there had I been in less of a hurry, but despite everything, the dress is still gorgeous!

 

 

School Days Jacket

Garden Party Dress featured with the School Days Jacket

School Days Jacket

READ MORE HERE

 

 

 

 

 

DIY Leggings Tutorial: KCW Day 3

DIY Leggings TutorialKids Clothes Week: Day 3

What is the best part of Fall? Leggings! The most comfy thing a girl (or boy) can wear!

As part of Kids Clothes Week, I am making a pair of leggings. The great thing about leggings is that they are incredibly easy to make.

This tutorial will walk you through how to make a pair of leggings by using a pair you already have as a guide.  However, you can check out this other fantastic tutorial here, if you need to make them from scratch using your own measurements.

Let the DIY Leggings Tutorial begin!

DIY Leggings Tutorial

Need:

  • 1/2 yard knit fabric (for tiny ones!)
  • 1 inch elastic band for waist (about 1/2 yard)
  • 1/4 inch elastic band for rushing (about 1/8 yard)
  • poof of tulle for accent (optional)
  • matching polyester thread
  • printer paper
  • tape
  • marker or pen
  • walking foot
  • ballpoint or stretch needle
  • double needle (optional)

Step 1

Fold your pair of leggings in half length-wise to use as a guide. Trace around the leggings onto a sheet of paper (or many sheets taped together) with a pencil or marker.  Once the outline is created, we are going to adjust.  Because the elastic band has made the waist slightly smaller, we are going to draw lines straight up to meet the top as shown in the picture below.

DIY Leggings Tutorial

Step 2

Add 1/4 inch seam allowance to the side that is not straight up and down.  The side that is straight up and down will be placed on the fold.

DIY Leggings Tutorial

 

Step 3

Add a one inch seam line to the bottom of the leggings as shown below.

DIY Leggings Tutorial

 

Step 4

Add 1 1/4 inch seam allowance to the top to allow for a 1 inch elastic waist band.  If you prefer a smaller waist band, use that size plus 1/4 inch.

DIY Leggings Tutorial

 

Step 5

Cut out fabric carefully.  Knits are prone to stretching, so they should be laid out on a flat surface.  Try not to stretch the fabric as you cut.

Since 2 legs are needed, you will need to cut out two pieces on the fold.  If the fabric has stripes, make sure the stripes are lined up by using one piece of cut out fabric as the pattern for the second as shown below.

DIY Leggings Tutorial

 

Step 6

Using your walking foot, double or twin needles if you have them, and polyester thread (for maximum stretch): Hem the bottom of both legs by folding the fabric in 1 inch.  #5 on my machine provides a good amount of stretch, however, a straight stitch can work if you slightly stretch the fabric while sewing.

  • Note: If you want to do the ruched sides, now is the time! Iron the fold seam, open fabric, and sew the elastic to the wrong side of the material at the bottom of the pant leg.

One the bottom hems are complete (and side ruched detail), with a single ballpoint needle, and the zigzag stitch of your choice: sew the leg seam together until you reach the curved point (crotch).  I like the zigzag with the straight line best: #10 on my machine. However, anything that give stretch to the fabric will work.

Once both legs are complete, sew the seams up the front and back (all in one go) making a U shape.

 

DIY Leggings Tutorial

 

Step 7

Add the elastic band to the top by encasing it in the excess 1 1/4 inch fabric.  Now the product is done and any decorations (such as the tulle poof can be added)!DIY Leggings Tutorial

 

 

day3-f14

 

 

12 Fall Projects: DIY Decoration

12 Fall Projects

It is that time of year again! It is hard to pinpoint exactly why Fall is my favorite season of the year.  Perhaps it is the lovely change in weather, or the prospect of so many family Holidays on the horizon, but there is one thing I know for certain: I love Fall!

Now that Fall is finally here, I have begun collecting all my favorite decorating  inspirations.  As my first post in my new campaign, 12 Projects for Tuesday, I am more than thrilled to share my Fall inspirations with each of you.  The following is a list of 12 Fall Projects that I have handpicked.  Each project is linked to the original source, many of which have excellent tutorials.

12 Fall Projects

1. Easy Fall Hydrangea Wreath

This beautiful wreath can be made in minutes with step-by-step instructions from anightowlblog.com.

12 Fall Projects
2. Front Porch Pumpkins

These front porch pumpkins offer beautiful color combinations to decorate your home and garden with for Fall. As soon as our local pumpkin farm sets up, I am grabbing these unique pumpkins for our front porch!

12 Fall Projects

3. Transitional Fall Front Porch 

A Fall front porch that can easily transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving and all your other Autumn desires.  What a lovely concept.

12 Fall Projects
4. Autumn Home

Simple touches and feminine charm make this site a must see for unique Fall decorating ideas.

12 Fall Projects
5. Fall Centerpiece

An upscale, country kitchen centerpiece is on my list of DIY projects this season!

12 Fall Projects

6. Painted Pumpkins

Painted pumpkins can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.  This lovely shade of blue is perfect for a Fall centerpiece.

12 Fall Projects
7. Fall Wreaths on Etsy

If you need a wreath, but don’t have the time to do-it-yourself? No need to fret! This Etsy shop has some of the most beautiful Fall wreaths I have seen!

12 Fall Projects8. A Farmhouse Door

What beautiful statement colors are found here! This front porch really showcases the colors of Fall.

12 Fall Projects9. Fall Entryway

Often overlooked, yet equally important: the entryway.  This is definitely on my to-do list!

12 Fall Projects

10. Tiered Pumpkins

I cant get enough of beautiful, uniquely colored and shaped, pumpkins! The tiered look is something I would like to try on my own sloped front walkway.

12 Fall Projects11. Fall Home Scents

In decorating for Fall, we can’t overlook the wonderful aroma of Autumn scents.  I love the smell of Apples, Cinnamon, and Oranges to brighten my mood and make my home feel special.

12 Fall Projects12. Mums in Pumpkins

This decorating tip is just the cutest thing ever!

12 Fall Projects

 

More…

For more elegant Fall Project ideas, make sure you check out my very own Fall Porch Makeover and Autumn Flag Banner Tutorial Here.

Fall Flag Banner

 

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A is for Autumn: Fall Flag Banner Tutorial

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Autumn Flag Banner Tutorial + Front Porch Makeover

Fall Flag Banner Front Porch Tutorial

Autumn is right around the corner and we could not wait to get started decorating! With 14 days left until fall we are a little early, but anything to get our minds off this heat is worth it!
The project started off as a fall flag banner for the fireplace, however, after some thought, I decided to use it to decorate our front porch- the front porch that has never been decorated in the 2 years that we have lived here.

I have always wanted to have the decorating skills that are plastered all over pinterest.  In truth, I have never been much of a decorator- leaving most of the work to my husband who has a talent for decorating that obviously exceeds my own. Today, however, the kids and I attempted (and succeeded) in making a very festive fall flag banner.  We searched high and low for unused objects in the house to use for the fall porch makeover.  Fall Flag Banner Front Porch TutorialWe were able to use 2 black vases, our original doormat, a small pedestal, and three pumpkins.  The rest we went to find at Hobby Lobby and Lowes.

At Lowe’s, we picked up the plants: 2 purple 2.00-Gallon Mum with Grass Planters and 2 white 3.00-Quart Mum Garden Planters.

At Hobby Lobby, we found fabric and hemp rope for the Autumn Flag Banner, 8 decorative flowers, 1 flower bunch for the wreath, a basic natural grapevine wreath, a bronze initial, and a side table on sale.

 

The total bill came out to: $138.00 – pretty amazing!

Especially when compared with the before photo found here!

 Autumn Flag Tutorial:

So, I know there are a million fall flag banner tutorials out there, but the method of using Heat n’ Bond for the letters and sewing for the actual flag is my favorite.  Alternatively, you can use the Heat n’ Bond for the flag as well, however, the below instructions include sewing.

 

 

Fabric colors for 8 flags ( I used 5 colors in 1/8 yard each)

Muslin Fabric in 1/2 yard

Black Fabric for letters in 1/8 yard

Hemp Rope

Heat n’ Bond

Printer

Sewing Machine (if stitching)

Step 1

 

 

Print out the flag template from www.flairytale.com found here.  I resized it to fit an 8×11 sheet of paper to make a 10×7.5 inch triangle.  I then printed out the letters to spell “autumn” in the font: Script MT Bold 350pt.

Step 2

 

 

Using the template, cut out the fabric into 8 flags of your color choice, and 8 more in the muslin.  Set aside.

Step 3

 

 

Trace the letters backwards or mirror image onto the Heat n’ Bond paper side.  Once complete, place the Heat n’ Bond onto the wrong side of the black fabric and iron for 2-5 seconds.  Once cool, cut the letters out, peel off the sticker one at a time and iron them onto the fabric flag.

Step 4

 

 

Sew the finished front flags to the muslim backs right sides together.  Sew the long sides of the triangle together, leaving the top edge open.  Trim and turn right side out.  fold the top edges in toward each other 1/4 inch, press flat.  Fold edge down and sew a pocket for the hemp rope about 1/2 inch deep.

 

 

 

Finished Autumn Flag Banner

Fall Flag Banner and wreath Front Porch Tutorial

 

 

Before + After

Fall Flag Banner Front Porch Tutorial