Union Pattern Molly T-Shirt with Rhonda's Square Shoulder Sleeve Design

Today I'm sharing my fifth version of the Molly t-shirt.  This time I drafted Rhonda's Square Shoulder Sleeve design for the sleeve.  The pattern drafting was so easy and the finished sleeve turned out very well.    If you want to try drafting the sleeve, check here on Rhonda's blog.

There isn't much more to say about the process.  Rhonda's post gives you all the details on how to make it.  So there is no need for me to repeat it.

Sorry about the poor quality of the pictures.

Parting Shots:  This is the very first Molly T-Shirt that I made in 2019.

Just In Time For Spring - Kelly Anorak Jacket - Part II

 

Good morning everyone,

It's a beautiful day in the Chicago area.  The sun is shining, the grass is green and lush with the temperatures in the 50's.  It's a great day.  Yesterday was pretty much the same as today, just a little warmer.  

Today I want to give you the deets on my new Kelly Anorak jacket.  It took about five sessions averaging five and half hours.  This was a new pattern to me.  But I've seen several dozen makes on Instagram and other social media outlets.  I think it's a jacket worth making.  

Yesterday I did my little photo shoot in a little park not too far from my home.  Sorry I forgot the name of it.  Anyway, we were able to get a few good shots of me wearing my first Kelly Anorak jacket.

Here is the description straight from their website:  Style meets function with the Kelly Anorak; a classic shape with a modern cut, this simple coat is the perfect choice for transitional weather.

Lightweight and unlined, it features a two-piece cuffed sleeve, optional drawstring waist, gusseted flap pocket and a zipper placket with snap buttons.  View A will keep you warm and dry with a roomy three-piece hood, while View B features a classic stand-up collar.

Kelly is just right made up in light to medium-weight woven fabric such as twill, gabardine, and linen, and will make the ultimate rain coat when sewn with a waterproof fabric like ripstop or Goretex.

I purchased the online PDF version, which comes in sizing 0 to 20.  I used size 16 and made the unlined version.

My jacket does look like the photographs and the drawings.  In looking at my photos I did notice that my sleeves have more wearing/style ease in them.  It could be because of the sizing.  Note: the sleeve cap also has quite a bit of ease in it. 

Closet Core did an excellent job of providing information on the construction of the jacket.  A few years ago, they hosted a sew-a-long and posted multiple blogs on how to best construct the jacket.  The pattern instructions were very good too. 

There is so much to like about the jacket.  My likes are:

• The style of it.  I've wanted an anorak fashioned jacket for a while,  But hesitated on making it, thinking it was too labor intensive for a basic jacket.  Since making my first one, I think it is a great sewing projects. 
• The construction is loaded with different sewing techniques to practice.  Top-stitching, flat fell seams, installing a zipper, installing snaps and grommets.
• The hood.  It is great for keeping my hands free if it rains while I'm out shopping.
• The length of the jacket.  Perfect for getting in and out of the car multiple times while running errands.
• The pockets.  Love them: the style and construction.

There is one dislike for my first jacket.  And that is, I didn't do a FBA.  I should have.  There is enough room across the front of my jacket.  But in the bust area, there isn't enough length to keep the drawstring completely parallel to the floor.  That's a minor flaw that I can easily correct.  Closet Core has a tutorial on how to make a FBA without a dart.  

 

The fabric that I used is a Stretch Cotton Twill that I purchased from Mood fabrics a few years ago.  This fabric is no longer available.  But they have a huge selection of twills in stock if you are interested.   

Along with the pattern I purchased the Kelly Anorak Hardware Kit. I loved having the kit.  It made tackling the snap and grommet installation easy.  No extra trips to the store to find the right size or style.  Also, there is a tutorial to help with installing them.  I didn't use the zipper or the drawstring due to the color of my jacket.  I'll just save it for another project down the road.

The only thing that I altered was the length of the sleeves. Now, they fall about an inch past my wrist bone.  So they are a little on the long side.  But that's okay.

I like to make my own bias tape.  For this jacket I used a remnant from this skirt.  Here is my tutorial on how to make it. 

I enjoyed making this jacket.  I'm so glad that Rhonda and I decided to go ahead with our mini sew-a-long.  It encouraged me to get it done in time for the spring/winter/summer weather in Chicago. Lol

I will make the jacket again.  At least once more for myself.  I want a jacket with a quilted lining, and I'll do the FBA next time.  My DD loved my jacket.  So I have to make one for her too. ;-)  This is a great sewing project for other sewists.  Especially if your are wanting to try some of the sewing techniques mentioned above.  You'll have a great looking jacket.  One to be proud of ;-)

Parting Shot:  My silly out take.  We always try to have a little fun during the photo shoot. 

 

Happiness in the Sewing Studio!

C

More PJ sets with Molly T-Shirt and Simplicity S1280 Leggings

Here is the second style of pajama set that I made for Christmas gifts. Pictured above is the set that I made for myself.  I made an identical set for my sister.  The fabric is from JoAnn's.  It is polyester/rayon blend I think?  It's soft enough for baby clothes. I used the same top as before, the Molly T-shirt; and for the pants I used Simplicity S1280 leggings.  There isn't a lot to discuss as far as a pattern review.  The leggings basically sewed up the same as any elasticized waist pants.  

I made both sets in one evening.  Most of the seams were serged and I didn't really use the instructions.  The leggings didn't looked like leggings to me.  More like narrow legged pants.  After making these pj's, I used the pattern again to make actual leggings.  To get them to "look" like leggings I had to reduce the leg width from mid thigh all the way to the hem.  Anyway, that's another review to share.

I'm really trying to make good use of the remnants.  So, I made a few head bands to go with the sets.  For the one pictured, I simply cut the fabric long enough to tie and knot and to fit comfortably around my head.  Then I sewed the ends together lengthwise and tied a knot in the center.  To finish the band, I sewed the remaining ends together to form a circle.  

To finish the waist of the pants.  I serged the raw edge; then turned and pressed the hem (casing for the elastic).  Next, I abutted the elastic to form a circle dividing it into four section using straight pins.  The elastic abutment was placed the center back between the pants and the seam allowance (casing). The other three sections were pinned at the center front and side seams.  I set the machine stitch to a small zigzag.  Then I sewed the elastic to the pants stretching it to fit as I sewed.  To finish it, I stitched a little bow made of satin ribbon to the center front of the pants.

So, this completes may reviews of the Christmas pajama sets that I made.  Next, I'll share the review on the hoodies that I made for my daughter's handmade gifts.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Cennetta

Robe and Pajama Set - The Perfect Family Christmas Gift

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without handmade pj's.  Every year I make pajama pants for members of my family.  This year was no different.  The first set of five flannel pj's were made, boxed and wrapped before I realized I didn't take any pictures.   Oh well, I made them using the same pattern used last year.  The difference was the fabric prints.  Like always, they were well received by all.  It's becoming an annual tradition to make them for my closest love ones.  A very easy gift to make and they are loved by all.

This year I decided to do something a little different.  Instead of the lone pj pants, I made three sets: one that included a robe, top and pants and the other two a top, pants and head wrap.  For each set I used a combination of various patterns.  

The first, is the Pattern Union Molly T-shirt, Simplicity S2476 robe, and Simplicity S2290 pants.  The combination of the three is the perfect gift.

This is the first time I've posted a review of the  Molly Tee.  I had made it once before, but didn't blog and share any photos of my t-shirt.  It is a basic t-shirt pattern with the shoulder seam 1.5 inches forward so it's visible from the front.  The pattern comes in multiple cup sizes and with three different sleeve lengths. I made the short sleeve version with the appropriate cup size for my sister.  It comes in sizes 6 to 26.

Simplicity M2290 The pants super easy.  One piece pant pattern with an elasticized waist that sews up in a flash.  I made this one dozens of times. The pattern comes in sizes XS to XL.

McCall M2476 This is an oldie, but it is still in print.  I purchased my copy in 2003.  The robe is a typical bath robe with patch pocket, front band and belt.  It comes in sizes small to xx-large.

All three coordinates look like the photo/drawing on the pattern.  The instructions were typical and easy to follow.  Nothing confusing.

My likes:

• Molly T-shirt. I love the multiple cup sizes and the wide range of sizes available. The shoulder seam and the sleeve lengths are great too.  
• Pants. What's not to like about them.  They are the perfect quick and easy pj pants. You can make dozens of them in a variety of lengths and colors.
• Robe.  I like that it is a basic robe that can be made up in a variety of fabrics.  And that it is easy to make.  

All three coordinates were made in one evening.  This set was actually made Christmas Eve.  These patterns are great for beginners.

No dislikes.

All fabrics were purchased from Fabric Mart Fabrics.  I actually purchased them for myself about three years ago.  I decided to make it a gift instead of buying more fabric.

The robe is Mint Polyester/Lycra Jacquard Double Knit 60" wide.  It is springy and has a pebble texture.  The pajamas is Green/Sky Blue/White Cotton/Lycra Palm Leave Clusters Print Jersey with a smooth hand.  Both fabrics were great to work with.

I made no changes to the robe.  I literally made it straight out of the envelope.  For the Molly t-shirt, I made a swayback adjustment with a center back seam. For the pants I just added length to them and made a cuff at the bottom.

To date I've made the Molly T-shirt four times.  It's a winner and a TNT for sure. ;-)  The pants already a TNT.  And the robe I'd make it again too.    All three coordinates are highly recommended for all level sewists.  

I'm glad I decided a make a complete pajama and robe set.  My sister was very happy too.  She couldn't wait to wear them and to make a request for more pj sets for like right now.  Lol  This set is a winner all the way around.  A quick and easy sew for me and an extremely happy recipient. 

Parting Shot:  This is Bella.  My sister's new pup and the newest member of the Burwell chan.  Bella was about 2.5 months at the time of this picture.

My First Cashmerette Appleton Dress

Wheee!

After that ten plus hour blouse, I needed something quick and easy.  The Cashmerette Appleton Dress fit the bill.  I used her sizing chart and my t-shirt dress sloper to help identify my size.  This process significantly reduced the amount of time that I would spend on fit adjustments.

One of the beauties of Cashmerette's patterns is that they include multiple cup sizes beyond D, which is great for a lot of people.  So for this dress I used size 16 with cup size E/F.  This was spot on for me.  The only other pattern alterations and changes made were lengthen the dress by 3 inches, lengthen the sleeve by 2 inches, lengthen the ties, and added just a little width across the back.    I didn't make a swayback adjustment because the dress ties around the waist.  

 

I can have a dozen of these dresses in my closet.  ;-)

 

The Appleton Dress is described as the classic wrap dress designed to play up your curves with a crossover front, a built-in waist tie, and a deep v-neck.  Designed by and for curvy women.

It is available in sizes 12 to 28 with cup sizes C/D, E/F, and G/H. 

My dress looks like the illustrations on the pattern cover.  And I am very pleased with how it turned out.

The instructions were good.  Easy to follow.  I really like that the construction for the ties, neck, and front bands. It creates a neat, clean finish.

There is so much to like about this dress; no dislikes for me.

Likes:

• Easy to sew classic wrap dress.
• Multiple cup size for easy fitting.
• Shoulder length is perfect.
• Stylish and classic
• Great wardrobe staple.

 

My fabric choice was perfect for this wrap dress.  It is a ITY jersey knit from Gorgeous Fabrics: Bold Scale Paisley ITY jersey

It sews up beautifully.  Before cutting it out, I tossed the fabric into the washer, then into the dryer.  Just a great yardage of fabrics that washes well too.  It has a soft hand and is great against the skin. 

I've already cut my second dress out.  So you can expect to see this wrap dress over and over again on my blog.  I highly recommend it to others.  But I think a large percentage of the online sewing community has already try it. 

 This is a great classic wrap dress.  A must have staple for every well dressed lady.  

Happy Sewing!

C

Christine Jonson Travel Trio Three 226 - Shirred Top

I'm still playing catch up with some pattern reviews and recent projects.  Real life, September and October were quite eventful to say the least.  So, I have a bit of a back log of things to blog about.  It almost always feel like I'm "catching up".

Today I'm review Christine Jonson's Travel Trio Three 226 - shirred tee.  Way back in 2012, I thought this was super cute but was concerned that shirred above the bust and how it may look on me.  My suspicions were right.  Not a good look on me.   So I decided to gift my sister.  It's a good look on her.

The tee is not a wader, just not good on me.  So that being said, here is my pattern review.

This tee is part of a mini wardrobe travel wardrobe pattern.  You can get the complete description here.  For the shirred tee, I simply copied the description from the CJ website.

Shirred Turtleneck/Raglan Tee: This top has long raglan sleeves and shirred yoke. It is designed to be close-fitting so that the bodice gathers will stretch tight vertically. The pattern also includes an alternative front pattern piece for a smooth and simple raglan top.  Multi-sized 4-22. I used size 16 only lengthening the sleeves.


My version does look like the drawing as far as style lines.  The striped fabric was a remnant from a dress that I made last year.  It was just enough for the back and sleeves.  The black and striped knit fabrics came from FabricMart Fabrics.

The shirring adds a few minutes more to the amount of time it takes to complete a basic tee.  The instructions were easy, nothing confusing about them.

I really like the shirred yoke.  That's what drew me to the pattern.   The fit of the turtleneck is spot on.  It's snug but not too snug, no drooping, just right.  I'm going to try the other tee view to see if it's a better look for me.  Hopefully, I won't need to gift another to my "happy to receive it" sister. ;-)

I do recommend this pattern to others sewists of all levels.  It's an easy one.  Both tee are perfect for wardrobe building.  The complement of this wardrobe pattern is cute too.  At some point, I will try those views as well.

That's all for now.  Have a great day!

Happy Sewing,
C