When you are pregnant and you can't drink wine, just wear it. Fall is on it's way and I'm digging the jewel tones at the moment. Wine is the perfect color to compliment my vampire skin and it reminds me of all the pinot noir that I can't drink right now. 

Anywho, how lovely is this top?! I'm always of the mindset "you get what you pay for." but I only paid $4 for this pattern and I would have paid double and a half. I'm always skeptical when sewing patterns from a new to me designer, but LAVitaly was a gamble and a jackpot! 

This is the Jersery Top V Neck - Front Bow n.50. (What a catchy name!) Kidding. I know with Etsy SEO's are of utmost importance. I did do some poking around before buying though and I saw on instagram that my friend sewed a LAVitaly pattern and after getting her blessing (and warning that it would need to be lengthened!) I purchased this bow blouse.

I sewed a straight size Small in this lovely Surge Fabric Rayon Spandex in Wine. The pattern was great and came together quickly. Her instructions are different than any I've encountered before, though. She uses a Symbol and Key method. Like pictographs. There is a key with all the symbols and what they mean and then each page has pictures and the "key" next to it. If you sew a ton of LAVitaly you will get the hang of it, otherwise you are left like me scrolling back up to see what each symbol means every step. Honestly, it was an easy sew and with basic sewing knowledge, you can assemble the pattern with the pictures only or without instructions at all. 

The only modification I made was to leave off the band and lengthen the bottom by 2". As designed, this blouse has banded sleeves and a banded bottom, but I wanted it smooth to wear under pencil skirts. (Hello, remember my maternity capsule? I told you I'd be adding more tops!)

Can you tell I'm loving the Bishop Sleeves at the moment? It adds such a cute detail without being overwhelming. I certainly do recommend LAVitaly patterns. She has some cute designs and the price really can't be beat. Make sure you check Surge Fabric for all your Autumn sewing needs!

Pattern: LAVitaly Jersey Top V Neck

Size: Small

Mods: Lengthened 2" and left off bottom band.

Fabric: Rayon Spandex in Wine from Surge Fabric Shop

Body Measurements: Bust 34", Waist 2(?) Normally 27" but pregnancy has expanded me, Hips 36".

Also, my husband is simply amazing. Most of our shoots go just like this. He can't help but make me laugh. I think he was talking about my boobs here. Thanks, handsome. Glad you like them. HAHAHA

Ladies, winter in Washington is no joke. Except today. Today, we were lucky. My husband and I caught the last rays of sunshine before darkness fell in front of a local mural. He always has the best photo spots. 

I'm super excited about today's post because it is extra special. Not only did I sew a tried and true, but it's my first sew from Simply By Ti Fabrics! I have worked with Ti on several occasions and was so excited when she started a fabric shop. She focuses on quality fabrics and is big on education. Just message her and she's happy to recommend fabrics based on your project. Perfect for the beginner sewest or someone trying out a new fabric. 

I sewed up the Papercut Patterns Coppelia Cardigan (for the millionth time) and used a drapey rayon spandex from Simply by Ti fabric shop and it's lovely. It's still very drape-able and flow-y but it's not see-through!

This is definitely a new favorite of mine. So far, I've worn it on two dates, on a mini vacation, and to work several, several times. It's cozy and I just adore this pattern so much! I do believe next time I make it I'll blend the waist to the next size up, I think my hips are expanding and the bottom of the shirt rolls a bit. It does the same on my sweater knit version, too. Guess that means my hips are... widening. Haha 

Did you see that stripe matching?! I was pretty excited, too. lol I don't know exactly what size I sewed, I printed this a long while ago and can't be bothered to go find it now. I SHOULD sew XXS for the bust and XS for the waist and hip which is what I will do next time. :)

Be sure to check out the Simply By Ti Facebook Page and Facebook Group. Tibeca goes "live" every Thursday to teach us about sewing related things. Some awesome tips I've picked up is which direction to use a criscross thread cone vs. a straight thread cone, what the best types of seam rippers are, and a lot of info on different types of fabrics! She also posts in her group and page when she's having a sale. :) 

 Details

Fabric: Simply By Ti Rayon Spandex

Pattern: Coppelia Cardigan by Papercut Patterns

There are no affiliate links in this post, however, I did receive my fabric at a discount from Simply By Ti.