The Unofficial Downton Abbey Sews

Stitch magazine published a special issue a few months ago -"The Unofficial Downton Abbey Sews".  

I usually share the projects on my blog as soon as I get the samples back but the samples are on the road : ) 

Amber Eden, editor of Stitch, sent me photos of the magazine shoot so I could share them with you!

The issue is quite lovely and has a nice selection of sewing projects including period clothing updated to wear today - from street chic items to dressier evening wear, quilts and accessories.  

 I am fortunate to have four projects in the magazine!

Sketches for Maid's Nightdress for Downton Abbey Sews

Maid's Nightdress

The first project is the nightgown pictured above.  Inspired from vintage 1920's and 30's night gowns,  the night dress is made out of a beautiful voile from Cloud 9 fabric Palos Verdes line.  The gown has a lovely lace and ribbon detail.

The ladies downstairs must have their trusty apron so I created this update to the maid's apron.   

Designed with gathered pockets, gingham trim and a fun scallop hem.

What is England without afternoon tea?  I designed this tea cozy with Liberty of London fabrics and a fun paper pieced teapot design. 

Last, but definitely not least, is the evening gown.  Made with Robert Kaufmann Radiance Satin and a separate beaded lace capelet.

  

The front straps extend to the back creating a lovely detail!

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

On the Cloud 9 Blog!

Cloud 9 has a nice recap of all the blouses sewn for the Palos Verdes Blouse Challenge.

Head over and see all the wonderful designs and links to each ladies blog.

Today I am working on another project using Palos Verdes.  A nightgown for Stitch Magazine's  "Unofficial Downton Abbey Sews" which is coming out in June!  I will keep you posted!

Happy Sewing

xo

Charise

Sew Mama Sew * Cloud 9 Fabrics * Palos Verdes Blouse Challenge

Hello! I am so excited to be a part of the Sew Mama Sew Palos Verdes Blouse Challenge!

Each sewist was asked to make a blouse with Cloud 9's new fabric line - Palos Verdes.
The fabric is a beautiful light weight cotton lawn.  It is a dream to sew!

For the challenge, we could use a commercial pattern or design our own.

I decided to create my own design.  

I'm calling it the "The Anna Blouse".

 The "Anna" is a sweet and easy to wear style with front neck pleats and a tie neck detail.
It has a gathered sleeve cap and 3/4 length sleeves.

Beth and Kristin from Sew Mama Sew asked each sewist to choose their three favorite fabrics from the line, which was definitely a challenge.
My preference was for the florals though all the prints are beautiful!

The design process started with a sketch.

Then I couldn't resist filling the sketch with the beautiful prints! 

This is the print I used for the blouse  - "Abalone Cove"

I love this print too!  "Lunada Bay"

The Miraleste Print is a lovely aqua floral!

I actually think this one of my favorites - Wayfarers - and it wasn't on my top three list!   The print gives the blouse a boho 1970's vibe!

I stitched up two muslins!  The first in actual muslin fabric so I could get the fit just right.

The second muslin was made in an Amy Butler voile to test the fit in actual fabric.
It is kind of nice to already have two spring blouses sewn before the season begins!

Please be sure to check out the links to the other sewists in the Cloud 9 Challenge!

Teresa Behr
http://www.dandeliondrift.com/

Melissa Mora
http://mellysews.com/

Nienke de Jong
http://pienkel.blogspot.nl/

Michael Ann Shreeve

http://www.michaelannmade.com/

Carolina Martinez
http://lovelola.com/

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise