The Perfect Cover Up Simplicity 4256

This jacket has been in my collection for about four years. I purchased it for two reasons: it includes B-D cups sizes and the peplum jacket (view b).

Pattern Description: Misses' lined jackets with trim variations.

Pattern Sizing: 6 -22. I used size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. All except for the length of the jacket. It appears to be a little longer on the model. Maybe it's me. If I make it again, I will add a little length to it to create a "leaner" silhouette.

Were the instructions easy to follow? There were no confusing instructions. Pretty standard for the view I made. Caution - The joining of the lining to the front facing/upper collar at the shoulder is a little tricky, but doable.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Peplum waistline and the varying cup sizes. I try to take advantage of patterns that offer multiple cup sizes.

Fabric Used: Stretch woven poly twill from Vogue Fabric's on Roosevelt Rd. Cling free lining from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No alterations. But I decided to follow Vogue's method of sewing the peplum.

Here is a photo of the finished peplum. Simplicity 4256 says to cut 2 pieces of the front flounce and 1 piece of the back flounce; sew them together; sew a rolled hem; then attach to jacket. I prefer Vogue's method: Cut 4 pieces of front and 2 of the back. Sew 2 complete flounces then combine them to create a more polished peplum. As I pressed at the hem, I slightly rolled the upper flounce toward the under side;then I understitched at the hem. Next the waist of the flounce (under) was trimmed evenly then attached to the jacket.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I may make one more version of it. And yes, I recommend it if you have it in your collection.

Conclusion: Cute little jacket that is not difficult to sew and would compliment your spring wardrobe.

Springing It Up With Butterick 5455

We are four months into the new year and I still haven't tried any new tailoring techniques. Oh well..., At least this cute dress does have some piping to show off the design lines.

Here's my review:

Pattern Description: Misses' Dresses semi-fitted, straight dresses A, B, midknee length, have lined bodice, pleated front neckline, midriff front, side slant pockets, back zipper and hemline vent A; self fabric piping trim.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 8 to 20. I used size 14 with modifications. View A.

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? Easy breezy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the pleated neckline, piping, and shape of the pockets. No dislikes.

Fabric Used: I think the fabric roll tag said some type of silk. The lining is bemberg. Both purchased at Fishman's Fabrics in February this year. Great fabric to work with. I wasn't concerned with matching of the "starburst". Just made sure the center of a burst didn't fall on a particular body part. ;-)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made a few alterations/design changes:

-Added a inch or two to the hemline
-Instead of making piping from the fashion fabric, I bought white piping to add a little contrast since I was making a matching white jacket.
-Made a FBA

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Probably not for myself. But I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion: This is a great little spring/summer dress to add to your wardrobe. And it's easy to sew.

Spring 2010 - Cadena! Can You Stand Some More?

Can you stand some more inspiration? Maybe not for those of you who saw the Oscars last night. So many fabulous dresses. There were a few nice tuxedos on the red carpet as well.

But for the sake of sewing "Real Way" instead of "Run Way", here are a few more of my favorites from the Spring Catalog. Enjoy!


Great details on this jacket. The white on black is something I want to incorporate into one of my Spring/Summer projects.



I've been wanting a similar jacket for a while. I need move it closer to the up of the ole list.



The layering technique used in this outfit is outstanding. It's fresh and doesn't look over done. (Side note - the models have big beautiful hair.)



Great use of fabric. The combination of the chiffon (belt) and the boucle (jacket) is interesting. The colors remind me of a dewy spring morning with the scents of gardenias and jasmine flowing in the air.



The big flower is definitely over the top. But I like the idea of the side flounce instead of a slit.

Happy Sewing!
C

Getting Some Spring In My Wardrobe

There is always so much I want to do, but have so little time to do it in. This year is no exception. About three weeks ago, I started organizing a few projects just to have some ideas about what I want to sew over the next few months.

For starters dresses are always on the list. Here are a few I want to make before summer.

B5455 - Navy Starburst silk fabric from Fishman's





S2812 - Black and White Houndstooth fabric from Marji





S2473 - White with black topstitching (I already have several cuts of white fabric, but I don't know which one I'll use for this dress.)



These are a few garments on the Spring to make list. Needlesstosay, I'm still working on a few fall/winter pieces. All will be transition clothes as it's not Spring in Chicago until late May.

That's the short of it. Oh..., Several client projects (wardrobe for DS and Ms. CB's family reunion dress (V1138) and clothes for DD on the list as well. So I will be working on several projects at the same time. Next week I'll have an update on Ms. PB's dress. I finally decided on my banquet outfit (inspired by Cadena Fall 2008 design).

Happy Sewing!
C

Cadena! The Ultimate Fashion Inspiration

This is my favorite silhouette. I love the lace skirt. I would have chosen a different color for the belt though.

On Friday, I picked up my Cadena Spring 2010 catalog. This is my all time favorite fashion magazine. The fashion and illustration are superb.

Love, love. This lace is simply beautiful.

This season they feature layers, fluid and jacquard fabrics in a variety of silhouettes. Every page has something to like. I went through the magazine about five times before deciding which fashion I would share for inspiration. It was HARD. So I ended up selecting about nineteen outfits as favorites only posting a few of them here. The magazine is worth buying. Trust me.

Fishman's (312-922-3396) has a few left for sale. The cost is $30.00. Asked for Patricia; she handles the sale of Cadena magazine. In the store, they also have the catalog with all the fabric featured in the magazine. You can special order it from Cadena.

Here we go!

The jacket on the left has so many great design elements. The belt, two length sleeves, rolled/scrolled collar. Love it.

Tones of grey. The cinched waist is also a feature in many of the details. The fabric is

Tier or layers is one of the featured elements of this season's Cadena magazine.



The piping is great in this jacket. I like the brown/beige hues of the outfit. One of my goals is to add piping to a garment.



I like the colors of these outfits.



Simple Chic

Happy Sewing!
C