Joggers To Love - Vogue V8909

Yes, these are joggers to love.  I've made them about four times.  So, this pattern is a TNT.  My first pair are reviewed here.

There isn't much more to say about these other than I did a little leg treatment at the bottom of each of my latest pair.  The green pair is my favorite.

I will certainly make several more in the coming years.  So that's all for now.  

Parting Photos:

Here are a few pictures of me and Bonnie (one of my sewing students) on our February field trip to Vogue Fabric warehouse.

Vogue V2049 - New Pattern Release in Review

When I saw Vogue V2049 bodysuit pattern in the catalog, I had to have it.  And a few weeks ago, I was finally able to purchase it at the JoAnn's pattern sale.  Days later I cut it out and begin to make the fit adjustments.

At times making the fit adjustments can take just as much time as it does to sew up a simple t-shirt.  For this top, I got the brilliant idea to use my Molly Tee pattern as a sloper in hopes of speeding up the process.  Low and behold, it was spot on with the adjustments.  

I was extremely happy not to do the entire process of slashing, cutting, and taping. So, here is my review:

 

 Pattern Description: Misses' Bodysuits:  close-fitting bodysuit has asymmetric neckline stabilized with 1/4" elastic, bust darts, long sleeves and fastens with snap closures.  View A has front and back gathered drape pulled through loop.

 

Pattern Sizing:  8 to 26.  I used size 16 with modifications.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?  One of the things that I love about sewing Vogue patterns is that they sometimes have some very interesting techniques for constructing a garment.  The construction of the right top at the arm was one of those cases.  To my surprise, it went together very well.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I have some likes and dislikes.

Likes

• The style of the bodysuit.  I love the drape about the neckline and the scarf. And the asymmetric stabilized neckline is a winner. too

Dislikes

 

• Now, the way that vogue instructs on how to finish the leg hole and the snap area, I didn't appreciate at all.  It did not make sense to me.  But for the sake of following the instructions for this wearable muslin, I finished the leg hole and snap area as instructed.  Next time I will probably add a little more to the edges and sew on elastic to finish the area.

Fabric Used:  My fabric came from Walmart.  I got it out of the 2 yard discount bend.  I only paid $4.00 for it.  It is a soft, light weight knit with 75% crosswise stretch required for this top.  Note:  having enough crosswise stretch is key.  Make sure you take the amount of stretch into consideration if you plan to make this top.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I used what I'll say is a short-cut on the FBA.  If you've been following this blog for at least a year, you know that I love making the Molly Tee and have made several of them throughout the years.  It comes with bust cup sizes, I think, up to G.  I have my pattern at the ready at all times.  So, I placed my Molly Tee under the front of the Vogue V2049 to determine the FBA.  I totally ignored the darts.  Then I added the "curved width" needed to make this new top fit.  When I constructed the bodysuit, I did make darts as instructed.  It worked out perfectly.

 

I'm hope  I'll be able to take of picture of me wearing it soon.  But for now, I'm showing it on the dress form.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, this was my wearable muslin.  I think that I will make it as a top, though.  We will see how that goes later.  I do recommend it to others.  Caution, this is not a typical t-shirt pattern.  I can sew up a simple t-shirt within an hour and a half.  This bodysuit took about 3 hours to make minus putting on the snaps.  It takes time and patience on the neckline and drape.

Conclusion:   I really like how this bodysuit turned out with the exception of the finishing of the leg hole and snap area.  The attractive neckline is a winner.  

 

Happy Sewing!

 

C

 

Midnight Blue Crinkle Velvet and Butterick B5101

 

Hi sewing friends, 

Today I'm blogging my first 2025 sewing project.  I wore this pant set to an 80th birthday celebration a few weeks ago.  

I wanted something easy and quick.  So I choose to make something that I'd already adjusted and tested.  Butterick B5101 was perfect.  The fit of the wrap top was pretty good and the pants were a simple pull-on pant with a yoke.  

The crinkle velvet was purchased at JoAnn's.  It was so easy to sew. The crinkles ran horizontally from savage to savage.  I wanted them to be vertical.  So I cut off the garment pieces perpendicular to the savage. This change gave some added "fake" stretch  around the body.  This affect, in my opinion, gave the illusion of a slimmer, sleek body.   Lol

My review of the wrap is located here on my blog.

As mentioned in my previous post, I did add a few inches to the bottom of the top. I was it to look more like a jacket.

Making the pants were as easy as making a pair of pajama pants. Easy.   So, that's it on the pattern review.

Happy Sewing!

P.S.

I have a few more 2024 reviews to go.  

Another 2024 Project In Review - Simplicity S9716

Talk about easy to sew, this pattern is just that.  I made the cardigan, which is perfect for pairing with other simple staples.  Here, I'm wearing it with a ribbed mocked turtle top from JC Penney and a pair of Vogue V8859 pull-on pants that I made a few years ago

Simplicity gives a very basic pattern description:  Misses' knit top, cardigan, and skirt.  It is available in sizes 4 through 20.  I used size 16 with modification. 

This simple cardigan does look like the drawing on the envelope.  I looked closely at the duster that the model is wearing to determine if the shape of the sleeve, the placement of the shoulder seam, and the drape along the side of the cardigan were the same as mine.  I wanted to achieve the same relaxed look of the cardigan as pictured. 

The instructions were typical and nothing difficult in them.  I think this is a great pattern to help beginners start to sew knit fabrics.

What I like most about this pattern is the simplicity of it.  It's super easy and stylish at the same time.  I don't have any dislikes.

The double knit that I used was purchased at New Rainbow Fabrics last fall.  It is a soft but sturdy knit that is perfect for a cardigan.  

I really only made two small changes:

• Added belt loops to the sides using the fashion fabric
• At the side bust area I "kind of" curved out that area for added room for a fuller bust.  I hope that makes sense.  I didn't take any photos.

I hope to make at least the duster.  It just a longer cardigan.  As I said earlier, this is a great pattern for beginners.  It can be used to create a mini wardrobe.  A good basic pattern for wardrobe staples.

So that's all for now.

Happy Sewing,
Cennetta

What I Wore on Christmas - V1835

 

I have just a few more 2024 projects that I'll post before moving on to my 2025 sewing.  This lounge outfit was actually the last project I made in 2024.  

This was my Christmas outfit.  I was glad to host Christmas day.  I enjoy having my family over, and we had a festive time.  

There isn't much to review with this outfit; because I made it before in 2022.  Here is the link to that review.   

There are just a few small changes that I made for this version:  

• I ruched the lower left side and the lower sleeve.  
• If you plan to do the cold shoulder, you'll need to adjust the length of the left sleeve by a few inches.  
• I lengthen the sleeve and pant leg.

No other changes.  

My fabric was purchased at JoAnn's Fabrics.  I pre-washed and dry it.  It came from the dryer soft and ready to cut into.  Sewing was a breeze.  I really like how quickly this  pattern sews up. 

This is a very comfortable set to wear around the house.  Lately, I'm enjoying the "cute" lounge clothes.  There may be a few more of these sets added to my comfy wardrobe. Lol

Happy Sewing!

C

The Not So Famous Jacket - Simplicity S9227

This is one I really did not like how it turned out.  I tried and tried to make it work, but...,  I think it me though.  It's in how it looks on me. 

So here goes my pattern review of Simplicity S9227.  

Pattern Description:  Simplicity's says Misses' jacket and pants.  I'll add:  it is a princess seam style jacket, unlined.  On the model, the sleeve cap does not sit exactly on the ball of the shoulder.  

Pattern Sizing:  The pattern is available in sizes 8 to 26.  I used size 16 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it does for the most part.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical, nothing confusing in them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I do not like the look on me after I made all of the fit alterations.   The princess seam sit more on the side of the body than normal. I think the problem with the "look" is more related to the position of the princess seam and being full busted.  Also, I did not like how the sleeve and arm syce are drafted.  It just does not look good or wear well to me. 

Fabric Used:  I purchased this suiting fabric from the Textile Warehouse a few years ago.  It is a twill like weave..  I thought it was perfect for this pattern.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made most of my usual upper body fit adjustments:  FBA, broad shoulders, and lengthen the sleeves.    Sorry, I didn't take pictures of the alterations.  I even made a muslin.  I added Dior darts on the front in hopes of improving the look of the jacket.  No luck.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I will not sew this again.  I'm putting the jacket in my donation bag.  I've enough time on it.  Plus, I have so many jacket patterns to try.  If you are thinking about trying this pattern, please make a muslin and make sure it fits perfect (just the way you like it) before cutting into your fashion fabric.

Conclusion:  This jacket really didn't work for me.  Try it with caution.  Make a muslin first.  Side note:  in the photos I'm also wearing a new molly t-shirt.  I have made so many of these.  This is a highly recommended pattern.  It is great for a quick sewing project.

More 2024 to come.

 

Drapery Cowl Knit Top - McCall M7194

You can never have too many tops.  Especially, comfortable ones.  Today's first pattern review is on McCall's M7194.  Another older pattern that has been in my collection for nearly ten years.  The great thing about this one is that it is a modern day classic style with an "edgy" twist. Lol

It sews up pretty much like a basic t-shirt pattern with the exception of the lower section and the hemline.

Pattern Description:  Misses' tops:  close-fitting pullover tops have hemline variations and stitched hem on sleeves.  B:  Cut on crosswise grain, lower sections out on bias grain.  C:Lower band with left side slit.  A, B, C:  Collar D: Neckband, flounce, wrong side may show.  A, B, D:  Narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing:  XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL.   I used size medium grading it up between medium and large.  Note:  I added slightly more wide, rounded at the bust area, not much though.  My fabric has a lot of stretch in it. 

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, simple.  Nothing confusing in them.  This top really sews up fast with the most time spent on setting the sleeves in and getting the hem just right.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like the cowl, hemline and lower section variation.  No dislikes.

Fabric Used:  This smooth hand knit has about 50 percent stretch and was very easy to work with.  As with most projects, I pre-washed my fabric (sometimes I forget to say that.).  I purchased it at New Rainbow Fabrics on Roosevelt Road in Chicago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  No serious alterations.  I lengthen the sleeve a bit and added some width at the bust area.  I attempted to align the window panes of the upper and lower sections of the bodies, but I missed that (one section cut crosswise and the other on the bias).  Also, I noticed a little too much ease in the sleeve cap.  So, it is a good idea to check it and maybe decrease it a little for a smooth finish.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, and yes.  I could use a few more of these.  I'll make view B again as well as view D.  This is an easy pattern.  I think all level sewists can make it without any problems.

Conclusion:   I enjoyed making and wearing this top (Fall 2024 make).  It is super comfy.  Great for those potentially lazy days of winter.  It also great for running errands and pairing with your favorite leggings or jeans.

Happy Sewing!

C