My Makes for November

When I think back over the month of November, it felt like there were long spans that I didn’t spend time in my sewing room. I spent a good bit of the month feeling uninspired with fashion altogether. I’m ready for new and exciting challenges. How about you?

However, once I pulled my photos together from the month, I was a bit overwhelmed by all that I did accomplish. I made a lot of really fun garments this month after all.

Collaborations

I love everything about Surge Fabric Shop and the shop owner, Kayla. She and her husband do an amazing job of curating textiles that really fit my lifestyle. I am never, ever concerned about quality when I place an order. As a member of the promo team, I have an opportunity to get my hands on a wide assortment of bases to test and provide feedback on.

This month, I used some incredible Versailles brushed hacci to make my currently obsession… the Elysian Bodysuit from Friday Pattern Company. I love everything about this pattern and the way it fits my body. Paired with this hacci, the whole garment has such a luxe vibe.

I also experimented with ponte twill. I say “experimented” because I started out making a pair of Closet Core Mitchell Trousers and failed miserably. The trousers aren’t drafted for stretch fabrics, but I was convinced that I could make it work. What I wound up with was the saddest pair of pants you’ve ever seen. Bleh.

Thank goodness the trouser legs were wide because I was able to salvage enough fabric to make the Evelyn Skirt from Chalk and Notch. It turned out so cute! And I managed six drama-free button holes. The seventh was the anticipated jerk.

As a member of the Patterns for Pirates team, I have the opportunity to sew up the monthly subscription, Fabric for Pirates, in advance of the release. This month was a dreamy brushed fleece knit. Ridiculously soft. It was a “mouse and cookie” moment for me.

If you give a mouse a cookie, you’re going to need to give him a glass of milk… you know the story, right?

I made a modified Patterns for Pirates Hepburn turtleneck and then decided it needed a skirt. I’ve been saving this gorgeous crepe from StyleMaker Fabrics to make the Seamwork Dezi Skirt. I’ve had dreams of making it since its initial release. Having said that, I was a bit disappointed in the construction. I assumed it was cut on the bias, but that was not the case. Instead of having a lot of drape that give it shape, it was cut in a trumpet shape on grain. I’m not wild about the way it hangs on my body. Unfortunately, I doubt it will get a lot of wear.

But it looks pretty in pictures. So there’s that.

I received the prettiest heart print rib knit from Mily Mae Fabrics and chose to work up a new-to-me pattern, the Orage Pattern by Deer and Doe. I’ve seen this one floating around my social feeds, but it was the most basic square-neck tee version that finally pushed me to purchase. And, gosh, it’s so pretty. Not all tee patterns are created equal!

Mily Mae carries such a great variety of high-quality rib knit. It’s a favorite for me! I’m not one for many novelty prints (and we all know I’m not a holiday person), but this tiny scattered heart print is so pretty and versatile. I would wear it any day of the year. Look at those little peach ones!

**heart eyes**

New Pattern Releases

It was a busy month for pattern designers everywhere! I tested three patterns this month and loved them all. First up was the Made for Mermaids Christina Pattern. It is packed with options, but I went with the banded crop length and fitted sleeves. I made two!

Second was the Made for Mermaids Carissa Pattern. You can’t really see because of the print on my fabric, but this pattern features beautiful seams on the bodice to give it a corset effect. Lots of options packed in to this one, too, including dress and sleeve options and a lace up back.

Initially, I felt a little self conscious because this is a VERY FITTED garment. But it is really beautiful! I love it more than I expected. I’m working on a reversible tank version for December. I hope it works out!

AND I MADE A PROPER COAT! I joined in the testing circle for Twig and Tale’s newest release, the Grove Coat. I’ve been aching to make a coat for a few seasons now and the time always gets away from me. This presented the perfect opportunity to commit and get one made. This pattern features a curved fit, raglan sleeves, two hood options, and two different lengths. I made the longer length and I adore it.

I’ve been saving these fabrics specifically for a coat for a couple of years. It felt good to finally have them unfolded and hanging in my closet.

No matter your experience in coat making, this is a great pattern to use. The drafting and instructions are spot on. Add this one to your list!

And Finally…

Another gorgeous and relatively new release from Made for Mermaids, the Morgan Pattern. Everything about this design is so romantic! I love the sweetheart neckline and the full sleeves. I bought this beautiful fabric from StyleMaker Fabric’s fall collection. My only regret was not purchasing more of it. I would have made a full maxi dress and it would have been INCREDIBLE.

I have loose plans for sewing in December. I have a few personal projects planned and a few gifts to make. It’s a bit of a guessing game how much I’ll actually accomplish! First up is a pair of floral flared jeans and that reversible Carissa tank.

What was your proudest make from November? Any big plans for December?