Black, Red, and White Striped Rayon Jersey Knit - Vogue 1314

After a mini purge of my closets, I noticed that there were huge empty spaces that need to be filled with more clothes made by me. ;-) I decided to start with a few tops. This is the second of many more to make.  My new toppers will fill the void were the worn tattered garments used to hang. So here's to beefing up my wardrobe with a simple pullover t-shirt made with Mood's Italian Pirate Black/Mars Red/Bright White Bengal Striped Stretch Rayon Jersey Knit.

This jersey is fantastic. It's perfect for keeping it simple. I used Vogue 1314 again. I wanted it to be a quick and easy project; I knew this pattern could deliver with no problem at all. So, here's to simple and easy with great fabric and a must have TNT pattern.

Parting Shot:  flowering bunches in my backyard.

 Happy Sewing!
C

Liberty on London Silk-Cotton Voile - McCall 7359

Do you want to make a breezy, floaty top for the summer? Well look no further, Mood has a slew of beautiful  Liberty on London fabrics that are perfect for light, airy summer tops.  It took me a while to settle on Mistral Golden Nutria Silk-Cotton Voile.  This beauty has a hint of transparency.  The finish is smooth and glossy. The drape is a perfect match for McCall's 7359. 

The pattern is described as:  pullover tops (semi-fitted through bust) have upper sections extending into sleeves with gathers, front pleated lower sections, and narow hem. A, B: Neck band. B: Shaped hemline, wrong side shows. C: Sleeve band. C, D: Collar.

It comes in sizes XS to XL.  I used size medium with modifications.  See my post here for the details.

With a few adjustments I was able to make it work for me.  It is a great complement to a nice pair of  leggings or slim pants.  That's how I'll wear it. ;-)

This little pattern is a winner.  I will probably make a few more before the end of summer.  My likes:

•  dolman sleeves and "V" neckline
• long curve hemline of view B
• easy to  make and wear

The fabric and the pattern are both winners.  Try them.  You won't be disappointed.

Happy Sewing!
C

Notes on a Pattern - McCall 7359

The minute I saw this pattern, I wanted to make it.  I like the length of view B and the neckband and sleeves of view C.

My challenge was to feature out how I could make it fit me across the bust area without drastically changing the style lines.  Good thing is the cut on dolman sleeves and the front pleat provide quite a bit of wearing ease.

After I made the muslin, it revealed a few minor fit issues.  I needed  my usual adjustments: prominent shoulder blades, sway back and FBA.

Note the pattern pieces below:

• I added a little more move at the shoulder and upper arm area.  This was done on the upper front and back pattern pieces.
• For my prominent shoulder blades, I slashed the upper back from the shoulder to the end of the pattern pieces spreading 3/4" at the top and over lapping at the lower section.  This process was carried out through the lower back section.

• Added length to the sleeve (1 1/2") on all four pattern pieces.
• Added width and length starting under the arm to the hem of the front and back.
• On the lower back pattern pieces, I made a small tuck just above the waistline.

These changes help make the top more suited for my size and shape.  My first top is finished, but I have to post it on the Mood Sewing Network first, then on my blog.  I will probably make a few this season.

The construction, overall is relatively simple.  The most difficult parts are:  the rolled hem and the neckband.  If you have a rolled hem foot, no problem.  But if not, follow the instructions in the guide sheet and take your time.  Second, the back neckband is much larger the the neckline.  So you may need to ease it in a bit along with slashing the neckline of the top.

So that's it for this installation of "Notes on a Pattern".  Check out the Mood Sewing Network tomorrow for the rest of my review and photos.

Happy Sewing!
C

Neglect..,

Hi everyone,

I thought about just posting something, anything, to get me back to blogging.  So this is my little perlude to return to sharing my sewing experience.

There were so many opportunities missed to share projects, notes, and pictures.   But for one reason or another I didn't.  Blurred pictures, unwearable garments, lost for words or just plan out of touch with blogging.

Many of my links are broken and I will try to address them as soon as possible.  And I plan to update the layout soon.  The blog needs an over haul.  It's out-dated.  So that's it for now.

P.S.

Next post is Notes on a Pattern for McCall's 7359.  I will publish that blog tonight.

Thanks and Happy Sewing!
C