Being able to sew with woven (aka non-stretch) fabrics is also a bonus, given half my fabric is just waiting to be used, but there aren't a lot of non-stretch patterns out there.
Having a nice Camisole style shirt with larger straps to cover my bra straps for work is also something I have been searching for recently.
Laela Jeyne has solved these dilemmas with two new patterns I had the pleasure of testing for recently!
The Dahlia Tank Top and Rose Circle Skirt
This tank top is perfect to wear on its own or underneath a shirt like a camisole, and works well with thicker stretch cotton, t-shirt fabric, or any other knit fabric really.
The bands should be a thicker knit with good recovery, otherwise it will look sloppy mid-way through the day.
It is a remarkably quick sew, but versatile pattern as far as functionality. You can use one or two different fabrics (I opted for busy pandas on the back, and plain stretch cotton for the front), and make it as fancy or "everyday" as you like.
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| Tank and 16" length 1/2 circle Rose Skirt w/stretch knit fabrics |
For me, the length and fit are perfect for making a cycling jersey with, and it will be simple enough to add pockets to the back for my granola bar and extra water pack!
It's not too tight, but not too loose, thus makes me feel comfortable wearing it while in frumpy non-Beachbody Winter mode - it has been the longest winter in eons here in Ottawa, Canada - it was still just above freezing at the beginning of June!
The arm and neck holes are perfect, and as usual, I top stitched to create a professional look.
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| Side with perfect armhole binding! |
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| Ready for work with my Rose Skirt and Dalhia tank Top! |
The Rose Skirt has a plethora of options as well - Maxi, knee, above knee, and too short for work (ha ha) lengths) along with different options for the band.
The band can sit either at the hips or the natural waist, which also will alter the look of the skirt, but also allows you to create the most flattering skirt for your body shape.
I prefer A-line dresses and skirts as I have a smaller top and waist, then it all goes down to the hips and behind. I opted for the waist length band, and it's perfect!
I created this black and white 16" length 1/2 circle skirt for work (or play!) from mystery Rayon knit from Fabricland, and a thicker stretch from Water Tower Textiles. My waist band is the same cute Panda stretch cotton from Okee Dokee Fabrics. Technically this is the worst fabric for bands, as it has slow recovery, but I made it a bit smaller, and it sits proper with the resizing alterations.
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| Pretty as a flower! This outfit took maybe an hour to 1.5 hours to whip up! |
My second Rose Skirt is also a 1/2 circle option (it was supposed to be the 1/4 circle, but I accidentally used the wrong pattern piece), but from a thicker mystery Fabricland woven linen. I added a zipper to the back (yay for zipper feet!), and it was another simple yet classic skirt to sew up.
Even with the zipper, from cutting to hemming, I spent under an hour creating this skirt for work the next day!
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| Back of Linen Skirt |
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| Front of Linen Skirt |
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| Strike a pose! |
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| Side Linen skirt |
I absolutely love how these came together, and that there is another pattern out there for Ladies that allows me to use my non-knit woven fabrics!
You can even use a stretch knit band with the woven skirt if you don't want to add in a zipper!
I'm looking forward to creating a maxi length 1/4 circle skirt from flowy fabric for the late summer/early fall. I feel that would just look stunning!
I am itching to try out Laela's entire Summer 2017 collection - and you should too!
Oh, and TWIRL ON!
The Lily Woven blouse will be perfect for my non-stretch fabrics, and the Violet Swimsuit looks adorable with side cut outs (thinking I can hack in some Ruching too!).
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