The Fabric The Wouldn't Run Out

I bought this fabric at District Fabrics over Labor Day weekend 2015.  I really can't decide if it's a really plush ponte or a scuba - but I like it.  I loved the print and all the colors in it.  You've seen the first dress from this fabric - and honestly this fabric was always meant to be that dress.  I can't remember if I bought 3 or 4 yards, but I'm guessing based on how garments I got from it that I bought 4 yards.  

In October - I cut into it.  I started with the dress.  Then I cut a magic pencil skirt for Krystle (I'm hopeful she'll send me some outfit photos so I can blog that one too). 

Then I decided to make another Madeleine Ponte Top from Style Arc Patterns.  I'm happy to say I've made more clothes in the past year than my blog posts would leave you to believe.  The first version was black and I made it following the pattern exactly.   If you look closely at the line drawing at the bottom of the post, you'll see I did some things differently this time. 

For starters - I took my french curve and cut the neckline lower.  
Next - I sewed the back up without a zipper - I mean, the top is made from a knit - a fairly stable knit, but a knit none-the-less.

Then - I used bias to finish the neckline and armholes rather than the bands.  


And - I cut both the upper and lower back pieces on the fold.

Finally - I left the little under triangle off as well as the bands.

There are still issues with this top - the upper chest is a bit wide on me.  I need to take a wedge out, wider at the top, tapering to nothing at the bust and the armholes gape a bit.  But under a cardigan - it's fine.  And based on those back wrinkles - I can't decide if I need to figure out how to do a swayback on this or if it needs more room in the hips.  But since this top is rather distinctive and I've now made it 3 times - I'm not sure it'll get another go soon.  

The style elements of this top are all in the details - the pleating at the front and how the upper front wraps around to the back to create the armholes.  



I'm wearing this with a charcoal grey magic pencil skirt.  This is another piece of fabric that multiples were made from.  If you aren't sure you can wear a pencil skirt - try this one!  

There's still one more garment to share from this lovely fabric.  

Share the Love

I believe in pointing our good customer service.  And what I received was not good customer service - but above and beyond excellent.  And I want to share the love with one of you.  



Pamela's Magic Pencil Skirt

First - the back story.  Earlier this month, inspired by the skirts I'd seen around blogland, I ordered Pamela's Magic Pencil Skirt.  And then I waited and waited.  Honestly - we all know when a woman (and one who sews at that) has decided she wants something, we don't wait very patiently.

Finally, on Monday, Oct. 15th, I emailed Pamela and asked where my pattern was.  Turns out that Pamela had been away teaching so it didn't get mailed until October 8th.  But still - it was the 15th and I still didn't have the pattern in my hot little hand and anyone who follows me on Instagram knows the 'sewjo' is hot right now! 

Pamela emailed me on Tuesday.  We emailed back and forth on Tuesday and ultimately Pamela said she would put another pattern in the mail - she offered, I did not ask.  Of course my pattern turned up Tuesday night.  I very quickly emailed Pamela and said it's here.  If you haven't sent the replacement - please don't.  She replied, I'm taking this directly from her email:  "Of course it went out already - haha! I also included some Fantastic Elastic for you as well. So maybe you could give the extra pattern to a sewing friend and work on them together! Let me know how you like the pattern."

So - I have an extra copy of the Magic Skirt pattern that I'm happy to share with one lucky blog reader.  I'll send the pattern anywhere.  Just let me know you are interested.  I'll close the give away on Oct. 30 and draw one lucky winner on the 31st for a nice treat for someone. 

And for the record - I WILL be ordering from Pamela again - I have no idea how her pattern will work for me - but her customer service is above and beyond and that deserves my repeat business.   How do you reward excellent customer service?