Here in L.A., we’re starting to take tentative steps toward reentering the world. My husband and I are fortunate to be fully vaccinated, and we’ve slowly started to expand the list of activities we participate in. Two kids complicate the situation, but we’ve been able at last to allow Dora to participate in some playdates, which she’s sorely, sorely missed. It’s clear that her healing from the isolation and anxiety of the previous year will be a long, complicated process. But we’re fortunate that her school is really supportive and we have some good professional help.
Sewing is a very slow process these days—most days I’m crashed out by 8:30pm, exhausted by the stress of everything—but it gives me an unmistakable lift to finish a garment, wear it, and go through the whole routine of photographing it. Like a little celebration.
I’ve felt as though I need more tops in my wardrobe, so most recently I made a tank top out of a Japanese linen-cotton I got at Fancy Tiger Crafts during a trip to visit my husband’s parents in Colorado. The pattern is the same one I’ve been fiddling with for awhile: a Willow tank with a lowered apex and more flair at the waist. For some reason, I feel that yellow is a good complement to this fabric’s colors, so I enjoyed binding the neck and armsyces with yellow tencel left over from my last Zadie jumpsuit.
I also made another Rivermont dress, this time with a blue flowered scuba I got on sale from Fabric.com. It’s comfortable and has giant pockets, so what’s not to love?
Finally, I made a pink sundress from some lightweight rayon I got on sale, also at Fabric.com. The pattern is Butterick 6674. It comes with multiple cup sizes (and a purse that doesn’t appeal to me at all). I lowered the apex, as always, and took two inches out of the straps (unfortunately only after they’d already been completed). The patch pockets sit oddly and it needs to be ironed, but it’s surprisingly comfortable and breezy to wear.
Glitches aside, it fits — really well! — at both bust and waist, and that fact alone elevates this dress to a favorite. It’s technically not brilliantly done, but it’s my dress and I like it, so phhbbbt. In fact, I liked this pattern more than I expected to, and I’d like to make another one out of something lightweight.
Next up: I’ve been making Dora some doll clothes, which she really appreciates, so I expect there will be more of those on my sewing table soon. I also have some fabrics that are really calling my name (chartreuse silk noil!!) and I’m eager to match them with the right patterns. I think next I’ll make another Cashmerette maxi-dress with a bright, fun rayon I bought on a whim.
Hope you and yours are healthy, safe, and happy.