Hello everyone! Today is a BEAUTIFUL day! When I woke up this morning, I had to make a quick decision. I had to decide whether I would receive today with gratitude and peace, or with an unappreciative heart. You see, yesterday I was faced with a rather disappointing situation that threatened to rob me of my peace. While I was able to be at peace about it yesterday, this morning was a different story, and I found myself wanting to sink into the darkness of negative thinking. The only way for me to pull myself out of this was to “not” rely on my own strength. I needed help. I wanted to be angry, so I had to call on my only source of peace – God. I prayed for God to “pull me out” of my funk and usher me into a place where I could hear from Him and learn from this situation. As usual, He reminded me that everything under the sun has purpose – even my disappointments. He reminded me that my joy is in Him, not my circumstances. You won’t believe what He did next. He caused a dear friend of mine, who knows nothing about my situation, to send me a text message saying this: “I pray God wraps you up tightly in His warm blanket of love today and whispers sweet words of affirmation and comfort today. (Belladonna)” Ha! His timing! That’s how much He loves me. I can’t change anything that has happened, but I sure can decide how I respond to it. I choose today to be grateful and have peace in my heart.
Sweater Knit Flounce Top & Leggings
As I celebrate the gift of “today,” I share with you this gorgeous Sweater Knit Flounce Top & Leggings. Did I tell you that I love sweater knit fabric? It’s so soft and comfortable to wear. I used two different patterns to create this look (details below). For the top I wanted a fitted look, so I cut a smaller size and decreased the waist. Another option would be to use a fitted shirt pattern and just attach the flounce. Originally, I had planned on making ankle-length leggings, but due to a little mishap, I decided to go with a calf-length. I’m so glad I did because these shoes really completed the outfit, and I couldn’t have worn them with longer leggings. Let me tell you, when I put the shoes on and stepped in front of the mirror, my mistake became a celebration honey. I like to dance in the mirror when I try on a piece I’ve made that looks amazing. Needless to say, I had a little party going on. I crocheted the wristlet purse about 2 years ago and it’s perfect for this look.
After the photo shoot, my husband and I stopped at our local market to pick up a few things for dinner, so I threw on a pair of flats to be comfortable, and I received several compliments from ladies in the store. So, yes, this little number is fabulous either dressed up or down. If you don’t know how to sew already, just imagine all the lovely 2-Piece ensembles you can make for yourself when you learn to sew. Join me in the free “Sewing Course for Beginners,” coming this spring.
Create The Look!
- Pattern (Top) – Vogue 8745 – View C (with 3/4 sleeve)
- Pattern (Leggings) – McCall’s 7293-View F
- Fabric – similar Sweater Knit
- Lining – Jet Set Knit
- Shoes – Steve Madden RAELA
- Wristlet – Handmade by Me
What About You?
How do you deal with disappointments? How do you recover from your mistakes? Leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you. We all have to face disappointments and we all make mistakes. It is attitude, whether good or bad, which determines; our recovery time, the lessons learned, and our ability to bless someone else from our experience.
Thanks for stopping by! If you like what you see, share with a friend.
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that you SHINE!
Anita
All Photos Courtesy of CEMO!
Good Morning
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE INSPIRATION!
I’ve noticed you use a jet set lining from Joanns Fabrics in alot of your creations. My questions are. Do you fully line all of your knit creation? And how do you add the lining when the pattern doesn’t call for a lining without creating bulk? Why do you add the lining?
Hi Crystal!
1. I don’t line all knit creations, only the ones where I use super thin knit fabric, or if the pattern I’m working with suggests lining.
2. When the pattern doesn’t call for a lining, I just make the garment twice (once from lining, once from fabric), then sew them together, right sides together, then turn them inside out. Because my knit fabric is so thin, there is no bulk when adding the lining.
3. I add the lining for 2 reasons. First, I add it when using super-thin knits because I don’t want my jewels showing through the fabric for everyone to see. The jewels are for my husband’s eyes only. Second, when the knit fabric is super-thin, the lining adds extra weight which helps the garment to hang/drape better.
Thanks for stopping by, Crystal.
Work it Anita, work it! Love this look and those shoes tho!
Thanks Michelle!
To answer your question: Recently I have had many disappointments in my life; There have been situations that just didn’t work out the way I wanted them to. I am not religious, however, I do respect those who can find comfort and guidance that way. I am very close to my family and they are an amazing support system to me. They always know what to say and when to say it and they constantly remind me of my worth and value and to appreciate the things that have gone right in my life when I lose sight of that. That is what comforts me in my difficult times. That, and sewing of course! lol lol
I ADORE everything about this look! Impeccable! I too agree that the shorter length of the leggings compliment the top. What a fortunate mistake! The shoes match like you bought the whole outfit together! I love this! Thanks for sharing the link to the fabric! I really enjoyed this post!
-Su
Hey Sulayne! Thank you so much for stopping by. I have to tell you that I smiled as I read about the relationship you have with your family. You are so blessed to have that close bond with them, and I LOVE the wisdom that they speak into your life and how they’re present for emotional support and encouragement. Yes, honey, that sewing machine can be so therapeutic. I’m right there with you on the sewing therapy. LOL!
Su, I’m really glad to hear that you’re not religious, because neither am I. When I think of a religious person the first thought that comes to my mind is one who is seeking to work their way into being righteous (perfect). I want nothing to do with that. I’m a sewing sista who believes in God, and what I seek is a personal relationship with Him so that I can know Him — I mean REALLY know Him for myself, rather than depending on someone else to tell me who He is.
Thank you for joining the conversation. You’ve reminded me of how crucial it is that we are there for our family members, affirming their value and worth in the midst of struggles. Yes!
Anita!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAH!!! This look is killer! I truly love the texture of the fabric, shoes and purse!! You knocked this one out the park! I am making a bustie version (LOL!!) just a tad different in cream. If and when I post I will def. link your website!!!! Luuuuuuuuuv!!!!
Thanks Carol! A “bustie” version? LOL! I sure hope you post it because I want to SEE it.
Wonderful words of enouragement. Sure needed at this time. ☺
I just saw you in Facebook for the first time today. I love the outfit and the others that are on your page and website. I would love to be a part of your beginner’s sewing class this spring. I use to sew waaaaaay back in the day, but probably forgot more than I remember. It seems like a fun pass time in addition to saving a ton of money, as I love clothes. Have a great day, and keep up the fabulous work.
Hey Jacqui! So glad to have you join me. I’m excited for you too, because I LOVE sewing. Once you start again, it’ll all come back to you. Yes, it’s fun and can save you a ton of money. When I tell you how much it cost me to make this outfit, you will be amazed. Jacqui, I spent $14.17, including tax. Now you KNOW we would pay considerably more than that for something like this. Get ready honey! Thanks for commenting!
Another beautiful design Anita, keep up the good work! And the word was right on target for me today, you are a blessing to many my love!
You know it is amazing preach with sewing. I love it! I needed this also. I know the battle isn’t mines!
F. R. O. G. – Fully Rely On GOD
I love it LaTanya! Fully Rely On GOD! I’m keeping that one. Thank you!
YOU BETTER WERKKKK! YES SIS I LOVE IT! The color is fabulous the fit is perfect and your smile adds just the right accessory! Oh and the shoes ummmmm hmmmmmm I see you! Let me just say this, Keep doing what HE placed on your heart to do and I assure you the rest will fall into place! Be blessed!
Hugs & Love
Shari
Mydailythreadz
Thank you so much, Shari! Yes, ma’am, that is my heart’s belief, to obey and let Him do the rest. You be blessed too, sis!
This is absolutely beautiful as you are as well. When I’m going through something I try to just give it to God because he has a plan for me and if I didn’t go through something I wouldn’t be humble or have a testimony to give someone else. There is always someone else going through something much worse than I am. So I thank him for the good and bad.
Yes, Alecia! I agree with you. I’ve learned to thank Him for the good and bad. I embrace and treasure the lessons learned through the trials. Have a great day! Thanks for responding.
This is an awesome outfit, your inspiration is refreshing. Thanks for sharing this project and your trust and faith. It’s very encouraging!
Thank you, Renata! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
she’s on fire!!!…. Absolutely gorgeous!!!!…. Yup, adding to my list of to do…and on a hunt for the shoes now… hahaha
Thanks Paulette! I’ve included the link for the shoes in the post.