Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Cute Sassy Little Cold Shoulder Dress - V1674




I don't mind making multiple garment for the same pattern.  It's an opportunity to use a different fabric or make design changes.  Both can result in a totally different look.  





This is the second time I've made Vogue V1674, view B.  Once again I made it using a knit print fabric.  For this version my fabric was purchased at Vogue Fabric warehouse a few weeks ago.  I was in a big hurry to make sometime out of it, and this pattern fit the bill.  My fabric was pre-washed and dried. 



There was no real fit issues.  I simply added a little width along the side seams just in case.  Everything workout fine.  The dress fits same as before.  Here is the first version that I made a few years ago. 

That's all for this posting.


Happy Sewing!

C



Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Djenne Collection - Clothing and Fabric - Store Review



 I can't believe I've never reviewed this store.  It is a gold mine filled to the brim with African attire and Ankara fabric.  It is a must shop at store located on west 95th Street in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago.


Djenne Collection

1759 West 95th Street

Chicago, IL  60643






The store is huge, or it appears to be huge.  At the front of the shop are accessories, jewelry, skin care, and all kinds of scents for the home.  Clothing is throughout to the rafters, literally.  In the middle of the store is Ankara fabric heaven.  At the back of the store, there are tailors and seamstresses.  You rarely see them.  But every once in a while, someone will emerge from the back of the shop.






I have shopped there numerous times.  In the passed, I've had clients who wanted an African styled garment for Black History month.  Most recently, Calumet Middle School, has commissioned stoles made of Kente clothe.  For one of my recent projects, I wanted to use Ankara fabric for it.  Djenne is the place to go!

The staff is always courteous and helpful.  You are greeted with a smile and a helpful attitude.  Great place to shop.  I only wish there were more ma and pa shops like this around town.


This is one of my favorite things in the store, a symbol chart.



As you can see, I took lots of pictures at my last visit, in February, to give you an idea of what the store looks like.


Happy shopping!

Cennetta



Notes on a Pattern - Full Bust Adjustment Tutorial McCall's M8240


This is my muslin


It has been a while since I did a Notes on a Pattern.  

This top is all over social media.  I hesitated to make it for fear of the front placket not being perfect.  To help myself, I researched for some tutorials to get a flawless placket.  I did find a few on Instagram that were helpful.  An easy fit.  My other concern was with the FBA adjustment.  Could I get away without adjusting?  So for my wearable muslin, I decided to use the molly t-shirt front pattern as a sloper for the FBA. 


Well, it didn't exactly work to my liking.  The center front hem is slightly higher than the rest of the hem. So, I did the next best thing:  I made a traditional FBA for the best fit.  Today, I am posting a FBA tutorial for this McCall's pullover.

Below is my tutorial:



Step 1 - Draw the lines to prepare for the slash and spread of the pattern sections.


Step 2 - Cut along the line 1 and spread the desired amount of the adjustment.  In this instance, the amount is 1".


Step 3 - Cut and spread line 2 at the bust area to bring balance back to the side.


Step 4 - fill in with tissue paper along line 1 and 2.  Tape in place except for the lower right portion severl inches above the hem.




Step 5 - Cut and spread line 3 to true up the hemline.  Then fill in with tissue paper.


Step 6 - trim tissue paper all except for the bust area.




Step 7 - Fold the dart in half to trim tissue paper.  True up the bust dart along the side seam.

That's it for the basic traditional full bust adjustment.  I hope this information/tutorial is helpful.

Happy Sewing!
C


Monday, March 24, 2025

Vogue V2049 - Quick Post of Me Wearing the Bodysuit

 













Happy Sewing!
C

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.






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