The One Pattern Piece Shrug - Butterick B5680

After completing the emerald crepe outfit, I needed a few easy projects to complete.  This super easy shrug was one of many UFO's I needed to complete.   I don't know what took me so long to sew it up. It didn't take two hours to finish.  I just want about five more really quick projects before a tackle another complex one.   LOl

Anyway, below is my short review of this Butterick shrug, View D.

Pattern Description:  Loose fitting.  A: button and buttonhole shoulder closure. B,C:  front extends into shawl collar.  D:  front extends to back, no side or shoulder seams.  Purchased pin; wrong side of fabric will show.  E:  V-shaped neckband, stitched at sides.

It is out of print.  copyright 2008.

The pattern piece is a modified rectangle.  Very simple construction.  It creates a interesting "V" shape back with the point resting a the waist.

 Pattern Sizing:  I used size medium.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes,  On the dress form, I pulled the collar closer to the neckline.  The drawing is positioned about midway the shoulder.   But for all intents and purposes, it looks very similar to the drawing.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Very easy; not difficult at all.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like the way the shrug came together as I sewed it.  The "V" at the back is super cute.  I also like the hem of it and the shawl collar.  

No dislikes.

Fabric Used:  I purchased this sweater knit from Fabricmart Fabric a few years ago.  Initially, I thought I may make a long cardigan.  But this shrug was perfect for the fabric.  I still have about two yards left.  So I need to come up with something else to make.  Maybe a skirt or a pull-over top.  Both would be nice.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  No pattern alterations.  But I did serge the edges.  Then turned the hem, pressed it, and sewed it down by machine.  So the serged edge is exposed.  I think it is a nice design element.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I don't think I will sew this view again.  I am interested in making view A.  I do recommend this pattern.  It is beginner friendly.  These wraps and jackets are a great way to spruce up your wardrobe.

Conclusion: This shrug was a great palette cleanser. It is very easy and beginner friendly.  I recommend it to all level sewists.  

Vogue V2097 - Emerald Green Crepe Pants Suit

I'm finished it!  I'm so happy to finally be able to share my newest Vogue (V2097) outfit!

This outfit suits me.  I love so many details about the design and how everything came together.  If you have been following my journey of making this suit, I posted details on my pattern adjustments and the construction process.  Here is where you can read about the process.  

Pattern Description:  Partially lined, hourglass shape V-neck top sewing pattern, fitted through waist, has concealed front button closure, decorative flaps and asymmetric collar.  Fitted skirt, has invisible back zipper and back vent.  Semi-fitted pants have front pleats, side pockets and invisible back zipper.

Pattern Sizing:  Size groupings (6 - 14) & (16 - 24)  I used size 16 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does.  I made a few changes with the closure of the pants.  More later.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, there was nothing difficult in the instructions.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 

I have several likes.  They are:

• Collar
• Pleated bodice
• Pleated high waisted pants
• In-seam buttonhole
• Darts at neckline
• Faux pockets

Dislikes:

• Back zipper
• Partially lined jacket

Fabric Used:  Stretch Polyester Crepe - Emerald Green from Mood Fabrics.  I love this fabric.  I bought three colors:  black, blue violet and the emerald green.  They have this stretch poly crepe in twelve different colors.  The crepe was a dry hand.  It is easy to handle and sew.  It hangs away from the body.  Great fabric to work with.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made my usual fit adjustments.  See my Notes on a Pattern post.    For the pants, I put the zipper in the front, change the closure of the waistband, and lengthen the pants as needed.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Oh yes, I will make it again and again.  Lol  And yes, I do recommend it to others.  Make sure you make a muslin before cutting into your beautiful fabric.  

Conclusion:  I am so very happy with how this outfit turned out.  I love everything about it: the style, fabric, and color. I would consider this an advanced intermediate level project.   

Parting Shot:  My Babylon Leather Bucket Tote Bag is a perfect complement to this outfit.

Happy Sewing!

C

Update - Vogue V2097

It's been a long while since I posted any status on Vogue V2097.  It's been hanging on the dress form for a month now.  Teaching and other things have kept me away from finishing it.  But I hope to finish it before the end of the June and provide the final view and review.  

Today, I did want to share some likes and dislikes, though.

Likes -

• the collar.  The way it came together and the design of it.
• pleats on the bodice 
• Faux welt pockets.  There are no pockets, but...,
• darts at the neckline
• in-seam buttonhole
• high waisted pants

Dislikes -

• back zipper 

More later..,

New Look Bag Pattern NL6425

 

One of my many creative interests is making bags.  I made these two tote bags in early December, last year.  My hope was to make matching cosmetic bags.  This effort was two fold:  stash busting and Christmas gift giving.  Well I was successful in the stash busting, but I didn't finish the cosmetic bags to complete "my gift idea".  So, these two beauties are still taking up space in my sewing studio.  BTW- I still plan to give as gifts.

I used New Look NL6425, view A and B, with modifications.  New Look didn't give any view descriptions.  These are really basic lined tote bags.  There are no inside pockets.  

The instructions are the easiest.  Nothing confusing in them.  Great pattern for beginners to try.  I like that these totes came together quickly.  

The little tabs at the bottom were just a little challenging.  I wanted to get the placement just right for the pattern design of the fabric.  I think it good, not perfect.

From my stash are two remnant heavy cotton fabrics that I purchased at JoAnn's several years ago.  The straps are also from my stash.  They have been waiting to be used for over 15 years.  I am thrilled that I finally used them.

These totes do look like the illustration on the envelope with the exception of the straps.   I also, added a covered cardboard insert to help keep the shape of the bottom of the bag.

My changes were basic:  straps, strap loops, and bottom insert

These are very easy totes to make.  This pattern is a great template to make a variety of different bags:  appliques, patchwork, overlays, etc.  The possibilities are endless.

I recommend this pattern to all level sewists.

  

Pattern Review for Student Project - Simplicity S9308

This is the bag I made for the class.  Photos of students are not allowed to be published.

Today's pattern review is Simplicity S9308.

I'm kind of working backwards on the student projects for middle school beginner sewing class.  This tote bag project is made the 3rd/4th week of class.  Before we start on this project, the students have had a few lessons: 

• some hand stitching exercise that include various stitches and how to sew on a button
• a hand stitched project
• how to drive the sewing machine, including threading and practicing various stitches
• introduction to appliques and embellishment

This tote bag is a very simple tote bag project.  It has good basic pattern pieces that a sewist could create many different versions with no problem.  An all around great basic pattern for students

Simplicity describes it as:  tote bags in three sizes.  For the class I used the largest size.  And for the most part, the bag did look like the illustration.

In my lesson, the students learned/practiced several things:

• seam allowance
• top stitching
• how to create and sew on an applique
• how to press to achieve a polish look
• how to assemble a project from start to finish

Now for my class, I changed the instructions to have the pocket on the outside instead of on the inside of the bag.  This change was to reinforce the lesson on applique/embellishment.  It also gave the students an opportunity to practice topstitching.  The rest of the instructions were followed as per the guide sheet.  

For the appliques - I created several templates for the student to choose from.  Some are pictured below.

In conclusion, this very basic tote bag is a great beginner project.  It has great bones and possibilities for many different versions of the tote.  I highly recommend it for all level sewists.

Happy Sewing!

C

The Shirt Project Continuous with McCall's ME2052

It's been almost a decade since I started my little "Shirt Project".  And I've made a variety of button down or button up shirts since it all begin.  The process is similar from shirt to shirt; but occasionally, there is something new and interesting about it.

Today's installation of "The Shirt Project" is McCall's Know Me ME2052.  It is designed by Beaute' J'Adore.  The point of interest is the longer sleeve double cuff.  

Pattern Description:  Misses' button down shirt with collar and collar stand.  It has longer sleeves with double cuff.  The pants are a jean style cropped pants with inlay patches on the front and back legs. 

Pattern Sizing:  I used a size 16 with very small modifications

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?  The instructions were pretty easy to follow.  I did a few things different.  

• Burrito method for completing the back yoke.
• Finished the top stitching on the front before completing the hem.
• I followed my own method for placing the buttons and buttonholes making the sure a button was placed at the fullness of my bust.  Then continuing with the rest at an appropriate spacing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I really like the double cuff and the oversize style.   

Fabric Used:  The fabric was purchased at the Discount Warehouse on west 21st in Chicago,  It has been in my stash for a year or so.  I bought is to make a shirt. I pre-washed and dried it shortly after I purchased it.  So, it was ready to sew when I pulled it from my stash.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I really didn't change much.  I just added my usual inch to the sleeve length.  NOTE:  these sleeves fall slightly over the hand.  

Next time:  I will interface half of each cuff to reduce thickness.  Also, I'll reduce the circumference of the collar.   

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and yes.  I already have another cotton blend ready to cut and sew.  

Conclusion: I enjoyed making this shirt.  I also, recommend it to others.  It is an average sewing level shirt.  Great wardrobe builder with a unique twist.

Happy Sewing!

C

Notes on a Pattern - McCall M7929

Today's "Notes on a Pattern" is for McCall M7929.  

I couldn't skip this step in the fit process.  I wanted to be sure about the fit before I cut into my fashion fabric.  Luckily, the changes that I initially made to the tissue pattern were very close to what is needed to make this top work for me.  

In these notes, my main focus was the fitting the front bodice.  My muslin is a combination of view B and D.  It helps me to see how it all comes together and how it will look on me.

Below are the tissue pattern changes.  Here I made a full bust adjustment (FBA).

For the bodice back, I made swayback adjustment and I adjusted the back pattern for a zipper closure instead of a button closure.  Please forgive the pencils and pens.  I used them to hold the pattern pieces in place.  On both front and back I raised the neckline a little.  I hate how low pattern fall on me.

Now, to look at the outcome of my changes.  For the FBA, the bottom edge of the cup is now longer than  the midriff.  To reduce length,  the excess needed to be removed.  So on one side I made a dart and the other I ease in the excess.  I liked to dart better.  So, in my fashion fabric I will make a dart at the lower section of the cup.  

The back is very good with this muslin.  So I don't think I need to make any more substantial changes.  Maybe a little tweaking here and there.

The next is to determine whether to make the top or add a skirt to the top for a dress.  Stay tuned.

Happy Sewing!

C