Sharon Sews

Last year, when Vogue released this Vena Cava design ( Vogue 1258 ) , I knew I wanted to sew the dress.  However, weather where I live turns cool early into the fall months so I put the pattern aside with plans to sew it for the 2012 summer season. A few weeks ago I realized I better get started on sewing this season's summer clothing or I risk having the warm days slip away without anything new to wear.  Oh, the shame! (smile) I pulled out a fun ITY black knit with hot pink polka dots (purchased from Anne at Needle Nook Fabrics when I took her bra-making class) and began. Knowing the knit would be somewhat forgiving in it's fit, I choose to not try and alter the puzzling pattern pieces.  Except for raising  the neckline by 1-1/2".  I cut a 12 at the shoulder/neckline, tapering to a 14/16 at the waist/hip, which worked fine in the bust area due to the stretch of the knit.  The hip should have been smaller as it was designed for a tight fit, but remember, I don

We just returned home from a 10-day motorcycle trip. Actually, that's not quite accurate.  Yes we were vacationing for 10 days, but my hubby rode the motorcycle to our destination while I followed behind in the car.  I joined him on the bike to explore the city once we were settled into our hotel room. Knowing we would have access to a pool and hot tub at our hotel,  before we left I pulled out McCall's 6556 , a Fashion Star dress pattern, thinking it would be perfect as a swimsuit cover up. An hour and 2-1/2 yards of fabric later, I had myself a new cover up. Believe me, it was much more fun to walk the hotel hallways wearing this rather than wrapped in a towel.  Front of McCall's 6556 "dress" Back of McCall's 6556 "dress" Side drape of McCall's 6556 "dress" The fabric is a lightweight knit from Hancock Fabrics,  The gray stripes alternate with sheer "lace" stripes.  I cut a 12 at the shoulder/neckline and t