Dressed for the Wedding!

Pattern: Butterick 5982 MISSES'/MISSES' PETITE DRESS AND BELT: Dress has close-fitting, lined bodice, side front seams, pleated and gathered skirt, back zipper, and belt with bow, knot and Velcro^® closing. A/B, C D cup sizes.

 Pattern Sizing: 8-24

This is a very quick and easy pattern.

Fabric: It has the look of satin, but I think it is a charmeuse satin. It has black striations and is solid black on the back. It is light to medium weight. It was purchased from Fabric Mart a couple of years ago.

As far as alterations, I used view A and added sleeves and added a ruffle to the front only. Instead of adding Velcro on the back of the belt, I added two large snaps at the ends of the bow.

I'll make this dress first in a maxi. I couldn't make to make one of the 1950's dresses and I'm glad I did.                

 Pattern: Butterick 5714 bolero view E
MISSES'JACKET AND BELT: Jacket has neckline variations. A: purchased frog closure. B: very loose-fitting, button/thread closing. A and B: partial sleeves. C: purchased ribbon for belt. D: purchased belt. C and D: loose-fitting, elasticized seamed waist. B, C and D: single layer (wrong side shows) and narrow hem. E: self belt. A and E: fitted, partially lined.

Size: XS - XXL

 Fabric: A very thin lightly crinkled polyester purchased from Fabric Mart several years ago.

 This is a very easy oop pattern. I'd love to make each view.
Alterations include omitting the collar and buttons and adding the ruffle as to tie it in with the dress.
The sleeve looks a little wrinkled, but it might be the serging  as the sleeves were a perfect fit.

As far as the pretty background, I've never driven it due to my health. It belongs to my husband.

Didn't Give Up Trench Coat

Pattern: McCall's 5525 trench coat, jacket with belt.

When I chose the fabric from my stash, I immediately went to Pinterest. input lilac trench and, wa! la! I fell in love with this Lilac Trench #sheer_lilac .

 Stash fabric is a lilac suede polyester with purple polyester lining purchased from Fabric Mart.

Sewing this fabric was a real challenge as it's kind of rubbery, slick on the back, and leaves pinholes. Believe it or not, I had just received these Clover Wander Clips in a package of 10 pieces from sewforless. After I had finished sewing most of this jacket, I was watching The Great British Sewing Bee Episode 2 and someone was sewing the same type of fabric and all I could do was agree with the comments.

Here are some things to remember:
1. Do not use steam as it causes more puckering.
2. Pins leave holes.
3. Ripping out stretches the fabric.
4. It's subject to puckering as it has very little give.

When I purchased this fabric on sale, I purchased two other colors. They will be made in a TNT and sewn very carefully.

As far as alterations, I did have to take the sleeves out and thank goodness, I had enough fabric to cut them larger by one inch. The reason I didn't know this before hand is because this was to be a muslin.

Notice on the first picture how my hands are not totally in the pockets. The pockets are not as deep as I would like for a coat. This is one change I'll make before making another.

There are a lot of steps to this pattern, but it is well worth it because everything came together beautifully. My problems were with inserting the sleeves and puckering from removing stitches which caused stretching. I have never removed stitches on anything as much as this jacket. I'd say more than 10 times, but didn't give up. Another way of not giving up is I'd work on other things in between working on this project.

Notice below that I failed to topstitch 3/8 " and didn't realize it until it was too late.

I highly recommend this pattern and I actually think this fabric is perfect for a jacket because it feels as if it's waterproof.

 

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone enjoyed this beautiful day as some may have assembled with family and friends for a very special time.

I had to share my updated changes my February MAGAM Butterick 5719 jacket. This beautiful trim was purchased from Joann Fabrics. On this wonderful day, I wore a matching gold hat, purse, and shoes.

My February MAGAM outfit

 

Sunshine and Shine on Award!

SUNSHINE AND SHINE ON AWARD!

Nkeiruka has nominated me for the Sunshine and Shine Award and I joyfully accept this award. Thank you very much for thinking of me. You'll find her blogging at http://nkykate2.blogspot.com

WHAT IS SUNSHINE AND SHINE ON AWARD?
This award is meant to help you know your fellow bloggers better and network with other bloggers, as well as reveal fun facts about you to help your readers know you better.


THE RULES

• Use the logo below in the post.
• Link to whoever nominated you.
• Write ten pieces of information about yourself.
• Nominate ten fellow bloggers (or less if you have less followers) “who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogsphere.”
• Inform the nominees on their blog.

Ten pieces of information about me
1. I was blonde for a few years.
2. My nickname is Dot.
3. My brother is my photographer.
4. I'm freckle-faced
5. Don't freak out! I'm caught up in reality television.
6. I've never ridden on an airplane.
7. I've not had a relaxer in 18 months and loving it.
8. Eyeglasses are a luxury item to some of us.
9. Like Nkeiruka, I'm a multitasking individual.
10.I'm dotdot on Ravelry, but haven't crocheted because of my overindulgence in sewing.


My nominees:
1. http://inezcraftroom.blogspot.com
2. http://gmariesews.blogspot.com
3. http://www.sewmuchtodosewlittletime.com
4. http://www.thefashionstirfry.com
5. http://thesewingcpa.blogspot.com/
6  http://mochastyle.blogspot.com/
7. http://sewcraftychemist.blogspot.com
8.  http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com
9. http://velvetribbonsew.blogspot.com
10. http://magpiemakery.blogspot.com

Thanks again for nominating me!

Finished April MAGAM Outfit

Pattern Description: Simplicity 2256 Jacket in two lengths with neckline and sleeve variations.  I made view A with the ruffled collar and double ruffled cuffs.

Pattern Sizing: 4-22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it's a beautiful pattern.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the ruffles more than anything. It really dresses up this jacket and makes it very suitable for special occasions.

Fabric Used: Aqua polyester purchased from Fabric Mart. It was advertised as a lining fabric. I just had to have it because it reminds me of peacock blue.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

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

Conclusion: I decided to use this fabric as a wearable muslin because I thought it would be beautiful in this color to attend a wedding and it's somewhat similar to taffeta. I love this outfit, but can't wrap my head around the wrinkles. Pressing and movement removes the wrinkles temporarily. So Sad!

 

 

Pattern Description: Butterick 5459 dress is close-fitting, V-neckline with darts, above waistline seam, and back zipper closing.

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?

Fabric Used: Aqua polyester purchased from Fabric Mart. It was advertised as a lining fabric. I just had to have it because it reminds me of peacock blue.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added 5" to the length and moved the front v up to inches. Adjustments to be made; Possibly try the full bust adjustment and remove 1"(dart size)from the front bodice at the armhole.

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

Conclusion: As much as I would love to wear this outfit, I will use some self-restraint and make another so as to be comfortable. Unlike wearing that white stretch gabardine dress which is going into "File 13" due to the puckered looking wrinkles.

 

 

Nominee of the Liebster Award

I’m a receipient of the Liebster Award

 

It’s wonderful to have Tracy at  http://www.tracysewshappy.com/ nominated me for the Liebster Award.  I’d like to thank you for nominating me and taking time to visit my blog. This is so kind of you and I gladly accept it.

The rules vary but in accepting the nomination you agree to:

Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.
Copy and paste the Leibster Award to your blog.

On your blog answer the 5 questions that have been set. 

Nominate 5 bloggers that you think deserve to get noticed for the award.

Let your nominees know they have been chosen by leaving a comment on their blogs.

Set 5 questions of your own for your nominees.

 Nominations

 The bloggers that I have chosen are ones that I enjoy following and I think others will enjoy their efforts as well.

 Listed below are my nominees:

 Regina Gee’s Place http://reginageesplace.blogspot.com/

Inez’s Craft https://www.blogger.com/profile/07956818235971030533

Sew Blessed Maw http://sewblessedmaw.blogspot.com/

SMF Designs http://smfdesignsandfriends.blogspot.com/

You sew, girl! http://yousewgirl.blogspot.com/

 

My answers to Tracy’s questions:

1.  Do you have a current challenge you are hoping to master to improve your sewing? Yes, I have a current challenge that I am hoping to master to improve my sewing. At this moment I am using a smaller size pattern that needs to be enlarged substantially. The overlay needs to be lengthened and enlarged as well as drafting a sleeve.

 2.  What is your motivation for sewing? My motivation for sewing comes with the desire to improve techniques and meet my wardrobe needs.

 3.  What do you like to sew best? I enjoy sewing suits for church as it gives me opportunities to be creative and use different skills.

 4.  Do you have a favorite pattern company? Once I saw this question it brought to memory the fact that for some reason, I’ve always thought that Butterick makes the prettier patterns. Now, in this phase of life and sewing more often I don’t think I have a favorite.

 5.  How many blogs do you read regularly? Now that I receive the daily feed from Bloglovin, there are very few blogs that I do not read.  I do see them all, but I visit at least 15-20 daily.

 

I would like to ask my nominees these questions:

 1. Do you take notes while working on your sewing projects?

2. Which sewing technique would you love to master?

3. What is your favorite sewing machine?

4. What sewing tip would you share with someone who’s new to sewing?

5. Do you believe that it is important for each of us to teach at least one more person the craft?

 Sew on,

Dorothy

Any Excuse Will Do!

I had another birthday and went on a trip for a few days. What would a girl want for her birthday than a visit to a fabric store?

Joann Fabrics is a must visit on any trip and if the patterns are on sale, that's a bonus! It's the small things that makes one happy.

Now the question is how will these patterns and the previous pattern purchase fit into an overflowing file cabinet?

A Burst of Spring!

 
Yes! Another A-line Butterick 5147 dress with front and back darts and back zipper.

Let me tell you about this fabric; It was purchased as a polyester table cloth on sale for less than $3.
This is thinking outside of the box. It was poly and I love the print so, I went for it. You'll get to see a dress made out of this fabric for my granddaughter. The leopard print dress and the Valentine's dress that I made for my granddaughter were made from yes, tablet cloths. I purchased two of each color so I have enough to make items for myself.
Lining: lime green pongee polyester

 

Alterations: On the front neckline I had to make a dart-size adjustment to remove the fullness. The sleeve pattern from the jacket was used and adjusted to the shorter length. A 1" sway back adjustment  was needed. Of course, I had to lengthen it because my dresses need to be hemmed at 44" for full coverage.

There is something to be said about this traditional A-line dress. It's been around forever and it never goes out of style. This and the princess style are the basis of most styles be it dresses or jackets. Threads Magazine featured an article "Sew a Sheath Dress" in January 2014 featuring how to create a custom version of both dresses.

Most times I'll make this dress sleeveless if I'm wearing it as a dress/jacket set. Otherwise I kind of keep the arms hidden for church.