Summer Linen and Cotton Blend Gingham - S8389 and S9894

Finally, I have some photos of me wearing some of my recent sewing projects.  For this posts I'm showing Simplicity Bustier S9894 and S8389 pants/shorts (TNT).  All can be paired with other summer coordinates.  Love the neutral tones.

My initial post is here.

Happy Sewing!

C

More Stash Busting with S8389 and S9894

More Stash busting with patterns that I've sewn before.  I'm so pleased with being able to shop my stash.  It is so gratifying to move these lovely fabrics from the sewing studio to the closet.  I hope to get some picture of me wearing these garments very soon.

Patterns used: Simplicity S9894  My review is here.  And Simplicity S8389 (TNT); reviews are here.

There is not much to say about these projects as I have reviewed the patterns before.  I hope to have pictures of my wearing them soon.

Parting shot:  This is just a photo of the July book club book, "The Guest List" by Lucy Foley.  It was a very good murder mystery.  If you are interested, I highly recommend it.  Thanks for your visit to my blog.

Easy Simplicity Pullover Top - S9679 in Review

I've had Simplicity S9679 in my pattern collection for a while. I am just getting around to sewing it.  Of course, I had to do my usual fit adjustments; FBA and swayback.  In this review, I paired it with a TNT pants pattern S8389.  It is a go-to for an easy fit and sew coordinate.  

So let's begin the pattern review of Simplicity S9679

Pattern Description:  Misses' knit top with sleeve variations.

Pattern Sizing:  4 - 20; I used size 16 with modifications.  I made view B.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  Slight changes to address the adjustments made.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes,  the instructions were typical; nothing difficult or confusing in them.  

Was the construction easy?  Yes, the top went together with ease.  The most tedious part was finishing the opening across the upper chest and back.  This step required you to take your time.  This area is a focal point of the top.  I used some steam a seam to hold everything in place as I sewed.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  For this version of the top I have likes and dislikes.

 Likes -

• The seaming and the opening at the upper body. 
• The slant of the neck opening.  It adds interest to what would a simple pullover top.

Dislikes -

• Finishing of the armhole.  I added a binding to finish it.
• The armhole fit.  I could have created the problem when I slightly rise it.  But this is something that I noticed in other tops that have a sleeveless and sleeved version that used the same front and back pattern.  For my next version I'll try to address that.

Fabric Used:  I used a ribbed knit from Fashion Fabric Fabrics.  I love the chartreuse color of it.  The stretch recovery could be better.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  

• FBA - I used my molly t-shirt pattern to make it.  You can see where are made changes along the sides and at the lower front armhole.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Swayback adjustment - I first cut the lower back into two pattern pieces.  Next, I made the tuck on each pieces and added at the hem.  I added seam allowance to both patterns where they would be joined.   I didn't make a prominent shoulder blade adjustment.  It appears to be okay without it. 
• I shorten the opening to eliminate any gapping.
• I cut binding out of the fashion fabric to finish the armhole.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I plan to sew view C. And yes, I recommend it to others.

Conclusion:  I enjoyed making this pullover top.  It is a change from the typical t-shirt style pullover.  You can dress it up or down.  It's easy to sew for all sewing levels.

Happy Sewing!

C

Another 2024 Project In Review - Simplicity S9716

Talk about easy to sew, this pattern is just that.  I made the cardigan, which is perfect for pairing with other simple staples.  Here, I'm wearing it with a ribbed mocked turtle top from JC Penney and a pair of Vogue V8859 pull-on pants that I made a few years ago

Simplicity gives a very basic pattern description:  Misses' knit top, cardigan, and skirt.  It is available in sizes 4 through 20.  I used size 16 with modification. 

This simple cardigan does look like the drawing on the envelope.  I looked closely at the duster that the model is wearing to determine if the shape of the sleeve, the placement of the shoulder seam, and the drape along the side of the cardigan were the same as mine.  I wanted to achieve the same relaxed look of the cardigan as pictured. 

The instructions were typical and nothing difficult in them.  I think this is a great pattern to help beginners start to sew knit fabrics.

What I like most about this pattern is the simplicity of it.  It's super easy and stylish at the same time.  I don't have any dislikes.

The double knit that I used was purchased at New Rainbow Fabrics last fall.  It is a soft but sturdy knit that is perfect for a cardigan.  

I really only made two small changes:

• Added belt loops to the sides using the fashion fabric
• At the side bust area I "kind of" curved out that area for added room for a fuller bust.  I hope that makes sense.  I didn't take any photos.

I hope to make at least the duster.  It just a longer cardigan.  As I said earlier, this is a great pattern for beginners.  It can be used to create a mini wardrobe.  A good basic pattern for wardrobe staples.

So that's all for now.

Happy Sewing,
Cennetta

Black and White Color Blocked Easy Coordinates with Simplicity S9690

When you are short on fabric, try color blocking.  It is a great way to use fabric remnants.  I was able to make a coordinating top for two pair of pull-on pants that I made using Simplicity S9690.

 

Pattern Description:  Cold shoulder top A has scoop neckline with long sleeves.  Top B is short sleeved.  Both pants C and D have knit contrast on waistband.  Jogger pants D has ankle cuffs and pin tucks.  I made views top A and pants C with a few modifications.

Pattern Sizing:  size groups (8 - 16) (18-26).  I used size 16.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Pretty much.  I did color block the top and I made little pleats in front of the pants.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were super easy, and there was nothing in them that was confusing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that the pattern was easy to sew.  In the early part of summer, I was sewing really basic patterns and garments trying to jump start my sewing mojo.

Fabric Used:  These are two more fabrics that I purchased at Hobby Lobby.  They really have some deals on basic fabrics.  Great place for beginners to shop.  The fabric is a knit crepe.  I pre-washed and dried it before starting my project.  It came from the dryer softer and bouncy.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made some changes.  Most of them were due to fabric shortage. Lol.

• Top A - I decided to color block the top using the remnants from the two pairs of pants that I made.  
• For the sleeves I added separate pieces to make the sleeves long enough.  I also added some topstitching to make the add on look intentional.  
• Instead of using binding to finish the neckline, I used the fashion fabric to finish it.

Surprisingly, I didn't make my usual fit adjustments.  I thought the style ease in the top would be enough for the "fit adjustments" that I normally make.

 

• Pants C - I added little pleats to the front of the pants.  I did not want all the gathers across the front caused by the elasticized waistband.  Also, I reduced the length of the waistband.
• Lengthen the pants a few inches so that they would be long enough.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and yes.  This is an easy, quick pattern to sew.  Great for beginners.

Conclusion: Sometimes you need a few super easy projects to jump start your sewing mojo.  This one is great for that.  It is also a great beginner pattern that offers some creative designs.

Happy Sewing!

C

Denim Tote Bags - Simplicity S9618

I'm still working on my summer project posts.  It is a challenge trying to get everything posted before I start posting the fall garments that I have already made this and last month.  My goal this week is to get all summer projects posted.  

This post is all about tote bags.

I used Simplicity S9618.  This was a "Sew Your Own View" project of the Instagram page of the same name.  I believe the challenge was last year.  Anyway, this summer I finally was able to make two totes, Views A and C with modifications.

Neither tote is for me: view A is for my DD and view C is for my niece.

So let me begin with the descriptive information on the pattern envelope. Lol  It’s one sentence: tote bag in three sizes.  No information about the straps, handles, or binding.  Typical. Lol

Of course the size you choose is up to you. I also think that the details are also based on your preference.  You can mix and match them according to your own taste and design.

For the most part, view A does look like the drawing.  I added a little patch on the front.  I didn't make the strap, but I did attach the loops to the inside side of the bag.  For the large tote I chose not to use seam binding for the outer edge.  I finished the outside much like view A.

The instructions were easy to follow and there was not anything confusing in them.

 

There are a few things I like about the pattern and the views that I made:

 

• the tote is an inspirational design for the Marc Jacob tote bag 
• the style of the tote
• that the bag comes in three bag sizes
• easy to make

Now, I do have a few dislikes, which are related to the construction of the bag:

• using the heavy denim fabric, it was very hard to sew through all layers.  So at the very top of the bags I wasn't able to do the finishing stitches.  They don't look as polished as I would like.  Next time, I will trim some of the bulk away.
• The base of the bag does not have the support that I want.   Maybe a piece of cardboard in the bottom will help.  I need to figure something out to make it better.

The denim fabrics were purchased at JoAnn's.  I grabbed them from the remnant bins for a reduced price.  Both denim are tightly woven and sturdy.  Perfect for a tote bag.  For the lining (small tote), the floral cotton comes from a wholesaler that my DD found on etsy.  I can't remember the name.  The cotton for the large tote came from JoAnn's.  Simple cotton novelty fabric.

 

I did make a few changes:

 

View A.

•  I didn't make the strap
• for the top flap with the zipper closure, I lined it for a polished finish
• for the handles, I pressed them in half and turned in the seam allowance.  That was easier than following step 1.

View C.

•  I pretty much sew this bag the same as the small tote
• I changed the way I finished the handles.  Instead of the instructed method and the method used for view A, I decided to press the seam allowance toward the middle of the handle then turning in the allowance for a clean finish.  This helped reduce the bulk on one side of the handles.  See photos below.
• The fold of the handles are turned inward instead of outward.

Prep for strap for view C -

I enjoyed making these totes, with the exception of a few construction obstacles.  I do plan to make at least one more tote for myself.  This is a great tote to try, and I do recommend it to others.  Be ready to use a heavy sewing machine needle (18) on those really bulky areas.

Overall I think the totes turned out pretty good.  Next time I'm hoping for better results.  These are a great gift idea.  

 

Happy Sewing!

C