Two for One - Vogue V1452

This was two projects in one.  The first was to make a wearable muslin and the second was to end with an outfit close to a "perfect fit".  I came close to the close to a perfect fit. The second time should be a charm. Lol  The top could use a little more tweaking, but I think this was the last time I'll use the top pattern.  As for the pants, it is a basic palazzo pant that can be made over and over again to complement other tops, tunics, and dresses.  

Wearable Muslin:  Aqua Green

Final Version:  Raspberry 

Pattern Description:  Misses' top and pants:  close-fitting, pullover top has mock-bands, shoulder strap, and left front seam and slit.  Wide-legged pants (loose-fitting through hips) have elasticized waistband and side pockets. both have stitched hems.

Pattern Sizing:  This is a Sandra Betzina pattern that uses letters instead of numbers for the sizing.  For the top I used between size E and F.  I did make a swayback adjustment on the second version hoping to resolve the wrinkles across the lower back.  It helped, but didn't completely resolve the issue. I probably should have cut the back into two sections to get better results.  At any rate, it's "good" enough to wear.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were easy; nothing difficult or confusion in them.  The construction of the outfit was relatively quick and easy too.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  

My like:  

• Knit outfit. Lol
• Ruching on the top.
• The palazzo pants with the separate waist band.  That's a feature that I really love.

Dislikes:

• For this particular fabric and weight, I prefer no pockets.  They really get in the way of having a smooth pant.  If you were to use the pocket, it disfigures the look of the outfit and draws attention to "whatever is in your pocket."  I recommend leaving them out as I did for the second outfit.

Fabric Used:  Both fabrics came from FabricMart Fabrics.  It is a light/medium weight jersey.  Almost opaque, very fluid, has a great drape, and the recovery is okay.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made just a few adjustments and tweaks.  For the top I used two sizes E and F where necessary.  The second version, as mentioned before, I attempted to make a swayback adjustment.  It helped a little with the wrinkles.  For the pants I eliminated the pockets and lengthen the pant legs a few inches.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I will probably make the pants again.  It is a simple pull-on pant that can complement other toppers.  The top, I probably will not make again.  I do recommend this pattern to others.  It is not a difficult sewing projects.  The ruching/gathering requires a little patience to do.  It's really the hardest step in the construction of the entire garment.

Conclusion:  This is an attractive little summer outfit that goes together quickly.  It's a great look for brunch or a summertime concert.

Happy Sewing!

C

Summertime Tangerine Outfit - McCall 7775 and Vogue 1452

My apologies for the dark photos.  Cloudy day.

Time for another review.  This is the last of three outfits that I made this summer for myself.  So I'm reviewing them in reverse order.  This is a quick review.  It is a combination of two patterns:  McCall's M7775 for the top and Vogue V1452 pants.  This is the same pant pattern used for my next review.  

I wore this outfit to a birthday celebration in my mother's home town of Huntsville, AL.  It was a fun time, and the outfit was summertime perfect for the event.

The top:

I used the McCall's dress pattern to make the top.  This was easy.  I just figured out the length for it and shorten the pattern there adding the necessary hem allowance.  The adjustments were made way back in 2018.  So I was able to skip the pattern adjustment process.  My initial review of this pattern is here:  McCall's 7775 Dress 2018.

The Pants:

As always, I had to add a few inches to the length of the leg.  I used size D.  These pants have a lot of style ease in them. The pants looked very much like the illustration on the pattern envelope.

The Fabric:

My fabric is a polyester crepe from Hancock's Fabrics.  It's been in my collection for several years.  I was happy to finally make something out of it.  It was easy to sew and has a spongy feel to it.  Compared to the rayon fabric that I used for my 2018 dress, the drape of the top had a stiffer drape.  

Overall I was very pleased with how this outfit turned out.  

Parting Shot:  NASA rocket in Huntsville, AL.  This was the view from our hotel parking lot.

Robe and Pajama Set - The Perfect Family Christmas Gift

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without handmade pj's.  Every year I make pajama pants for members of my family.  This year was no different.  The first set of five flannel pj's were made, boxed and wrapped before I realized I didn't take any pictures.   Oh well, I made them using the same pattern used last year.  The difference was the fabric prints.  Like always, they were well received by all.  It's becoming an annual tradition to make them for my closest love ones.  A very easy gift to make and they are loved by all.

This year I decided to do something a little different.  Instead of the lone pj pants, I made three sets: one that included a robe, top and pants and the other two a top, pants and head wrap.  For each set I used a combination of various patterns.  

The first, is the Pattern Union Molly T-shirt, Simplicity S2476 robe, and Simplicity S2290 pants.  The combination of the three is the perfect gift.

This is the first time I've posted a review of the  Molly Tee.  I had made it once before, but didn't blog and share any photos of my t-shirt.  It is a basic t-shirt pattern with the shoulder seam 1.5 inches forward so it's visible from the front.  The pattern comes in multiple cup sizes and with three different sleeve lengths. I made the short sleeve version with the appropriate cup size for my sister.  It comes in sizes 6 to 26.

Simplicity M2290 The pants super easy.  One piece pant pattern with an elasticized waist that sews up in a flash.  I made this one dozens of times. The pattern comes in sizes XS to XL.

McCall M2476 This is an oldie, but it is still in print.  I purchased my copy in 2003.  The robe is a typical bath robe with patch pocket, front band and belt.  It comes in sizes small to xx-large.

All three coordinates look like the photo/drawing on the pattern.  The instructions were typical and easy to follow.  Nothing confusing.

My likes:

• Molly T-shirt. I love the multiple cup sizes and the wide range of sizes available. The shoulder seam and the sleeve lengths are great too.  
• Pants. What's not to like about them.  They are the perfect quick and easy pj pants. You can make dozens of them in a variety of lengths and colors.
• Robe.  I like that it is a basic robe that can be made up in a variety of fabrics.  And that it is easy to make.  

All three coordinates were made in one evening.  This set was actually made Christmas Eve.  These patterns are great for beginners.

No dislikes.

All fabrics were purchased from Fabric Mart Fabrics.  I actually purchased them for myself about three years ago.  I decided to make it a gift instead of buying more fabric.

The robe is Mint Polyester/Lycra Jacquard Double Knit 60" wide.  It is springy and has a pebble texture.  The pajamas is Green/Sky Blue/White Cotton/Lycra Palm Leave Clusters Print Jersey with a smooth hand.  Both fabrics were great to work with.

I made no changes to the robe.  I literally made it straight out of the envelope.  For the Molly t-shirt, I made a swayback adjustment with a center back seam. For the pants I just added length to them and made a cuff at the bottom.

To date I've made the Molly T-shirt four times.  It's a winner and a TNT for sure. ;-)  The pants already a TNT.  And the robe I'd make it again too.    All three coordinates are highly recommended for all level sewists.  

I'm glad I decided a make a complete pajama and robe set.  My sister was very happy too.  She couldn't wait to wear them and to make a request for more pj sets for like right now.  Lol  This set is a winner all the way around.  A quick and easy sew for me and an extremely happy recipient. 

Parting Shot:  This is Bella.  My sister's new pup and the newest member of the Burwell chan.  Bella was about 2.5 months at the time of this picture.