Minerva - Caftan - Challis Prints Butterick B6900

Last week, I was finally sewed up this lovely caftan.  It has been quite some time since I've sewn anything using Minerva fabric.  I'm so glad I was able to finally finish it.

 

Pattern Description:  V-neck caftans have drawstring waist with hem and length variations.  View A has ruffled collar.

Pattern Sizing:  8 - 26.  I used size 16, view B.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  Big and floaty. Lol

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy.  Nothing confusing about them.  Typical.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like that the caftan was a very easy make.  At the time, I thought I would make it up immediately after I cut it out.  But, that didn't happen.  Also, I thought the pattern was perfect for showcasing the beautiful rayon challis.  Who doesn't like a beautiful house dress.

No dislike.

Fabric Used:  Rayon challis from Minerva.  It is soft, fluid, and easy to work with.  Love how it presses.  Unfortunately, it wrinkles just as easy.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I didn't make any changes.  Perfect. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I would like to make view B for a swim suit cover-up.  Yes, I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion:  I'm pleased with how the caftan turned out.  I will certainly get a lot of wear out of it.  Also, this was a super easy sewing project that I recommend to all level sewists. 

Parting Shot:  Me admiring our tomatoes plants that are still producing.

That's all for now!

Minerva Fabrics - Crinkle Seersucker Dress Vogue V1672

All done with the second dress using Vogue V1672.  I like this version better than the last.  The striped seersucker makes this the perfect summer dress.  As I said before, I didn't have to do any major fit adjustments to the pattern, only a little tweak here and there as I sewed along.

This version I did make a few little changes from the last. 

• Installed a lapped zipper
• Completely lined the dress using broadcloth 
• Made a rolled hem on the lining and the dress
• Eliminated the sleeves and finished the armholes with a bias binding

That's it on the changes.

Typically, I do not purchase pink  fabric.  This one was a surprise.  The description was Crinkle Seersucker - Red.  It is more pink than red.  It turned out just fine.  This shade of pink is good on me.  Most pinks make me look gray. 

If you want to know my fit adjustments, Read my previous blog posts:  here.

So, that is all for now.

Happy Sewing!

C

Vogue V1672 - A Second Time Around

Seer Sucker Fabric

This is my current project.  My second version of Vogue V1672.   After all the adjustments I had to make it again.  

 I used this pattern for my birthday dress. 

This time I decide to eliminate the sleeve and add binding.  My hope is to have it finished by the end of the week.  So Stay Tuned!

Happy Sewing!

C

Simplicity S8992 A Simple Easy Dress

 

Pattern Description:  Misses' front buttoning dress or cardigan, with options for pattern hacking. Garment length and sleeve length variations. Designed and sized for stretch knit fabrics only. Can be constructed using an overlocker/serger. I used size large with a few modifications. 

Pattern Sizing:  It's contains Sizing XXS to XXL.  I made view A, the dress with belt loops and belt.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  It does look like the drawing. I decided to contrast the belt and create a contrasting band much like the inspiration dress. Note:  I made two belts: one in the floral knit and the other in the contrasting ribbed knit. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were easy and typical. There was nothing confusing in them. A beginner should be able to make this.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  There is much to like about the pattern. It's a great template for designing your own cardigans and button- front knit dresses. That is one of my favorite elements about the pattern  I like the fit and the style of the dress. This is a great silhouette for me, A- line. Third, the in-set pockets and the front and back facings doubling as a band to add some more interest to the dress.  That's what this pattern is about, having the option to create personalized look.

Fabric Used: This ponte roma double knit is from Minerva Fabrics. I love the vibrant colors and the feel of it.  These colors are so me. And who doesn't love a floral print.  It was easy to sew. I prewashed it and it came out of the dryer soft and fluffy. It's a great piece of textual.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  Lucky for me I didn't have to do major fit adjustments. The fabric had a fair amount of stretch, but it's not stretched out when I'm wearing the dress. It just rest nicely against my body. I only added a small amount of width at the bust area. Nothing more.  I was amazed at how well it fits. My other change was in the design. See previous post for that and a few tips.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and yes. I want to make another dress and a cardigan. This pattern can be used again and again. All level sewists can craft beautiful pieces using this pattern.

Conclusion:  I am very pleased with how my dress turned out.  It sewed together with no problems and it wears like a dream. The colors of the fabric are spot on for me. And the texture of the is lovely.  Happiness.

Happy Sewing!

C

Contrasting Band - Sewing Tips Simplicity S8992

 

Simplicity S8992

I recently made Simpmicity S8992 with a contrasting band. Today I want to share how it did it with the front and back facings.

Below are the steps. Sorry no illustrations of those steps. When I made it, I didn't think to take pictures.

From facing to band:

I decided to contrast the band. But before I attached it to the dress, I stitched the interfacing together as well as the front and back facing. Next, with right-sides together, I stitched the outer edge, turned and pressed. This created a clean edge on the band. Finally, I stitched the band to the front and neckline with the right-side of the band facing the wrong-side of the dress, turned the band to the right-side of the dress, pressed, and stitched to the dress along the outer edge.

Stabilized Buttonholes:

To sew neat buttonholes, I used stabilizer.  Also, I adjusted the tension of the foot and the feed dog so that the fabric could flow smooth between the two.

I hope these tips are helpful. I will post more on the dress soon.

Happy Sewing!

C

Parting shot: Celebrating one of my sewing students' latest creations. Ms. Bonnie made McCall's 8289 dress ( she used a different skirt pattern - not enough fabric for the one that came in the envelop.)  Dress well done! Two snaps up for Ms. Bonnie 

January 2022 - End of the Month Sewing Review

I owe this new approach to reviewing my sewing activities to my friend, Carolyn, over at "Diary of a Sewing Fanatic."  Carolyn has been doing this for quite some time now.  I really like the idea of posting mini recaps of my sewing journey.   This may be better for me than waiting until the end of the year for a grand post about all my makes of the year.  Following this practice will give me 12 mini recaps that I can draw from at the end of the year.  Then hopefully, I will find it easier to post an end of the year review.

After the holidays, I'm happy to stay at home and sew.  I'm encouraged and excited at the close of the year to start making new goals, new plans for a rewarding year of accomplishments.  This attitude is no different for things I want to make.  Usually, I decide what I'd like to make in December for January.  By the first of the year, I cut out a few garments to start.  Something easy.  

This helps get the mojo going after all the holiday season cooking, cleaning, and decorating.  So, this year I started with three knit tops.  I cut them all out on the same day.  I made the black velvet top first, as I thought it would be the prettiest of the three.  Then, I moved on to sew up the second and third tops.

Black Velvet Top - M7836 - View C 

This is actually my favorite, and it is a good compliment to the black leggings that I made last year.  So, I was off to a great start with a pretty top and something new to wear with the black leggings.  My fabric came from JoAnn's.

Ribbed Knit BS6990 - View D and M8238 - View B

The next two tops, I've made a few times before.  Especially, the Burda Style turtleneck BS6990.  It is a TNT.  This is the fourth time I've made it.  And McCall's M8238 - View B.  I just had to try it again.  From bodice to pullover knit top.  Both are great staples, and I will get a lot of wear out of them.  Fabric from FabricMart Fabrics.

Beige Polyester Suiting - V1294 - View B

Black and Ivory Floral Blouse - NL6560 - View D

My next two projects were not the quick and easy two-hour projects.  I wanted to add some details to a plain pair of pants.  I selected V1294.  These pants are well drafted and good for a sloper/TNT pant.  Welt pockets are still a challenge for me.  I don't know why as I've made them several times.  For these pants, I added them to the back.  They turned out perfect.  Happiness.  So, this was my challenge project for the month.  It was also a Minerva Fabric sponsored project.

My Coordinate of choice is also a Minerva sponsored project.  I've wanted to make this blouse for a while.  I like it paired with the subtle pinstriped beige pants.  Both the bold and the subtle show up in this outfit.  My new blouse is floating and feminine; it can be worn with a few other garments in my wardrobe.  That's another sub-goal of mine.  Is to create more mixing and matching instances in my wardrobe.

Black Faux Suede with Fleece Backing V1515 - View A

My final garment made for the month of January is a pullover vest made of faux suede from JoAnn's.  Unfortunately, this is my least favorite make of the month.  Nothing to do with the construction, but the style on me is not that great.  So, this one I will gift to someone.  

This sums up my sewing projects for the month of January 2022.  In total I completed six garments.  The majority are knit tops: fancy and staples.  Love my new neutral feminine blouse and pants.  There is only one not in love with project.  Pretty good for the first month of the year.

Til next time!  Enjoy!

Cennetta

New Look NL6560 and Vogue V1294 - New Outfit Done

 

I'm so pleased with how both of these pieces turned out. It was a lot of fun making them. There are so many things I like about it.

Blouse

The fabric is lovely.  It is a polyester crepe from Minerva.   This soft, floaty fabric falls close to the body.  It sews and presses with no problems.  I love the bold, floral print.  There is an excellent balance between the ivory and black. 

The flounce is very feminine and pretty.  Most of the time, I shy away from neckline flounces, but this one doesn't add to my top heaviness.  

The sleeves are pretty and simple.  The bell falls perfectly above my hand held together by a piece of elastic.  Super simple to construct.  

I also like that the tie was separate from the top.  It closes with an inside twill tape tie and a buttonhole closure on the outside just above the waist.  I used a piece of interfacing to reinforce where I sewed on the button.

My adjustments to the front facing resulted in a wider lower facing.  I wish I had made the upper portion wider too, It kept flipping to the right side of the blouse.  So, after I under-stitched around the neckline, I stitched again to secure the facing to the blouse in hopes of reducing the flip over affect.

This was the second time I used this pattern.  Previously, I made view C and gifted that top to my sister.  So, I was already familiar with most of the construction steps.  In general, they are typical.  Nothing difficult or unique about them compared to other styles with similar instructions.

Pants

The pants are of a viscose suiting, also from Minerva Fabrics.  It has a crisp hand and a stiff drape.  Easy to sew and press.  I love a nice striped fabric.  The pinstripe is subtle, pairing the two fabrics there is no competition between the prints.  They complement each other.

I'll use this pattern again.  They are well drafted, and I love a curved waistband.  And I will definitely add welt pockets again.  They are a great detail.

My related posts are here: blouse and pants 

Happy Sewing!

C  

Notes On A Pattern - Adding Welt Patterns to Vogue V1294

Goodness, I haven't done a Notes on a Pattern in a while.  Being on Instagram more these days, make it so easy not to come to blogland to surf or post.  

So many of my recent posts have been made well after I've posted on Instagram or to other platforms.  I want to get back to reading blogs and posting on a more consisted basis.  Yeah, I know, I've said that before. 

Anyway, this note is about adding welt pockets to a pair of pants.  One of my goals is to continue to add more welt pockets to my garments.  For these pants, I simply used a welt pocket pattern from another pattern.  Sorry, I can't remember which one.  I made another copy of the pieces and added them to the envelope of Vogue V1294.  I already know I will make these pants again.

I really like the draft of these pants.  There is a "real" fly, and the curved waistband is the best.  Also, the crotch isn't super long.  I didn't have to shorten it.  The width of the pant leg is great too.

Before I added the pockets to the pants, I did a test pocket just to make sure. ;-)  It turned out perfect.  Next, time to add the pockets to the back of my pants.  This was the next step in the construction after I made the darts.

Placement is really important.  From what I've read, the tip of the dart shouldn't extend pass the bottom of the welt. 

But I notice that my pockets are a little low on the back side.  So, next time, I think I'll add an inch to the top of the waist.  It won't be too much above the waistline as these sit kind of low to begin with.  And with that small change, I can raise the pocket an inch.

More later on the making of my pants.  Stay tuned.

Parting Shot:  View of my pockets with me wearing the pants.  I'll post a full photo after I post to Minerva's website as this is a Minerva sponsored project.

Brocade Holiday Skirt - Vogue V1725

I started this project with the idea of making the dress, Vogue 1725, View B.  After struggling with trying to make a FBA, I decided to make a skirt to wear with a top of a different fabric.  See previous post. The bodice of the dress after the adjustment, just wasn't flattering.  

 

The skirt of the dress did not call for a lining.  I added one because the brocade is not completely opaque.  The lining was cut about 2.5" shorter than the skirt even along the curved high section.  I didn't want it to show.  The skinny waistband is about 2.5" wide and completely interfaced.  And I omitted the pockets.

What I liked about the skirt is the fullness of it and the high/low style.  That's actually why I purchased the pattern.  For this version, the brocade makes it extra special and perfect for a holiday or special event outfit.

My fabric is from Minerva Fabrics UK.  It is a lovely brocade that either side of the fabric can be used.   It all depends on whether you want more gold or more black in your outfit. I chose more black. 

I'm glad I was able to get something out of the pattern despite the unflattering altered bodice.  In hindsight, I could have used another bodice already tried and true (TNT).  Anyway, I was able to get a nice  outfit.

So, what are you planning to make for the holiday season?

Happy Sewing!
C

P.S.

Sorry the pictures are a little grainy and dark.