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.