Teal Garden Dress: Cynthia Rowley S2443

I bought a really nice teal double knit at the swapmeet not too long ago and had plans to make my mom a another version of V1250 because it had some additional stretch in the lengthwise direction.  She liked the fabric, but wanted the dress is a print instead.  I decided to try the Simplicity Cynthia Rowley pattern S2443 again.  Last time, I made this jacket.  At the time, I attempted the dress, but I used the wrong fabric and had a horrible time with the zipper.  Also, the amount of gathering at the waist was too much so I gave up.

This time, I took about 10 in. total from the gathers (to prevent the oh so flattering pregnancy look) and omitted the zipper.  I also only interfaced the waistband and shortened the dress 4 inches.

I wrote a lot more on PR.

I'm really proud of this dress because it was supposed to be a quick and easy project, but turned out to be more challenging than it should have been.  I had to rip out the sides 3 times on each side just to line up the side seams of the waistband and skirt.  Such a pain in the butt.  I overlocked almost the entire dress, including the attachment of the very curvy straps without basting.  I've already worn it twice!

Thanks for the comments and suggestions on my pants both on the blog and PR.  

I'm currently working on this:

View E (pictured)

It's almost done, but I've had a lot of distractions lately and had a bit of trouble getting the back pleat to lay properly.  This may end up being a wadder.

2 Legit 2 Legit to Quit

It's Hammertime....2012 style...

I've been wanting McCall's 6514 for some time now, and bought it at the Joann's sale.    I can't get motivated to start working on my own slopers again.  I would love to design my own clothes, but right now I just want to sew and make things, so commercial patterns it is.

I cut a size 8 (ViewA- girl in the hat) and made no adjustments at all though I should have shortened the legs about 3 inches before I did any cutting.  I planned for them to be a wearable muslin...lounge pants really. And I used a very drapey gabardine that I picked up at the swapmeet for $1.50/yd.  It only took a few hours to construct them, and once I tried them on I realized I needed to narrow the leg a more and take in the crotch a bit too.  I only narrowed the outseam, because I was too lazy to pick the already overlocked and topstitched seams of the inseam and crotch.  Oh well, like I said, they are a wearable muslin.  And man...they are comfortable!

I really like the pleating on the front, but I think the elastic on the back makes my butt look long and saggy.  :(  I don't know, they are kinda cute in a weird hammer pants kind of way.  If I ever make them again, I'll definitely narrow the legs on the pattern itself and adjust the crotch for a better fit.  I do want to make the wide leg version also pictured in a nice jersey.

pocket and pleat detail.

I can't decide if these pants are Awesome or Awful?  Any opinions?

Review here.

Thanks to my newest followers too!

Marie
Jill
tshania_sedai
Lara G
Rachel-Lou

Check out their blogs!

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

My boyfriend's friends just had a baby girl (Lucy), and with my new found free time, I decided to make an outfit for her.  It's Effing CUTE if I do say so myself!  My boyfriend says the F word and cute just don't go together, but I have to disagree.  I can't stop cussing when I look at the little outfit.  :-P

I used McCall's 6303, a pattern I picked up this past Sunday at Joann's for 99 cents.  I bought the blue pincord fabric a while ago because I was shopping on Fabric.com and needed to reach $35.00 for free shipping.  I know....excuses, excuses.   I'm not a big fan of super girly kids clothes.  So I bought blue, because it could work for either sex.  The diamond print was in my mom's stash and she let me use about a yard of it for the outfit.  I made view C, but added pockets for extra cuteness.  The rickrack was awful though to attach.  New rickrack is made of such nasty fibers that it frays as soon as you cut it.  I always try to use vintage, but I didn't have any white in the right size.  I made covered buttons with a vintage metal button maker kit and it works every time.  I'll never buy new cover buttons kits if I can avoid it.   I highly recommend the vintage sets.  

Now on to the Review:

Pattern Description:

INFANTS' DRESSES, PANTIES AND HAT: Sleeveless A-line dresses A, B, C, D, E, F, G have trimming variations; dresses A, B, C, D, E have self or contrast fabric lining and a button closure at each shoulder; dresses A, B, C have criss-cross back; dresses D, E have open sides with contrast ties; dresses F, G have binding at neckline and armholes forming ties at shoulders; dresses B, D, F have front patch pockets; panties and hat are also included.

Pattern Sizing:

S-XL, I traced off a M for a 3-6 month old.  Hopefully it fits!

The hat is one size and it is large!

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, except for the hat.  Not the best instructions there. McCalls omitted the fact that you need 6 crown pieces for the hat lining.  Oops!  I new it couldn't be right when I read the pattern instructions, but I figured it out.  The instructions for inserting the elastic are ridiculous.  I'll have to come up with a better way next time.  Make sure you leave a big enough hole in the dress lining and the hat lining so you can fit your hand in the aid in pressing the dress and hat, and inserting the elastic in the hat.  If you don't you'll be sorry!

Also try to find vintage rickrack, it does not fray nearly as bad as the new, crappy stuff.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

It's Super cute.  Like I could die it's so cute!

Fabric Used:

Cotton/poly pincord from Fabric.com and quilting cotton from local discount fabric store. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I added the pockets from another view.  I also used self-covered buttons and made the dress reversible with careful sewing on of the rickrack and adding buttons on the lining side. Oh, and I took off about an 1" from the top of the panties because other reviewers said they were too big.  

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

Definitely if I have a baby or I need to make another gift.

Conclusion:

EFFING CUTE!

More Pictures:

The back

Self-covered button and rickrack detail.

Pocket!

Adorable hat, the bunching is from the elastic.  I love the bow!

It's reversible!

Dad's Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt

My dad requested a long sleeve, french cuff, button-down shirt for xmas 2011.  I bought McCall 2447 for the project because it had a back yoke and french cuffs already drafted in the pattern.  The only thing I was going to have to change was the front band.  My dad wanted a contrast band so I had to split it off the right side of the shirt and slightly redraft.  

Perfect pattern to work with for this project.  

I originally purchased some grey fabric from Gorgeous Fabrics and was going to use some Liberty of London fabric as contrast, but Ann accidentally ran out of the fabric I requested and I had to find something else.  Fortunately, she said I could pick out anything else, up to $14.00/yd to replace the fabric I ordered.  I found the reversible doubleweave cotton fabric pictured below.  I think the color is the most accurate in the first photo.  The second shows the other side.  

The fabric was beautiful, but a pain in the ass to work with because it was so loosely woven, and after cutting, the layers separated from each other.  Very shifty during cutting and sewing.  Also, it was a little thicker than I liked, but my dad sure likes the shirt.  

More pictures:

And the Review:


Pattern Description:

MEN’S LINED VEST, SHIRT, TIE IN TWO LENGTHS AND BOW TIE: Vest has front welts, back and back belt are cut of lining fabric; shirt with buttoned front has back pleated to yoke forming forward shoulder seams and cuff variations; lined tie in two lengths and bow tie also included

I made the shirt with the french cuffs.

Pattern Sizing:

(S-L) (XL-XXL), I made the XL for my dad.

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

Pretty much, yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I think so.  I didn't use them much.  I've made many shirts like this now for school, so I'm pretty use to the construction.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I thought the sleeves were a little too poufy.  I think I'll try the new men's Vogue pattern next time.

Fabric Used:

A beautiful cotton double weave.  Very loosely woven, and shifty, so it was difficult to work with.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I made a separate front band on the right side so it could be in a contrast fabric.  I shortened the shirt also.  I also redrafted the under collar so it was slightly smaller and would turn under better.  I hate that the BIG 4 patterns use the same pattern for the under and top collars.  I got a little creative with the contrast fabric.  It was used on the inside back yoke, under collar, inside collar stand, right front band, cuffs and sleeve placket.  I used the David Page Coffin method of making the placket.  I also flat felled the sleeves and french seamed the side seams.

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

Yes, but not for a very long time.  Sure, if you like fuller sleeves.  I like slimmer shirts personally.


Next up, a baby outfit.  Finished it in a day and a half, and its already in the mail.  Pictures and review to come.

It's April, and a Very Merry Xmas to you!

School got in the way, so I never posted pictures of what I made as xmas gifts this year.  Here they are:

Vogue 1250!  The "Everyone and their Mother Dress"  Coincidentally, I made it for my mom.  She said she loved it and wants another.

Another Simplicity 2603 Cardi-wrap for my sister.  She requested another one this year:

A dress I drafted from my sister's favorite Michael Star top:

And knit scarves for my sister and my niece.  My sister got the brown and grey infinity scarves and my niece got the zebra/black braided scarf.  Its from a tutorial I found somewhere on the internet, but unfortunately I don't remember where:

And of course the shirt for my dad which I just finished last week.  I've taken pictures and will post it soonish.  

It's Cursed! Simplicity 3835

I made a cute, quick top.  Totally inspired by Faye's Top-A-Thon, but I did not participate in the actual event.  I would have liked to, but once I get going on a project, I don't stop and start something else until it is done.  So my Dad's xmas present got in the way.

The pattern I used was an old Built By Wendy top, Simplicity 3835.  I made the shirt yeeeaaaars ago, and I think it was the first project I made with my serger.  It was awful, both in fabric and construction.  What I love about the pattern is how much it looks like a RTW Express knit top I bought years ago.  Maybe I'll enter this blouse into the RTW contest, even though it's not that special.

And if you want to know why it's cursed, read the review below:



Pattern Description:
The top is a peasant style with a gathered neckline and short, gathered sleeves. The mini-dress is shown with elbow-length sleeves with a band at the lower edge of the sleeves. The band has extensions which can be tied. There is also a band at the neckline which the top of the dress is stitched to. The regular length dress has pockets, elbow-length sleeves without the band, and a yoke/band at the neckline.

The dresses have back centered zippers and darts. The top is pullover without darts or closure. The top uses the same pieces as the dresses so this means whereas in the dresses darts take up excess room, in the top back there is a slight billowy effect due to the absence of darts.

(Great description taken from RenRen's review)

Pattern Sizing:

4-14, I made the 12 because I wanted it loose!

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

I modified the sleeves, so yes and no!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I did not use them at all this time.  I think they were good the first time a made the top (pre-bloggling and PR).  I just did not like the material I made the top out of the first time so it got chucked.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the casualness of the top and the ease of construction.  It only took a couple hrs from cutting to finish, and I'm slow and easily distracted.

Fabric Used:

$1/yd cotton/rayon? lycra print from the swapmeet. Woo, woo!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I made the 12 because I wanted it loose and breezy.  I also removed teh CB seam as I felt it was unnecessary.  I also did not use elastic on the sleeves.  It looks less peasant-like and more modern IMO. I constructed the entire thing on the serger except the neckline casing and used a twin stretch needle for the hems.

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

Yes and yes!

Conclusion:

I love the top, unfortunately it is cursed!  While trimming the hem, I cut a hole in my fabric! And then my dog, who occasionally has bowel issues and leaves little presents on her behind, left me a "little present" on my shirt when I picked her up.  I'm going to re-hem the bottom to hide the hole and of course wash the shirt!

More pics:

Also thanks to my newest follower, KnottedRose, who recently made two cute floral tees!

160 Followers! I need to get a giveaway going soon!

Vintage Contest: 1969 Skirt

Hi everyone! Just finished a skirt I've been planning to make for a very long time, but never got around to it until the Pattern Review Vintage Contest sparked my interest in sewing for myself again.

Here's the pattern:

Vintage Pattern Wiki

Simplicity 8418; ©1969; Young Junior/Teens' and Misses' Skirt in Two Lengths and Mini-Pantskirt: (Including a Tissue Lesson Chart ... "How To Handle Pockets"). The skirt V. 1 & 2 and the mini-pantskirt V. 3 & 4 with patch pockets have side zipper and waistband. V. 1 is regular length. V. 1 & 4 have shaped pockets with button trimmed flaps. Mini-length V. 2 has round pockets. V. 3 has top-stitched contrasting round pockets with flaps.


Here's the review:



Pattern Description:

Simplicity 8418; ©1969; Young Junior/Teens' and Misses' Skirt in Two Lengths and Mini-Pantskirt: (Including a Tissue Lesson Chart ... "How To Handle Pockets"). The skirt V. 1 & 2 and the mini-pantskirt V. 3 & 4 with patch pockets have side zipper and waistband. V. 1 is regular length. V. 1 & 4 have shaped pockets with button trimmed flaps. Mini-length V. 2 has round pockets. V. 3 has top-stitched contrasting round pockets with flaps.

I made view 2, the mini skirt.

Pattern Sizing:

Young Jr/Teen
size 13-14
Waist 26
Hips 36.5

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

The shape yes! I did some additional topstitching.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I glanced at them, and they were very good. Sparce, but good.   The extra information on handling pockets was very cute and had some good information!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I think the pattern was a little long. I made the mini skirt and it hits me just above the knee.  Not a true mini, but I'm okay with that.

Fabric Used:

Denim that was supposed to be 100% cotton from Fabric.com.  I swear they sent me the wrong fabric because there was definitely a lot of lycra in there.  I pre-washed the fabric twice and each time it got stretchier and stretchier as the sizing washed out.  Also, when I received it, there was this bad fold line down the center.  Washing it out and pressing did not work so I worked around it.  Ended up topstitching to hide it.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I added 1" total around the waist, but ended up taking it back in the same about.  I guess with the stretch of the fabric, my 27" waist did not need the extra inch.  Instead of using the half circle shape pocket facing piece, I just cut 1 circle of denim and 1 of the contrast lightweight cotton.  I sewed them RST, clipped and turned.  I really hate sewing on patch pockets that are curved.  Very difficult to get the right shape, so this was easier for me and didn't compromised the look of the design at all. I did a lot of topstitching too!  It was denim and all.  Used a button closure instead of hooks and eyes.   Oh, and a turned down the pockets a little less than in the picture on the pattern envelope.


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

I woud not sew it again as I have too many skirt patterns I was to try and draft!  I would recommend it though.


More views of the skirt:

Hope you all like it!  Vote for me :)

Worst Blogger: Follow up to "Bad Blogger"

Sorry everyone! I suck at life, and blogging apparently.  School's over! I'm a graduate...again.  I've been piddling around for almost a month now trying to recuperate and psych myself up enough to sew for myself and look for jobs.  I absolutely hate looking for a new job.  It's quite scary, isn't it?  I'm almost ready to jump in head first!

Thanks to all of you who stuck by the blog even when I was absent.  And all the new followers!  I haven't forgotten you either!

Thanks to:

Denise
Chrissy
Sarah and her singing chihuahua
Andrea670
Julie
Debi from My Happy Sewing Place...Love the Marlene suit!!
RebThack


I'm still reading blogs, but rarely commenting.  So sorry.

I sewed many gifts for xmas, one of which, a long sleeve, button-down shirt for my dad, I just finished.  Hahaha! Thanks FIDM for giving me no time to work on presents for my family until after term.  :-/

So I have xmas presents to blog about, the shirt, and the 1969 skirt I just made and have to post on Pattern Review for the contest.  The skirt will be first.

Pearl misses you guys too!

Pearl really enjoys reading...