Summer Staples: Scoop Neck Shirts

I love scoop necks, and the flattering way they show off skin without plunging into cleavage. First up I have a shirt that was one of my favorite things to wear all summer long. It's the softest, most luxurious bamboo knit (96% bamboo/4% lycra! Amazing!), and I gave it a long, looser cut, and a cowl on the lower neckline. I have to say, I absolutely adore anything made out of this fabric.





I made this next shirt quite a while ago but didn't like it, so I hung it up and let it sit for about six months. Then, at one point this summer, I was in a hurry and desperate for something to wear. I ran into my sewing room & this caught my eye, so I tried it on with the scrap fabric wrapped around, and it just worked. It's very summery and bright, and I like the sort of simple innocence it seems to convey.





Things are busy for me with school and such, so I'm not quite sure I'll have much of a fall collection to show you! I'm working on getting my portfolio together (exciting!), visiting & applying to colleges, as well as getting schoolwork out of my way! I'm hoping to get something together, as I have fabric waiting and designs on paper, but I unfortunately won't have it up as soon as I'd hoped.

Gingham & Vintage!

So much for posting throughout the week, eh? I guess that's just how things go sometimes!

I did previously post a photo here that had this dress in it, but at that point it was unfinished & just on my dressform. I made it in March, using a Vogue pattern. It was actually pretty bothersome for me. I hate working with interfacing, but I was careful to finish everything really nicely on this. I hand stitched so much! I still have to go back and re-adjust the buttons to prevent the slight gaping you see in front, but other than that, I'm really pleased with how it turned out. It's so vintage looking, and perfect with red high-heels and sunglasses. Here are some action shots!







I love the gingham, the pleating at the waist, and the way it draws the eye in. I actually had this pattern and the fabric for well over a year before I finally made it, and I'm happy I waited. I'm not sure I would have had the same level of skills to execute it as carefully as I was able to now.

Reconstructions!

First up, the most recent! My mom had this vintage wool/poly skirt in her closet, and it then sat in my "to cut up" pile for a couple years. I finally took it out again about a week ago, trying to figure out what to do. Then it hit me--high waisted-skirts are very in, and I have several that I wore all summer, but I don't have any for fall! So I shortened it (because the length it hit me at was dowdy) and handstitched the hem so it would have a polished finish. Paired with a black lace top my mom & I made 4 years ago, I think it looks trés Blair Waldorf. All I need is a headband!




This was a t-shirt recon that I did last year, and actually don't wear very often anymore, but it's still pretty neat. It was inspired by a shirt I saw on Threadbanger. (I couldn't find the post, sorry!) I gave it an off-the-shoulder neckline, trimmed in red polka-dotted fabric, darts in front, ruching on the sleeves, and a button & loop in back to make it nice and fitted. I like the fact that you can't quite tell at first that the darts messed with the Coca-Cola logo. It's sneaky. :)





I currently have a huge pile of Threadless tees that need to be reconned. Hm, maybe a good project for the afternoon?

Rayon Skirts = <3

I find that I have a problem remembering to take pictures of a lot of the things I make for myself--I more often just throw it on and go. Dresses, which I tend to be more proud of, generally get posted more, but even then, there are exceptions.

This evening, I decided to photograph a lot of my things. For the most part, the following is a collection of stuff I made in the spring and summer, but some even dates back to last summer, & in the case of one or two things, years ago.

Rayon is really one of the most dreamy materials out there, and I've worked with it a lot in the last year or so. First up is this lovely rayon bubble skirt. I wore it so much this summer! It's very comfortable, and surprisingly versatile. I'm also wearing an oversized tee I made, and a ripped up t-shirt scarf from this tutorial.



This one is a skirt I made last Christmas Eve, late at night, so that I could wear it to church in the morning. It's made up of two layers in a wrap-style, and is fantastic for twirling in!







That's all for tonight! I'll be posting everything over the next week, so check back very often.

Featured Artist: Bi0Hazard

This month I'm featuring the very talented Bi0hazard. Her shop is filled with awesome goods, from jewelry to studded makeup bags to yarnfalls. Bi0 is also super lovely lady--she works hard for the TBGuild & is always, always helpful!

My absolute favorite thing from her shop is this necklace:



She rolled & painted the beads herself. Isn't it gorgeous?? It's a vintage style, and terribly classy.

Please, swing by her shop! Check it out! & as always, you can find out more on the TBGuild here, and find all our shops at our Etsy profile.