Do you have your copy of Hera in hand and now need inspiration? If not, get it here for free (affiliate link).
Wardrobe by Me encouraged the testing group to show off the versatility of her new free pattern, Hera (link to my original version). So here are my two, very simple variations on Hera. One with a lace overlay and a second with sleeves, shortened bodice, and a hi-low hem on the peplum.
Are you not really into pattern hacks? Maybe this is the one for you. All I did was baste knit lace (from Jo-Ann's, but sold out so I can't link) to rayon challis (from Cali Fabrics). Otherwise I sewed everything the same. Before beginning assembly, I finished all of the pattern pieces for the rayon, but left the knit edges unfinished.
Super simple change and I am thrilled with the end result.
I made the skirt this morning. It is a Haute Skinny Skirt (affiliate) by Wardrobe by Me. I used to struggle with my curves and not having anything that would fit, but sewing allows me to wear fitted skirts like this one. It is a size 10 waist blended out to size 14 for my hips. I made it with a remnant of Ponte that I grabbed from Jo-Ann's at least a year ago. It was always going to be a pencil skirt and I am really glad that I used it for this pattern.
The Skirt has a shaped waistband, paneled sides, front hem slit, and an invisible zipper (which was actually a joy to sew in). It is meant to fit tight and for knit it is suggested you size down. I made the size I measure, because I didn't want it to be quite as tight and I really love it.
This outfit was originally an attempt at a Hera dress (photos at the very bottom), but if you follow me on Instagram, you know it was a big fail. Gathered rectangles out of cotton sateen are not flattering on my figure at all. I knew that, but was really hoping the border print would make it worth it, but I just looked frumpy and old fashioned. So I pulled off the skirt, cut it into the proper shaped peplum and made a Sewaholic Crescent Skirt with the rest. I love the skirt and have already worn it to work.
I just bought this pattern when The Cloth Pocket put all of their Sewaholic paper patterns on sale for $5! (this pattern is gone, but there are a few left) I love the feel and fit and want to make 6 more. I will be blogging this skirt separately, because it deserves it's own post. If you are pear shaped and don't know about Sewaholic I can't say enough good things about how nice it is to have a high quality pattern company actually draft for pears.
I took step-by-step pictures when I was sewing this, but I just realized I lost them this evening because the camera told me that my memory stick wasn't formatted. So, I don't have lots of pictures to share of how I assembled this one, but honestly it is so close to the original I don't think they are needed.
This is made with Gertie fabric that I bought at Jo-Ann's last year. They don't have this one any more, but this is a similar print. I got four yards and ended up needing every scrap to make this project work.
The bodice is shortened about 1" on this version, because I'm only 5'2" and taking out some length keeps me from fighting it trying to flop open on me. The front bodice is cut on the bias, because I wanted the top floral border to cross over in the front. The sleeves are the pattern from the Wardrobe by Me Pattern Support Facebook group. I just cut a cuff with the flowers and added them to the bottom. The belt is simply an interfaced and hemmed piece of the top border. It is completely removable and I like the blouse both with it, for an over the top feel, and without it, for a more subtle dressy look.
Onto the hi/low hem. I had this ready to hem and it was a bit stiff in the skirt, so I started playing around with different lengths and my mirror and realized I really liked the shape of the hemline when it was raised in the front. I have a few pear shaped sewers I follow for sewing inspiration and they have recommended hi/low hems before and I'm so glad I tried it. I cheated and used my rolled hemming foot on my sewing machine. It's such a timesaver when hemming a woven curve.
Okay and my very unflattering dress. I knew that pleats or a shaped skirt piece was a much better idea, but I still wanted to try. I think it is also all of the light fabric over my hips that makes it especially blah. My husband was super sweet and always told me that he loved it. Hope you feel inspired to sew and maybe even not give up on projects you might be able to salvage (especially if it involves pretty fabric). Some things are worth saving.
Wardrobe by Me encouraged the testing group to show off the versatility of her new free pattern, Hera (link to my original version). So here are my two, very simple variations on Hera. One with a lace overlay and a second with sleeves, shortened bodice, and a hi-low hem on the peplum.
Are you not really into pattern hacks? Maybe this is the one for you. All I did was baste knit lace (from Jo-Ann's, but sold out so I can't link) to rayon challis (from Cali Fabrics). Otherwise I sewed everything the same. Before beginning assembly, I finished all of the pattern pieces for the rayon, but left the knit edges unfinished.
Super simple change and I am thrilled with the end result.
The Skirt has a shaped waistband, paneled sides, front hem slit, and an invisible zipper (which was actually a joy to sew in). It is meant to fit tight and for knit it is suggested you size down. I made the size I measure, because I didn't want it to be quite as tight and I really love it.
I just bought this pattern when The Cloth Pocket put all of their Sewaholic paper patterns on sale for $5! (this pattern is gone, but there are a few left) I love the feel and fit and want to make 6 more. I will be blogging this skirt separately, because it deserves it's own post. If you are pear shaped and don't know about Sewaholic I can't say enough good things about how nice it is to have a high quality pattern company actually draft for pears.
This is made with Gertie fabric that I bought at Jo-Ann's last year. They don't have this one any more, but this is a similar print. I got four yards and ended up needing every scrap to make this project work.
The bodice is shortened about 1" on this version, because I'm only 5'2" and taking out some length keeps me from fighting it trying to flop open on me. The front bodice is cut on the bias, because I wanted the top floral border to cross over in the front. The sleeves are the pattern from the Wardrobe by Me Pattern Support Facebook group. I just cut a cuff with the flowers and added them to the bottom. The belt is simply an interfaced and hemmed piece of the top border. It is completely removable and I like the blouse both with it, for an over the top feel, and without it, for a more subtle dressy look.
Onto the hi/low hem. I had this ready to hem and it was a bit stiff in the skirt, so I started playing around with different lengths and my mirror and realized I really liked the shape of the hemline when it was raised in the front. I have a few pear shaped sewers I follow for sewing inspiration and they have recommended hi/low hems before and I'm so glad I tried it. I cheated and used my rolled hemming foot on my sewing machine. It's such a timesaver when hemming a woven curve.
Okay and my very unflattering dress. I knew that pleats or a shaped skirt piece was a much better idea, but I still wanted to try. I think it is also all of the light fabric over my hips that makes it especially blah. My husband was super sweet and always told me that he loved it. Hope you feel inspired to sew and maybe even not give up on projects you might be able to salvage (especially if it involves pretty fabric). Some things are worth saving.
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