McCall's 5742 dress is made using beige brocade.

Instead of gathers, pleats were formed on the back and front for a different look. Every scrap of fabric was used, so there wasn't enough to cut the sleeve bands as wide as the pattern required. Leaving the sleeve band off and allowing it to become flared sleeves would have given the dress a completely different look.

Houndstooth and Leather

Simplicity 2257 is a late post. The skirt is made of satin houndstooth, trimmed in leather, and lined with black lame.  This was my first time working with leather and it was smooth sailing. Of course, I watched a few online videos about sewing leather before attempting this job.

Although the leather is a heavier weight than the satin, I just couldn't resist the urge to use it instead of all of the other lightweight fabrics around me. It actually makes the skirt hang nicely. Alright, alright, I know that a houndstooth in a ponte knit or some other fabric of equal weight would have been a better choice with the leather, but sometimes I break the rules. Do you ever break rules when crafting?

She wanted the skirt in this fabric. If I were on our national sewing show, I would have been reprimanded as the designer for  doing what was requested instead of following the rules. Well, I did line it for stability.

Check out the direction of the designs on this waistband. They are headed North instead of South. It was the first thing I noticed. I think it is a little too long for a younger lady, but it'll look nice with those 4" heels.

As for alterations, I did adjust the waist, hips, and length, but failed to record the inches. How will that help me if I make it again for her and what good was it to record that I adjusted the waist, hips, and length? Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Yes, I make mistakes, but I keep pressing forward.

It's a pretty simple pattern that's pretty fun to make. I would recommend it. I really want the longer version for myself.

Purple Grape

Simplicity 4384 dress created for the granddaughter using Purple Polyester Poplin fabric with a purple zipper.

It's a very quick and easy dress that I'd love to make again. There were no alterations. I haven't made any of the other items, but I would recommend this pattern because of the cute combinations.

Leather Trimmed 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:  Polyester/Pleather/Black Lawn for facings
Notions: Black Zipper
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.

Daughter's Nicole Miller Sheath Dress

Pattern: Butterick 5147
Fabric: ITY Knit Magenta

Finished January Challenge

                              Nicole Miller Sheath Dress from Nordstrom in Ponte Knit

Pattern Description: Butterick 5147

Pattern Sizing: 8-24

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that the jacket sleeves fit the dress perfectly.

Fabric Used: ITY knit from Fabric Mart

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I removed one inch from the front neckline to remove gaping, removed one inch from the neck to waistline length, added four inches to the hem length, added sleeves using the jacket sleeve pattern, and made front and back facings about four inches deep.

Would you sew it again?  Yes, it's my TNT dress that works well to be worn with jackets/cardigans.

 Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I highly recommend it.

Conclusion: I have one more in the same fabric, but different color for my daughter.

White Swing Jacket

Pattern Description: Simplicity A1490 (one easy project)

Pattern Sizing: XXS-XL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
No

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it is a simple pattern.
I was very disappointed because I expected the front to be even in the front and not raised a little. I wanted it to look just like the pattern with a full swing. I just measured and it is exactly 4" shorter in the center front than the back.

Fabric Used: White Ponte Knit from Fabric Mart

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again?  Maybe, if I altered it and made the front even with the back

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, because of it's simplicity.

Conclusion: I just had a thought that I could cut the hemline to my satisfaction.