I'm finally getting around to sharing some of the outfits I made for our cruise back in February. Let me tell you - January was a whirlwind of sewing. I got so many new things sewn up that some didn't even get packed. I also forgot to take a lot of pictures of the outfits on the boat as well. Luckily, it's starting to warm up here in Virginia so I'll be able to snag some pictures of the outfits that need them.

The cruise had 8 informal nights and 2 formal nights, and I wore this crushed green taffeta number on the first of the two formal nights. The lovely thing about crushed taffeta is that it doesn't matter if it wrinkles because it's already wrinkly! Ha! It's the best thing for packing!

So back to the pattern, this pattern was super easy to sew up. It's a sheath style with some detailing at the neck and shoulders. I was able to alter it for me with no hiccups. The pleating at the shoulders is a nice touch and creates such an elegant neckline. It is a bateau style neckline, but with the way the front is pieced together, it adds a bit of a triangular shape to it rather than the traditional scoop.

I paired this fun 60's sheath with an old pair of Jessica Simpson snake print pumps and kept the jewelry classic, just pearls, and simple earrings. I love how the shoes, while fun, don't overshadow the dress.

I would say that this pattern would be good for someone who has sewn for a little bit and is ready for a bigger challenge. The zipper could give you some issues, but really the dress doesn't ask you do to do anything that is overly challenging.

I apologize for the lack of pictures, but this is the one and only picture of this dress that was taken.

Thanks for stopping by!

Heather, Lives in Gainesville. @sewhalfcrazy. #theplainsva #goldcupva #nova #northernvirginia #novastreetstyle #selfmadehat #amazinghats

A post shared by Northern Virginia Magazine (@northernvirginiamag) on Oct 29, 2017 at 10:55am PDT

Hello all! Welcome to another pattern review. We have officially entered the season of sewing. Between Gold Cup, Christmas, and gifts there will be some sewing happening. So today I'm going to be reviewing another Pattern by Gertie.

Gold Cup was at the end of October, and I needed an outfit that would be versatile enough for the ever-changing weather. Our crew decided on doing a County Fair theme for our tailgate, and I instantly knew what I wanted to do. With October's mercurial weather, I knew I needed a dress that would pair well with a jean jacket, cowboy boots, and hat. I also knew that a 50's inspired frock would be just the ticket. Oh, and what is a county fair without eyelet? I found a gorgeous kelly green with a modern circle pattern at Jo-Ann's. Thank you 50% off coupons.

I actually had to decide between two of Gertie's patterns, but this one won out because of the sleeves and the fact that it was already designed to be fully lined.

Before Alterations

The dress is fairly straightforward, although the neckline did prove to be a bit of a pain because of the point,  but nothing I hadn't dealt with before. I did alter how the zipper was put in because I prefer invisible zippers as opposed to traditional zippers, but installing the invisible zipper was easy because I attached the zipper before sewing up the back seam. Easy peasy. I also went a step further, in order to avoid hand stitching, which we all know I hate, by treating the zipper as a trim and stitching inside the seam allowance to attach and finish the lining opening in the back. The technique produces a nicely finished interior with no exposed seam allowances and no hand stitching! While this technique is not difficult, if you mess it up then it would be noticeable.

Final Outfit

When I first got the dress finished enough to try on, I was less than impressed with how much room I had in the waist. I did make the pattern according to my measurements but could've gone a size smaller in the waist. I ended up having to take in 3" from the underarm seam to the waist seam. My French curve helped greatly with this. I positioned the curve a finger's width below the underarm seam and then lined it up with the mark for how deep I needed to take it in, and then back to the waist seam. I could've gone 4" taken in, but 3" was that much more comfortable. 4" would've meant not overeating and drinking and no slouching! Not that I did slouch because that hurts my back.

So after I got all of my alterations done, I was more than impressed with my creation, not to mention it looked pretty fabulous with my boots and jacket. Thank you Target! The boots are several years old and the jacket was on clearance in the days leading up to Gold Cup.

I would say this pattern would be ideal for an intermediate sewer, maybe someone who has mastered the basics of sewing and is looking for something just a bit more difficult. The pattern sews up very quickly, and the guide sheet gives very good direction. Make sure you get all of the pattern markings transferred though. There are a lot!

I paired my outfit with navy blue jewelry from Charming Charlie's, who was running a BOGO sale on their clearance items. Score again!

Then there was the hat. The hat is going to get its own post. Look for it in the next few days!

If you follow me on instagram (@sewhalfcrazy) then you'll have seen this picture, and know I never pass up an opportunity to dress up. I haven't really ever grown up in that respect. I love a reason to get dolled up, and Mother's Day is the perfect excuse.

Sunday was no different. Granted, it was Mother's Day and I'd have been perfectly within my rights to not get dressed at all, but who can pass up a super cute outfit?

I got this outfit done Thursday or Friday. I forget. It's a pattern by Gertie, who I love, and I'm glad that Butterick has picked up.

So the pattern wasn't overly difficult. The skirt was super simple and elegant. It's a basic full skirt, with some fun double pleats to add interest. It also has pockets, which makes it that much better.

I should've made the size 14 skirt, rather than the 16. The skirt sits pretty high up on your waist, and I'm a triangle. I get smaller the closer to my bust you get. No worries. This is not a huge deal.

The top to this outfit is a wrap, and I wish there were a way to lengthen it. There is no provision to lengthen the top because of the way it's constructed. It's fully lined, and the body of the top is comprised of 4 pieces. There are no shoulder seams. You fold the top over your shoulders and sew the underarm/side seam as one continuous line, except on the right side where you leave an opening for the tie to come through and wrap around your waist.