Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Mauve Straight Skirt


Pattern Description:  McCall's 5523  straight skirt, mid-knee length, has side zipper and faced waistline; view A has shaped lower back flounce



Pattern Sizing: 4-18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it has several styles in the one pattern.

Fabric Used: Mauve polyester poplin

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Added 1 1/2 inches to waist, 3 inches to hips, and 1 1/2 inches to length.

Would you sew it again? Yes
Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: The skirt is short so measure the hemline and make adjustments before cutting.

 

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Plus Size Pyramid

If you're interested in choosing from a plus sized pattern stash and swapping some of your patterns hurry over to Fiona's at http://seamedstraightforward.wordpress.com and leave your name and information for the drawing. The deadline is November 9, 2013.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

October Challenge Complete!



Pattern Description:  Cardigan -Simplicity 2474 Easy with front band
Dress - Butterick 5190 Sleeveless semi-fitted, pull over the head dress.
Fabric Used: Jacket -  1 7/8 yards of 60"   Dress - 1 1/2 yards of 60"

  


Misook Black+Blue Jacket/Cardigan www.nataliedress.net

 

While snooping on the internet, I spotted this color block jacket which will be my inspiration. The fabric will be a teal polyester with brown polyester poplin trim. The patterns of choice are Simplicity 2474 with a sleeveless dress from Simplicity 5190.
Pattern Sizing:
Jacket: 10-28w
Dress: 8-24
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like both patterns.
Fabric Used: Lightweight teal double knit/brown polyester poplin
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Cardigan- Bands were added to the sleeves. Dress- Four inches were added to the length of the dress.
Would you sew it again? Yes
Would you recommend it to others? Yes
Conclusion: I'm very pleased with the final outcome of this outfit.

Monday, October 21, 2013

PeplumTop/Skirt


Pattern Description: Simplicity 1699 peplum shirt with cap sleeves and collar.
Butterick 4997 slim skirt with front and back darts and back kick pleat.  Fabric- crepe back satin  Used size 20 waist and 22 hip and shortened the skirt two inches at the lengthening and shortening line.
 




Pattern Sizing: 8-24

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Like everything about the top.

Fabric Used: royal blue cotton poplin that has a feeling on nylon

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added one inch to the back to waist length. That being said, looking at the back, maybe I shouldn't have added that additional inch, but the front needed it.

Would you sew it again? Yes
Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: This really is a beautiful pattern and I can't wait to make all of the items.

*Note: I don't know if it was an error on my part, but I had to recut the facings because they were too short. I added about two inches to the back and trimmed where necessary.


Thursday, October 17, 2013

Wearing the Paint Splash Jacket

Simplicity 1699 is a fun jacket. This picture is after removing the pleats from the top of the sleeves. I've also paired it with red pants and a yellow top.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Seeing Grey


Pattern Description: Simplicity 1699 is a lined jacket with front darts and pleats in the top of the
sleeves.


Pattern Sizing: 8-24

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I dislike the pleats on the shoulders.

Fabric Used: Polyester stretch with something like nylon in it. It actually feels rubbery. You can't iron it unless you use a pressing cloth.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: This one is not lined. Yes, I cut two jackets at the same time and ended up with the same problem.  After wearing it, the pleats were removed as I should have done before completing it. Most of the sewing was already done, so after wearing the other jacket, I had to go back and rework the sleeve caps.

Would you sew it again? Yes
 
Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: The jacket is a quick jacket for the changing weather. This is such an easy pattern that I had to adjust the sleeve caps so this could be an easy go to pattern.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Crepe Skirt

Pattern Description: Butterick 4997 is an out of print pattern with long jacket with princess seams and collar. The skirt is a straight skirt with darts in the front and back and a kick pleat.



Pattern Sizing: 6-22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it's a very quick and easy pattern that stands the test of time (it never goes out of style).

Fabric Used: Polyester Crepe

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I cut a size 20 at the waist and graded to a size 22. I removed seven inches from the skirt pattern length before cutting it.

Would you sew it again? Yes Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: I'll need to add an additional inch for the hem next time. It was at the hemline before hemming.