Yes, the first post on the Sew EverythingBlog was uploaded in March 2013. Apart from missing a few of my weekly deadlines, and taking short hiatuses (hiati?) I have written a lot, and loved every minute of it. I am so grateful to you all for actually reading it. Even the occasional drivel. I loved it when you engaged a lot with what I had to say. Even when there was no engagement on some posts, I loved writing it. Know what I learned? You responded more when you could see me (not a dress form) wearing my self-made wardrobe pieces. Thank you, my friends.

Dear friends, my last post was uploaded in November, 2022. For perfectly valid reasons, I had to take a hiatus from the blog. Many things happened, including partial knee replacement, from which I am recovering well. However, other stuff kept happening and here we are…. let’s just leave it there.

And, I am back after a long while to writing, to a teeny bit of sewing, and the usual knocking-off (er, being inspired by) very high-end runway looks and bringing them down into the dirt.

So…. I managed to sew up this Armani-inspired look. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? I’ll detail the differences between the Armani and the Samina (chuckle).

1. The Armani is a dressy look, with beautiful textures. The Samina is meant to be a daily wear item made with a knit from my go-to fabric retailer Sew Much Fabric. This may be sold out but look for other fantastically curated fabric selections.

3. Both have a midi length tank dress vibe and similar colors.

4. On close inspection, the Armani “print” is really 3-D embroidered flowers appliquéd onto a sheer (yep, seeing right through it) base fabric! My version is a printed knit.

5. An even closer examination of the image revealed that there’s a pleat sewn down the center front bodice and released at the waist. For ease of movement? I decided to forego the pleat and make a plain tank bodice, saving the pleat idea for a future project.

6. It has pockets!! Of course, I added pockets, too. They ended up a little low, but that’s okay.

7. The pants: I love that the Armani is worn with satiny pants with a loosely gathered hem — similar in look to the Pakistani shalwar or harem pants (still dreaming of Jeannie). They (House of Armani) used a satiny fabric which is jiving well with the dress. I am not seeing my everyday-wear dress with shiny pants. The search for the right fabric is ongoing. What do you suggest? A drapey rayon? On the other hand, why not use a satin like the inspiration pants? Will I be able to wear the outfit to run errands? Until the pants happen, I have donned my go-to loose black ponte pants.

The pattern: I used an old Sewing Workshop pattern (Anne’s Cardigan and Tank) and extended the tank length, moved the armhole closer to the body for a snug fit. Plus, there are no haute couture processes used here. The hem and side slits are just turned up, turned in and machine sewn. Inside edges are all serge-finished. I will wear this a lot this summer, God willing.

Note: there is minimal styling on my part. No jewelry, no fancy shoes, but I do own a navy leather bag (not shown here).

Guys, I hope to upload another post soon but it all depends on other things. I missed you all more than you missed me. That’s a weird thing to say, but I really missed that little interaction between my readers and myself.

Love,

Samina