Tunic Delight - Vogue V1937 - Sandra Betzina

 

Pattern Description:  Misses' Dress and Tunic:  Pleat front A-line dress or tunic with back yoke.  View A has side seam pockets, contrast collar, cuffs and hem facings.  View B has lantern sleeves, contrast upper sleeves, yoke lining and hem facings, stitched to outside.  Purchased trim.

Pattern Sizing:  A - J corresponding measurements included.  I made view B (tunic), and I used sizes E and F.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  The sleeves were slightly longer on me than on the model.  It could be related to the sizing.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, the instructions were easy to follow.  Sandra Betzina also included some tips for making bust and back adjustments along with some construction tips.  Note:  I still need to tack down the front pleat.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I have a few likes:  The lantern sleeves are beautiful; the trim around the neckline and below the yoke, and the contrast at the hem.

No real dislikes.

Fabric Used:  I used an Ankara fabric that I purchased at Djenne Collection on 95th Street.  The contrasting fabric is a basic cotton from JoAnn's. All fabrics pre-washed and dried.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made a few small changes:

• I made bias tape for the trim instead a purchasing a fancy trim.  This first tunic was to test the pattern and the design for me.
• The sizing - I tweaked the fit between sizes E and F.
• I added 1/2" across the shoulder blades for prominent shoulder blades.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I think I will make the tunic again in one of the recommended fabrics.  I used a crisper fabric because I was going for more of a dashiki look.  With a crepe or silky fabric the tunic will hang closer to the body and have more drape than my version of it. I also want to make the dress.  And yes, I do recommend it to others.  I do suggest that you should transfer all markings especially on the front of the top.

Conclusion: I enjoyed making this tunic.  It was not difficult to sew and the instructions were good.  The finished top really looks great.  I hope to post pictures of me wearing it soon.

Thanks and Happy Sewing,

Cennetta

 

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

Summertime Fun Dress in Ankara Fabric - Simplicity S8594

Today is the last day of June and it is 98 degrees HOT!  Great time to wear my latest creation, using a red and black, Ankara fabric that I purchased at the Textile Warehouse. I began sewing this dress last Thursday and finished it on Sunday.  

My photographer, DD, was available to take a few pictures of me wearing it this afternoon.   The sun was high and bright.  The heat was on. Lol

This will be a short and sweet review as I don't have pictures of the pattern alterations.  Sorry.  If you check out many of my previous princess fit adjustment makes, you'll get a good idea of the changes I had to make for this pattern. 

Pattern Description:  Misses and Petites with bodice and skirt variations.  The bodice options include a crewneck with slit or a halter, and the skirt can be made straight or flared with pockets.  I made View C with modifications, size 14 graded up. 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  Of course, I lengthen the skirt and made a few other changes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Sorry, I really didn't read the instructions.  I've made this style dress many, many times before.  At a glance, I guess they were typical.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the halter style of the dress.  And I thought it would be a great style for the fabric that I selected.

Fabric Used: I purchased this Ankara fabric from the Textile Warehouse in Chicago on 21st Street.  They have a variety of colors and prints for the reasonable price of about $6.00 per yard.  It is 100 percent cotton.  It also washes and presses very well.  That's something I always appreciate with natural fibers.  I love the print and the vibrant red and black colors.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made a ton of changes.

• FBA and graded the pattern up.  When I purchased this pattern, the largest size grouping available at the store was size 14. So, I made it work for me.
• I shortened the straps by 2 inches, much too long for me.
• NOTE:  I forgot to make a sway back adjustment.  Not too bad though.  If I use this bodice again, I'll be sure to do it to remove the excess fabric at the lower back.
• Lengthen the skirt.  Also, I barely had enough fabric for my desired length.  On a few of the lower corners of the skirt, I had to "piece" the corners together.  See picture below to see an example.  You can hardly tell. wink, wink.
• I installed an invisible zipper instead of a regular one, only because I didn't have one in my stash, and I refuse to buy another one. 

Observation:  The bodice is a little low at the underarm.  I'd would bring it up about 1.5 inches for a better fit and look.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and yes.  I would consider making it again.  This view, view C, which I like the most.  Also, I recommend it to others.  It's a great little summer dress that is not difficult to make.

Conclusion: I am pleased with how this dress turned out.  The fit is almost perfect. and I really like the combination of the fabric and style.  Great little summer dress that beginners and experienced sewists could make with no problem.

Happy Sewing!

C