I realized today that I haven’t actually blogged about my latest sewing projects (other than the reflective sashes for Team in Training fundraising)! I’m surprised, I thought I had. I guess my social media platforms are beginning to blend together, oops.
The first one is actually a project I finished a while ago, but had yet to wear, my peplum top.
Reflective bow detail on the peplum top.
I wore it with my lovely Cole Haan reflective loafers and Vespertine blossom bracelet . I begged one of my coworkers to take a few pictures of me, so I could show off the outfit. The top isn’t covered in reflectivity, but I like the bit of detail it has.
Without and with flash – yep, those shoes are bright!
What I like most about this top is how small it makes my waist look! (Is that vain?) This was a very easy pattern, and I think I might make another out of one of the cotton prints I’ve been moving around for years.
My next project was my Bike to Work Day dress. I made it on Bike to Work Day, after coming home from working at the Ballston pit stop.
Bike to Work Day dress without flash…
…Bike to Work Day dress with flash.
I really like this because it’s so comfortable. It was very easy to make, although I’m not 100% happy with it. It’s been years since I worked with knit fabric, and I stupidly stretched it when I put the reflective piping in, and I shouldn’t have. I think the bust darts are too low as well.
Back view, with flash. Which also shows the other reflective gear I have…
Admittedly, this dress is not an ideal bike dress because although it’s short and stretchy, it’s too narrow to be really comfortable on the saddle. I wear it with my Spanx or Jockey Skimmies SlipShorts underneath, so there’s no threat of flashing anyone, but it does show a lot of leg. There isn’t much reflectivity on it either, but I’m okay with that. I don’t want to overdo it. Not every dress can be the Tron dress!
My current project is very exciting. I’m making the dress I’ve been wanting to make for a while now, with a reflective shoulder yoke, that will be worn with my reflective obi sash.
Vogue Dress Pattern with Sash
I cut out the fabric at work last week, on the craft table that is THE perfect cutting table. (Apparently it will be replaced with far more useful cubicles, and I will be very sad when that happens).
Cutting out fabric at work. (The Capital Bikeshare sign is completely unintentional, I swear!)
Half-finished dress with the sash folded over the hanger.
With the flash.
Back view – better shot of the yoke.
Back with the flash.
Detail of the print.
I need to cut out the lining fabric so I can finish this. I’m really looking forward to wearing this. I’m a bit paranoid about it, since I seem to make some stupid mistake on every sewing project. I’ve looked into Craftsy, to see what their online classes are like – has anyone ever tried them? I wish now that I’d paid closer attention in my sewing classes…
This dress isn’t even done yet and I’m madly searching for THE perfect blouse pattern for this fabric I bought recently.
Project-to-be
It’s hard to get a good picture of the reflective material with or without the flash, but this cotton print looks amazing with the super light pink reflective fabric. I want to try making bias with the pink, so that it’s flat instead of corded piping in the seams. I’m inspired by Tulle & Tweed, and her bias tutorial looks like something I might be able to figure out. I need to buy a cutting mat first, however. I have no idea where mine went to, and I’m not going to try to cut this out with my scissors. I think it needs the rotary cutter.
I need a bigger sewing space! I’m sure I didn’t lose the cutting mat here.
So that is where I am with sewing projects. I’m sure I’ll be inspired for the next project before too long. I am running low on my reflective fabric but not sure when I’ll be able to make it back to New York for more fabric shopping. I can’t wait to go, however – I want to begrime the city with a Citibike like everyone else! All of bikepeacenyc‘s blog photo shoots are making me jealous. But I’ll have to be there for a long time – I have so many reflective fashions now that I’ll need to wear them all!
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