Costa Rica paradise!!

My husband and I have returned from our Costa Rica holiday and it was paradise!!! I had every intention of taking a picture every day of what I wore to share and of even doing a couple blog posts. However, paradise took over and I just let it consume me, sooth my soul with its warm breezes, tropical fruits, Sandy beaches and the best mojitos ever! 

It was just a lovely, romantic soothing to the soul vacation. We didn't worry about any details and just enjoyed each other's company and the gorgeous surroundings.

With that said I did a little counting as I was unpacking and getting back to reality.

I brought 22 clothing items (not counting panties and such)

12 of tese items were either complelty handmade or refashioned.

10 were ready to wear of which 3 of these were Capri tights to wear under my brace.

It was so rewarding to be able to dress myself in my mostly my creations knowing that no one else in paradise was going to be wearing the same thing!

Snorkeling in my new blue bombshell swimsuit

A white button up blouse/sun coverup I made fa couple years ago. Fabric from Mood.

We were on the pacific coast and the sunsets were just amazing!

My purple lace tank hanging out in a hammock!

Had jeans on because this was our last day and headed from 95 degrees in Costa Rica to -5 degrees in Chicago!

Another beach/pool coverup refashioned and transformed from an old dress shirt of my husbands. He big a tear in it so I took it added some appliqués, chopped the sleeves and added a hood.

Another older creation of mine is the sleeveless swing tank top made out of black ruffle knit cut on the bias. 

The resort we stayed at was just fabulous! The pool was enormous and had several little bridges crossing over it at various parts.

Here I am wearing my nylon net coverup and holding a 'Morito' a fresh raspberry mojito. So delicious!!! Loved it!!

And just to leave you with a little taste of the country! A couple of my favorite pictures of the wildlife.

White faced capuchin monkey.

Big ole crocodile lounging in the mud!

Beach side massage table where my hubby and I had his and hers massage during the sunset to the sound of the waves!

I hope everyone enjoys:)

Next post I have BIG news!!

Colette Patterns: Hawthorn Sundress and update to Bombshell

I finished my dress for vacation. I wanted a nicer dress that had a little retro feel to it. I have been watching this trend and it suits my curves nicely. 

The pattern, Colette Patterns, Hawthorn ( https://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/hawthorn )is quite nice! It comes together very nicely, the instructions are written quite well and the packaging is clever. The instructions come in a little booklet with the pattern in a pocket at the back. 

I did the 13 buttonholes on my machine and was very pleased that they came out perfect, whew! 

The dress has a delicate little collar that is a nice detail as well as darts on the upper back to make the fit nice with no gaping at the back collar. 

This is actually a wearable muslin! I bought this cotton shirting fabric at JoAnn's for 2.50$ a yard! So for 12$ I wasn't worried if I needed to make major changes and it was nice to work in a muslin that had such a pretty print. I originally had planned for the short sleeves on this dress but I HATED them and immediately took them off! They just did not fit well or look good on me.

I only ended up having to make 2 changes. I was to take in the bodice from the underarms and down a couple inches and I did a sway back adjustment, which was very easy to do since this had a waist seam. It is really nice not to have that pool of fabric at my low back. It makes the dress fit and look so much better.

As I was cutting out this pattern and basting it together I was watching Peggy Sagers 'Fit yourself by Yourself' DVD. It's a good DVD that goes over all the basic fitting alterations that you can do using a mirror. With that fresh in my mind it made my fitting adjustments go lickety split! 

Although, if I ever want to make the version with sleeves I will need to use a different armhole and sleeve because the one on this pattern simply did not work for me. I will also make the facings a little deeper next time.

I have a nice crisp white cotton that I plan on making another version of some sort of this dress. 

Now, on another note, I decided to change the Bombshell swimsuit straps. Originally they were to be tied behind the neck, I changed them to actual straps. I like this better, makes the suit feel more secure and no knot at the back of my neck to bother me. (Excuse the unclipped threads in the photo!)

Maternity shirt take 2, success!! And a birthday gift for Dad.

Take 2 of the Ruched maternity T-shirt was a great success! The changes I made gave her the extra room that was needed under the arm, across the upper chest and the upper back. She really does need a sway back adjustment. Too much fabric pooling at the small of her back. However she was adamant about NOT having a center back seam. And it may just go away as her belly gets bigger!

Well, as long as she's happy, I'm happy!

Now that I have a good base fit I have several other ideas for using this pattern.... I also measured her for a maternity skirt. I figure she will need a few things other than stretchy pants for work. 

It's nice to be able to sew for her:)

I also finished a birthday gift for my dad. I'm not 100% sure if he is going to like it. I got mixed reviews when I polled the family about it!!! Everyone liked it, it is a toiletry bag,  but there wsa the thought that the embroidery design may be too girly. He'll have to let me know! I'm sure if he does not like it then mom will. 

The outer fabric is a cream color pleather and the lining is a quilting cotton from my stash. The embroidery design is Gentlemans Grooming Tools from Urban Threads. 

Next up on the work table is a sundress for our upcoming trip!