Ivory Fleece Jacket

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

Will I make it again?????

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.I 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.

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

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.

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.

December Project Plans

Butterick 5523 which I've had for a long time. Plans are to use this ITY border print. I've read several reviews and I'm excited to see the end result.

Wearing My Winter Overcoat

This coat was made in January.

So, everyone thinks of Florida as the "Sunshine State", but when you live on the border of Florida and Georgia, I think it fair to say I live in Georgia when it comes to temperature. It' s nothing like Orlando or Miami. Tonight it will be 39 degrees.

For the past three days I have been wearing this coat and I must say, I've stayed warm. I did have to let it dry after getting out in the rain, but it looks nice and was ready for the next day. I'll get to test my new fur fleece coat on the next outing.

 McCall's 4975 in black fleece/knit from Fabric Mart. Lined in white/black polka dot polyester. I love this pattern and would like it in another color.

November Challenge Complete

Pattern Description: Simplicity 4025 View A

                                                                                        These pockets didn't make it to the finals. One thing was they were cut in the opposite directions. That didn't fly. At least I noticed it before stitching them to the coat.

Pattern Sizing: XS - XL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Not really with the alterations that were added.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that the pattern is easy and that there are several variations.

Fabric Used: Fur fleece with reverse side as bands and polyester leopard print lining.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added 10 inches to the length, a band to the bottom, cuffs, and around the neck (which are not as wide as the band shown on the pattern) and faux pockets. Buttons and button holes were also added.

Would you sew it again? Probably

Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: I paid a little extra for the shark tooth buttons just to add interest.

Had I listened to my husband, I would really like it better. His idea was to use the side that was used for the bands as the jacket fabric. Once I put the jacket together and started looking at the other side, I felt like it was a failed project. It looked like a fleece house robe.That is what led to the buttons, button holes, and the faux pockets.

This is my inspiration coat! No, my coat didn't look like the inspiration. Same idea- different fabrics.

M Missoni Oversized Coat from www.Farfetch.com

PJ's

Pattern Description: McCall's 3370 very loose fitting tunic with long sleeves and pull on pants without seams have fold back waistline casing with self fabric drawstring.

Pattern Sizing: 4-22

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was quick and easy.

Fabric Used: Ponte Knit/white ITY

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I cut the sleeves short, added ITY knit to complete the length, and added bands from the ponte knit. Instead of making the self fabric drawstring, I used elastic. This was the solution for not having enough fabric.

Would you sew it again? Yes

Would you recommend it to others?  Yes

Conclusion: My husband and I fell in love with this fabric when we saw if for sale online, but when I  got it in my hands, I couldn't stand the streaking throughout. I searched online for pajamas made of ponte knit and bingo, that was my solution. They are very comfy!

Pictures Wearing the Swirled Jacket

McCall's 7109 is an out of print pattern that has a front buttoned princess seamed jacket with long or short sleeves and scalloped detail. There are two 7/8" buttons on each of the sleeves.

 

The dress is McCall's 5890 princess style made using black cotton lycra. It's one of Nancy Zieman's ten, twenty, thirty minutes to sew patterns. It also has a short and long sleeve jacket and pants in two lengths.

I've been toying around with this unfinished hat since I made the top a couple of months ago. Will it become a finished item or not - I'm not sure.

November Challenge Planning

                                                            M Missoni Oversized Coat from www.Farfetch.com

My plan is to use bronze fur fleece with leopard polyester lining using Simplicity 4025. The reverse side of the fur will be used for the bands.

 

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.