Amber's Roxanne Top in Nani Iro Birds Eye

--amber

I've been dreaming of making the Roxanne by Victory sewing patterns, and when the new Nani Iro arrived it was on!

The Roxanne comes with two versions, a collared sleeveless top and a flowy sleeved version with a skinny neck tie. For me the triple pleated collar was irresistible, but since I wanted sleeves for fall I decided to combine the two versions.

Cute collar town!

The instructions for this pattern were so well-written by Kristiann of Victory Sewing Patterns. I love that she walks you through the basic measurements for your garment and explains how to alter your pieces if needed. 

I finished my Roxanne by adding a tie at the back waist. This gives a little more shape to the voluminous pleated shirttail. I love it! The double gauze Nani Iro fabric is soft and cozy and my new top is so comfortable and easy to wear!

I can't wait to take on more of Kristiann's patterns!

Jaime's Washi Blouse

The Washi Dress pattern by Made by Rae has been one of our most popular patterns, and I finally got around to stitching up my first one. It was everything I had hoped and dreamed it would be!

This Lecien Japanese lawn is lightweight and a great choice for summertime garments. I love the vintage feel of this tiny floral. The Washi Dress has several options - it can be a dress or a tunic, with or without tiny sleeves, and you can choose to make it with a cut-out neckline or straight scoop neckline. I chose to make a sleeved-tunic with the cut-out neckline.

This tunic sewed together nicely. The back has a shirred elastic waist which makes for a fitted top that is super flattering. The sleeves and armhole are finished with a bias binding, and the neck opening is faced for more structure and stability.

I am excited to try all the options - next up is a sleeveless top with regular scoop neck. There are still some warm months ahead to enjoy wearing some new Washis!

Amber's Lecien Tova

Dear Jenny Gordy,

I am in love with your sewing patterns. I just made the Wiksten Tova and I love it just as much as the Wiksten Tank! (Which is a lot, 'cause I made, like, five of them.)

My sweet new top is made with a tiny red rose on black stripes print from Lecien. This is my first Tova, but I love it so much I've already cut fabric to make another one. It's oh-so cute and easy to wear! I can't wait to make a Tova dress for fall that I'll wear with cute boots and tights!!

Jenny, pretty please make more patterns for me to sew. I ♥ you.


Sincerely,
Amber

Wiksten Tank-a-thon 2012

Amber and I recently had a sewing Tank-a-thon! The tank pattern from Wiksten is a totally hot and easy pattern to sew! This tank is just two pieces plus some bias binding strips and a pocket. After you make a couple you'll be whipping these up in less than 2 hours a piece! Perfect for all these amazing fabrics and cute summer outfits. 90 degree days, here we come!

Here are the results of our Tank-a-thon 2012:

Tank 1 - Jaime: I made the first tank out of Liberty. That's right. First time making this and I just jumped right in. I've been in love with this dark floral print from the moment it arrived and knew I wanted a top out of it. Results: A+

Tank 2 - Amber: I've been dreaming of making a simple top out of this Japanese linen sheeting. I love this tank and want to wear it every day! As soon as this easy-peasy sewing project was finished I knew I needed to make tanks-a-plenty for summer...and so I cut three more of my favorite fabrics and got to stitching! Results: A+

Tank 3 - Amber: The very next day as soon as I got home I whipped up this light breezy tank from our organic voile in Smoke with a contrasting pocket in a teeny-tiny pinstripe organic voile. Perfect for steamy days and summer bike rides. Fantastic! Results: A

Tank 4 - Jaime: I made my second tank out of a soft vintage-y floral from Cabbages and Roses newest collection for Moda. I just got these striped jeans from Fancy Tiger Clothing and needed a colorful top to go with them. I'm always obsessed with these Cabbages and Roses print so this was my chance to finally use one. Results: A

Tank 5 - Amber: For my third tank, I figured I deserved a little treat--a treat in the form of a yard and a half of Liberty fabric! This Liberty print has been calling my name and I couldn't resist it anymore! Oh Liberty, you make me feel like a princess. Results: A+

Tank 6: Amber: Ok, I admit I'm going a little overboard with these tanks, but they are just so quick and gratifying to make! I mean, I've made 4 in a week now! So...you'll most likely see me wearing a Wiksten Tank every day this summer, but that's not too awkward right? 'Cause I love my new summer wardrobe! Tank #4 is made with an amazing Japanese rose print in the deepest teal. A little prairie/goth and a little oh-so-ladylike. Results: A

Tank 7: Surprise! Jess was already sucked into our tank-a-thon before she left for L.A. so it was easy to bring her in on our tank sewing frenzy when she visited us for a day. She made the tank dress out of a beautiful organic cotton yarn-dyed plaid. Total win! Results: A+

Overall Tank-a-thon 2012 score: A+!

Amber's Jasmine

I've been eyeing this dainty little floral print from Japan for a bit. I finally decided it wanted to be a blouse and I knew it would be Collette's Jasmine.

This classy little top is cut on the bias, which means no pesky buttonholes or zippers to put in! It also makes it such an easy top to wear--with a flattering fit that accentuates your lady-like shape without being too fitted.

I chose a solid voile for the collar and this light weight fabric is perfect for the sweet tie at the collar.

I love it!

Jaime's Liberty Tova Blouse

Liberty of London Fabric + Wiksten Tova pattern = ♥

I've had my eye on this Liberty print ever since we received our last Liberty shipment. I knew I wanted to make a top out of it, but have been waiting for the perfect pattern. When I saw the Tova pattern by Wiksten it was true love!

This Tova top by Wiksten is a beautiful, hand drawn sewing pattern by designer Jennifer Gordy out of Iowa. I ordered the pattern directly from her website (you will have to do the same as we cannot carry them at this time...) It arrived in a vellum sleeve closed with a Liberty of London sticker - it was meant to be!

I was a really bad seamstress and did not make a muslin or anything. I was so excited to make this top, I just went for it - and it worked out wonderfully. The top is flattering and feminine with gathering detail around a front placket as well as on the 3/4 sleeve cuffs. The piece went together great and it fits perfect!

Of course, since it is Liberty, it is super soft and the drape of the lawn fabric works splendidly with this design.

I also have the Wiksten Tank pattern in my possession and am already scheming which fabric to use for it!

Better Know A Crafter: Valerie Sutton

Valerie is working on the cutest handmade wardrobe ever! She keeps coming into the shop and blowing us away with her crafty style. Recently she caught our eye in an adorable Anna Maria Horner Socialite Dress, which you may have seen when we shared it on our facebook page. Her newest creation is this organic cotton bicycle blouse. Valerie has not been sewing very long, but she is already seriously inspiring us.

Valerie Sutton

 

Tell us about what makes you crafty.

I'm an engineer by day and a sewist by night! I love to craft really unique things. Mostly I sew my own clothing and I also make jewelry.

Tell us about your bicycle blouse.
I made the Sencha blouse from Collete Patterns in a Birch Organics quilting fabric. It looks especially cute with a belt!

When did you learn to sew?

I took my first sewing class in June this summer! I learned right here at Fancy Tiger Crafts.

What is your favorite animal?
My 90 lb husky/lab, Sammie.

Thanks Valerie! Happy sewing!