OhSewCrafty Blog

• Pattern: New Look 6813 View E (sans sash)
• Fabric: 2 yards cotton sateen from G Street
• Size: 14 
• Time to sew: 3.5 hrs, including cutting

At G St, I tried (and failed) to find buttons for Petal, but it wasn’t a total loss as I spotted this fabric and liked the coordinating purple tones, the large floral print, and vintage aesthetic.  It wasn’t exactly cheap and I didn’t have a specific pattern in mind at the time, but I figured 2 yards should do it. The fabric is just lovely- light and silky, crispy, nice body.   This is my first sewing project in a while and the sateen was perfect for the task, completely agreeable in both the cutting and sewing.

The pattern is simple: two pieces, front/back and waistband.  I could have made the 12 but decided on the 14 so it would sit a bit lower on my waist.  The waistband is gaping a bit at the top- must sew on a hook & eye above the zip.  It was fast and easy despite having misplaced some of my basic tools (what happened to my rotary cutter?  where on earth is my tailor’s chalk?  ugh).  The pleats are fun, an inverted box pleat at center, flanked by knife pleats facing the side seams.  I used an invisible zipper in the side seam.  As a bonus, I picked up the pattern for a song, via a destash sale.  Robin, if you’re reading this, thank you! 

I need to sew more; it’s fun, provides new clothes, and is basically free (if I use stash materials, of which I have plenty).  The nearly instant gratification aspect of sewing is certainly a bonus.