Vogue V1636

Hi Sewing Friends,

Here is another outfit that I made in 2025.  This Vogue pattern was out-of-print when I decided to make it.  But I was able to get a copy on Ebay.  What inspired my to try this top was a fellow creator, Monica of That's Sew Monica, on Instagram.  She made the top a few times and I really loved the black and white outfit that she made.  

Pattern Description:  Misses' tops:  fitted wrap top has pleats and tucks with ribbon and button closure. I'd also like to add that it has princess seams.      A: Short sleeve with dart.  B:  Two piece sleeve.  This pattern is rated easy.  

Pattern Sizing:  6 to 22; I used 16 with modifications.  So there is a large range of sizes available. 

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, they were easy to follow.  Nothing was confusing or complicated..  Typical instructions for a wrap top or dress.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  

Likes:

• wrap top design
• the asymmetrical peplum, fullness of the back peplum
• princess seam, easier to fit
• two piece sleeve

No dislikes.

Fabric Used:  The fabric is a very nice crepe knit from Mood Fabrics.  Love it.  It washes and dries beautifully.  No wrinkles. ;-)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I did my usual full bust adjustment similar to the adjustment that I made on Vogue V1672.  No photos this time.  But check out my post for V1672 for an illustration.  I also lengthen the sleeves.  If I make it again, I will  shorten the bodice a little bit for a better fit around my waist area. 

For my pants I used Vogue V1914, View C.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I think I may make it again. And yes, I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion:  This is a relatively easy Vogue pattern to sew, and it will look great on all figure shapes.

Happy Sewing!

C

It's Too Cold To Breathe - Simplicity S9388

 

My Goodness! It's been too cold to breathe outside.  Last week was so  cold with many days at sub-zero temperatures.  This week's forecast is no better.  We were hoping that Saturday would be "not as cold".  No such luck.  In fact, it had started to snow as we headed outside to take the pictures.  My goal was to get it done so  we braved the cold to finish this chapter of the shacket.  Once outside, it felt like I didn't have on a coat.  Luckily, we were only outside for a few minutes.

Early last year, Rhonda and I decided to do a challenge in time for the HCC fashion show in May.   She gifted me the pink wool.  We used Simplicity S9388.  This pink version is my third shacket using this pattern.  

I decided to elevate the "look" a bit by installing a full lining and adding beads to the pocket flaps.  I think it turned out well.

Construction changes:

• Because I added lining, I hemmed the shacket like a basic lined coat.  I added interfacing to the hem for stability.  Tip:  I used my cardboard guide to get a nice even hem.

• I used lining fabric for the under side of the flap to reduce bulk.

• Adjusted the size of the cuffs and pleats on the sleeve.  The cuffs are still too wide and the sleeve is really to full.  But both things I can live with.

The making of this shacket was a fun project. This shade of pink isn't the best pink for my skin tone.  It looks great on my sister.  So, I decided to gift her this shacket.

I crocheted a slouchy beanie to wear with it.

Parting Shots:  The first two shackets that I made a few years ago.  You can see all of my shacket post here. 

Happy Sewing!

C

Calumet Middle School - A Blessing

 

This week I returned to Calumet Middle School for the third session of the enrichment program. This is a great program, and it has been a great year of teaching young people to sew.

I just want to encourage people who are thinking about teaching sewing and those who may want to sew.

I create some very easy projects that elementary beginners can make and enjoy the process. There are a few I plan to review here, like the tote bag.

Tote bag project is done at week 3 or 4.

I start by teaching students how to do some hand stitching, followed by one or two hand stitched projects. After that we move on to learning how to drive the sewing machine and then a few machine sewn projects. The class session is about five weeks long, meeting twice a week. So, we don't have a lot of time, but a enough to learn a few basic sewing techniques and processes.

Hand stitching is essential to sewing. This is the first practice project that the class completes. Next, we complete one of three hand sewn projects: owl pin cushion, needle book, or hand sewn bear.

The class spends the remainder of the class learning about sewing on the machine, sewing techniques, and one or two more projects.

I can't tell you how much I enjoy teaching young people how to sew. I'm very happy that I chose to take this position.

Happy Sewing!

C

Ready To Share Again

 

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone is off to a great start to the new year. It has been several months since my last post. Much has happened in my little creative world and life in general.

I have made a few things, just didn't take the time to post. I may or may not do a review. I'll see how things go.  I'm very happy to say that I returned to Calumet Middle School as the sewing instructor for the after school program, which is one of the "high" lights of my year. I created a nice group of fun projects for junior sewers that I plan to share at some point. (I did a lot of chocheting.)

Every year I plan to read many books; some selected by the bookclub and some that personally interest me. See books below:

My 2025 big trip was to Alaska. This was my second trip there.  I'm still in awe of Alaska's beauty; the lad, people, culture, and animals.  Yes, I could easily visit again. There is so much to see and learn about this parr of the world.

2025 was fill with all kinds of events: HCC Fashion Show, several theater shows, countless dinner parties, holidays parties, and birthday celebrations.

My faith and spiritual life has grown. I must say that my life experiences  have definitely influenced my relationship with God.  I could not imagine my life without God.

In 2023, I helped to establish a college scholarship award program that my church. It is designed to assist our college students with the costs of their education.  Since the establishment we have made several $500 awards to students who are member of our church. This program brings me great joy as we are able to help others reach their goal. 

2025 Award Recipients 

Unfortunately, but again fortunately I had two medical procedures in 2025. Both have improved my health profile. There are still some things that I need to address during the coming months. Blessed in progress.

Meanwhile, I'm continuing to make plans for a full happy, rich life. I love my family, friends and God.

I hope to be a more active blogger in the coming year.

Two Red Dress - Simplicity S1314 and McCall's M7405

 McCall's M7405

Simplicity S1314

That's all for now.

Happy Sewing!

The Shirt Project Continuous with McCall's ME2052

It's been almost a decade since I started my little "Shirt Project".  And I've made a variety of button down or button up shirts since it all begin.  The process is similar from shirt to shirt; but occasionally, there is something new and interesting about it.

Today's installation of "The Shirt Project" is McCall's Know Me ME2052.  It is designed by Beaute' J'Adore.  The point of interest is the longer sleeve double cuff.  

Pattern Description:  Misses' button down shirt with collar and collar stand.  It has longer sleeves with double cuff.  The pants are a jean style cropped pants with inlay patches on the front and back legs. 

Pattern Sizing:  I used a size 16 with very small 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?  The instructions were pretty easy to follow.  I did a few things different.  

• Burrito method for completing the back yoke.
• Finished the top stitching on the front before completing the hem.
• I followed my own method for placing the buttons and buttonholes making the sure a button was placed at the fullness of my bust.  Then continuing with the rest at an appropriate spacing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I really like the double cuff and the oversize style.   

Fabric Used:  The fabric was purchased at the Discount Warehouse on west 21st in Chicago,  It has been in my stash for a year or so.  I bought is to make a shirt. I pre-washed and dried it shortly after I purchased it.  So, it was ready to sew when I pulled it from my stash.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I really didn't change much.  I just added my usual inch to the sleeve length.  NOTE:  these sleeves fall slightly over the hand.  

Next time:  I will interface half of each cuff to reduce thickness.  Also, I'll reduce the circumference of the collar.   

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and yes.  I already have another cotton blend ready to cut and sew.  

Conclusion: I enjoyed making this shirt.  I also, recommend it to others.  It is an average sewing level shirt.  Great wardrobe builder with a unique twist.

Happy Sewing!

C