A Style-Arc Pattern for Free - Ann's T-Top

Hi all,

Don't know what you have planned for a Saturday; but I plan to sew for a bit, go to the local Wa-Shonaji quilt show at the Blair Caldwell Library in Denver, and then prepare for the classes that I am teaching this fall.

As I was organizing my sewing strategy yesterday, I am across a free pattern offer from Style-Arc and Gorgeous fabrics.  It's the Ann's T-Top:

 

Style-Arc/Gorgeous Fabric Free Ann's T-Top 

I've been wanting to try one of the patterns since I've heard several online sewing buddies give Style-Arc patterns good reviews.  The pattern only takes 1 yard of fabric.  The 

price is that I signup for the emails.

I'm not sure how long it will be available, but I've already. I requested a 10; but they also send you additional patterns for 1 size above and below the one you requested!

Well off I go to sew.

Happy Sewing . . . .

 

Vogue Fall 2014 V9201 - The vintage version

As I looked at te new Vogue lineup for Fall 2014.  I found this pattern:  

I immediately decided that I wanted a copy of this pattern.  However, as I perused my Vintage Pattern stash.  I came across this mail order pattern.

It looks a lot like the Vogue pattern above.  The key difference between the two is that the Vogue version is more fitted. The plus side is that the vintage version will be easier to make.   I'm thinking that I'll have to add this to my vintage sewing list.

What's the saying, "Everything Old is New Again!!"

Happy Sewing . . . ..

Vintage Sewing Pledge 2014

Just recently I cam across the Vintage Sewing Pledge (badge is in my side menu). The pledge is to make at least 5 sewing patterns in 2014.  I'm a little late joining; but don't think I'll have a problem meeting the pledge.

The blog is written by Marie at "A Stitch Odyssey". 

The patterns that I am considering making and already have the fabric allotted for: 

Vogue 794 (which has recently be reprinted by Vogue; I got my hands on this little beauty a couple of years ago):

The other pattern I'm looking at is Vogue 1194.  I finally found a artificial black fur (that looks real!) to put on the end of the scarf.  And as natural, I have an overstock of wool in my stash to use for it.

 

 

Another pattern that I have fabric for is Vogue 7190:

 

Add caption

 

 

Finally, I'm also hoping to get to this Advance 9522: 

 

 

 

Wish me luck and I'll let you know how it goes!

 

Happy Sewing . . . . .

 

My version of the Maxi

After seeing Mimi’s version of a maxi with with a front slit, I thought I’d give it a try.  It looks so comfy and easy to wear.
I had used this fabric to make a strapless dress in its previous incarnation.
 
I never wore the dress, since I just wasn't comfortable with it.  It had elastic above the bust and at the waistline, and I always had this nightmare of me stepping on the hem and it sliding down.  So I decided to reconstruct it. 

After taking the strapless maxi apart; I took McCall 6752 and altered it to come up with my own maxi. View D has a similar styling above the waist.

      
I changed the skirt portion.  I wanted a little more fullness at the bottom, so I cut the bottom half 3 sizes larger than the size I needed and tapered it to the appropriate waist size.  Of course I had to add extra length to get it to the floor length that I wanted.

I had a black leather belt that I chose to use with the dress, and a pair of gladiator sandals.  Here is my front slit maxi dress:

Happy Sewing . . .

Black and White coloring in my life

Remember Simplicity 2702 and the "fish" dress? 

Well I had a piece of black/white stripe fabric in my stash:



I found this fabric at a couple of years ago at an estate sale.  Originally, I thought I'd make a skirt from it,  but decided this dress would work nicely out of this fabric.

  

Front View                                                     Back View

After the first stitching of this pattern, this became an even quicker sew.
A couple of days ago I did a stop at my local DSW, and found the perfect shoes to go with this dress. they are black and white like the dress:

      

As for the 4th of July, I've decided to celebrate by doing a sewing marathon.  I just altered McCall 6713, and finished it last night.

Happy Sewing and Hope you had a joyful 4th of July . . . . .

A Detour from Garment Sewing . . .

Most of the time I'm sewing garments; however, I have been known to dabble in quilting.   During the  past couple of days, I've been doing some hand applique for a quilt top.   When I was a little girl in Mississippi, I remember my maternal grandmother making quilts from rags and old pieces of clothing.  Then all the women would come over and the "smoke house" (where they smoked meat) became a quilting house.  She had a quilt frame that was hung from the ceiling and they would all hand quilt or tie-off the quilts. One of her favorite quilt tops to do was "Sun Bonnet Sue".  Anytime I see her, I just automatically start to smile and think of my grandmother.   During the time I've been somewhat incapacitated, I decided to do some hand quilting.  I could keep my little box with me and stitch a block or two.  I've only got two left to complete and then I can piece the top. I purchased some batik fat quarters in varying colors from Joan Fabrics when they were on sale for $1.00.   NOTE: If you are a teacher be sure to get your teacher discount card.  It gets you 15% off your total purchase, and is good for an entire year.   Here are some of the squares I’ve completed:





I think they are just adorable.  Sunbonnet Sue is a weak spot for me.  She brings back such fond memories of my grandmother.  I got a chance to bring together to of my favorite loves: my grandmother and sewing.
Happy Sewing . . . .

When is a muslin, not a muslin?

When it fits you the first time and its made out of this adorable “fish” print:

I decided that I needed some loose fitting dresses, as I am still dealing with the shingles.

Since I had the fish-fabric in my stash from many years ago when my daughter was small, I figured I’d use it to make a muslin from. Well turns out the muslin turned out nicely and was perfect fit.  So I decided to keep it as a dress.

I also found a pair of adorable flats with an ankle strap on them to wear with the dress.  The shoes are red and appear to be out of a wool.  They are call Penny Loves Kenny Shoes and are called “Gyrta”.   I found these at Off Broadway Shoes for only $9.00.
 

Simplicity 2702 – Pattern Review:

Did it look like the photo? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? I found it very easy to stitch together.  It took only about 2 hours total (that was with me hand-stitching the hem and joke facing).  One change that I did make in the construction was attaching the yoke to the dress.  I attached it in 3 sections: (1) around the neckline, (2) the sides of the joke, and finally (3) across the bottom of the yoke.  (I’ll have to post photos on the steps I did later).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made the top in a size 16.  The only change I made was adding 3 inches to the length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I’ve already done so.  I would definitely recommend it.  It’s a quick sew, and very comfy to wear.

Conclusion:   This is a quick sew, and the dress is very comfortable to wear.



Happy Sewing . . . .