Cruise Garments Made Days Before Vacationing

You would think that after all the dresses, pants, and tops I made during the spring and summer that I had plenty to choose from for my vacation. NOT..., At the nine hour I decided to make at least one of my LBD's, a jumpsuit, and a simple top. These last minute garments were still warm from the iron as I zipped up the suitcase.

At this point, it seems almost unnecessary to even talk about them as temperature have been in the mid-thirties. And some folks around town are wearing hats, gloves and Ugg boots.

So here goes the quick reviews of the last minute garments made for the cruise...,


Jumpsuit - M6083




This little gem was quick and easy. I made View C

Pattern Description:

MISSES' JUMPSUIT IN THREE LENGTHS AND SASH: Jumpsuits A, B, C, D, E have side front pockets, elastic casings and stitched hem; jumpsuit B has shoulder straps; jumpsuit C has sash; jumpsuits D, E have bodice with gathered shoulders, narrow hemmed armholes; jumpsuits A, D are thigh length; jumpsuit B above ankle length; jumpsuits C, E are floor length; optional purchased belt.

Pattern Sizing: Size 14

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. Typical of patterns of this type of pattern. Nothing confusing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the style of the views included in the pattern. No dislike.

Fabric Used: Gauze from Vogue Fabric

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added about 1 inch to the upper portion of the front and back bodice pieces. I attached the straps to the back as well as the front, adjusting the length as needed. As usual I added about few inches to the length of the pant leg. Finally, instead of making the sash, I used a scarf to tie around my waist.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I want to make View E. And yes I would recommend it to others.

Conclusion: Easy pattern, easy jumpsuit to make. It's been reviewed on PR at least 20 times. Definitely a winner.

Top - Simplicity 4279 OOP




Pattern Description: Misses' Tunic with Neckline and Trim Variations.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 20. I made size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. I made view D.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Nothing difficult about them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern has been in my stash for a few years. The fabric and pattern are a cute combination for a easy summer top.

Fabric Used: Cotton from Hancock. I think it's been in the stash more than five years.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did a FBA. No picture, but it's basically the same as any other FBA done on similar bodices.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. I'll sew it again. And yes, I recommend it to others.

Conclusion: A nice little quick top. Perfect for vacation wear.

BWOF Tunic: 2010-06 138



Pattern Description: Simple Tunic

Pattern Sizing: 44 to 52. I made size 50. My cousin wanted a simple tunic to take on the cruise. This is one fit the bill.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. The instructions recommended stretch fabric I used a gauze instead. I made it a size larger then needed to make up the difference in the sizing for knit fabric. There is quite a bit of style ease in the tunic as well.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. BWOF typically has confusing or very little instructions on how to put the garment together. This tunic only had three pattern pieces plus instructions on how to make the neck facing. Pretty easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was quick and easy to make. No dislikes.

Fabric Used:Gauze from Vogue Fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:No alterations. Instead of using a leather cord for the neck tie, I make my own tie out of the same fabric. (On the bias, 2" wide 28" long).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and Yes.

Conclusion: Simple tunic that easy to wear and easy to make.
More pictures here: Flickr.

Next, I'll post my review on the LBD's
Happy Sewing!
C

Burda October 2008 - The Luxury Look

The faux fur jackets are too fabulous. My favorite is the black jacket with the wool sleeves. I think I want to make one of these.





Burda also features several garments in graphic colorful prints made up in silk and satin fabrics.



I like the cut on this jacket.



There is something for everyone is this issue. For the special man in your life. This is a great pea jacket in classic navy. Nice...,

BWOF May 2008 - 108A The Tulip Skirt

Pattern Description: A tulip skirt, in the true sense of the word. Not only does the silhouette imitate the shape of this flower but the front drapings over the hips and waist also look like the flower petals. BWOF 108A Skirt May 2008

Pattern Sizing: Burda sizes 36 - 42.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. The version in the photo had a little more draping around the hip area. But overall it looked like the photo/drawing.

Were the instructions easy to follow? As stated by many PR reviewer, the burda instructions are not the best. I had a little trouble following the instructions for pleating the skirt. So I studied the pattern and looked at the photo to help guide me through forming the tulip shaping. The rest was fairly simple and standard for assembling a straight skirt with a contour waistband.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I totally love the shaping around the hip area. There is nothing I dislike other than the instructions.

Fabric Used: I purchased this polyester fabric at Vogue Fabrics, remnant room, for the unbelieveable price of $5.23. Just enough to make a skirt.

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

- Added 2" to the length.
- Lined the Skirt -- the fabric has a lot of drape to it; the lining adds some body and besides I prefer lined skirts. For the front lining I used the back skirt pattern. The front pattern would add too much fabric across the abdomen. And I certainly don't need that. ;-) There was only one slight mishap with it. I cut it just a little too short.





Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Probably not. The skirt is unique enough that I only want one in my wardrobe. And besides I have hundreds of other skirt patterns to try. But I would recommend it to others. This style of skirt is a fashion trend. I've seen several version of tulip skirts and dresses this year. In particular, the Cadena magazine has at least four outfits with the tulip/floral element.



Conclusion: I really like this pattern and had planned to make this skirt the moment that a saw it in the BWOF.

Designer Quote: "The difference between day and evening clothes is outdated." -Yves Saint Laurent

Bits and Pieces

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. ..., still celebrating my birthday. wink! wink! There are several things on the sewing table. Saturday, I starting putting together a Burda skirt (May 2008, Tulip 108). The instructions are so, so. It was easier to follow my own method for putting it together. I'm also work on B4984, view B. The plan is to wear these two as an outfit. We'll see how it goes. More on that later.

Both, Ann and Paco, nominated me for an blog award (big grin). Thank you so much for honoring me. This nomination means a lot coming from two phenomenal experts. I'll post my full response to the nomination later.

Happy Sewing!
C

BWOF - April 2008

I'm lovin' the April issue of BWOF. There are quite a few looks I want to make sometime this year.