Wednesday 16 September 2015

Autumn sewing list: semi-posh tops and cocktail dresses

The weather in the UK is pretty chilly at the moment and it definitely feels like autumn is on its way. All the lightweight tops and sundresses will be packed away in the not too distant future, which means a new season of sewing can begin. I don't have any concrete plans for autumnal sewing, but there are a few gaps in my wardrobe that I'm keen to fill. One of them is for semi-posh going out clothes. I don't need many as I'm not constantly out on the lash, but it would be good to have a nice choice for the few occasions I do get to escape!

Top of my list are evening tops that can be worn with slim trousers (or a pencil skirt) and heels. A current favourite in this category is my Sew Over It Anita Tie Top, which is dressy, comfortable and absolutely perfect for glamming up a pair of skinny jeans. 


I can see at least one more version in the making, perhaps using another Liberty print as it worked so well last time. I've also just bought Sew Over It's Anderson Blouse pattern. 


I'm optimistically hoping that sewing it will magically transform me into its classy and sexy namesake - Gillian Anderson. Highly unlikely, but I'll give it a whirl. I think rayon would be perfect for this kind of drapey top and I've seen several lovely ones recently….

I think this navy viscose print is so elegant. It also comes in a red or black colourway. 


I love the colours in this bright floral rayon challis print.


Or maybe I should go for a big, blousey floral print instead? Like this Joel Dewberry rayon challis.


On the cocktail dress front, I'd still like to use the skirt and bodice blocks I made on last year's pattern cutting weekend to make myself a little black dress. I don't actually own such a thing, and although black isn't the greatest colour on me, I think I need one in my life. I have in mind a princess seamed dress with slight cap sleeves that I'm planning to make with Prada crepe-backed satin. The fabric is self lined which means I can really concentrate on getting the fit right.

I'd also like to make the lace cocktail dress which has been dancing around in my brain ever since I first clapped eyes on Karen's red lace dress. Sadly, the lace dress class that she took isn't held at a time that suits me, so I'll be teaching myself as I go along. This could turn out well or it could be a total disaster, there's only one way of finding out isn't there?!

I'll probably use a combination of my bodice and skirt blocks and this Amazing Fit pattern which I picked up in a Weaver Dee sale last month. 



I really like the style lines of View B, with the lace overlay shown in View C (but not the long, flouncy bit). I'm also going to treat myself to a Craftsy online course - The Essential Guide to Sewing with Lace, which just received a good review by Fabrikate. I think it could be the ideal stepping stone between attending a course in person and trying to work things out for myself!

Of course, I'll need to keep warm alongside swanning around in drapey tops and cocktail dresses, so I'll still be sewing myself a few basics. But that's another blog post! Have a good week. x



26 comments:

  1. Hi Jane, I am loving the bright floral rayon callus. This would look awesome as an Anderson blouse. Can't wait to see how you get on with it - it's a pattern I'm still not decided on. Good luck with your projects. Holly

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    1. Thanks Holly! I'm leaning towards that rayon challis for the Anderson blouse too! x

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  2. Ditto what Holly just said. It's gorgeous and so you! And I can totally see you in that lace dress already. Haven't tried any Craftsy classes as yet. Will be very interested to hear how you get on x

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    1. Oh you sweetheart Janene! Will report back on the Craftsy class, I haven't tried any either so I'm quite excited to try one out. x

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  3. Oh wow, I can't wait to see the dress when you've made it. I have some lace stacked up to do a lace overlay dress but I'm not entirely sure how to attempt it.

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    1. Neither am I really! I'll make sure I blog about any tips I find out along the way. x

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  4. Heeheehee, your list really couldn't be further from mine, could it? Funny! I love your choices, though- they're all so glamorous! Especially excited to see your Anderson blouse. I love Heather B's version... so fancy!

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    1. Yes, it was seeing Heather's version that made me press the buy button!

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  5. The Anderson blouse is so pretty! I can't wait to see how yours turn out!

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  6. Oooh thanks for turning me on to the Anderson blouse. It's lovely and maaaay just have to make it's way into my fall sewing plans. :D

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  7. That's a great top! I will be looking forward to seeing how the Anderson blouse works out for you. You have some great fabric choices.

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    1. Thanks! The tricky part is deciding which one to go for! x

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  8. Your LBD doesn't have to be black -it could be another dark colour- navy, plum, brown -what ever colour suits you best.
    Success on your endeavours and enjoy the swanning about!

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    1. Oh I always enjoy the swanning about! I agree about the LBD, I have LOTS of little navy dresses already though! I'm sure one more wouldn't make much difference. X

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  9. I agree with Sox - you don't need a black dress if it isn't your color. You always look good in blues, so maybe a navy or dark royal would be better.
    Your side-tie top is so cute. You've inspired me to try one.

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    1. Oooh dark royal, that's a great idea, thank you. I love that side tie top too, I'm definitely making another one! x

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  10. All very glam! Looking forward to reading along, especially that lace course. I'd love to have a go at a lace, pencil skirt, but far too intimidated by the thought of it...

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    1. The lace pencil skirt in the latest GBSB book is really straight forward to make. I'd definitely recommend it as a first foray into working with lace, there are some great tips too. x

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  11. I've been eyeing that Simplicity pattern- I can't wait for you to inspire me with yours.

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    1. I hope it turns out ok! It's such a classic dress shape but I think the lace will make it really special! x

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  12. Lovely fabric ideas for blouses, I'm a sucker for floral prints. I especially love the Anderson Blouse pattern!

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  13. Love the navy viscose print. Look forward to see your results. Really must plan my autumn wardrobe. Good luck with yours.

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