Over the Weekend

Last weekend was very productive.  I whipped out this cute little top using DS Quilts Picnics and Fairgrounds fabric from JoAnn's.

When I picked out the fabric, I didn't exactly think thru the directional print.  So the pleats aren't so great to look at.   Below is my solution:  I bought a few crocheted flowers at the Road to California quilt show last month and thought I'd use one on this top.

I think I'll dye the flower red and add a fun white ribbon to the bunch.  This top was inspired by one I've owned for maybe 4+ years.  I only pull it out on special casual occasions.

Here I am wearing it on my 26th birthday with my friend Aubrey.  Sorry my hair is covering the cute flower.  This tank is my all time favorite shirt, and I hardly wear it cause I want it to last forever.  It's made using a collage of stretch/knits fabrics.  I love that it has an above the bust cut.  Since I'm not good with sewing knits, I've been looking for a pattern for a long time to replicate it that didn't require a knit.  Above the bust patterns are really hard to find.  But, finally I found one.  The pattern I used to make my new shirt is Butterick 5217. 

The pattern was super easy to follow.  However, even though I'm no virgin to sewing apparel, I ran into a few hurdles.  For one, the facing was narrower than the drape.  I couldn't figure out what I did wrong, but I fixed it letting out a couple seam allowances.  No biggy.  Anyway,  a also made a few other changes to the pattern to get the look I was going for.  Instead of three pleats on the back I only did one and I made my own biased tape from the left over fabric instead of buying some.  I also shortened the tunic, which I wont do again because it hangs a little stiff.  I think if it was a little longer it wouldn't look so stiff.  Maybe its just the fabric though.  A voile would probably work better.  Maybe I'll order some AMH for my next one. 

On another note...

I also worked my butt off on the side yard weeding, digging, sawing lumber and making this:

Looks like no big fuss, but oh believe me, this was a lot of work.  I got the plans from Better Homes & Garden's how tos.  I'll admit, I did have a little help from my father-in-law screwing it together.  We've always wanted a vegetable garden, and by golly we are gonna have one!  There is still so much to do, but I'm making good headway and I have a great little helper.  Any tips on raised gardening?  Please do share.  I have no green thumb an can use the advice.  We'll get back to this in a couple weeks. 

Hope you have a good week!  I'm off to Oklahoma to visit my big sister. 

xo,

Lindsay