Albuquerque Journal

Silky fabric elevates two-piece outfit to cocktail attire

- Julia Cameron

Dear Julia: Every year my company has a big Christmas party. I will need a cocktail dress for the event. I would like to make my dress this year, but I don’t have a lot of time left, so I need to get started right away.

I want something fun. So maybe a two-piece. Can you help me find something? — Carrie S.

Dear Carrie: I found a really cute and fun outfit by Nicola Finetti for Vogue — pattern No. 1486. It’s a slightly cropped top with a higher-waisted skirt. The top has capped sleeves and a high V-neck. The skirt has a waistband, side pockets and a pleated lower front and back.

The choice of your fabric will help to elevate the top and skirt to cocktail attire. A silk mikado, heavy satin or shantung would work well.

Dear Julia: Love your column. Coming back to home sewing after a three-decade hiatus, I find you a wonderful resource for catching up with the times. In particular, I am getting some great advice from you and your readers in the continuing discussion of sewing tools. One of my new favorites is a 16-inchby-24-inch carpenter L framing square — the best thing I have found for keeping everything parallel or perpendicu­lar to the salvage when cutting things out.

As a follow-up on the tool discussion, how about ideas for the workspace itself? Looking at it from the perspectiv­e of a workshop rather than a craft area, my husband suggested a scissoring desk lamp and magnifier I can pull out over the sewing machine or the cutting table, as well as a white board and a pegboard. All three have proved invaluable. It is so handy having scissors, an L-square, a tape measure and so many other tools hanging on the pegboard within easy reach.

Time to file today’s column away and set the timer to remind me to check the ABQ Journal next Wednesday for the next valuable tip. Thanks for your enthusiast­ic support. — Marsha K., of Los Lunas, N.M.

Dear Marsha: Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad this column can be a resource for you. These are all great suggestion­s. I often use a carpenter’s T-square. And good lighting is essential, especially as our eyes get older! Send questions to Julia Cameron, c/o King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or SewSimpleC­olumn@gmail.com.

 ?? COURTESY OF THE MCCALL PATTERN CO. ??
COURTESY OF THE MCCALL PATTERN CO.
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SEW SIMPLE

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