sewing tops

DIY knit Velvet top using McCalls M7722

“With all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love. Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful].”

Ephesians 4:2-3

Hey Everyone!

I’m back! I thought I was just taking off August but life decided differently. Teaching 2 university design courses on top of family and ministry responsibilities was way more than I thought it was going to be.

I finally found a moment to catch my breath and re-work my schedule to include blogging again. The great thing is that I still have been able to find some sewing time at least 1-2 days a week. Woohoo! Sewing is my therapy.

This week’s make is one of a series of velvet knit tops that I’ve made this fall. I didn’t intentionally plan it that way. It was based more on fabric selection at my local Joann store. I will say this though. I used to hate sewing with knits. And 3 -4 knit shirt projects in and I’m over it! I absolutely love sewing with knits now!

For this top I used McCall’s 7722 view C. I hacked this pattern last year for my asymmetric peplum top w/ tutorial.

This was an easy straight forward pattern that didn’t require much fitting. However I lost about 20 pounds since the last time I made this top and I needed to take it in at the side seam and hip.

What I didn’t do on this project but did make the modification for the next time I make it, was to shorten at the waist. I’m short waisted and there was some bagging around my waist line at both front and back. I fixed most of it by taking in the waist at the side seams. Only because I had cut into the fabric before I realized it. Overall I’m happy with the fit.

The only design modification that I made was to turn the neckline into a mock turtleneck by raising the neckline a little bit and using a collar from another knit top pattern that I had.

I styled this top with a pair of black fitted straight leg pants, black pumps and a pair of bold yellow earrings. I love this pairing as it’s figure flattering and allows the top to shine.

Well that’s all for now. Until next time….

DIY One Shoulder Top Using Vogue 9318 and Pattern Review

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

Hey Everyone!

I hope you guys are having a great week! I finally got a moment to finish writing my review for this pattern. My procrastination was due to me not having the right shoes to accesorize with this look. I originally settled on a pair of Sam Adelman platform sandles because it was the best that I had and I still wasn’t happy. Then I realized that I could just say screw the shoes all together and just crop the photos to more of a 3/4 view. So this week, your not getting head to toe. Besides, its about the top anyway lol!

Pattern Review

This week’s make is Vogue 9318 view A. I really enjoyed this make and I originally intended on making both A and B as a set but didn’t have enough fabric. So A was as far as I was able to get. Then in the process of making view A, I was inspired to turn it into a mini babydoll dress and I decided to make myself one in linen which i’ll be posting sometime in July most likely.

This pattern is a part of Vogue’s Sew Easy Collection. Which I really like because they have some great design options. There is only 2 pattern pieces for this top with a 3rd piece that is the elastic guide. The sizing runs small-xxlarge. The sizing is very generous. I cut the large which was according to the finished measurements on the pattern envelope my size. But even that was a bit big. I had to still take in another 2 inches of ease through the assymetric neckline. Which I did by cutting the elastic inside of the casing down by 2 inches and that gave me a better fit.

I was able to cut and sew this together in less than 2 hours. The directions were straight forward and easy to follow. Its definitely beginner friendly.

Fabric

I used a light weight stretch cotton in this very pale gray floral print. I bought this fabric last year on a fabric shopping trip to Chicago. But this is such a versatile pattern you could use: Linen, cotton, rayon, even a knit fabric would be nice if you sized down the pattern first.

Style Details

So my orginal plan of making a set was hampered by not having enough fabric. So I styled it as separates and had the hardest time finding something in my closet to coordinate. I settled on this denim skirt that I purchased from the Goodwill last summer. I already told you that the shoes were a bust and as always I like my accessories simple. My favorite oversized hoop earrings. And thats it. A simple summer outfit.

Well that’s all for now. Until next time…..!

DIY Tunic Top using Simplicity 8094

But as for me, I trust [confidently] in You and Your greatness, O Lord; I said, “You are my God.” Psalm 31:14

Hey Everyone!

I’ve been appreciating all of the love with the Thrift The Look series that launched on Monday. Today’s post is a continuation of the Summer Sew Easy Series. We are on Look #3 already and I can’t tell you how much I love this tunic.

I used Simplicity 8094. I bought this pattern last spring and I think it is out of print now. I’ve found it on Ebay and Etsy though. I love it for many reasons. There are so many style variations that you can try with this pattern. The first time I made it in a tribal print medium weight knit fabric and I made view E.

This time around I made the sleeveless option view D using a red light weight cotton from my stash. I love the dramatic side slits that start at the waistline. It gives a modestly sexy side profile ( can you use modest and sexy in the same sentence..?). But if you don’t like showing that much silohuette you can always wear a tank top underneath, wear high waist pants, or just sew the slit a little lower. Overall its a great casual everday look or you could dress it up by wearing faux leather leggings or a pencil skirt underneath. Even wearing a pair of stilettos with your skinny jeans would amplify the look.

The pattern was easy to cut and sew. I plan on making a few more of these. I could see it in a nice printed rayon or linen would be beautiful as well. If you use cotton I recommend one that has a nice drape to it. Nothing too stiff.

I styled it very casual with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans from NY and Company purchased like 2 years ago. And my favorite cognac and snake print wedges that I purchased on clearance from DSW last summer.

Photo credits: my beautiful daughter Asabea.

Well that’s all for now. Until next time…..

Shift Your Perspective: DIY 40s Inspired Wrap Top

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” Romans 8:28 (amp)

Good Day Lovelies!

I hope everyone is doing so well! This weeks post is a result of some sudden yet unexpected blunders on my part. I was planning on giving you all Look #1 of the Summer Sew Easy Series. Complete with a diagram tutorial on my first make. When a few things happened.

Blunder #1 I left the power cord to my mac book at the coffee shop last week Wednesday and didn’t notice it missing until Saturday and after calling the coffeeshop. They said they didn’t have it. (so sad right…?)

Blunder #2 I had to order a new one on Monday morning and lucky for me I was able to pick it up at my local Best Buy on Tuesday only to come home and find out that I bought the wrong cord. So I went back and very happily exchanged it for the right one later that afternoon. Which leads me to….

Blunder #3 where it is Wednesday (blog posting day) and I realized that because I had already made and photographed my project I still had time to post only to arrive at the coffeshop ready to work on creating the PDF diagram tutorial and I forgot my mouse and mouse pad at home. Which I absolutely need to illustrate in Adobe Illustrator.

So this is probably where I…. at any other moment in my life, would have shut down the computer and cried or walked away and ate a bag of salty chips. lol! (the struggle is real). But God has been doing such a wonderful thing in my life lately. And that is…. He’s been helping me to shift my perspective. While yes…..! I was feeling a little frustrated and yes! I did shed a tear or two yesterday about the power cord issue. I decided who cares if it doesn’t work out the way you want it too..?! What is the solution? and keep going.

So here is my solution to this week’s post. I am sharing with you all today Look #1 and the tutorial i’ll share tomorrow. And I am totally smiling as I type this. Its all good!

This week’s post is inspired by this 1940’s wrap top that I’ve seen on Pinterest for a few years now and i’ve always wanted to give it a try and liked the idea of making it for this series. Its suuuper duuuuper easy to make and only really requires 1 yard of fabric for the average s-xl sized woman. If you are plus sized you will probably need more yardage.

I used a border printed stretch cotton panel that I purchased in Chicago last summer. The fabric looked like it was printed with the idea of using it to make a gathered short skirt or tunic top. Neither of which appealed to me. I just really liked the print so much that I bought some.

I styled it kind of 90’s inspired with a denim skirt that I thrifted from the Goodwill last summer and yellow block heeled sandals and my favorite craft inspired (but store bought) statement necklace. Its an easy summer outfit that I plan on wearing often. The shirt is super comfy to wear and In addition to a skirt I could see it paired with shorts, wide leg jeans or palazzo pants, even as a swimsuit cover-up could be nice. Below are a few pictures. I even put together a collage of photos demonstrating how to tie it on.

Well that’s all for now. Thanks for reading. Until next time…..

DIY Summer/Spring Round Up

“But let all who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice, Let them ever sing for joy; Because You cover and shelter them, Let those who love Your name be joyful and exult in You.” Psalm 5:11

Hello Everyone!

I hope your week is going well! I’m a little behind on my post this week. I closed on my house last week Friday yaaay! And my children returned from their summer away with dad and I’ve been working on getting them ready for their first day of school. So It’s been a little hectic!

This week marks a benchmark for the blog. We made it through our first season! One of my blogging goals when I started The Modest Life was to have a place where I could develop and document my creative process.

So to have made it through our first season is a huge celebration for me. I’ve learned so much about blogging, but also about things like my personal style and photography. It has also challenged me to remain consistent and confident in what I create and share with you all!

So this week I thought it would be only fitting to post a round up of all of my spring/summer makes! I love them all but I definitely have a few favorites. If you missed the original posts with the details of each make. No worries! I made sure to link to the orginal posts under each photo. I’d love to hear in the comments which was your favorite look!

DIY Peplum Hem Skirt

DIY Top and Pants

DIY Evening Look

Upcycled Skirt Set with tutorial

Upcycled hi-lo top from a dress w/ tutorial

I also wanted to thank all of you for supporting The Modest Life. Your comments and likes of each post keep me encouraged to keeping going. I’m working on fall/winter and I can’t wait to bring you all what I hope to be really great content!

That’s it for now! Until next time!

❤️ xoxo,

Iris

DIY Wrap Top using Vogue 9315

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

Hello Everyone!

Happy Monday! I am so excited. This week marks a big milestone in my life. I am crossing over into the world of homeownership. I am thankful to my parents who have provided a home for me and my children for the past 5 years while I got on my feet after my separation and divorce. I am finally at a place in my post divorce journey to tackle managing my own household again and i’m filled with anticipation for this new season that my children and I are walking into. Well wishes and prayers are most definitely welcome!

As for this weeks make. I made Vogue 9315 view C. I love this top! It is also my last summer make. I am in the middle of reflecting over this last season and gearing up for fall/winter. I can’t wait to share with you all the new things that I am planning. See below for the details and photos.

Inspiration

The inspiration for this top actually came as a result of the skirt that i’m wearing. I am a huge thrifter and Goodwill is my spot. I found this blue/white cotton striped skirt with an assymetric ruffled hem at the Goodwill. It is from the Target Brand a New Day. I was new with the tags still on it. Instantly I knew that I wanted to wear a white top with some kind of waist sash tie. Originally, I wasn’t planning on making it but then I remembered that I had this pattern and my fabric already and decided that it would be the perfect compliment to my skirt.

Fabric

I used a white stretch cotton shirting that I purchased from Joann Fabric sometime in the spring. It is light to medium weight and has a nice crisp hand.

What I did

I didn’t change anything. I actually considered not adding the sleeves but I wanted to be able to wear it beyond the summer months into early fall. I even followed the pattern directions. They were very straight forward and easy to follow. I also plan on making this again. I think it would be a very chic and cozy top for the fall and winter if I change the sleeve and make it in a ponte knit.

Style it

This shirt neckline and the ruffles on both the sleeve and skirt hem make this look pretty sassy! I also didn’t want to accesorize this look in a way that would cover the pretty neckline of the blouse by adding a necklace. So I decided to add a punch of color with these light mustard yellow tassle earrings and beaded bracelet that I purchased from one of my sisters in Christ who has an accessories business called Mendy’s. She has some great statement pieces. You can check out her website here. I carried the yellow into my shoes. They are a yellow strappy blocked heeled sandle (unfortunately you can’t see them very well because of the lighting) that I purchased from Forever 21. and as I mentioned above the skirt is a ready to wear piece that I purchased from the Goodwill. I hope to wear this look to my cousins wedding in early September.

This week’s photoshoot was dampened by the rain. However, I was able to use the gallery space inside of Redline Milwaukee where I rent my studio space. I got some good shots in. There are quite a few this week as I wanted to play a little bit more with various photo angles and poses. I’m starting to get more comfortable with this modeling thing lol!