Butterick 5249

Pattern Description:
Butterick 5249 is a skirt pattern with various views. The skirts have a high waist with princess seams and back zipper. Two views have carriers with self-belt with one having a flounce at the hem. Two views have side front pleats which are also pockets, with one having a bottom flounce.

I cut view B with the side front pleats.

Pattern Sizing:
I cut a 12

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

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love pencil skirts, and I love that this had a little detail to it. Because I didn't add pockets, the instructions were a little tricky when adding the lower front side panels, but I figured it out.

Fabric Used:
Lightweight wool blend.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I kept the front pleats, but I didn't insert a pocket because I was afraid it would be too bulky. I had to shorten it by about 5 inches. I also had to take smaller seam allowances on the side for it to fit, but I'm glad I did that because the 14 might have been too big.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would definitely make this again.

Conclusion:
I love this skirt. I work it to work with a blazer and got tons of compliments on it. I'm excited to make this again- I want to try the other views and in different fabrics.

Simplicity 2696

Pattern Description:
Pullover tunics with front and sleeve variations

Pattern Sizing:
14-22. I cut a 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, although I made it sleeveless

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The collar was a little tricky. It took me a while to figure it out.

Fabric Used:
I used a rayon/poly woven fabric. It frays easily so I used pinking shears to prevent a mess.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made this top sleeveless and used bias tape. I also made this a little bigger than my size because I wore it while I was pregnant. I have been wearing since giving birth, and just tuck it in or wear a belt.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would sew it again, but I would try a different fabric.

Conclusion:
I love how I can dress this top up or down. I've worn it to work under a suit, and with jeans a belt.

McCalls Dress 5621

Pattern Description:
Dresses A, B are slim-fitting with gathered front and contrast neck bands; dress B has three-quarter length sleeves with gathered self-ruffle; dress C is slim-fitting, has neck band and short bell sleeves with elastic casing; dresses A, B and C lengths are 5" above mid-knee.

Pattern Sizing:
10-12-14-16-18. I cut the size 12

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?
I liked that it was easy and fast. I did have a little trouble with the neckband "fitting" into the dress, but I figured it out.

Fabric Used:
Pink linen and black/white/pink cotton for neckband

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None- I did make it big, because it was originally supposed to be a maternity dress for me last summer. I finished everything but the hem, and then forgot about it until this summer. I hemmed it and wore it with a belt!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I definitely am going to sew it again and I would recommend it to others. I want to make the view C dress next.

Conclusion:
I have gotten tons of compliments on this dress. It's perfect for summer!

McCalls 5425

Pattern Description:
Pullover dress has front and back neck casings; dress A has contrasting tie that extends from left front and left back opening edges of casing, center back slit at upper edge; dresses B, C have shoulder straps extending from casing, upper and lower center back slits; dress B has contrasting shoulder strap and belt.

Pattern Sizing:
I bought the 14-16-18-20 last year when I was pregnant. I decided to still use it since my full bust measures a size 14. Also, there really isn't much form to this dress.

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?
Extremely easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that it was easy and fast. I wanted to make a dress for a 4th of July cookout and it took me no time to make it.

Fabric Used:
Red linen for the dress, navy linen for shoulder straps and belt

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made the shoulder straps narrower. I could see that it would be difficult pulling a wide piece of fabric through the loops.

I could tell it was going to be short, so even though I am petite, I only shortened the torso. I left the hip area as it was.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I would. I might make a swimsuit coverup or a dressier fabric for a dress to go out in.

Butterick 5415 & Butterick 5420

I finished both of these garments a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't really had time to take a picture!


B5415:Pattern Description:
Close-fitting dress with front darts and back zipper. This dress offers 3/4 sleeves variations of necklines and contrasting bands.
Pattern Sizing:
XS-XXL I used a M
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. This is a very easy pattern for an advanced beginner like me. The sleeves weren’t bad at all!
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
What I liked is that it was a simple style that is loose, but still looks like it “fits.”
Fabric Used:
Silk blend
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made my hem band a little shorter, since even cutting the petite size made it way too long for my taste.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, definitely. I may try to make one out of a knit fabric.
Conclusion:
This really helped me build my confidence in making something with sleeves.

B5420:


I wanted to make something else with sleeves, but I also wanted to work with a knit. I have a serger that I've never used before. I planned on using my serger, but I never had time to read the directions, so I used a zig zag stitch with a ball point needle on my sewing machine.


Pattern Description:
Misses top
Pattern Sizing:
XS-XXL I used a M
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, extremely.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the rouching on the side. I still need to lose my pregnancy pouch and this top covers it up.
Fabric Used:
Poly knit
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, definitely. I might try to make it a little shorter, or longer- for a dress. Or, maybe sleeveless.
Conclusion:
I made this top in less than 2 hours. Other than my interfacing being too heavy, this was a hit for me.

Tip: Keeping Zippers to Stay

I forgot where I read this tip, but it recommended using washable glue when adding a zipper. This keeps it in place until stitching it on.

Tyra's Dress

I saw Tyra Banks wearing a dress a couple of months ago that I really liked, so I took a picture of the tv:


As I work more with dresses and knits, I'm hoping I'll be able to make something similar in the next few months. I really want to wear mostly dresses going forward- they're easy and when they fit right, look so classy.

Tip: Woven to Knit

If you have a great woven pattern that you want to make work for knits, stitch the side seams 1/2* deeper. Machine baste them at 1 1/8* instead of 5/8*. If you're making a pair of pants, try placing the waistband 1/2* lower. Often the zipper can be eliminated from knit pants if the fabric has enough stretch to fit over the hips.

From sewnews.com

First Sewing Class

I took my first sewing class this weekend. It was great! I learned more about under stitching, became better at ease stitching, and I'm thinking about taking my serger to the class next week when I try a knit top.

This week, I made this dress (Butterick 5415):


I still need to the sew the sleeves in, but so far I'm really happy how it's come out.

Sewing Class

I signed up for a sewing class today! I'm super excited. It's only 4 hours for 2 Saturdays, but I'm looking forward to learning more about making pieces with sleeves and altering patterns for a better fit.

I'm supposed to bring a pattern and the fabric. I'm not sure what I'm going to bring, but it will be something I already have at home. I'm also pretty sure it will be a dress. I really want to wear mostly dresses this year.

I hope I can meet and stay in touch with other sewers in the class so I can talk to other people about my projects.

My dress is not coming out well. I did cut a new midriff, but something is still off about the dress. I think I cut it a size too small...

Infinity Scarf

Miss Celie inspired me to make this scarf. I've wanted a knitted one all winter, but couldn't find one or didn't want to pay for one. Making one out of fabric is so smart! I found this polyester stretch fabric at Sew Fisticated for $2.99/yd. I bought 2 yards. It's 24 inches wide. It took me less than 30 minutes to cut and stitch it. I will use it as a winter scarf with my coat as well as something to keep me warm inside since I'm always cold.

Once I find some more fabric, I'll make some more- maybe even some as gifts!

December 09/January 10 Project

McCalls 5579:

This is not a difficult pattern, but I'm having some trouble. First, the light, satiny polyester fabric I'm using is not easy. Secondly, I don't think I measured myself right. It may be a little snug, which is probably okay, since I'm still losing baby weight and will probably be able to fit it by the summer. My boyfriend says I should start over, but I think I just need to cut a new midriff. I could have finished this yesterday, but I needed to walk away from it for a day or two. Hopefully, I'll finish it soon...

Simplicity 2696

I made this top before my belly was showing. It's my first real attempt with sleeves. This shirt was pretty simple- the hardest part was the front neckline, which still didn't come out as smooth as I would have wished, but overall I was proud of my effort. Surprisingly, I got a lot of compliments whenever I wore it. It's big for me now, but I may still try to wear it with a belt.

First Entry

I've decided to start a sewing blog to keep up with my projects and my sewing skills. My mother, both grandmothers and aunts all sewed- actually, my grandmother even was a seamstress and owned a store where my aunt worked. I was never really into sewing when I was a kid, other than the occasional pillow or something, but I would watch my mother sew clothes for herself, me and my dolls. I don't remember not knowing how to handstitch and sew on buttons, but I never really made anything. I vaguely remember making some pants when I was a teenager, but I got serious about wanting to sew when I was about 25. My mother gave me her old machine and taught me the basics of reading a pattern. I made some more pants and a few other projects, like bags and stuff. A year or 2 later, I invested in a new sewing machine. I still stuck to pants and skirts because I was afraid of sleeves. Then, my mother passed away and I didn't sew for a few years.

Now that my grandmother, aunt and mother are all gone, I'm on my own. I really need a sewing support system to help me be a better sewer and to share ideas with.

Well, I'm back to sewing again. I like to sew- I like being creative, and having one-of-a-kind pieces. Patterns are like puzzles to me, so I like figuring them out, even though it sometimes takes me a while to understand what I have to do. I made some sleeveless dresses and tops over the summer when I was pregnant, because I hated maternity clothes. Now, I want to make tops and dresses and pants that really fit me well.

My sewing goals:

1. Take a class or meet other sewers to learn and improve techniques
2. Learn how to make clothes that fit my body like a glove
3. Learn and master my serger (I inherited from my mom, but have never used it)
4. Learn how to alter patterns to make things more unique