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Jun
26

3 Comments

A Nova, for the Fourth


We don’t participate in blog tours much these days. Deadlines are difficult to make, and our “to-do list” always is much longer than our actual “done list”.

Straight Grain, Nova

To put this in perspective, we are STILL in the finishing stages of the 3rd niece’s Easter dress.

Straight Grain, Nova

Thank goodness for handmade-me-downs! Are we right?!?!

Straight Grain, Nova

Still, when An {of Straight Grain patterns} sent out a “call” for pattern testers and/or blog tour participants, we had to put our “name in the hat!” Time and time again, An’s patterns speak to our style and vision for sewing for our nieces.

Straight Grain, Nova

The Nova pattern did just that! We had wanted to experiment with honeycomb smocking for some time – and this was just the excuse we needed to do so.

Straight Grain, Nova

It might be considered strange to sew a dress, commemorating a country’s independence . . . for a blog tour . . . of a blogger from a different country.

Straight Grain, Nova

Yet, here we are – being unconventional, at best.

Straight Grain, Nova

We thoroughly enjoyed sewing the Nova: a pattern full of options – sleeve options {sleeveless, cap, and long}, pleating options {flat, zigzag, box, and honeycomb}, closure options {invisible zipper, button, ribbon}, and garment options {dress or blouse} give a sewist the opportunity to design / create with numerous possibilities. Another perk with her patterns are the interchangeability of sleeve and collar options between patterns. It also ranges in size from 3m – 12 years, and is available electronically OR as a paper version.

Straight Grain, Nova

Based on EA’s chest measurement, we sewed a size 5, with size 7 length {no collar, capped sleeves, honeycomb smocking, and a button variation for closure purposes}.

Straight Grain, Nova

The goal with our design: Keep it S.I.M.P.L.E.

1. White pique for the main fabric

2. Navy piping around the capped sleeves

3. Fun button for closure. . . just for fun

4. Bold contrast on honeycomb smocking {drawing attention to that detail}

Straight Grain, Nova

The honeycomb smocking was actually done using two thread colors. First, we used a navy thread to secure the honeycomb pleats in place. Then, we returned to add a red stitch over the navy stitching. Thus, creating an “Independence Day Dress”.

Straight Grain, Nova

The honeycomb smocking technique is definitely one we would like to use again . . . it wasn’t a hard concept, and it gives a garment texture and interest.

Straight Grain, Nova

During the course of the blog tour, An is having some fantastic giveaways . . .and this week is no different. Eileen, of Elizabeth Little, has a sweet surprise for one lucky winner. All the details will be on instagram tomorrow, so stop by and check out the weekly prize. We wish we were eligible to win, but we aren’t . . . so we are crossing our fingers that one of our readers will win instead!!

Straight Grain, Nova

And, while the Nova blog tour is quickly coming to a close, we encourage you to see more inspiration from the others on tour:

Sisko by Mieke – Bel’Etoile – Zowiewo – Petrol & Mint – sewpony – Fairies, Bubbles & Co
Elizabeth Little – Maker Mountain Fabrics – Better Dressed Child – Just Add Fabric – My Petite Sophie
Frances Suzanne – I Sew Blanche – Lily & Woody – My Minnie Mie
I Love You Sew – Thread Riding Hood – Ariane Blog

 



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3 Comments



Emi
8 yearss ago


Oh what a gorgeous celebratory dress! Of course you would make something classic and elegant — with that beautiful honeycomb pleating!! Every time I visit your blog, I am awestruck by your talent. I love all your beautiful makes, and this one is no exception!!

(Reply)

    FrancesSuzanne
    8 yearss ago


    Thank you, Emi!! We are always amazed at your productivity and efficiency with your sewing projects {while keeping quality important as well} – one day, we want to be able to sew like you do!

    (Reply)

Charity
8 yearss ago


Oh, how pretty! I love the navy and red accents on the white! The honeycomb smocking is my favorite of the pleating options for this dress, and I really love the contrasting stitching on it!

(Reply)


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