McCalls 6083

Pattern Description:
Misses' Jumpsuit In 3 Lengths and Sash

Pattern Sizing:
I made a size 14 in view D (the shorts with the cross top).  I must have bought this pattern when I was feeling a little fat, lol.  I usually sew a size 10 or 12, so I increased the seam allowance on the sides a little.

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?
This is a fun outfit, and I liked how it came out.  Sewing the top to the bottom was a challenge for me, but I could have done a better job with pins and basting.  Contrary to other reviews I’ve read about this pattern, I thought the directions were pretty easy - which is crazy coming from me, who has to read pattern directions 100 times!  Also, it’s really easy for me to get in and out of.

Fabric Used:
A lightweight turquoise knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I shortened the crotch about an inch, and increased the side seam allowances.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Definitely! I might make the pants version and may even make one for my cousin.  I feel like I can wear this as a casual outfit to the beach or something, or dress it up with a belt, jewelry, heels and a blazer. 

Conclusion:
I’ve wanted a cute romper like this for a while, but I didn’t know if it would be flattering, so I didn’t want to make the investment.  I’m pretty happy with how it came out.  I do see some flaws, but I know how to fix them next time.

Simplicity 2506: Dinosaur Costume

Pattern Description:
Toddlers' animal costumes, including toddler mouse costume, devil, dragon, angel, bear sewing patterns

Pattern Sizing:
A- there was only one size. I made the dinosaur costume.

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 how easy it was and how quickly I was able to make it. This was my first time sewing with a nap (corduroy), but that was really easy as well.

Fabric Used:
Green corduroy and orange broadcloth

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I pretty much followed the pattern, but I did not use the foot part. I knew my son would be walking around out side in the costume, and I wanted him to wear sneakers.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely! Everyone thought it was a store-bought Halloween costume!

Conclusion:
My mother always made my Halloween costumes, and I want to follow that tradition. I was really worried that I wouldn't be able to finish it in time, but once I cut the pattern out, the rest was really simple.

Inspiration - Blazer

I would love to be able to make this blazer. I have to dress up for work, and my boss is a stickler about wearing a jacket. I'm so sick of the regular blazers- I really like collar-less blazers!

Source: Jones New York

McCalls 6118 - Maternity Version

Pattern Description:
Above, mid-knee length, one shouldered tunics. I chose the sleeveless version. I had made this for myself about 6 months ago. My girlfriend saw it and last month she asked me to make her the dress for her baby shower.

Pattern Sizing:
I made size 12 since it was for a growing body, but could have gone a size smaller. It's pretty generous in sizing.

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?
It was so easy. When I made it for myself, it only took a day. This dress took a little more time since it was: 1) for someone else, 2) for a pregnant person, and 3) for a pregnant person who lives 500 miles away. I measured her once, but then I had her husband measure her back and armholes and call me with it to make sure the dress would fit.

Fabric Used:
A lime green slippery polyester of some kind. Her shower theme was black, white and lime green.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Of course I gave it more room in the front for her belly. I also made the front a little longer than the back because of her belly. I made her belt longer to make sure it would wrap around her waist.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I probably will sew it again for me. I want to try the one with sleeves, maybe.

Conclusion:
She loved it! I think I made it a little too short, so I would extend the length next time, especially if I'm making it in a maternity dress. This is a really great pattern that was super easy. Depending on the fabric and color choice, it could be a casual or dressy dress.

McCalls 5752

I've had this pattern for a while, but for some reason, thought it would be difficult, so I've been putting it off. I finally faced my fears and tackled it this past weekend. It really wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I actually finished it in a day! (will add some photos when I get a new camera.)

Pattern Description:
Misses gathered dress with wrapped bodice

Pattern Sizing:
8-14. I made a size 12 of the short sleeved dress without the drapes from the waist.

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?
The instructions were very clear to me. I was planning on making the dress with the drapes but changed my mind at the last minute.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love this dress style. It looks like a wrap dress, but it isn't. I think that's what really attracted me to the drapes. Then I thought, if it's not a real wrap, what do I need the drapes for? Plus, I like how the model is wearing a pin in the pattern photo. I think this dress is very flattering to women of different sizes and shapes.

Fabric Used:
A printed rayon knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't use the midriff lining. I didn't think I needed it. I was right- I think it would have been too bulky for my shape.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I definitely will sew it again. I'm a little top heavy, so I will continue to cut the size 12 for the top, but a 10 for the midriff and skirt. I had to take in the waist a lot. I'm not crazy about the print, so I want to make a couple of these in solid colors. I would also like to make this dress using my serger (that I have never used before!)

Simplicity 2700

I finally finished the pants that I started about 2 months ago. When I first bought the pattern, I thought the hardest part for me would be the pockets. As soon as I figured out the instructions, I pretty much breezed through them. The thing that really got me stuck was the zipper. Every time I attempted to do the zipper, I got confused and put the pants down. I read tutorials online; I read books; I read the instructions out loud repeatedly. No luck. This is the reason these pants took me 2 months!


Pattern Description:
Misses & Miss Petite Pants: Amazing Fit Collection

Pattern Sizing:
6-14. I made a size 10 curvy

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, pretty much.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were very clear, but I never sewed a zipper using this method. I finally forced myself to sit down and figure it out, and it really wasn't too bad. I think the instructions for choosing which "fit" was a little strange. My measurements did not match up on the chart at all and I'm not sure why. I chose the Curvy fit, which I think was correct, but maybe I should have gone a size down.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the pockets. I usually avoid pockets because I think they bulk up that area of my body. However, these pockets laid flat, and I feel comfortable actually putting something in them! over again.

Fabric Used:
Black wool for the pants, and a brown lining I had in the house

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I shortened the legs considerably since I'm a little over 5 feet. I wanted them shorter than my regular slacks because I plan to only wear flat shoes with these pants. I followed the directions, but I probably should have made some more alterations in the crotch.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I definitely will sew it again. The crotch area was too big, so I want to perfect it. I'm going to use some of my favorite pants as a guide. I also think this is a great pattern for some linen slacks for the summer. I wore these pants to work last week and got a couple of compliments on them, but I could see the flaws. (My camera is broken- I'll upload some pics as soon as I get a new one!) I would also like to try these with a lining. I might also add belt loops.

Conclusion:
A pretty good pattern, although there are a couple of other pant patterns I like a little better.

It's a Been a Long Time

I can't believe it's been almost 3 months since I've posted! I have been sewing, I just need to take some pictures and post my reviews.

I went to Jamaica last month, and I wore a lot of the items I've been sewing. I got tons of compliments on them!

I have a lot of sewing goals in 2011:

• Continue to improve on my pattern alterations
• Master some basic techniques: zippers, pockets, sleeves and linings
• Make the majority of my summer dresses
• Start to make jackets/blazers

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.