Cleo Dungaree Dress| | A Tilly and the Buttons Pattern : : Rise Turtleneck | | A Papercut Pattern : : #2018MakeNine
Hallo. Hallo.
Up today…the Cleo Dungaree Dress by Tilly and the Buttons and the Rise Turtleneck by Papercut Patterns…a brief chat about my #2018MakeNine progress…and some love for another Canadian online fabric store.
In an effort to build a more wearable handmade wardrobe, I’ve been musing much. Which of my makes are getting the most wear? Which ones are not getting any love? And…perhaps most important…why? What RTW garments are high in the rotation list? What is my ideal wearable wardrobe anyways?
Wearable. Curated. Cohesive. I admit, it can feel like work…trying to figure it out. But. I want to do this. My current love it; buy it; sew it system feels flawed.
I haven’t been following a method…no online programs or books…but #2018MakeNine has definitely been a positive first step. The exercise of choosing nine things to sew….all from my fabric stash…kick-started my wearable wardrobe goals. So far my focus has been paying attention to what I reach for in my closet and being mindful about how I feel while I’m wearing my garments.
My Cleo Dungaree Dress is my second #2018MakeNine garment. I chose this Tilly and the Buttons pattern because I have a RTW dress/jumper that is similar and I wear it frequently. The denim fabric I bought a few years ago from a thrift store. I love natural fibers and denim has been ranking high in my winter wardrobe.
Above, a close up view of my Cleo pattern hack….I added button plackets to the side seams. Because…who doesn’t want to add more work to their sewing projects? To clarify, this design feature is not included in the Cleo pattern.
Not ignoring you…just taking in the view of False Creek and Yaletown.
I decided on two back hip pockets. Both the front bib pocket and the hip pockets have minimal contrasting top-stitching. I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but when I’m sewing slightly heavier weight fabrics like denim, instead of using top-stitching thread I double up on my regular poly thread; that is, I thread two strands of thread through the needle.
I also made my top, the Rise Turtleneck by Papercut Patterns. Although I don’t have any RTW turtlenecks in my closet, I’ve been coveting those made by other bloggers. I was a bit wary though….memories of when I was a kid and feeling slightly strangled all the time. I ended up going for Papercut Pattern’s Rise Turtleneck and….whew…it isn’t tight, it doesn’t feel too high. In fact it feels just right.
As many knits go, this is a quick sew…honestly, it took more time to do the non-darted FBA. Not whining….I’m definitely getting better at doing full bust adjustments and the result is well worth the effort.
The fabric is from L’Oiseau Fabric Shoppe, the second online store that I referred to in this post. L’Oiseau is a Calgary based business and they specialize in high quality European knits {the selvedge on this cut is labeled Stenzo Textiles, Netherlands}. Like it? There’s 1.5m still available, here. I’ve only bought from them once, but I was pleased with the fabric and the service. I’ll be ordering from them again.
Oh hai. We’re at the end of my post.
But before I leave you….where am I? On Granville Island… looking across False Creek to Yaletown. It was a walkie kinda day for G and I and comfortable footwear was mandatory Actually…comfortable everything was on my wish list. And…lucky me….my Cleo Dungaree Dress with a long sleeve tee…is turning out to be just that.
Thanks bunches for reading. See you soon.
Wearing:
Cleo Pinafore + Dungaree Dress : : Tilly and the Buttons
Rise Turtleneck : : Papercut Patterns
26 Comments
I love the views of Van! This is such a cute denim dress, and I too share your aversion to turtlenecks (says the woman who just bought a turtleneck dress, sigh), but this one is SO CUTE. I would buy it! Stunning, Sue!
I’m always interested in how people approach their wardrobes – I appreciate the musings.
I know….they never get old, do they?
LOL…so you fell for one too, eh? Okay, I feel lucky. I was able to tailor my turtleneck to suit me…not too high and not too tight.
I think part of the reason I am attempting to sort out my personal style more is because I am sewing my clothing. As you can imagine, sewing takes a lot of time and when the end result doesn’t work, it’s off putting.
It’s a cute outfit and I really like the cleo on you: looks like a great basic piece to have on hand.
Thanks Manju.
Yep…I can feel Cleo becoming a wardrobe basic. I’ve got two so far…. 🙂
Verra adorable as always, Sue! Thanks for the l’oiseau link. They have lovely fabrics. So I’m one of those crazy turtleneck lovers. I seem to be more comfy with something around my neck, especially in winter. Probably why I’ve knit so many shawls and scarves too!
Thanks Louisa. They DO INDEED have lovely fabrics…and, according to my good source Kathleen…it looks like they are having a sale. Must pop over there for a looky.
I think in DYT you are a type 2 and you’ll always go for the cozy feel!
I love turtlenecks. The strange thing is, I don’t have any! Cute dress, I really like the button detail you added. I don’t know who takes your photos, but they look super!
Well Priscilla, you’ll have to change that…maybe not for this spring, but autumn?
My husband takes my photos. I boss him around a lot, but he doesn’t really pay me much attention. 🙂
I do minor editing in Picasa.
I was just on L’Oiseau’s web site (they have 15% off right now on some of their gorgeous knits) – I’m pondering…and we all know where that goes 🙂 I love them too and order from them (too) often. I love your Cleos – your buttons are the best and your back pockets are just perfect.
OH OH! Thanks for the heads up Kathleen. I will definitely check the sale out. Isn’t it great having these reliable sources for quality knits?!!!
Love it when you stop by…you don’t have commenting enabled on your own blog that I can see.
Such a classic style you made all your own with those great buttons and back pockets. Being so new to sewing it may not come as a surprise that I didn’t realize you could double-thread your needle to achieve the topstitching! I learn something new every time I read your blog or email back and forth with you.
Thanks for this fun post, complete with great views of Vancouver and your happy smile.
Hugs,
Sherry
Hey Sherry!
Most sewing machines have two spool holders for this purpose. And. They work best when you put the spools on so the thread comes off in the opposite direction…that’s a little hard to explain, but if you ever want to do it, are uncertain, just let me know. I just find that my machine doesn’t love top stitching thread. And bonus…you can use any colour thread you want.
Just excellent.
I love how you made it even harder to make. Hahaha!! But seriously, I didn’t know you could put two threads through one needle to add heft. I’m going to try that because sometimes I want more umph from my stitch-line. Twine won’t fit through the needle. And this is a great location for photos. I may have to try it in the future too!! I hope you and G had treats after your shoot. Lots to tempt over on Gran. Is.
LOL…I’ve made two…both with the button plackets. WHY? 🙂
{{SNORT}} Um yah…twine likely won’t fit through any machine needle.
A great…secret….location. Whew…Granville Island can be so busy.
What a cute dress!
Looks like it was a great day there too.
My how long your hair is getting!
Suzanne
It was a great day! It’s cloudy in these pics, but the sun did come out later.
I’m seeing my stylist this week. Not sure what to do….shorter, longer, fringe or not? Well, she can’t actually make it longer, but you know what I mean.
Again you did a great job. You must show us the top in another outfit, so we can see it more clearly. The shape of the dungeree is odd, but it oddly works (pun intended).
And I remember this view very well. That was a great day!
Greetje
Thank you Greetje! I’ve made the top pattern a few times now so will show it again but in a different fabric. Dungaree dresses aren’t known to be shapely. They are also one of those garments that make the ‘never wear if over forty’ lists that circulate.
Beautiful outfit! They go so well together and what a great fit! I love your pictures; the place is so beautiful.
Thanks Olivia! I too am pleased with the fit on my Cleo Dress. Okay…it’s not the most challenging garment to fit, but still, it nips in at the waist just right for me. 🙂
Vancouver…she is a looker, it’s true!
This is a great casual outfit – comfortable, and polished at the same time. It’s even better because you made all of it! I like pieces made of denim too (aside from jeans).
Thanks Shelley! I’ve found my best denim pieces in thrift stores. They usually look like leftover fabric…you can see that someone has cut out a garment at one end of the piece. I have a hard time finding denim I really like in fabric stores. I’m a bit like Goldilocks…not too thick, not too thin….
What a cute outfit! It makes me miss my adult size Oshkosh bib overalls I had in my 20’s. I especially love that fabric you used for the turtleneck, so pretty.
Thanks Flo. Bib overalls are making a pretty big come back in the sewing world. I may give them a go.
SUPER CUTE!!! I made a pinnie last year and wore mine a tonne too… almost can’t wait for cooer weather so I can wear it again, Almost. Also, you have the absolute best photo locations of all over there. I’m so envious!
Aw…thanks Carolyn! I remember yours well.
heh…nothing beats your beautiful beach in my opinon…well, maybe your pet accessories, he he.