Inspiration Strikes Again - Burda Style 6322 Dress

Good evening everyone,

I hope everyone is enjoying this lovely weekend.  It has been sunny and the air is crisp.  I love this time of year.  

Yesterday afternoon I was finally able to get some photos of me wearing my first dress of the fall season.  It's becoming more and more difficult these days to get photos of me wearing my newly sewn garments.  My daughter is my photographer, and our schedules don't always allow for photo shoots.  I'm lucky when our schedules do.

I love my new pony print dress.  Early summer, I saw this photo of Vivica A. Fox on Instagram wearing a cute little dress.   Her outfit inspired me to make this dress.  Of course, Ms. Fox's dress is a whole lot sexier than my version.  Lol.  So, let me start with my review of the process of constructing my inspiration dress.

Pattern Description:  Burda's description is just as poor as their instructions at times. Lol.  So, I'll give my little two cents of a description.  A shift dress with cut-on sleeves (long or short).  It has a high scoop neck.  The dress has a center back seam with invisible zipper.  View A has a slit and belt.  This pattern is rated super easy. 

Pattern Sizing:  8 to 18.  I used 16 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? The silhouette looked like the dress.  I did make several changes so that it looked more like the inspiration dress.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  This pattern is exactly as stated, "super easy."  And the instructions were easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I have several likes and only one dislike.  First the likes.

 Likes -

• The silhouette was perfect for the inspiration dress.  
• The dress pattern was only five pattern pieces and a quick sew.
• The pattern is versatile.  Once I finished my dress, I started dreaming about other projects and uses for the patter.  I plan to make a tunic and top.  
• All the design changes that I added to make this dress special.

Dislikes -

• The scoop neck is a little too wide for me.  I will adjust it for the next project.

Fabric Used:  This year I purchased a lot of fabric from Hobby Lobby.  They have a 40% off sale nearly every other week.  Anyway, My fabric is a polyester pony print fabric that has the hand of faux suede.  I pre-washed and dried it before I cut out my dress.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  Here's is where the review gets lengthy.  I made several changes.  But here again, I didn't make a FBA, swayback, or broad shoulder adjustment.  Below is what I did change:

 

• Center Front Seam - The easiest change was to add the center front seam.  All was needed was to add seam allowance instead of cutting on the fold.

• Re-Draft Front Facing - The front facing was extended and also has a center front seam.  After I tried the dress on with the belt, I realized that the front facing was just a little too long.  This is easily corrected.
• Eyelets were added to the front of the dress to copy the design of the inspiration dress.
• Drawstring was added to the front of the dress.

Application Process - Eyelets

Every time I add buttonholes, eyelets, snaps, etc., to any finished garment, my hands get a little sweaty. Lol  I get nervous.  I’m scared of ruining the entire project.  So I must do a test before I do anything.

1.     Test applying an eyelet on a piece of scrap fabric.

2.     Measure the length of the area where the eyelets will be applied.  Determine the distance between each eyelet based on the length and number of eyelets to be applied.

3.     Mark the placement for each on both sides.

4.     Punch the holes.

5.     Carefully, install each eyelet as directed.

6.     All done.

 

Dress Belted

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and yes.  I will sew this pattern again.  This is a good pattern for beginners as well as other level sewists.

Conclusion: I'm really happy with how my dress turned out.  Though it isn't exactly like the inspiration dress, it is how I envisioned it for my life style.  The dress was very easy to sew and I got exactly what I wanted out of this project.

 

Happy Sewing!

C

 

Black and White Color Blocked Easy Coordinates with Simplicity S9690

When you are short on fabric, try color blocking.  It is a great way to use fabric remnants.  I was able to make a coordinating top for two pair of pull-on pants that I made using Simplicity S9690.

 

Pattern Description:  Cold shoulder top A has scoop neckline with long sleeves.  Top B is short sleeved.  Both pants C and D have knit contrast on waistband.  Jogger pants D has ankle cuffs and pin tucks.  I made views top A and pants C with a few modifications.

Pattern Sizing:  size groups (8 - 16) (18-26).  I used size 16.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Pretty much.  I did color block the top and I made little pleats in front of the pants.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were super easy, and there was nothing in them that was confusing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that the pattern was easy to sew.  In the early part of summer, I was sewing really basic patterns and garments trying to jump start my sewing mojo.

Fabric Used:  These are two more fabrics that I purchased at Hobby Lobby.  They really have some deals on basic fabrics.  Great place for beginners to shop.  The fabric is a knit crepe.  I pre-washed and dried it before starting my project.  It came from the dryer softer and bouncy.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made some changes.  Most of them were due to fabric shortage. Lol.

• Top A - I decided to color block the top using the remnants from the two pairs of pants that I made.  
• For the sleeves I added separate pieces to make the sleeves long enough.  I also added some topstitching to make the add on look intentional.  
• Instead of using binding to finish the neckline, I used the fashion fabric to finish it.

Surprisingly, I didn't make my usual fit adjustments.  I thought the style ease in the top would be enough for the "fit adjustments" that I normally make.

 

• Pants C - I added little pleats to the front of the pants.  I did not want all the gathers across the front caused by the elasticized waistband.  Also, I reduced the length of the waistband.
• Lengthen the pants a few inches so that they would be long enough.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and yes.  This is an easy, quick pattern to sew.  Great for beginners.

Conclusion: Sometimes you need a few super easy projects to jump start your sewing mojo.  This one is great for that.  It is also a great beginner pattern that offers some creative designs.

Happy Sewing!

C

Denim Tote Bags - Simplicity S9618

I'm still working on my summer project posts.  It is a challenge trying to get everything posted before I start posting the fall garments that I have already made this and last month.  My goal this week is to get all summer projects posted.  

This post is all about tote bags.

I used Simplicity S9618.  This was a "Sew Your Own View" project of the Instagram page of the same name.  I believe the challenge was last year.  Anyway, this summer I finally was able to make two totes, Views A and C with modifications.

Neither tote is for me: view A is for my DD and view C is for my niece.

So let me begin with the descriptive information on the pattern envelope. Lol  It’s one sentence: tote bag in three sizes.  No information about the straps, handles, or binding.  Typical. Lol

Of course the size you choose is up to you. I also think that the details are also based on your preference.  You can mix and match them according to your own taste and design.

For the most part, view A does look like the drawing.  I added a little patch on the front.  I didn't make the strap, but I did attach the loops to the inside side of the bag.  For the large tote I chose not to use seam binding for the outer edge.  I finished the outside much like view A.

The instructions were easy to follow and there was not anything confusing in them.

 

There are a few things I like about the pattern and the views that I made:

 

• the tote is an inspirational design for the Marc Jacob tote bag 
• the style of the tote
• that the bag comes in three bag sizes
• easy to make

Now, I do have a few dislikes, which are related to the construction of the bag:

• using the heavy denim fabric, it was very hard to sew through all layers.  So at the very top of the bags I wasn't able to do the finishing stitches.  They don't look as polished as I would like.  Next time, I will trim some of the bulk away.
• The base of the bag does not have the support that I want.   Maybe a piece of cardboard in the bottom will help.  I need to figure something out to make it better.

The denim fabrics were purchased at JoAnn's.  I grabbed them from the remnant bins for a reduced price.  Both denim are tightly woven and sturdy.  Perfect for a tote bag.  For the lining (small tote), the floral cotton comes from a wholesaler that my DD found on etsy.  I can't remember the name.  The cotton for the large tote came from JoAnn's.  Simple cotton novelty fabric.

 

I did make a few changes:

 

View A.

•  I didn't make the strap
• for the top flap with the zipper closure, I lined it for a polished finish
• for the handles, I pressed them in half and turned in the seam allowance.  That was easier than following step 1.

View C.

•  I pretty much sew this bag the same as the small tote
• I changed the way I finished the handles.  Instead of the instructed method and the method used for view A, I decided to press the seam allowance toward the middle of the handle then turning in the allowance for a clean finish.  This helped reduce the bulk on one side of the handles.  See photos below.
• The fold of the handles are turned inward instead of outward.

Prep for strap for view C -

I enjoyed making these totes, with the exception of a few construction obstacles.  I do plan to make at least one more tote for myself.  This is a great tote to try, and I do recommend it to others.  Be ready to use a heavy sewing machine needle (18) on those really bulky areas.

Overall I think the totes turned out pretty good.  Next time I'm hoping for better results.  These are a great gift idea.  

 

Happy Sewing!

C

 

 

 

Ribbed Summer Knit - Simplicity S9757

Good day everyone,

Today's post is an outfit for my DD.  She really liked how the previous version turned out and wanted another for this summer.  So here is the second version.  The only differences are that I made view C instead of D and the fabric is a ribbed knit.

All of the review information is here. 

So that's basically it for this post.  As for the sewing experience, it was the same expect for the type of fabric. I guess I should give some descriptive information about that.  This fabric was another purchase from Hobby Lobby.  It has 35-40% stretch crosswise. It has a soft hand and is fluid, not stiff like some ribbed knits.  

Happy Sewing!

C

Simple Wrap Knit Dress - M3648

I love a simple wrap knit dress.  Don't you?  With the re-release of the iconic Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, almost everyone in the sewing community snatched up a copy and made their lovely version of the 1970's dress.  And of course, you know I had to have a copy as well.  I just haven't made it up yet. Lol.  So, I added it to my already BIG collection of dress patterns.

Anyway, what I did make was a McCall's dress pattern released in 2002.  It's a simple everyday dress that sews up in about three hours.  I made this one before, before I started blogging.  So it's been over 15 years ago.  

It was perfect for a quick no-fuss sewing project.  

Pattern Description:  Misses' dresses:  A-line wrap dress has tie variations and long or cap sleeves; dresses A and B have dropped shoulders; dresses A and D have a collar.  I made view D with a few minor adjustments.

Pattern Sizing:  When I used it last, I was a size 12.  So, I graded it up to fit.  

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

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

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like that it is a simple wrap dress, in my opinion, that fits me well.  No real dislike.

Fabric Used:  My fabric was purchased at Hobby Lobby.  It is a textured knit that I got on sale in the Spring.  I really make a practice of pre-washing my fabric almost as soon as I get it home.  So, the yardage went into the washer the same day I purchased it along with several other knits.  No problem sewing it.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: You'll find this surprising.  I didn't make a FBA!.  Same as before.  I did make a slight broad shoulder adjustment.  And I added a few inches to the length.  That's it!  This was a super easy sew.  No other changes.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I will.  When, I don't know.  And yes, I do recommend it to others if you have it.  It has great bones and it so easy to sew.

Conclusion: I love how this dress turned out, again. Lol  A quick and easy wrap knit dress.  On trend with something old. Lol

 

Happy Sewing!

C

 

Maxi Dress Wardrobe Staple - Dart Rotation M7386 and M6559

Now that I've shared many of the major events and activities of my birthday celebration, I'm back to playing catch up with my sewing projects from the summer.  Sometimes it is a challenge to take the photos and organize them.  

So let me get started with two maxi dresses that I made in August.  Both dresses are really easy to make.  The first is a "Learn to Sew for Fun" pattern. The second pattern that I used may be OOP. There are so many options for hacking or making changes to either pattern to suit your own taste or design preference.  

One of the major adjustments that I almost always make is a FBA, which I made for these two dresses.  Before I start with all the changes, let me provide some of the basic information about the two dresses.

Pattern Descriptions:

M7386 -  McCall's gives a really basic description:  Pullover top, dresses and pull-on skirts have narrow hem.  One of  my favorite elements of the design is the fishtail skirt of the maxi dress.

 M6559 - Close-fitting, unlined jacket in two lengths has front extending into single-layer tie ends (wrong side shows).  Very close-fitting, pullover dresses.

Pattern Sizing:

M7386 - Size groupings (XS, S, M and L, XL, XXL)

M6559 - Size groupings (6-14 and 14-22)

I used what would be large and size 16, respectively.  And, of course, I made some modifications.

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

The silhouette is basically the same. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions are simple.  Any level sewist should be able to follow them with no problems

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

With my changes, my likes are the ruching in the bust area, the fishtail skirt, and the finishing of the bands at the neck and armholes.

Fabric Used:

My knit fabric is from Hobby Lobby.  It is a spongy knit, similar to Liverpool knit.  It was very easy to work with.  Before cutting into it, I pre-washed and dried it. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

the adjustment is made for the length of the front and back pattern pieces.

#1 dress - animal print (M7386). 

• FBA and Dart Rotation - For this dress I used M7386 front and back.  The FBA was made to rotate the dart to the center front to create ruching at the bust area.  This eliminates the bust dart all together.  I've posted a tutorial years ago if you are interested in the steps to do the dart rotation.  Here 
• This process is pretty easy to follow.  Once I did the dart rotation, I just added seam allowance to the center front.
• Neck and armhole band -  I simply measured the circumference of  each for the length of the band minus 2 to 3 inches depending on the stretch of the fabric.  The width of the bands 2".  The ends of the bands were sewn together (3/8" seam allowance) to create a circle.  Then attached to the appropriate areas using a 5/8" seam allowance; trimmed after sewing.  Then top-stitched for a nice finish.
• Broad shoulder adjustment - I added width across the back.
• Swayback - horizontal tuck across the back at the waist.
• Length - I also have to add length. Lol  Just a few inches so that the dress is truly a maxi dress.
• I did do some tweaking along the way.  The added width across all areas isn't needed throughout the entire dress.  So I adjusted as needed taking in larger seam allowances.

#2  dress rust Solid (M6559) 

• I used the front of M7386.  But for the back I wanted a racerback.  So, I used the top of M6559.  And to keep the skirt silhouette of M7386, I overlaid the skirt back of M7386 folding and tucking the rest of the pattern out of the cutting path.  No need to retrace unless you really want to.  Lol.  So the skirt (fishtail) was the same for the front and back.  All other adjustments were the same.  I did need to add a center back seam.  The center back seam helps with getting that close fit at the small of my back.
• All other changes are the same as M7386.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Sure.  This is a quick and easy dress, a wardrobe staple.  It has many style options, which can be worn well into fall with cardigans, jackets, shrugs, or a knit t-shirt underneath.

I recommend these patterns to all level sewists.

Conclusion:  Both patterns are easy to sew for all level sewists.  It is versatile and stylish.  

Happy Sewing!

C