The Second Time Is A Charm - M6512

 

Yes, the second time is a charm if all the fit adjustments have been made.  Today I'm sharing one of my latest makes.  

When I received this lovely floral poly crepe from Minerva Fabrics, I decided to use McCall's M6512 again.  I have a few coordinates that really didn't have a good match.  So this blouse has filled another gap in my wardrobe.  

You may remember the first blouse.  It's part of my green wardrobe capsule and one of the UFO's that I finished last fall.  Once it was finished, I liked it even more than when I initially decided to make it.  And I like this second blouse just as much. 

It's perfect with my tangerine pants made a few years ago.  Actually, I can wear either blouse with the pants.  But I think the orange one looks the best.  Anyway, I am happy I have another pretty blouse in my wardrobe.

Stay Tuned more to come!

Cennetta

Kwik Sew Sling Bag - KS4276

 

So lately, I've been sewing little bags and such.  And I saw this sling bag pattern by Kwik Sew.  So I thought I would give it a try.  It looked like a quick project.  Ugh! Ugh!

NOT!

This baby took almost as long to make as my new red maxi-dress!  It's all the zippers and other notions that took up a lot of time. 

I still think it's a good bag project to try.  So here is my little review.

Pattern Description:  Sling bags in 2 sizes;

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  But for some reason, I thought the bag would be smaller.

The front

The back

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very good and easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Now, that it is all made up. I really like the size.  You can put quite a few things in it.  It's a good bag to have hands free and still feel safe carrying it.  Also, I think it's a great travel bag for the airport and train.  There are two zippers pockets on the outside that you can slip a card, keys, and a few dollars in for easy access.

My dislike, I guess would be it took me so long to finish it.  And that's on me, right? Lol

Fabric Used:  I used a home-dec fabric from Joann's and a broadcloth for the lining from my stash.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No changes.  This was my first time making this type of bag.  So I followed the instructions to the letter.  Oh, one little change. the slide buckle.  I couldn't find a one inch buckle.  So I used a 1.50" one.

Top of the bag

Top with parachute buckle closed

Bag opened

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I may make it again.  It would be a nice gift for someone.   Yes, I would recommend it to others sewists.

Conclusion: I like how the bag turned out.  I didn't expect it to take as much time as it did to make it.  All in all, it was a good sewing project and a change from garment sewing.

Happy Sewing!

C

Red Sequins Maxi-Dress - M7119

I couldn't tell you why it took me so long to finish this maxi-dress.  It was in a bag in a box with ten other UFO's that I had cut and made ready to sew.  I was beyond happy when I finally finished it last week.  2018 is actually when I had planned to make the dress.  That's a long time to leave this beauty undone.

 Ranata of The Twilight Stitcher hosted a little red dress challenge (Instragram) in December 2020.  I didn't even start sewing it together.  Christmas gifts took up all my sewing time. Before I knew it, February had rolled around and gone.  Next target month was March; then finally April for the Maxi-Dress Mother's Day challenge hosted by Crystal Sews and Stuff and Crumpets Tea and Sewing, both on Instragam.  So I made it this time!

With that said, here is my review.  In hindsight, I should have done a "Notes on a Pattern" for the fit adjustments.

McCall M7119

This pattern is OOP.  Many have made it.  There are quite a few photos posted on the net.  Anyway, the pattern description:  Misses' Dresses:  Wrap dresses have bands, fitted bodice, gathered back, neckline, tie ends, skirt (semi-fitted through the hips) variations, and narrow hem.  A, B: Bias armhole facings B: Shaped hemline, wrong side shows. C: short sleeves. D: Elasticized sleeve. C, D:  Gathered sleeve cap.

Pattern sizing are 6 to 22.  I used 16 with modifications.  Lots of modifications. Lol.

I really love how this dress turned out. My version is a cross between views C and D. Basically, it is view C with long sleeves. The instructions were typical, but easy to follow.  Nothing in them confusing.

There are so many things I like about this style of this dress.  They are:

• Wrap dresses are flattering for my figure. ;-) 
• The gathering at the neckline and the sleeves
• Skirt waist.  It defines my waist or lack there of. Lol
• The neckband.  Makes it easy to adjust the neckline. No gapping.
• So easy to make and it looks great.

Dislikes - None

The fabric is from Mood Fabrics, item #319054.  They may or may not still have it if you are interested.  It's a moderate stretch knit with sequins rectangles throughout the fabric.  

My pattern adjustments were mainly to the bodice.  This is were my greatest fit challenges are.  Truth be told, this one felt like I redrafted the entire front bodice.  The adjustments are:

• Full bust adjustment, which created a waist dart.
• Moved the bust dart down about 2 inches.
• Two small tucks to keep the neckline from gapping, done to both front bodice and neckband.
• Lengthen the bodice by about an inch or so.  I wanted to make sure it came to my waist.
• Prominent shoulder blades adjustment to the back bodice.
• Lengthen the skirt by a few inches.

I will definitely make this dress again.  It sewed up in about five hours.  No buttons or zipper.  Easy.  I also, recommend it to others.  It is a great little dress for all seasons and occasions depending on your fabric choice.

I'm so pleased with how it turned out, it is one more UFO finished!  

Happy Sewing!

Cennetta

P.S. - My necklace and earrings are made by my DD. ;-)