Lena Horne Dress Pattern Release by Tabitha Sewer

Do you follow anyone online who has an inexplicable magnetism? Something about them is just special and you can’t help follow their every move. Tabitha Sewer is one of those people for me! She is a light in the sewing and maker community, bringing energy and color to every post. I love how Tabitha constantly shares what others are doing/making, keeping the focus not only on her own creative endeavors, but that of others as well!

Today I am OVER THE MOON excited to share the Lena Horne dress, designed by Tabitha and online at Joann’s. This is Tabitha’s first sewing pattern and there are so many fun elements (surprise surprise)! The most notable feature of the dress are the ruffle straps that crisscross in the back and come over the bust to end at the waistline. This on-trend detail makes a feminine statement and adds just the right amount of drama. :)
The Lena Horne dress also has inseam pockets and a side zip feature. Function and form…the best!

The Pattern: The Lena Horne Dress by Tabitha Sewer, soon available at Joann’s stores
The Fabric: Tropical Leaf Rayon Cotton Voile from Blackbird Fabrics
The Process: I began by pre-washing both my lining and main fabric. Tabitha has you line just the bodice of the dress, but due to the more sheer nature of the rayon cotton voile, I chose to line the skirt as well.
After cutting out the pattern, I simply followed Tabitha’s instructions and started piecing the dress together. The ruffle straps were the trickiest bit and you need to roll them into the inner-workings of the tube you create to pull them through. I’ve heard this called the ‘burrito method’. Tabitha has a video tutorial which is immensely helpful if you get stuck at any point in the process.
There isn’t mention of finishing most seams, that is something I would change for the next time I make the dress…finishing all seams before construction.
Modifications: I sewed a straight size 4. The only modification I made outside of lining the skirt was to extend the zipper all the way down to the top of the pocket (into the skirt about 2 inches). I thought this would allow me to get in/out of the dress more easily.
Styling & Versatility: This dress is a stand-alone dress that speaks for itself! I chose to style it for a beachy summer look with bright heels and a straw purse. I think it could be super cute styled with sneakers as well!
Overall Review: DARLING dress design by a DARLING lady, Tabitha! Definitely an intermediate pattern, but with the help of the video tutorial, this dress becomes immensely doable!

I’m incredibly grateful to Tabitha for reaching out and sending me her first pattern! She was a joy to communicate with and I can’t wait to see where her journey goes!
As always, thank you to my incredible photographer and friend, Jill Burrow, for taking these photos and being ever-patient with this gangly non-model trying her very best. :)

Classic Button Up with a Twist

Hello friends! After a Lenten sabbatical, I am back to sewing…and just in time for this lovely spring we’ve been having.

One of my very favorite wardrobe staples are my white button-up tops. Tie them up, tuck them in, wear them with jeans, wear them with a pencil skirt…gah…they are just so timeless and versatile. So when I saw the cover of the McCall’s M7838, my heart did a little leap. A classic button-up with a statement sleeve…I’m in!
I found this incredible grid fabric at Joann’s and *gasp* paid full price for it (something I never do!). But sometimes a fabric calls out to you in a way that demands your full attention and pocket-book. ;) I knew this fabric and pattern were a match made in sewing heaven.

The Pattern: McCall’s M7838
The Fabric: Rayon-poly blend by Joann’s (They’re ‘Spring Garden’ collection)
The Process: This was my first time EVER making a collared top and doing a full button placket. It was a bit of a risk since I had invested in the fabric, but I’m so glad I went for it! I was also hesitant b/c the fabric has a subtle wavy pattern in the grid lines and I wasn’t sure how it would work with interfacing, but the fabric was dreamy to work with and washes well to boot!
Normally I crank out my projects pretty quickly, but with this top I really took my time. I focused heavily on making sure the ruffles were spaced evenly, the grid was perfectly vertical, and I even re-attached the collar 3 times to get the spacing right and loose some annoying puckers. A LOT was learned along the way. :)
The top has 17 button holes and buttons. That’s right, SEVENTEEN! So I utilized my new Singer Quantum Stylists to it’s fullest potential and enjoyed the button hole and button sewing feet. It went well and the finish looks so professional!
Modifications: I sewed a straight size 8 after making a quick muslin to ensure the shoulders weren’t too tight (after my duster had been a bit snug, I wasn’t taking any chances!). I followed the pattern instructions as closely as possible, but in hind site, my first full collar and button placket should have been with an indie-pattern. The instructions for this top are SPARSE, so I relied heavily on intuition which worked out OK, but some further hand-holding would have been appreciated. Indie designers tend to provide ample guidance and pictures for the more tricky bits…something I greatly appreciate!
Styling & Versatility: Y’ALL. I love me a good white button up. I can’t wait to try layering this under something like the York Pinafore. Wouldn’t that be cute!? I think I may tuck it into a midi-skirt this spring as well as throw it on with my torn up Levi’s . White button ups are so timeless, I believe this will linger in my wardrobe for years to come!
Overall Review: Love the top! Don’t adore the sparse instructions. But, if you have experience with collars and packets…you will be fine!

Thank you to my lovely photographer, Jill, for these photos!