I took a work trip last year and didn’t know what to pack. Apparently, the weather in Newport, Rode Island is all across the board in the springtime. Some of my co-workers arrived a few days prior to when we all needed to be there. I was told that the weather was cloudy and cool enough to wear a sweatshirt one day. Sunny, rainy, and humid the next. If snow had been in the mix, it would have been just like home. So, I ended up packing a menagerie of clothes (too many) and made the best of it. If I could have predicted the weather for the few days that I was there, these two garments would definitely have been in my suitcase.
The slip dress
My first garment is a slip dress. They’re easy to sew, comfortable and flattering. A slip dress is cut on the bias which means that the dress pattern is cut at an angle instead of on the straight of the grain. When you pull a woven fabric at a diagonal (by pulling two opposite corners) you’ll feel the elasticity of the fabric. You’re almost turning woven fabric into a stretch knit.
The pattern that I used is a classic that I’ve had for 24 years! Yes, this Vogue pattern was first printed in the year 2000. I preserved it well and as you can see by the looks of it, have used it many times!
Only four pattern pieces are needed for View C. I had five pieces total once everything was cut out. The notions are a 1/4 yard of interfacing, a 16-inch zipper and thread. The dress required no hand sewing. It took me no time at all!
Pearls, gold and bamboo round out my outfit that’s perfect for strolling along Thames Street for some shopping and some good eats!
Adding a sweater/wrap or a blazer can take a slip dress from dressy to business casual. I chose a floral printed rayon for the dress. Although rayon is a man-made fabric, it has some beautiful qualities with its draping effect. It’s also cool, washes well, and is easy to pack. I’ll get plenty of wear out of this dress for years to come!
The tuxedo-style tunic
My second garment is a tuxedo-style tunic top. I combined Vogue patterns V8249 and V9186 to make this top. The bodice of view C from V8249 and the neckline (minus the buttons) of V9186 make up this pattern hack. I’ve worked with both of these patterns before. If you’re just starting to sew, they are definitely on the intermediate level.
Although I always gravitate towards neutral tones, I chose a vibrant, green cotton batiste fabric. It’s a light breathable cotton that’s sheer but still modest. Plus, with the tuxedo style bib in the front provided an extra layer. Since the fabric is lightweight, I finished the inside seams with a French seam. This technique doesn’t require a machine; you’re just sewing the garment twice in those areas. I added 1/4-inch-wide elastic to the hem of the sleeves so I could push them up if I choose. Giving it just the right flow and drape that I wanted.
This top required nine pattern pieces total.
Shades of peach, jade, gold shades and a starfish straw bag complete my look! The bag came from a quaint shop on Thames St. called “Danielle’s Mouse Trap”. The owner, Danielle was a hoot and gave me some really good insight about the area! I could have bought more items from her store, but I would have needed another suitcase!
Cotton batiste is an easy fabric to work with and is very forgiving if you need to re-stitch a seam. I love the casual and relaxed look that this top gives. I’ll definitely make it out of other colors as well!
Between the hotel, the Vanderbilt mansion, private bus tour, boating and meeting up with co-workers, I had a really nice time. I’ll definitely be visiting again!
If you’d like to see some footage from my trip and the making of these two garments, check out my Rhode Island vlog – The Tale of Two Garments on YouTube!