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Skirt

Elevated Basics: Using Simplicity 8300 and Butterick 5526

I purchased my embroidery machine earlier this year. I had been wanting one and had a million ideas for it. When I got it I was excited but then it fizzled out because all I saw was people using it for children’s items and things that just were not my style but mostly home decor items. Don’t get me wrong they are some lovely things but I wanted to make something that was more my style…. yes a bit over the top.

I saw my inspiration on Pinterest and had to recreate it. Now I see more fashion applications for my embroidery and am truly having fun. Stay tuned for more items coming up. 


For the skirt I used Simplicity 8300 View A in size 12 but should have sized down to 10 because I had to take a bit of the side seams especially at the hips. This is such a simple sew so the time consuming hard part was putting all the embroidery together.

I found a floral motif with several variations that would work. I laid them out several ways to find the best placement using print outs of the design. Then I marked the center of each design on my skirt. I knew I wanted some flowers to go over the side seam so I put the back on at the side seams. If you try this be sure to give your designs enough room to hem it.


And then it was time to embroidery. It took about 3 or 4 weeks doing a stitch out here and there between work and other projects. I love how it turned out. Almost better than I imagined. While it is still a bit of a playful floral I think the short skirt took it up a few notches. 


For the top I wanted to get a similar look to another Pinterest inspiration with a very flowly black button down blouse.

I used Tencel fabric from Joanne’s and it was a dream to work with. The pattern is Butterick 5526 View B. I made a size 14 to get the oversized look I was going for and it was perfect.

For a bonus in this look is the Boronia Bowler bag by Blue Calla and is available here.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Upcycle: From Trash to Treasure

Have you seen those cute sheer dresses with cute embroidery flowers on them?

They had been very on trend and I wanted one but never could find one. I found one at  local thrift shop and grabbed it up even thought it did not fit that great. I thought why not modify it and make it better. It sat in my closet for a long time. I finally had that “cute” sheer dress with cute embroidery flowers and I hated it. The shape, the color. I just was not feeling it anymore.

I found some inspiration on Pinterest of an outfit with similar looking fabric but in black as a skirt and top and figured I would try a similar look. 


First I dyed the dress using DyeMore Rit Dye which dyes polyester fabrics. I can’t even remember the last time I dyed something but now I remember why I don’t do this often. It was not the most fun process. It was hot and smelly but it did give me a color I was going for.

Keep in mind it also dyed the flowers dark so if that is not ok with you then this won’t work. 


After dyeing I went at it with scissors cutting the top off for a crop top and enough fabric in the bottom for the skirt. I did not have to do much to the top after I cut it off. I did cut off the elastic at the wrist to make it more free flowing. 


The skirt I used pattern Simplicity 8300 View A and added a stretch woven as my bottom layer. I made a size 12 and really needed a 10 because I had to take quite a bit off the side seams.

Now this look is obviously not for your faint of heart or for everyone but for a night on the town post COVID this will be a great fun look. I topped it off with another Upcycle. A blazer I picked up at a thrift store and put on this really cool skull in the back. 


So pull out your ugly dresses, sweaters, pants and see how you can remake them.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Summer Dreaming Dress Series: Burda

Well today is not technically a dress… Oh don’t worry you will love it. It’s actually a skirt from Burda Style Magazine. No wait don’t leave. I know a lot of people have a hard time with Burda patterns. This one is super easy and I am also planning on doing Burda sewing lessons. Comment below or on my social media if you’re interested.


This skirt is from Burda Style magazine May 2020 issue. You can find most of the Burda magazine patterns on their website to so don’t worry about finding this magazine.


So this skirt actually started with the fabric. I got this large floral boarder print when I visited my sister in Hawaii earlier this year. My favorite flower is the bird of paradise so I had to have it. I knew it would be a lovely skirt but I wanted something pretty basic so it would not distract from the fabric.When the May issue came in I knew it was the pattern.


The pattern is a perfect easy sew. I did my normal lengthening because I am 6’ but that was it. I made the size 44 but  but had lost weight before taking these pictures so it is a bit big now. 


This print just makes me happy though and it is a fun easy skirt to wear through on a black top or pull out one of the colored in the flower. 


Remember to check back tomorrow for the last dress in my Summer Dreaming Dress Series.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely