Floral party in the back Concord

This is my latest version of the Cashmerette Concord tee. I've lost count, but I've made this pattern at least a dozen times. Not bad, considering I was firmly in camp 'why sew a t-shirt if you can just as well buy one' for decades.

One of the many things I like about sewing is the planning stage. The hunt for the right fabric, deciding on a colour, finding notions and adding little details. Step by step the project that only existed in your head comes alive, resulting in a one of kind garment. For years I believed this approach was only worthwhile for special projects. Coats, evening wear, jackets. But once I started making t-shirts I was amazed by the number of design choices you could make for such a simple top.
All Concord tees I've made have different necklines, lengths, and sleeves. I know find that picking fabric for something I know I will wear till it's worn out is even more fun than selecting fabric for a seldom worn special occasion dress. Long story short: once I started making my tees I've never looked back.

The fabric for my umpteenth Concord tee is a rayon jersey from TST stoffen, a Dutch online fabric shop. It has a lovely drape so I wanted to make a flared swing top, just like the blue one I made last year. I kept the sleeves at elbow length because it turned out that's what gets the most wear during our rather unpredictable summers.

Because the blue top is still going strong I didn't want to make an exact copy and I used every last bit of the leftovers to create ties for the back. When mr Foxgloves first  saw my tee he said: 'Oh, nice.' And when I turned around he said: 'Oh! That's really, really nice!' So I guess the ties do indeed add a little interest.

There's nothing more to tell that I haven't discussed previously when it comes to this curve friendly pattern that comes in cup sizes and has become a true wardrobe staple for me.

So I'll end with a few more pictures of the shirt taken out in the wild during a trip to Germany last week, starting with the obligatory Schnitzel und Bier moment.

That's the first of summer holiday sewing done.
Till next time!

Review Knipmode June 2018

Just a quick post for those of you interested in the contents of the Knipmode 6/2018 magazine.

Pattern overview Knipmode 6/2018

The emphasis is on dresses. Many different styles and lengths, and, apart from a few exceptions, all necklines look very modest. Peter Pan collars, fully buttoned up shirt dresses and neck ties. No halter necks or strapless dresses for the beach, but if you're looking for an office approved summer dress there may be something in here.

Dress 5 on the left doesn't exactly look like a summer dress to me, the autumn vibe we've seen in all spring Knipmode magazines this year is continuing. And so demure. Is that a fashion trend?
Dress 15 (middle) is a combination of tunic 14 and skirt 16. Looks like separates, but the pieces are sewn together and have a long zipper at center back. Not sure why you would want to do that as those individual pieces would be much more versatile. (In the picture below you see the tunic on the left and the skirt on the right)

These garments are all part of a mix & match holiday wardrobe. The pants are a repeat of the same shapeless variety we've seen in previous magazines and I've seen better versions of a cold shoulder dress. But the cropped jeans jacket looks good, either paired with shorts or over a dress or jumpsuit on a chilly night. 

Mix & match holiday capsule

Although it's not my usual style there is something about this month's designer dress (23) that makes me want to sew it immediately. With a v-neck perhaps.

These linen trousers (7) are also on my to-sew list. It's a simple pattern with a v-shaped yoke at the front, slash pockets and a side seam zipper. Not too many details so the focus will be fully on perfectioning the fit.

All in all I'll rate this issue as a useful one. The longer I look at it, the more I like it.

Happy sewing everyone!

Disclaimer: this review contains no affiliate links. I paid for my copy and all opinions are my own. Photocredits: Knipmode. All pdf and paper patterns can be found at the Knipmode shop