A few suggestions for Summer Wear

lomets.com

Summer is almost half over.  There is still plenty of time to make a few lightweight additions to your wardrobe.  If you are still in situations where you have time to sew, read, write letters, etc., due to Covid19, this would be a good time to sew a new garment.  I have found a few items that are available from the 4 major pattern companies that are mostly quick and easy to sew.

• First, a few different angles on some jackets for a little warmth when the days or evenings are cooler.

This one could be made shorter in length and with a level hem. 

A short open jacket might work well with a lot of outfits that have a definite waist line.  A solid color would be best.

I found this jacket to be a little different and would go nicely with dresses and skirts.  It looks very comfortable and not difficult to sew.  Heavier fabrics or a loose weave would work well.

• Secondly, dresses that are fairly easy to sew and quick to make and comfortable to wear.

A pullover dress that is modest as well as comfortable.

Some more easy to sew dresses

Lengthen this pattern for a modest loose look or even a dress for those expecting, just make sure you have room to expand.

This dress has interesting gathering details at the neck and waist making it a very feminine-looking garment.

A cute dress that is fitted and would look great on young ladies with a lengthened hemline.

 Well, those  are a  few suggestions for now.  Summer is the time for some easy and quick to sew projects because with the days being longer and warm weather there are many outdoor activities that most people want to take advantage of while they can.

May your summer time with your family be blessed, may your faith in the LORD  increase,  and may your projects glorify the LORD.

• Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.  Psalm 147:1

Just a quick glimpse at a versatile pattern

Summer sewing suggestion.

In times like these where our attention is drawn from being able to do what we have been used to doing, to being given direction from government authorities as to what we should do, we can find that sewing is a nice diversion, distraction, and practical activity.  Hopefully fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are also part of your life as they are a great boon for the body, soul and mind also as well as praying always.

In the midst of all that has been going on, we have moved into our new home, therefore I have only a quick note for now.  I found an excellent and easy pattern for the classic shirtwaist that is offered by New Look Patterns  and I am always pleased to find the price is right with New Look! The nice part about this is being able to order it and hopefully use some of your stash just to try it out for fit and looks.

I like the simple lines, not too full nor too slender, side pockets, shorter sleeves (not sleeveless) for summer, great length, very modest all around, easy to sew and it does not require a lot of fabric   Dress it up with a scarf, jewelry, pins, belt, sweater, or jacket.  Make several if you like it.  A variety of fabrics are suggested so pick is what is best for your climate and enjoy!  I am not sure if Walmart carries New Look patterns any more but if you can afford it, get the pattern and a pretty print for summer.

May your summer be blessed with faith and family and some sewing!

"To Look Like a Lady"

Burda 6454

I was explaining to a friend why I preferred skirts and dresses and thought that maybe it comes across as "legalistic" or "religious" in their minds because many people do not make the Lord their reference point for their clothing choices. 

                     So we need to ask ourselves-

• are there any guidelines in the Scriptures ?
• for whom do we dress ?
• who will be pleased with our choices ?
• what are our motives?

I like to listen to the newly listed sermons on Sermon Audio on the topic of  Modesty and after listening to some, the newer the sermon the more adamant the speaker is about ladies looking different and distinct (meaning one should be able to SEE the difference between women and men, boys and girls). We should want  to look like ladies so that when we are walking with our husband,sons, father, and brothers, the world ought to be able to see a distinct difference (I Corinthians 11:14,15)  between  the male and the female of God's created order since we are his representatives.  (Genesis  1:27, 2:21-24, 1 Corinthians 11:3.)

By looking like a lady means dressing femininely plus acting like a lady ought.  Our deportment* is very important to our character.  First impressions often make an indelible mark in one's mind. 

Our job is to rise above the present culture to the standard of the Scriptures which would become evident by the way we live, talk, walk, and dress.  Letting your light so shine before men that they will see that you are different by your good works, which would encompass all aspects of our lives, so that others would glorify God because of how we behave and live before mankind.  Matthew 5:16.

*Deportment has to do with how you behave and present yourself.  Being polite, well-dressed, and soft-spoken shows excellent deportment.

I am pleased to see that the Simplicity Pattern Company came out with some dresses and skirts that can certainly make a woman look pretty and feminine.  The skirts are at a flattering length with fullness for ease of movement. Simplicity also carries New Look and Burda so I included some of  those patterns.  Please note I do not endorse immodest necklines.  I sincerely hope that you raise, close openings, or alter them so they are still becoming and modest.  I am pleased with the length of the skirts.  It is so much more in proportion to looking like a lady should.  It flatters her femininity, if I may say so.

New look 6635

Simplicity 9013

Simplicity 9040

Simplicity 9010

Simplicity 9041

See the pattern for the front view.  Neckline needs adjusting.  This picture shows a nice length of skirt.

Simplicity 8981  This is one of those basic patterns that can be used for sewing dresses for all seasons.

For a more sporty look or comfortable dress.

Simplicity 8984  Some dresses would be better with a T-top under them, warmer in winter and modest in summer.

Burda 6295

Burda 6291

Burda 6341

New Look 6642

Burda 6491

Simplicity 9057

May you seek the blessing of the Lord in your clothing choices and may he be glorified in your deportment!

Great for the Layering Seasons Ahead

      camp shirt + dress sewing                           pattern

                                                         Liesl + Co.

Isn't this a great and versatile pattern?  This one is similar to the last post but with so much more in the realm of  possibilities for making dresses and tops to use year-round.

Using the long sleeves and adding a little length to the basic dress it could be fashioned from a heavier weight flannel, denim, corduroy, twill, heavier cottons made for skirts, jackets or jumpers.There are some rich fall colors that would wonders with a simple turtleneck, leggings, tights, or knee highs and a pair of comfortable brown boots with matching belt, scarves,  jackets or sweaters could be short or long.  This is another every day sew easy dress with lots of possibilities.  Keep the fabrics natural in order to stay warm and comfortable.

A Very Practical Pattern

 The camp shirt is one of those cool, classic and comfortable styles that looks great on all.  It calls for a few basic pieces and goes together rather easily and quickly.  Many patterns are available depending on preferred details.  Great Copy St. Croix Shirt is on sale until the end of June.  I like the idea of being able to use this shirt pattern to make a lightweight jacket for those cooler days of summer as seen in the pink fabric example below.

New Look also has a very simple one offered in  New Look 6197.

One of the benefits of sewing your own camp shirt is being able to make it  in the colors and fabrics  of your choice.  Basic white or cream works well with any colored skirt worn tucked in or outside.

This is an older pattern on Etsy.

Check out the camp shirts offered in the following patterns.  Some don't offer short sleeves, but you can just figure how long you want a short sleeve and fold the pattern to that length allowing for the hem.

Then there is a book by Cindy Taylor Oates called The New Camp Shirt available here and here as well as other places.

This is the newest camp shirt book offering princess seams.

The older publication of her camp shirt book below.

This is her original book that is a straight shirt without an fitting.

                                         These are some of the options offered in the camp shirt book above.

It is what is in our heart that determines our choices in clothing.  To honor God in all things is our desire.

May your choices, clothing, and sewing time all bring glory to God.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31