Color Blocked Jacket With Ooh La La Leggings - Vogue V8795 and PaperCut Leggings

 

I decided months ago to make another pair of OohLaLa leggings.  Actually, I planned to make two pairs out of the designer rayon double knits that I purchased from Gorgeous Fabrics last fall.  After completing them I had about 3/4 yard leftover of each color.  It was too much to through away and two little to make another garment.  I was determined not to start another bin of scraps as I already have several in my sewing studio and in the garage.   So, I had to figure out some way to use them up immediately after making my leggings.  

This is why I came up with the idea to make a color blocked jacket.  It took some thought and a whole lot of playing Tetris with the pattern pieces.  The best design solution was to make each side a different color.  It was still a challenge with making the sleeves long enough.  So, I did something that my grandmother taught me many, many years ago.  She called the process "piece mill".  The sleeves are actually two pieces sewn together to get the desired sleeve length of the jacket.   I guess it could be considered a design element.  

Once I got all the pieces cut out, I began to happily put together my jacket.  This is not the first time that I used this pattern.  I first made the jacket way, way back in January 2013. It is Vogue V8795.  The complete review on that project is here.

The first time I made the leggings was in 2015.   I loved them and can't say why it took my so long to make them again.  The Papercut Ooh LaLa Leggings are reviewed here.   

There is nothing to add to the review of the leggings.  They were super easy to make and my likes remain the same.  As for the jacket, the major difference is color blocking it.  My design changes are centered around using a limited amount of two different fabrics to get one complete jacket.   The sleeves are two pieces: a upper and a lower piece.  The back of the jacket is also two pieces with a center back seam. This jacket is about 1" shorter than the first one due to fabric limitations.

I love how the jacket came together.  The whole process was fun.  All of the fabric was used. And I have a little jacket that I can wear with either pair of leggings. 

The fabric is a Designer Rayon Double Knit from Gorgeous Fabrics.  Here is where you can find the Deep Purple on Ann's site.   There are several  other colors to choose from.  This knit is wonderful.  It does not pill and has great recovery.    

I'm pleased with this project.  It was the last outfit that I made for myself in 2020.  I think it was a good final project.  The leggings are great and super easy.  Although the jacket took a little time to make, I am very pleased with the results and glad I was able to use the scraps.  Both patterns are a good sew, and I recommend them.

Happy Sewing!

C

Casual Separates: Simplicity 1198 Draped Top and Paper Cut Ooh La Leggings

This is quickly becoming my favorite comfy casual outfit. I like the combination of the colors and the style of my new knit separates.

Both patterns are new to my collection, having purchased them only last month. I hope to make more of both. Today, I will review each pattern, beginning with Simplicity 1198-E. I bought it for view A. It's funny how I always seem to select the least favorite view to make first.

Simplicity describes this pattern as: Misses' knit tops. Needless to say, Simplicity rarely gives a good description of the pattern views. I described view-e as scooped neck loose fitting knit top with right side drape, 3/4 off the shoulder sleeves, and a curved hemline. The pattern comes in sizes XXS to XXL. I cut between medium and large with no alterations to accommodate fit. There was enough ease across the bust and back areas. I did not make a sway back adjustment as this top is floaty and loose fitting.


The top looks like the drawing and photos. And the instructions were simple and easy to follow. I'd like to give a word of caution when it comes to measuring and applying the elastic to the lower center of each sleeve. I think 3" is a bit long. I cut mine 2.5" instead. The center front neckband does not fit as snug as I like.  I recommend reducing the length of it  and stay stitching the neckline before attaching the neckband.


The side drape and the uneven hemline of this view helped me decide to make this view first. Although the top is loose fitting, it is not an unflattering silhouette. The length and shaping of the drape slenderizes the body. It is important to select a fabric with enough stretch. The fabric I used came from Vogue in Evanston. I found it on a table of assorted knits with assorted fibers. It has a little more stretch than recommended, but is perfect for this top.

I will definitely make this top again. Yesterday I purchased another knit print for my second top. And I do recommend this pattern to others. I like it, and it requires minimum amount of fit adjustment and is not difficult to sew. All level sewists should be able to make it.

Ooh La Leggings with Simplicity 1916 Top

Now for the leggings. Ooh La Leggings


Dawn (Two On Two Off) and Lauren (Lladybird) convinced me that this pattern was worth a try. These leggings come in three lengths: full, 3/4 and knee. They are, of course, close fitting and have front and back yokes with leg seaming for an interesting look.

The sizing is from XXS to XL. I started with a large and had to trim them down a bit for a better fit.


They certainly look like the photo and drawing. The instructions were easy to follow, no problems. What's not to like about these leggings. The seaming is very flattering and gives you the option to color block. They are versatile. You can wear them as part of your workout gear; or choose to wear them as part of a casual outfit.


For my leggings, I used a beefy knit from Vogue (Evanston), with a small amount of stretch crosswise. Lengthwise there is 50 percent stretch. So I use the lengthwise stretch around my body instead. The wrong side of the fabric is just as nice as the right side. So I used both to add a little more interest to my leggings. The front panels are the wrong side of the fabric.

First I added a few inches to the length while cutting them out. The next changes came as I sewed them. I joined the front and back yokes to assess the fit. I had to take out about an inch along the sides of the yoke. I continued with sewing the rest of the legging together. Then another fit check. The arches in the front, back and side were bagging outward. So I reduced them, removing about an inch from each. From the upper thigh to the ankle, I reduced the circumference of the leg by 1.5". Next, I cut off about 1.5" from the top of the center front, decreasing to about an inch at the sides continuing across the entire back of the yoke. I sewed almost the entire pant on the serger. The casing for the elastic and the hem were sewn on the sewing machine. I will sew these again and again.


This is a very good pattern, and I recommend it.

Happy Sewing!
C