A WIP finished

I am so awful at posting my completed projects.  So here is the one from this post: WIPs - Work in Progress.

It's a vintage pattern: Advance 6956:

My original plan was to make a top and skirt from the fabric; but I didn't purchase enough to do both, so the top was made from this fabric, and the skirt is a pencil skirt from a black linen.

I purchased this fabric from Akente' Express in Denver.

The peplum, sleeves and neckline are underlined in a black swiss cotton.  The front opening has a self facing.  I also added large covered snaps at the waist and neckline to keep things from gapping

Inside - Front Vies



Inside - Back View

The top has deep pockets that are part of the seam.  The pockets are just as deep as the peplum.

The skirt was made from a pencil skirt pattern from Patrones Magazine.  (Once I get all the info I'll post a review on it).

Pattern Description: Vintage Advance 6956

Pattern Sizing: 34 bust

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? This is a vintage pattern and I found the pattern very easy to follow

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the fit of this outfit; especially the top.  It fits like a second skin.  I feel like a little kid with the deep pockets, I can't keep my hands out of them.

Fabric Used: African Print fabric from Akente' in Denver, CO and black linen for skirt

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• sized the pattern up to a bust 36
• lengthen the peplum by 4 inches
• added snaps at the neckline and waist closures for stability (in addition to grosgrain tape at waistline)

Would you sew this pattern again:

Yes, now that I've fitted the pattern, sewing it a 2nd time will be easier!

I don’t need No Stinkin’ Muslin, Right!

The past 2-3 weeks have been just crazy; but I'm hanging in there with my sewing.
Today, I finished a top that I had started a while back. It's this top from Burda:


Burdastyle Magazine May, 2013 - #112 Long Top

I thought to myself it's a simple top, its loose fitting, and only has 3 pattern pieces; so why waste fabric on a muslin. So off I want to working on my top.
Alterations before cutting out:

• Add 4 inches to the overall length
• Add 4 inches to the overall width. (I angled this from 0 inches at the shoulder seam to 4 inches at the hips – more of a tent dress affect – to accommodate the hips).

Next make it up, right? Well I forgot to check the detail because the original pattern was done for "jersey"; I was working with silky non-stretch fabric. The top was as loose at the hipline as I would have liked. First mistake; now how did I recover from this major faux pas? 
 
Since the top is an oversized top, it fit everywhere except the hip area; too snug. So the first version (I guess I should actually call it my "muslin"), was cut off just above the hip line, and has now become a top. I'll wear it as a top with a cinched waist; i.e. belt, as in the second photo.

So I recut the top out of another cotton weight fabric that I had. The only additional change that I made was to add another 4 inches at the hip line. This did the trick:

 


I pulled the front out so that you can see the asymmetric cut of the hem line. I made it to wear it with jeans; but I rather like it with a pencil skirt.

So what was my review – Very Easy Pattern (However, you have to be comfortable with Burda Magazine patterns, since instructions are at a minimal).

Pattern Description: Burda Magazine May, 2013 - #112 Long Top
Pattern Sizing: Cut out the size 38/40

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern once you were done sewing with it? Yes, considering that I totally ignore the "suggested fabric".


Were the instructions easy to follow? Very Easy (only 4 pattern pieces)! Remember this is a Burda Magazine pattern so instructions are at a minimal, and you may have draft your own pattern pieces (for the sleeve band and a neck facing).

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that its a basic design that you can use as a shell to create whatever your mind can conjure up.

Fabric Used: I should have used a knit; but instead made this from a silky woven and a cotton fabrics. (Recommended fabrics are just that – RECOMMENDEDJ!).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made a couple of changes as mentioned above:

• Added 8" at hip line area. This means I tapered the top to somewhat of a trapezoid shape, rather than the straight shaping in the line drawings.
  
• Added 4" to overall length
• Drafted a neck line facing of 1" in width and interfaced it.
• I did French seams on all of the side seams

• Also, I used bias tape to do the hemming; rather than double folding the fabric. I understitched the bias tape; then hand stitched the hem in place. It made for a lot cleaner hemline.

• Two lines of top stitching (edgestitch and ¼" ) on the sleeve seams, neckline

   
Would you sew it again? Yes, I'll give it one more go with another silky woven fabric.

Pretty in Pink!

So here's another dress made from my stash of fabric.  This time the fabric is from Denver Fabrics.  The pattern is  McCall 6504. ( I first mentioned it in my May 11 posting; well if you are wondering, yes I finished it).



McCall 6504 View C

It is a really light weight dress, and part of my no-brain dressing wardrobe.  The fabric is a lightweight cotton that was somewhat sheerr, so I unerlined it with a pale-pink batiste fabric.

Pattern Description: 

     View C of semi-fitted and flared dresses have hemline variations, back zipper and narrow hem and sleeves with tuck and button trim.

Pattern Sizing:

    Made Dress in Size 14

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

     Yes dresslooked exactly like pattern

Were the instructions easy to follow?

     Yes instructions were very simple and straight forward. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

    Again this is a full skirted dress with princess seams; which meant no hip alterations, and easy to adjust for bustline.

Fabric Used:

     Pink printed Cotton Fabric from Denver Fabrics Retail Store in Denver, CO. Batiste used for underlining from Studio Bernina in Lafayette, CO

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

   I did my usual height adjustment; I added 5 1/2 inch to the overall length of the dress.  Other than that there were no additional fitting adjustments needed.  I did the standard hem that was recommended (I chose to hand stitch the hem) and did without the button on the sleeve.

 I made a couple of alterations to accomodate the underlining and I used french seams throughout the dress.
The underlining was made using the same pattern peices as the dress. Instead of hemming the underlining, I used lace as a trim.  The french seams started from the waist to the hem of the dress and underlining: above the waist I did a standard 5/8" seam.

Rather than hemming the underlining, I just added lace, and made the underlining about an inch shorter than the dress.

I also used underlining in the sleeves so that I didn't have to bother with hemming them.  The underlining was sewn to the sleeve at the sleeve hemline; then the sleeve was sewn into the garment as a single unit.

 Take a look at the underlining (I'm so glad I did that, it was well worth the time and effort).

 I thought I'd try an in-action shot (twirling around). Oh if only I could be like a toddler and spend indefinitely; I paid for that one with some dizziness afterwards!

Happy Sewing . . .

McCall 6743 - A Dress made for Summer Weather

McCall 6743

Pattern Description: 

     Misses Dress and Belt: View D: Very loose-fittin, pullover dress with bias neck binding, gathers, seam detail and narrow hem

Pattern Sizing:

    Made Dress in Medium

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

     Yes Dress looked exactly like pattern

Were the instructions easy to follow?

     Yes instructions were very simple and straight forward.  I think a beginner seamstress could make this dress with little problem.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

     I wanted a "no-brainer" sewing project, and this was definitely it!  I just love how it flows when wearing it.  Its very comfortable to walk in.

Fabric Used:

     Cotton fabric; I found this fabric at Hancock earlier this summer on the clearance table for $2/yard.

I feel in love with the print, " PEACE" in bold neon green on a black back ground.  Of course like 

every hoarder, I bought the fabric before I knew what I would make out of it.  Be prepared, this dress calls for a LOT of fabric.  I've nicknamed it the "PEACE Dress"!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

   I did my usual height adjustment; I added 5 1/2 inch to the overall length of the dress.  Other than that there were no additional fitting adjustments needed.

  I also made a seam in the center front and center back pieces, because I was low in fabric.  The dress is so full that you really don't notice the seam. I also decided to do french seams on the dress also; this dress calls for a LOT of fabric.

  I also made the hem a 5/8" double fold hem, I just wanted a little more weight at the bottom of the dress.   For those windy moments we have here in the west, this makes sure it has a finished look.  I chose to do hand sew my hem, since I didn't want anything to distract from the fabric. (But you could machine hem it if you like).

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

Most definitely! 

Conclusion:

This dress takes very little time and effort to sew. It is just so much fun to wear; especially with flat ankle sandals!

Happy Sewing . . . . .

Sewing Notions: Enabler Alert!!!!!

I know I am so wrong for encouraging others with my addiction; but I can't help it.   What can I say, you're talking to a person that sews with her sister via Facetime!

So here is one that will help you save money too.  Martha Pullen's heirloom sewing website has it's annual sidewalk sale with 75% off!  I just bought about 25 items: Schmetz needles (starting at 75 cents to $1.25), 8 inch Gingher scissors for $10 (regularly $30), Floriani Embroidery Stabilizer for $5 to $12 (regularly about $20+).

I can't mention everything on sale here; but if you take a look at it; you'll see why I bought quite a bit.  Some of the things I loaded up on were:  machine needles; stabilizers; water soluble marker; rotary cutters; 5 pack rotary cutter blades, etc.  Samples of prices from web page:

I also found two coupons that you can use (my daughter-in-law calls me the Queen of Coupons!):

• Free shipping (if your purchase is under $75, use this coupon; good till 6/30):
• 15% off of total purchase (even sale items)

They can be found at this link: http://www.savings.com/m-Martha-Pullen-coupons.html
This link will provide the codes and take you to their website.

You can only used 1 of the codes at a time.

The sale is now thru 6/26.

Happy Sewing!

The Sewing Challenge

So although I've been recovering from my foot surgery;I've been busy sewing all types of garments. One outfit that I just finished is a peplum top and skirt.

The Pencil Skirt:


Pattern Used:  Mimi Goodwin Knit Pencil Skirt Tutorial

• Description:  This is an excellent tutorial for a knit skirt.  It is made according to your personal measurements.


• Summary:  This tutorial is excellent for beginners.  It didn't take me more than 30 minutes to make.


• Alteration: The only alteration that I made to the skirt was to taper it in at the lower edge by approximately 2-3 inches to maintain the tapered appearance.


• Fabric: Ponte Knit; 60 inches wide by 1 yard

After completing the skirt I discovered that I had a simple button front sweater that matched the skirt exactly.  I purchased it a couple of years ago from Old Navy.
I had made this skirt about 2 months ago and had already planned to make a blouse out of some fabric that I had gotten from JoAnn Fabrics clearance table.

 I had McCall 6754 in my stash, and figured it would make up well in the couldn't find quite the right top pattern to use. McCall 6754 Peplum Top

• Pattern Used:       McCall 6754 top (view C)
• Description:      Peplum blouse, view C;  size 14 with minor alterations 
• Alterations:  Added 5 inches to length of peplum (to accommodate my 6 ft frame)
• Summary:     Top was very easy to put together.  I assembled the blouse on my serger, and hand stitched all of the hems.  I didn't want topstitching to distract from the paisley style print of the fabric. The pattern went together very easily.

I can't wait till my foot is fully recovered and I can get back in my heels so that I can take better photos.I had to start posting some of my sewing because my stack of completed was getting large. Happy Sewing . .. .

OT: A Father's Day Outing

Happy Fathers Day,

I'm still here; but haven't been blogging like I had hoped. I had foot surgery in may and am now at a point that I am
mobile. I still can't wear my heels; but I can at least get around pretty good in flats. I hate this but I must say I really miss
wearing my heals. Wearing a dress with flats is just not the same as wearing a dress with heels.

Any how I hope everyone is having an amazing Father's Day. My daughter and I decided to take my husband out for Father's Day. First I decided to take him to see the Superman movie last night (he's a big superhero fan). The movie was
actually very good (at least we thought so; which is what is important).

Today we took him to Cheesecake Factory. When done we got a chance to walk and see the street performers.
There was one particular street perfomer that me and my husband saw many years ago when my boys were young. My daughter has never seen him. I call him the human pretze. This man can literally bend/contort himself to fit into a 20" square box.

It was truly amazing. First he squeezed himself into a 18" tube;



After this he squeezed himself into the 20 inch cube:

It was truly amazing! My daughter would have never believed us if we had told her.

Here are additional pictures from our walk in Boulder.











Happy Father's Day!


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