A couple of months ago, I came across a pair of gorgeously distressed and embroidered ladies western boots on sale. I’d been looking at boots for a while and still had my birthday money burning a hole in my pocket, so I went ahead and bought them. (I live in Texas ya’ll and haven’t had any cowboy boots in at least 15 years- when I got rid of my winter white lace up Ropers I wore while in college.)
The sad thing is, I still haven’t worn the boots! I have nothing to wear with them and it is too hot for jeans. I’ve been trolling Pinterest and Google images to see how everyone is wearing this type of boot. Mostly short dresses and skirts in the warm weather and with skinny jeans in the winter.
I love the look of above the knee dresses with boots, so I started my hunt for the perfect dress. I looked everywhere! The problem is, I won’t wear a sleeveless dress and I don’t like anything fitted/structured on me. Out of the blue one day, this top popped up in my Facebook feed.
I loved it! I wear tops like this ALL THE TIME and I knew I could easily make it into a dress. (read the rest of the post and enter the pattern giveaway after the jump.)
Fortune was shining down on me last week when I got an email for Jenny of Seamingly Smitten Patterns, asking me to join her summer pattern tour. Umm… Of course and please, please, let me sew the Lesley Flutter Top!
If you are not familiar with Seamingly Smitten Patterns, Jenny Hall is the creative designer behind Seamingly Smitten. Her sewing patterns are written tutorial style, which means you’ll learn as you sew. All patterns have step-by-step directions with clear photos that are easy to follow and are perfect for beginners. (She has a blog too, check it out here.)
The Lesley Top is a very easy project and the style is flattering on so many body types. (I do think you need to be mindful of your fabric choices.) For the flutter sleeve to truly “flutter” you need a fabric that isn’t too stiff and will drape well. (I used a Rayon Challis fabric.)
The pattern comes in sizes xs to xxxl and in petite, regular and tall. How great is that? Plus it is only 2 pattern pieces!!! I loved how easy it was to sew.
I made 3 tiny little changes when sewing this pattern. The first of course, lengthening it into a dress- I extended the hem line several inches. I also deepened the front neck line, because that’s what I like. (I traced the neckline of a favorite tee right onto the pattern before cutting it out) and I added a little belt.
I debated whether to add a belt or drawstring or to shirr around the waist for definition. (I have another top like this with shirring from flutter to flutter.) Since time was limited, I decided to go with the belt.
As you may notice, I’m not wearing my fabulous new boot with the dress… I’m now on the hunt for just the right fabric. (I think the boots need a solid dress- coral maybe…)
Would you like to try sewing this top for yourself? If not this top, Jenny also has quite a few other women’s and children’s patterns to choose from. And…. She is offering 50% off all patterns during the pattern tour! If you’ve been eyeing a few patterns now is the time!
Or, why not try to win some patterns? There will be 3 winners, each will receive 5 FREE sewing patterns of their choice from the Seamingly Smitten Etsy shop. To enter, fill out the rafflecopter form below.
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