Review: Vogue 1025

Vogue 1025

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, lined dress is 2" below mid-knee, with center pleats, back vent, invisible zipper and purchased belt.

Pattern Sizing:6-22. I used a 16 instead of my usual 14 thinking it would be too clingy & I was WRONG.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? decent instructions I mostly used the pictures

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I was attracted to this one becuase I thought the midriff pleating would give me some shape. again I was WRONG. I thought the knee length was a classy look as well.

Fabric Used: cotton poly interlock

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: my lining ended up off grain and I had to scrap it. instead of lining I made neck facings from the interfacing pieces and did a narrow topstitch around the neck to tack it down and a narrow hem on the sleeves and it worked out fine. no zip since my sizing was big and I was using a knit. in a woven you will def. need a zipper.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I kind of want to try a woven but I think this dress is all wrong for my shape. (im a cross between a rectangle & inverted triangle) I will move on.

Conclusion: not good for me. giving it to my sister, who has hips.

Spring has sprung

McCall's 5975

Pattern Description: Close-fitting dresses A, B, C, D, E with waistline seam, neckline variations, back zipper closing and mid-knee lengths; dress A is sleeveless; dress B has cap sleeves with pleats; dresses C, D have three-quarter length sleeves; dress E has long sleeves; dresses C, D, E have tie belt


I made view C with the long sleeves

Pattern Sizing: 8-24, I made 14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? almost exactly since I used the same fabric!

Were the instructions easy to follow? (sorry) but I didn't use them. the dress is fairly simple & has very few pieces - the front are cut on the fold the backs are cut with a center seam, then you have two sleeves.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I needed something to "spring" me into spring mode & this was it! I was really attracted to the bold print used on the pattern envelope so I just went with it. This dress would be a great LBD & it's very work friendly.

Fabric Used: "fashion" knit from Joann's

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I left off the back zipper since my fabric had plenty of stretch & was lightweight. I really think there is absolutley NO NEED for a zipper unless you line this dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'd make it again, I think it could be pretty flattering for a lot of people. full figured and slim figured. My shape is like an H (not slim, not big) and I think I look pretty great in it.

Conclusion: I got many compliments when wering it so I think it's a keeper!

Just some reviews

Now that I have a bit of blogging time during the week, I don't even have anything to say! I've been sewing in the past few months, just not anything interesting enough to photo or blog about.

Completed items include:

Simplicity:
2557 - not gonna review, you can see a pic on the post before this one
2554 - not going to review, made a muslin with some leftover fabric. I want to get some nice fabric to make a true version
2812 - Might do a review, I need to sew on the buttons first.

Vogue:
8483 - although I keep meaning to make the jacket, I made the pants.
8300 - reviewed


Butterick:
5332 - reviewed
5394 - to be reviewed (after I get the buttons on, lol)

McCall's:
5849 - to be reviewed kiddos pageant dress
5972  - reviewed
5885 - need to review, i LOVE this one. I wear it a lot.
5858 - reviewed. HAAAAAA! I am the only one in the world who likes these. Yes they laughed at work. Still love them though.
5592 - Might review
5714 - not reviewing, made for kiddo


Wow.... now that I've gotton this down on "paper" I guess I have been doing something. I have some OK things to wear. But I am really trying to use up my on-hand fabric

 ....Before you even ask, no I don't sleep much, lol. Might as well sew.


On the chopping block is Simplicity 2512. I have it cut out right now. and I keep pulling out the pieces for Vogue 8202, to make in stretch cord, but I keep putting it away, so many pattern pieces!!

OK, no excuses. I guess I better get to sewing/reviewing/photo snapping.

Review: New Look 6803

New Look 6803



Pattern Description: Basic Tunic w/ neckline embellishments

Pattern Sizing:10-22

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? good instructions, I mostly used the illustrations

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that the neckband went all the way around across the back. Most of the patterns that have a neckband only go across the front. I also like the embellishment idea depicted on the pattern cover.

I like that the cap sleeves aren't tight fitting, I like the pockets and the loose but semi shapely fit. I think I should add vertical darts down the back for a bit more shaping in the waist. I'll copy the back darts from New Look 6727



Fabric Used: linen/rayon from Joann's. Cheapie buttons for embellishment.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added a heavier interfacing than recommended since linen isn't as tightly woven as cotton. The neckband is not two sided/faced like others I have sewn and I didn't want to risk any "issues" with sewing on my buttons.

I could have also used a lighter weight fabric on the pockets, just to reduce the bulk. It's not that noticeable, but I notice it.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? It's a basic shape. I could see myself making one again, maybe without the embellishments

Conclusion: Cool looking, cool to wear. Wore it to church today, so sweat.

Saturday Love

I don't feel like a sell out anymore for getting a new machine. I love my new Singer and I will get much use out of it!

I am currently working on another button down, simplicity 4112 and my buttonholes are *near perfect* without any adjustments on the machine. I even got the courage to machine sew the buttons on.

(click to enlarge)

oh.my.gosh.

I was totally wowed. I went on and on (and on) to hubby about it and he just looked at me like I was a nut. He says, "You never talked to me about this kind of stuff before." I took the hint and hushed.

Today though, I am going to the PR meetup at A Fabric Place in Baltimore. I'm sew excited (hardy har-har). I get to talk sewing without getting the blank stare.

I'm wearing another piece I made with the new machine (ok, this was mostly serged) Simplicity 2883. Here is the review


Click to enjoy Cherelle's "Saturday Love"

Mad mojo.

This is what I worked on this week while resting. The pattern is really simple & easy but I just took my time. I like it. ONe thisn to noe, this is a junior sized pattern. I made a 15/16 which matched the size 14. Overall with the fabric and fluttery style, it feels "pretty." Maybe because hubby complimented me :-)

Simplicity 2942Made another McCall's 5388 Friday night (5/9)

Today, I made my first official button-down shirt! New Look 6732. This was a great pattern. Made button down blouse construction feel doable. I just need to work on buttonholes, but I plan on trying more of these kind of patterns so I'll get plenty of practice.
I like it! My button holes look a mess & the sleeve bands are a tad snug, but I'll be wearing this proudly.

How does the fit look? the only "alteration" I did was the placement of the buttons. to avoid gaping at the bust.

I'm taking over half of the basement! I moved my desk down from our 9x11 foot "office". Now hubby's got his own room. It was too cramped for me. I got rid of the futon to make room for the desk. I'm working on getting rid of the now empty fish tank unless hubby puts some more fish in it. I put my sewing machine on a little table next to the desk in TV viewing position and left the serger in the craft armoire. (under the scarves are my photo printer and scanner)

Got the "Sew Essentials" cutting table from Joann. It has been a great tool although I had trouble putting it together. RIght now I have two 24x36 inch foldable mats on it, that are "working" it would be nice to have one foldable mat that fits the table. I also added storage baskets to hold my weights, marking and cutting tools and band aids.

Next up Kiddo's clothing...

Who's Your Daddy?

Apparently John Paul Gaultier is mine because I was about to die lie fry cry(?) for this dress:

But then not really because his dress is $530 and mine cost less than $25 for pattern, fabric, elastic & thread. Ha! So maybe I'm his daddy.

Review:


Simplicity 3503

Size: 14

Pattern Critique: Compared to the JPG dress a lot more modest in the chest and back area - lol! It sews up quick and easy. I cut it out Wednesday night and sewed it up Friday morning (thank goodness for snow days!!!), there are pleats and gathering on the bodice and skirt but otherwise not much detailing.

I like that it has pockets, which are so small and really unnecessary, they add hip bulk (which is not really an issue for hip-less me) they just look cool.

I love the overall style! I am SO READY for warm weather.

Fabric: Swimsuit knits from Hancock's. $7.99/yd

Modifications: I left it long, beware, it is really long so if you are tall you may not have to add much length. I am 5'6 and it was dragging the floor until I cut a few inches off.

I'm thinking it looks better shorter. I'm not sure though. Let me know what you think.


I made the bodice elastic shorter, and I need to take it in more, along with the midriff. I think because the fabric is so heavy, it droops in the back


If my back was cute (and narrow) enough to show I would have,

• left off the back bodice piece
  
• lengthened the midriff piece to make a tie
• added the elastic along to top of the skirt to make it look like this:

yea right!

Results: The only negative is that the pockets add bulk at the hip. If I get a chance to make it again I'll leave them off.

Halter dresses will never go out of style. I think they look great on all shapes/sizes. This one is perfect to make over and over for summer because it is quick and the fabric recommended travels well.


P.S. Check out Lina's new CD in the mean time. She's also been my daddy for the last week or so.

Saturday morning walk

Made a carry-all for kiddo. She tried it out for our morning walk, and decided it's perfect.


She can tote around all of her on-the-go "essentials" like water, gum, lip gloss, camera and her kiddie novels.

Review xposted on PR:

McCall's 2933

Pattern Description: lined bags w/ Velcro closures

Pattern Sizing:n/a

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? GREAT instructions. Very easy to understand - no "duh" moments

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? this was a very easy pattern for quite a stylish bag! I made this as a carry-all for my 10 y/o daughter.

other bag patterns I have looked at seemed so complicated in construction and needed many hard to find notions. this is a winner at ease and potential.

the bag is also very sturdy - all pieces except the lining are interfaced. and one thing to note is to be mindful about choosing heavy fabrics, because you have to go over many layers.

Fabric Used: denim on outside and lightweight canvas for lining

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: used heavyweight fusible instead of sew-in interfacing. Put on iron on jewels.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I think it would look nice in a variety of fabrics - and there is ample space to get fancy with embellishments. I like this for kids and it would be a nice bag for walking or shopping.

Conclusion I want to try all views!

a few more pics here

McCall's 5466

McCall's 5466

front

back

this one is not as flattering as the first so it MUST be accessorized.


3 ways: a la Lucky Magazine

1. with long scarf, wrap cardigan and boots

2. belted, cardigan, denim pumps (not shown)

3. blouse, belt, tweed pumps

review coming.....

reviewed

..Some call me the gangster of love...

Totally irrelevant title but I love that song! It's been stuck in my head all day.

But the pants are complete:

Simplicity 4366

i should have put on some boots so you see how the leg falls.

Size: 14


Pattern critique: Second attempt at this pattern, the first time I made the capris & I had a little trouble understanding the fly directions. This time it was much easier and I understood the fly construction - with a little help from the pants I wore while sewing. The directions included info on finishing AND proper pocket construction. Drafting was good, no mismatch pieces.

I don't really need any adjustments on most patterns but I am noticing (& learning) that some RTW pant rises and my Vogue pant rises are a tad too short. I can't see it but I feel it when I sit. The cut of these Simplicity pants is on point for me. Just high enough without being momish. The flaps on the back don't make my butt look big like some cute cords I tried on at Banana Republic a while back.

My only problem was the humongous pockets, none of my RTW pants/jeans have pockets that freakishly large. I mean the pockets are cargo-pants huge. I don't know what they were thinking, probably trying to make up for the "pockets" on the back are that are just flaps.

Fabric: dark stretch denim from Joann's

Modifications: 1.5 inches added to inseam. Fixed that huge pocket.


Results: I love these pants. The stretch denim is comfy as heck and dark enuff that I can sneak and wear these to work. I wont ever need to buy another pair of basic slacks again because of this pattern.

Review & reminder

McCall's 5518

Photoshoot directed & produced by kiddo.

Size: M

Pattern Critique: I'm not sure what drew me to this pattern. It is that loose & shape hiding style I am usually drawn to, but this one is not particularly......cute or even remotely stylish. The pattern cover is even bland, but I just had to make it. Maybe it was the pockets....

As it looks, it is really easy. It's your basic front, back, neck facings and sleeves - which were put in flat. I have never used a pattern that called for attaching the sleeve flat. There is topstitching down the front center seam and on the pockets. It was fun to make.

Fabric: Walmart $1 special satin-back stretch crepe. Rayon thread for topstitching.

Modifications: none for fit since this was a sack. I didn't hem the dress because I was afraid of that rounded hem, so I just serged it with pretty, shiny threads in the loopers.

Results: I don't know. I don't like the way the shoulder seam hangs, it makes my shoulders look broader. I looked closer at the pattern and that's how it should fit. Kiddo says I look like a doctor, and I probably do. Of course it is comfy. I'll wear it today & see how I feel.


Last call & reminder about the free patterns: Make sure you send me an email! I have confirmed about 5 requests so far. I think there may a couple of people who didn't email me yet. I'm mailing them out tomorrow only.

Still unclaimed are:

McCall's 4652/12-18

Burda 8309/8-18

Butterick 4454/6-12

Simplicity 4946/6-12

McCall's 5096/6-12

Reviews: New & Vintage Vogues

Vogue 8422

Size: 14

Pattern Critique: Easy enough for the rating by Vogue. The style is a little "different" but I do really like the high wrap neckline. The instructions confused me some because of the skipping around and a couple of unclear photos. I had to "figure out" the neck line & skirt construction. To me it seems they totally skipped over how to complete the skirt bottom for my view (C) Other than that, I am pleased.

Fabric: Cotton/Spandex print

Modifications: None needed

Results:Cool top. I like it sleeveless too - cool for a little layering. At first glance of this pattern it looks a little early Black Eye Peas, but something told me to make it and I'm glad I did.

Vogue 7003 (Vintage)



Size: 12

Pattern Critique: Super easy. I glanced at the instructions and they seemed too wordy & complicated, so I just winged it since it was a pretty simple style.

Fabric: Cotton/Spandex 2 way stretch

Modifications: Since I am usually a size 14 in the pattern I used 1/4 seam allowances. I also ommited the back zipper since this is super stretchy fabric.

Results: Oh my, my, my, this style is right up my alley! I've loved wearing 70's style since high school so I will get much wear out of this. I plan on "winterizing" this with turtlenecks & boots until spring. I might do another one in white for summer.

Review: McCall 5535

McCall's 5535

(click pics for larger view)

How I wore it today

Size: 14

Pattern Critique: I made this (view A) last night on impulse because I needed a break from Halloween costumes. A super quick sew for a cute semi-current dress. Certainly my style as you can probably tell. (me & tent dresses are here >< ) I have a similar dress I got from Target last year that I still wear. Pattern was overall good, not many pieces to cut & mark, everything matched up.

One thing to be aware of is the ease factor. Those of you who need an FBA (full bust adjustment) probably wont need to do much adjusting and those with a little pot belly (like myself) may need to go down a size to reduce the preggo look.

Fabric: Printed polyester matte jersey from Joanns. I fell in love with this after I saw this review on PR

Modifications: I used the longer skirt from view B. none for fit, I usually fit this style with no mods

Results: I could stand to go down a size to get a sleeker look. But I'm hoping it will shrink in the wash since I was impatient & didn't pre-treat. If it doesn't shrink enuff I'll take out a few inches of elastic in the waist. I wont sew this again for public wear but the longest version (view D) would make a cute night gown.

PS: don't miss the Hot Pattern give-away

Vogue 8420

Reviewed at PR