Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Ivory Fleece Jacket

Photo

Pattern Description:  Simplicity 4025

Pattern Sizing: XS - XL

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, I put most of it together on the serger.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like everything about this pattern.

Fabric Used: Ivory Fleece from FabricMart

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Yes, this is the second one.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes, it's a very easy pattern.

Conclusion: I've given it away. I can make another.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Happy New Year! ~Jan. Plans

Nicole Miller Sheath Dress from Nordstrom in Ponte Knit (No longer available).
Well, I found the same print in ITY from Fabric Mart in two different colors. The plan is to make one for my daughter in fuchsia and for myself in brown. I'll use Butterick 5147 dress pattern with sleeves from the jacket pattern.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

New Patterns~Really

                                     New additions to the other never cut patterns.
                                     Some of which I've never posted.                     
                                     We're heading into the new year!
                               Wow! Life is worth living when creating something new.
So, they had a sale and I had an opportunity to shop! The envelopes fit into my notebook. Now, fitting the patterns/directions into the file is another story. These patterns have been cut apart, if
that counts as being used. At least they've ready to go!

Monday, December 23, 2013

Merry Christmas!

Granny's only girl! There are three boys.
                                                Sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles
                                             My favorite place in the house for every visit
                                            Making my special frosting colors for my cookies

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Christmas Dress

Pattern: McCall's 5742 Long and Short sleeve Dresses
Dresses A, B, C have lined bodice, self-faced band, gathered skirt, raglan sleeve variations, back zipper, purchased trims and built-in petticoat with tulle ruffle; dress A has elbow length gathered sleeves with sleeve band, self-fabric flowers and decorations; dress B has sleeves with elastic casing, contrast ruffle, ribbon trim and ribbon bow; dress C has sleeves with elastic casing and lace trim; all view lengths are mid-knee, not including lace trim for dress C.             
Fabric: Red & Black Satin
Notions: Red Zipper and I covered some cord to insert in the front upper bodice.
Did it look like the pattern: Yes
Alterations: None, but should have been. I took the pattern to be just as described in the bodice length. Apparently, it was about 4" shorter than expected. I thought the dress was going to be about 3-4 inches below the knees and it was at knee length.
The dress isn't lines because of this:
Yes, I decided to make a crinoline for a first grader that's as tall as a third grader. She said by show of hands at her side -- meaning it's too wide. Well, so what, the bodice is to short and I don't like the length. It will look fine with her tights.
Photo

Line Drawing
Will I make it again?????

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Completed December Challenge


                               Before adding insert   
 
Pattern Description: Butterick 5523 Close-fitting, A-line, above mid-knee length, pullover dresses A, B have draped collar, front and back pleats, concealed elastic casing, long sleeves with pleats at cap, back tab with non-functioning buttons, topstitching and stitched hems. B: contrast collar, bodice and sleeves.

Pattern Sizing: 8 - 24

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? No, due to alterations.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? After reading several pattern reviews, I thought it would work out perfectly, but I did have some issues. I really like the pattern itself. No one complained about the neckline being too low and I'm thinking it is due to the ITY fabric giving it too much drape.

Fabric Used: ITY border print.Certain Stunner: #Soma Cowl Neck Dress in Century Print #SomaIntimatesI was     inspired by this dress from Soma.com so much so, that I wore tights and a wooden heel.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Added 6" to the length, 2 inches to the sleeve width, 2 inches to the bodice, and 3 inches to the bust. Maybe this was a bit much. I was so afraid that it would have been too close fitting. These changes could/probably did cause the neckline changes. I had to go back and add a 9 inch insert so I would be able to enjoy wearing it. I really like the dress and I was very comfortable wearing it.  I did topstitch each of the pleats.

Would you sew it again? Yes, in a ponte knit. 
Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: I do like the placement of the prints. This will be a great grab and go dress. I used a double needle to hem the sleeves, but hand stitched the hem. It works best for ITY fabric.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Wrap dress - Spot on Fabric


Pattern Description: Butterick 5674 Close fitting, lined dress has front overlay, shoulder and waist pleats, and back invisible zipper.



Pattern Sizing: 6-20
Line Art
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, but I got confused for some reason with the bodice. I know this was easy, but not for me on that day.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It is a beautiful pattern and I like that the skirt is closed and one doesn't have to worry about trying to keep the overlay closed. During the eighties, I made one that I'd consider a wrap dress with two curved front panels and keeping it closed was a serious issue.

Fabric Used: ITY Knit for the dress and performance knit from JoAnn's for the lining. The dress ended up being very heavy. I did find a couple of online fabric stores that I'll be able to order tricot.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: 1 1/4'' was added to the length and 1'' was added to the back to waist length and panel.

Would you sew it again? I plan to just to see why the lined bodice required so much of my brain power.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: In my notes, I did write a few strategies for my assistance during the next process. Let's see if I'll understand them. Sew the lining to bodice and stitch across the shoulder. Tack left bodice top to the top of the lining and the right bodice to the waist.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Spot On Fabric



Pattern Description: Butterick 5190 is a sleeveless dress, top, jacket, and pant pattern.

Pattern Sizing: 8-24

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were finished sewing it? Yes, but with sleeves.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern because it doesn't require a lot of fabric and it is a very simple pattern. There is nothing that I dislike about it.

Fabric Used: ITY knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I goofed on the alterations and didn't alter the bodice. Sleeves from another Butterick pattern were used to winterize this dress.

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

Conclusion: Sometimes confusion sets in and this time I forgot to decrease the bodice to a size 14 which made the dress too large. We discussed wearing a jacket with it until we can exchange it for alterations. This is what happens when mom decides to sew across the state.
Strolling through the patterns, I spotted this Vogue 8825 with the model wearing a duplication of ITY fabric which I had purchased.
There is different wrap dress planned from the same fabric for another special person.