Draped Dolman! [NPA2018]

I have made draped necklines. I have made dolman sleeves. I wanted BOTH in one top. So I made this:

The above pictures are not hemmed, yet.

Here's how it was made...

like normal, place the BACK pattern piece places on fold. (check out my Draped Neckline tutorial here)

Cut a curve for the dolman armpit and used my straight edge ruler for the sleeves

 For the top, I measured my 13" to fold over for the drape:

 see, the 13" folded over......

 then I fold the fabric in half lengthwise:

  And cut my spliced front bodice to form drapes (check out here for more details on making draped necklines)

adding sleeves in a similar method as the back:

this is the front with the folded-over drape Unfolded. I cut the sides to line up with the shoulder deam area:

 see how when re-folded the drape fold over lines up with the arms: this is so the fold over doesn't bulk up the sleeves.

next, I measure the BACK neck opening.

 and cut a 2" strip that is 85% of the neck. (my neck measured 10", so I cut a 8.5" strip)

and here is the front and back lined up- see the extra folds? it will look bunched up.

 I pin the neckband, matching edges and center. You will have ti stretch the band slightly as you sew.

Finished: it looks pulled a bit, but will be good when all sewn together:

and just to show you the odd shape piece you will have. Here is the front with the drape section unfolded:

I matched the back neckband with the drape. the fold over part 

here is the back neck pinned on both sides.  I then sewen the upper arm seam.

I used the stretch stich on my regular machine, I didn't want the cut edge the serger makes.

here it is. right sides together (inside out). top seam stitched and drape folded over and pinned in place: 

see how I put the lower edge of the fold-over along the underarm seam? that will keep the drape in place. 

STIRCH the top shoulder seam part to the already sewn shoulder seam- to hold it in place. I used a 3.5" stitch length.

then sew the underarm-side seam- catching the fold-over drape in the armpit area.

my arm lengths were off. no big deal- just trim them to the same length if you forget to measure your pieces before you cut them out:

this is wha I wore all day. in the warehouse where I work. I realized my drape was a bit deep. So I will add a lace insert....

OOPS!!
While trimming some strings and getting ready to hem my sleeves..... I snipped the arm fabric!!!! AGGGHHH!!!!

I cut off both arms at the length of my OOPS and added a flounce. I think I fixed it. and I found a lacy tube top bra thing to wear under the drape.

NPA2018 Circles & Squares (day5)

No Pants April 2018.
Day #5
Today I wore one of my favorite circle skirts. It is a square.
It makes me happy to wear a square circle.

TARDIS earrings- because I love to have a bit of whimsy with my feminine! 

 ... and a fun, cute sewing themed bracelet. a gift from my mother-in-law!

and, yes.... I wore my awesome hat all day- not just an outerwear thing. (me, at work, in a warehouse, wearing my hat!)

 .... and custom made jewelry! gifts from the boss's kids!

Also, today, I caught an episode of Kelly's ADORE YOUR WARDROBE Facebook LIVE video. Kelly love helping women love the way they look!

Stay NO PANTS Strong everyone!

NPA2018 #3&4 stripes and barbells

This will be a short blip for No Pants April days 3 and 4. Been dealing with migraines (and need to get in to my doctor for new meds)

Yesterday was a casual outfit. a Yellow & Dark Grey Raglan Top and Pencil Skirt (made by me) and athletic leggings. It's a bit chilly where I work, sewing for firemen.

Not the prettiest nor most flattering, but comfy and warm!

and cute SNAKES in my ears!!

Last Night I designed and cut Amelia's Wedding Apron. (my future daughter in law asked for an apron b/c she is having pasta at the reception)

My Lovely Cat, because I know you all want to see Persephone sleeping. Who wouldn't???

TODAY's outfit was yo make lifting weights easier.

I did  1 set with the weight bar and got super dizzy, re-triggered my migraine, and then  I slept most the rest of the day.

SIGH.

No Pants April 2018: Day 2 boots and denim

It was such a lovely day yesterday! warm spring Easter weather! I didn't even wear anything over my sleeveless dress.

late last night. when it was still April 1st.

THIS April Fools Joke happened:

I had already picked my NPA2018 outfit last night. My legs will freeze. It is a battle of the wills. It was almost warm yesterday! (back to leggings and maxi skirts tomorrow!)

The cute cropped denim jacket is from Goodwill. The yellow striped sleeveless top I made (fabric from So Sew English ) The skirt is a Frankenstein made from a Sundress (Hawaiian gals) and a  youth wrap skirt (thrift store in Cali). Boots- online somewhere. Awesome Hat - gift from my brother.

I like to wear my hair like this, small side French braids and low ponytails.

 The Necklace- my husband bought for me in a quaint resale store we found on our 25th wedding anniversary weekend. The earrings were made by my Father-In-Law from shells he collected at the beach.

 the mess I had to untangle to get to my  necklace.

 BECAREFUL! There are WILD Varmits out there on the plain!

But some are purty

Are you Taking Part in NO PANTS APRIL this year? Post on Instagram and tag #NPA2018 #NOPANTSAPRIL