Holiday Champagne Outfit - Butterick B6913

Happy New Year Everyone!

It's good to still be here.  Today, I'm glad to post a pattern review of my Christmas outfit.  I have a few more reviews for 2023 to post.  So please be patient.  I'm hoping to write a few posts at a time in hopes of getting all of them done as  quickly as possible.  

Butterick B6913

I wanted to start with this project because it is my favorite make from the last quarter of 2023.  So, let me begin with the pattern description that is straight from the Simplicity UK website: relaxed, easy, and casual loungewear features knit dress and top with asymmetrical neckline, long sleeves, shoulder strap, and tie belt.  Dress A has side slit.  Skirt C is midcalf length and has elastic waistband.  Pants D are long, flowy, and wide leg, and have elastic waistband.  I made views B and D with minor adjustments.

This pattern comes in sizes small to xx large all in pattern.  I used between sizes medium and large.  My outfit looks like the photo/drawing and the instructions were super easy.  There is nothing complex or confusing about them.  I wanted this to be a super quick construction process for me.  So I used different construction methods.  All modifications are listed in the alteration/change section below.

My likes are:

• Easy to sew - My number one favorite like.   The pants were easy.  They are literally a simple two-piece pattern pajama pant.  The top is a modified t-shirt pattern with an exposed shoulder.  I made this outfit from start to finish on Christmas Eve.  It took about 5 hours. 
• Cute and Festive - With the combination of the style and fabric, it is a very festive outfit.  Perfect for the holiday.
• Comfortable - Knit fabric and relaxed comfort.  Perfect.  No tight, binding clothes on Christmas.  So no distractions from enjoying my family during our Christmas celebration.  Joy.

I have no dislikes.

 

My fabric is a champagne, textured, novelty knit.  I purchased it at Vogues Fabrics on Roosevelt Rd about ten years ago.  It has about 30 percent stretch and great recovery.  The texture is my favorite.  It is medium weight and has a semi- dry hand.  It's not rough though if that makes sense.  This fabric was very easy to work with and that helps with finishing the hems.

Now, the alterations and construction changes.  My apologies, the alteration changes for fit may not be helpful in this case.  I simply made them as I cut out my outfit.  I'll start with the easiest, the pants.  All I needed was to add about 4 inches to the length of them.  Simply cutting them longer for the bottom edge.  For my top at the bust area (starting 2.5 inches from the top of the side seam) I tapered out about 1/2 inch then tapered back to the edge of the pattern to add a little more room in the bust area.  So it looked a little like a crescent moon on the side.  Sewing the side seam, I had to do a little easing to maintain the integrity of the length of the front side seam.  I also added an inch to the length of both sleeves.  Nothing more on fit.

For the construction changes I did the following:

Top -

• No double stitching the seams.  I straight stitched them.  For the hem and the upper edge of the neckline/sleeve, I serged the edges turned and stitched.
• Upper edge (neckline/sleeve) I left and opening to thread a narrow elastic through the channel to help maintain the shape of the neckline/sleeve.  First, I measured the circumference.  Then I cut the elastic 3 inches shorter than the circumference. 
• Attaching the shoulder strap. I stitched it to the edge of the hem, adjusting the location based on where my bra strap falls.  To reinforce it, I also stitched it to the edge just above the initial attachment stitching (avoiding the elastic).

Pants -

• Again no double stitching the seams.  I follow the same seaming for the pants.
• Casing for the elasticized waist.  No turning the raw edges in.  I serged the edge of the waist and the hem.  I turned them and stitched them down. Nothing fancy, but all finishings are neat and clean.

That's it.

 

I planned to make this outfit at least one more time.  I already have a fabric in mind.  But that's another review.  Lol

 

This is an easy pattern to sew.  I do recommend it to all level sewists.  Depending on your fabric, you can dress it up or down.  

 

I am very pleased with how this outfit turned out.  It was perfect for the Christmas family holiday celebration.

Happy Sewing!

C

Summertime Fun Dress in Ankara Fabric - Simplicity S8594

Today is the last day of June and it is 98 degrees HOT!  Great time to wear my latest creation, using a red and black, Ankara fabric that I purchased at the Textile Warehouse. I began sewing this dress last Thursday and finished it on Sunday.  

My photographer, DD, was available to take a few pictures of me wearing it this afternoon.   The sun was high and bright.  The heat was on. Lol

This will be a short and sweet review as I don't have pictures of the pattern alterations.  Sorry.  If you check out many of my previous princess fit adjustment makes, you'll get a good idea of the changes I had to make for this pattern. 

Pattern Description:  Misses and Petites with bodice and skirt variations.  The bodice options include a crewneck with slit or a halter, and the skirt can be made straight or flared with pockets.  I made View C with modifications, size 14 graded up. 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  Of course, I lengthen the skirt and made a few other changes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Sorry, I really didn't read the instructions.  I've made this style dress many, many times before.  At a glance, I guess they were typical.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the halter style of the dress.  And I thought it would be a great style for the fabric that I selected.

Fabric Used: I purchased this Ankara fabric from the Textile Warehouse in Chicago on 21st Street.  They have a variety of colors and prints for the reasonable price of about $6.00 per yard.  It is 100 percent cotton.  It also washes and presses very well.  That's something I always appreciate with natural fibers.  I love the print and the vibrant red and black colors.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made a ton of changes.

• FBA and graded the pattern up.  When I purchased this pattern, the largest size grouping available at the store was size 14. So, I made it work for me.
• I shortened the straps by 2 inches, much too long for me.
• NOTE:  I forgot to make a sway back adjustment.  Not too bad though.  If I use this bodice again, I'll be sure to do it to remove the excess fabric at the lower back.
• Lengthen the skirt.  Also, I barely had enough fabric for my desired length.  On a few of the lower corners of the skirt, I had to "piece" the corners together.  See picture below to see an example.  You can hardly tell. wink, wink.
• I installed an invisible zipper instead of a regular one, only because I didn't have one in my stash, and I refuse to buy another one. 

Observation:  The bodice is a little low at the underarm.  I'd would bring it up about 1.5 inches for a better fit and look.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and yes.  I would consider making it again.  This view, view C, which I like the most.  Also, I recommend it to others.  It's a great little summer dress that is not difficult to make.

Conclusion: I am pleased with how this dress turned out.  The fit is almost perfect. and I really like the combination of the fabric and style.  Great little summer dress that beginners and experienced sewists could make with no problem.

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

Heather Purple Solid Coating - Cold Buster

 

We are well into the coat wearing season.  But there is still time to make that special coat you've been dreaming of.

This is the second coat that I made using Butterick 6385.  The first was finished at the end of January. So the review of the pattern is in that post.

 My daughter's coat was made way back in April.  I decided to wait until now to post it since April is spring time and who wants to see a winter coat after all the cold and snow.

Last week was the first time she wore it, and it was the perfect answer to the mid-western bone chilling winter frost.  Temperatures are in the 20's.  Burrrr!  Good thing I chose another great coat fabrics from Mood:  Heather Purple Solid Coating and the Warm Olive Twill Viscose Lining.   A great match for beauty inside and out.

The heather coating is 100% wool.  I love working with natural fabrics.  This wool is easy to press and to shape into the desired form.  The olive twill lining is crisp and tightly woven with a beautiful sheen finish.  Both textiles were a joy to work with.

Unfortunately, both are sold out.  No worries though.  Mood has a vast array of coat and lining fabrics to choose from.  Don't wait though.  Designers and sewists, alike are snapping up their outwear textiles like nobody's business.

For this coat I used snaps instead of buttonholes and I eliminated the bust darts  Those are basically the only changes to the construction of the coat.  Anything else is pretty much the same as the first coat.  Because I had been down this road before, it went together quickly.  And my DD was very happy to have a new coat before the winter season started. 


Happy Sewing!
C

PS - Hat and scarf also made by me. ;-)

Custom Clothing Labels - Dutch Label Shop

Good morning everyone,

I hope you had a fantastic weekend.  It's been super busy around here.  The Christmas season is here and I'm exciting about sharing the season with family and friends. 

Today I'd like to extend a special order to you from Dutch Label Shop.  They make the most fabulous custom labels for all your custom design needs.  For the next 32 days (January 12, 2019) you can get a 15% discount on your order of labels.  All you need to do is use the code themahoganystylist15 when you place your order.

Before placing your order you'll want to spend a little time thinking about how to design your custom labels.  The website is very easy to navigate.  Just go to the Dutch Label Shop and create an account. 

On the portal page, there are three links to help you navigate and create your labels:  with inspiration, with guidance, and with quality.  Once you have created your labels  and submit your order, you will be asked to confirm your order before the labels are shipped to you.  This is very helpful in the event something is misspelled or missing from your design.

The labels are of the high quality.  I am looking forward to including them in my clothes.

So hurry while the offer is available.  You won't be disappointed.

Spring Is Here - My Custom Made Umbrella

It's May and we've had two days with temps over 70 degrees!  I'm so happy.  Hoping winter or signs of winter are gone!

This weekend I was determined to finish up my Haute Couture Club Fashion Show garments/items.  One of them was this lovely umbrella, custom made by yours truly.  I was so pleased with how easy and well it turned out.

At the end of last HCC meeting Rhonda, held a how to workshop, but I was unable to participate.  I was not ready and had some other responsibilities.  On Saturday morning I was able to finish mine all but anchoring the canopy to the stokes and applying the fabric shield spray.

I wanted some Wakanda something fabric, but couldn't find any.  I love the Black Panther movie.  It displayed so many positive roles of black women.  Who wouldn't want to be a super hero or fantasized about being one  (that would be me ;-) ).   So can someone create some Wakanda fabric, please?

The Black Widow movie is due out 2019.  She is fierce with enhanced technological powers that make her virtually invincible.

Anyway, back to the umbrella.  The supplies came from the Quilter's Trunk store in Chicago.  But you can contact Umbrella Joan to purchase the frame and the pattern.   Just follow the instructions and you are done!

Happy Sewing!
C