When I buy fabric, I almost always have a plan in mind for it’s use. Those plans don’t always come to fruition, but I am well intentioned nevertheless. I picked up a cut of Fornasetti Forest from DuckaDilly about a year ago with the plan of making a romper for Layla. I imagined a short...
I remember when Layla was a baby, I loved shopping at Target. I’m sure most of you know what I mean- the racks are lined with irresistibly cute clothes. When she was a baby, making clothes was not even a desire of mine. In fact, I remember thinking it would be a monumental waste of...
Layla’s dress is beautiful! The colours are absolutely stunning and I love the style…I really like your idea about lining the sleeves and in fact I might take up this idea on some of my pattern sleeves. It looks so nice especially with flutter or cap sleeves where you can see the inside. The bias type on the bottom I like too! I did that on a blouse (by mistake!) but after it was done I actually liked it :)ReplyCancel
I completely agree with the shopping for bigger girl clothes. I am so disappointed by what I’m seeing. Last year, I bought the Geranium pattern from Made by Rae and luckily now the expansion pack has come out and I can change up some of the dresses I’ve been making for the girls. They love them. I never thought I’d be making their clothes, but I love it and love shopping for the fabric too. Love your insta and your blog, it’s inspirational.ReplyCancel
Have you ever had something you wanted to do so badly that once the chance came around, your expectations were so high, you were nearly frozen with fear of failing or second guessing everything? That’s me. You see, my favorite wardrobe item is J.Crew’s Perfect Shirt, the most well made, perfectly fitting, brilliantly constructed shirt I’ve ever...
I was so excited by your post I just had to write :) I’ve been on a blouse making MISSION for the past 3 months in my search for the perfect shirt but I do want to make it! I’ve explored several patterns – a couple of which are outstanding and have been a great success – one is the Cashmerette Harrison (which would likely be too big for you since it starts at a 12) and the one I’m working on now is the Fitted Blouse by the Cupful by J. Stern designs. I have another on order from Vogue in their Comfort Fit category that also looks really good. Your process and relentless search to duplicate your favourite was so inspiring! I’m in awe :) Congratulations on your success. You have a pattern now that you can make over and over in all your favourite fabrics…you might want to make one up in dupioni silk (I did and love it!) :)ReplyCancel
These both look amazing, Meredith! I’m glad you were able to recreate your favorite shirt. I also have the Granville pattern but I haven’t made it yet. I’m concerned about the sleeves not fitting me properly. I just got the new Classic shirt pattern from Liesl + Co and I’m curious to try that one. I haven’t ever worn this J Crew shirt but I sort of want to go try one on and see how I like it. It looks like a great style!ReplyCancel
Wow, I’m so impressed your shirts are “perfect”! If you don’t mind, what size is the pattern you made? I want to learn to sew and haven’t purchased a sewing machine yet. My dream is to make my own shirts out of the Liberty of London fabric. I did take a class last year and made an apron but the teacher closed her business. I’ve been looking at patterns and haven’t found the “one” yet. You’ve inspired to get started! Maybe, I should start with a sleeveless, collarless top first. ReplyCancel
I used a size zero and made my pattern from disassembling the Perfect Shirt. While shirts aren’t terribly difficult to put together, I would definitely recommend getting your feet wet with some other garments just to get the order down and also to practice differently techniques. I’d be happy to give you some recommendations of well written patterns if you are interested. ReplyCancel
Hi Julie!! I’m so sorry for my late reply. We just moved this past week and haven’t quite settled in. Anyway, my favorite patterns to learn from are actually Oliver + S kids patterns. If you have any children in your life, the skills you would learn from those are the very best and completely invaluable. Liesl Gibson of Liesl and Co has released a women’s shirt that is classic and has all the details you would expect from a high end store bought shirt. She also has versions for men and kids which I purchased this week and am looking forward to making. I have never been disappointed by one of her patterns, and I always make them multiple times. Deer and Doe is also a great company. I love their Bruyere top which I have also lengthened to a dress. It’s straightforward and very pretty. Another staple pattern for me is the Michelle, My Belle Dress from the book Liberty Love (which is packed with great projects!) I have about ten of them. I also love the Biscayne Blouse from Hey June. It’s simple and polished, and it gets quite a lot of wear. My latest obsession is the La Parisienne en Ete from Louis Antionette (bought from Jones and Vandermeer). I have made the skirt multiple times and it is hands down my favorite skirt pattern.
I know I’ve made lots more. If you would like any more recommendations just let me know and I’ll be happy to help. I’ll try to be more prompt in answering you in the future! I’m so sorry for the delay. ReplyCancel
I like to have a plan when I make. I like to set realistic goals, and ideally, I like to cut and use my fabric before it ever reaches the shelf. Of course, that sort of goes out the window when I way overestimate my time management abilities and forget to account for the unexpected...
A few weeks ago the ladies at Alice Caroline reached out to see if I’d like to make something with their brand new, exclusive range of fabrics from Liberty. I said yes straight away, and stalked the mailbox with anticipation. When they arrived I set out to plan my project. I remembered being particularly drawn...
Hey Mer! Beautiful quilt top!!! Gorgeous range they designed huh!?! My favs are Mitsi Y or Betsey Y, can’t choose!
Ps. @farmgirlpaints on IG, had this same internet problem when she moved, was going to cost thousands to run lines then someone suggested to her to get a “hot spot” type wifi box, I honestly can’t remember exactly but it solved the problem and was WAY cheaper! You could DM her and ask. Hope this helps! XoReplyCancel
Gorgeous quilt and what a setting to showcase it! I love seeing quilter’s works – perhaps not being a quilter myself – I’m a garment sewer exclusively so far but I’ve been eyeing other projects lately like bag-making :) but that doesn’t stop me from going to Quilt Shows and Galleries to ooh and ah. Also I wanted to thank you for that link to Alice Caroline in the UK! I’m in Canada and often order Liberty from the UK but I’m always on the hunt for more sources. Shipping from the UK to Canada is much less than from the US and I do find their prices quite reasonable. Liberty lawn is up there with silk for me :)ReplyCancel
The first print that stood out to me was, of course, June’s meadow in green! Lol. I love the pink and green Betsy too. Ok, all of them. Your quilt is beautiful.
Also, I’m sure you’ve looked into this, but when we moved to the country (N. Alabama) we were forced to,use satellite internet. Hughes Net was the provider, I believe. Not ideal (super slow in inclement/cloudy weather), but we decided it was better than nothing!ReplyCancel
Your quilt is awesome! The small HST’s are the perfect dimention for showcasing these small and delightfully intricate prints. And the overall effect is classic and beautiful. I love it! As for the Liberty prints, it’s hard to choose one! But I think I love Petal and Bud best. Thanks for sharing this beautiful post, and for the chance to win!ReplyCancel
Welcome to Olivia Jane Handcrafted! I'm Meredith and this is my creative journal. Here you'll find loads of inspiration for a handmade wardrobe, home decor, bags, and quilts. I even have plenty of projects and tutorials to get you started or help you along the way.
Categories
Archives
copyright 2021 Olivia Jane Handcrafted, LLC|ProPhoto Photographer Blog