Midnight Blue Crinkle Velvet and Butterick B5101

 

Hi sewing friends, 

Today I'm blogging my first 2025 sewing project.  I wore this pant set to an 80th birthday celebration a few weeks ago.  

I wanted something easy and quick.  So I choose to make something that I'd already adjusted and tested.  Butterick B5101 was perfect.  The fit of the wrap top was pretty good and the pants were a simple pull-on pant with a yoke.  

The crinkle velvet was purchased at JoAnn's.  It was so easy to sew. The crinkles ran horizontally from savage to savage.  I wanted them to be vertical.  So I cut off the garment pieces perpendicular to the savage. This change gave some added "fake" stretch  around the body.  This affect, in my opinion, gave the illusion of a slimmer, sleek body.   Lol

My review of the wrap is located here on my blog.

As mentioned in my previous post, I did add a few inches to the bottom of the top. I was it to look more like a jacket.

Making the pants were as easy as making a pair of pajama pants. Easy.   So, that's it on the pattern review.

Happy Sewing!

P.S.

I have a few more 2024 reviews to go.  

Simplicity S1387 and Kwik Sew R10826

Here we go with a new pattern review!  It's all about bags: tote and cosmetic bags.  This set makes a lovely travel trio.  One morning I was getting "reacquainted" with my sewing studio, looking at all my fabric, patterns, notions, and findings.  There are too many projects already cut and ready to sew, but I wanted to make something that would be a "quick sew".  The bags were easy to make for sure.  But by the time I decided which bags to make and pulled together all the required notions and fabrics, I very well could have sewn a few UFO's together.  Lol

Part I

All in all, this bag project was a good one.  So let me start with the tote.  I used Simplicity S1387, view A.  It is an over-sized tote with fabric straps and two snaps.  The pattern design finishes with a triangle like stitched line design that continues from one end of the bag to the other. 

The tote can be adjusted to appear smaller by closing the snaps on either end of the upper edge of the tote.  Great for travel. 

The bag looks like the photos on the pattern envelope.  It can be carried on the shoulder or by the straps.  It is sturdy and attractive.  With the snaps closed it  looks like an over-sized purse.  So there are lots of style options and fabric (leather) choices you could choose to design your very own unique tote.

The instructions were very easy, and I didn't find anything complicated about the construction process.  There is one thing I'd change about the straps though.  The design suggest that you use fabric for the straps and use wide braid to finish them.  I think webbing would be better.  

I love how this bag turned out:  the roominess, the collapsible sides, my fabric selection.  No really dislikes.

I used home-dec canvas like fabric (Joann's) for the exterior and broadcloth for the interior.  Both were in my stash. The bag also requires fusible batting and stabilizer (Pellon 808).  For the patches that go over the ends of the straps, I used some faux leather that was also in my stash (Hancock's Fabrics).  

This was the very first time that I used this pattern.  So I wanted to follow the instructions and design just to test out using it.  So, I only changed the wide braid to a sturdy ribbon that I already had in my stash.  I will probably use it several more times.  For one, I want to try a few of the other views; and two, these totes make an excellent gift idea.

In conclusion for the tote bag, I love how it turned out and recommend it to others.  The pattern has good bones and can be used to make some lovely totes and bags.  

Part II

Kwik Sew Zippered Cases pattern R10826 was equally easy to construct.  I made views A and D to complement the Simplicity Tote.  I used the left-over from the tote to make these.  They are perfect for toiletries.

Both bags look like the photo on the envelope, and they were very easy to sew.  Like the tote, they required fusible batting to add stability. 

Here again I didn't change or alteration the design.  Sticking to the instructions for the first time just to get a feel for constructing small bags like these was a good exercise.  I enjoyed the process.  

I like how they turned out and will definitely make them again.  All three bags were fun to make, and I was able to used some of the fabric and notions in my stash.   Plus, the bags look pretty good!  Win, win!

Happy Sewing!

C

 

Daisy Dress McCall M8103

 

Summertime is in full affect here in the mid-west, and it can be challenging to look polished, cool, and comfortable when temperatures are in the upper 90's and the humidity is 95 percent. It feels like a sauna.  So, the best thing is to go with the flow, look your best, and enjoy the summer months while they are here. In no time at all, it will be September, which will usher in another season for us.

My comfort look is soft and floaty. It provides comfort and style for the season. And that is how I feel wearing my latest summer dress.

I used McCall Daisy M8103 to make my latest summer dress.  With the slightest breeze, the skirt dances in the wind.  That is one of the things I love about it.

I purchased the fabric from Joann's a few months ago. They may still have it in stock. It's a cocoa brown guaze type viscose fabric. It is very soft and easy to handle.  There is one small draw back though. It is very loosely woven and has the tendency to "grow" throughout the project. So be careful.

I used size 16 with modifications.  This pattern comes with multiple cups sizes for the upper front. This may save a little time for most sewists. For me I used the D cup. But I hate the one huge dart. It never turns out like intended.  So, I tweaked the pattern a bit and created three darts in the upper front bodice.

There are many qualities that I like about this pattern.  The one that drew me to the pattern is the flounces. Love them.  They do take a lot of time to finish.  I devoted one sewing segment to finishing the hem and attaching the flounces to the waist and hem of the skirt. Another like is how the skirt is attached to the bodice. The faux wrap crosses over the entire front of the body. So there is no worry of "exposure". Wink, wink.  The separate cup size pattern pieces are a plus too. All of these things, in addition to the floaty fabric, made this a loveable sewing experience.

Now, I do have a few dislikes. The expansion of the fabric during the entire project was annoying. I had to keep making adjustments as I went along. Oh yeah, I did make a muslin. The fabric that I used was tightly woven and didn't present the challenge that I experienced with my fashion fabric.  It would be wise to do some stay stitching on some pieces to hold the shape. 

Other changes I made:

• Adjusted the shoulder straps
• Raised the upper front and back armsyce.

I did not lengthen the skirt. But compared to the photo, my skirt is longer on me than the one on the model. Overall, I think my dress looks like the dress on the envelope.  

I'm happy to have this new edition to my wardrobe. And with some restrictions being lifted, I also have something new to wear to upcoming events. Happiness.

This is a great summer dress pattern to try. Be ready to spend some time constructing and finishing the flounces. Other than the fitting this is where I spend the most concentrated time. 

I may make it again. But in the meantime, there are several other dresses I planned to sew this summer. Til next time, enjoy your summer, and I hope you are able to make something that you love.

C

Easy Breezy Summer Dress - McCall M7405

 

It is a steamy 102 degrees in the Chicagoland area.  At least where I live.  HOT! HOT!

Summer is definitely here.  So instead of complaining, dress appropriately.  Rayon Guaze from Joann's Fabrics is the perfect match for McCall's M7405 Easy dress.  I could easily have a dozen of these comfy dresses in my wardrobe.  It's perfect for any occasion.   

This pattern has been out for a while.  I never noticed it until my fellow sewists across the Instagram platform started posting their beautiful dresses.  And of course, I had to get on the bandwagon too.  ;-)

McCall's pattern description:  Loose-fitting, sleeveless, pullover dresses have neckline gathers, back neck slit and hemline variations.  C: Belt, and side slit. D: Elasticized waist.

I didn't follow any of the versions as indicated on the envelope.  I did my own thing.  My version is view B with elasticized waist and belt.  I used between large and medium sizes. 

Basically, my dress does look like the drawings "combined". Tee Hee.  This is how I wanted my dress to look.  I often think of patterns as being templates to help me design the project I have invision.

The instructions were super easy, and I did not encounter any confusing steps.

This pattern is very easy to like and very forgiving on the figure.  My likes are it was easy to sew, stylish, and versatile.  I was so excited sewing it together and couldn't wait until I was done.  No dislike to note.  However, I made a few little changes.

One thing I was concerned with was how it would fit in the bust area.  I didn't want to experience any gapping at the lower armhole.  Luckily there wasn't any.  But the armhole was a bit too low.  So, I brought it up about 2 inches.   Also, after I sewed the sides, it was too big in the upper portion of the dress.  I just tweaked it a little until it was right for me.  Another small change I made was the placement of the elastic.  I tied the belt around my waist to act as a marker.  Then I used a mirror and safety pins to mark that location in the back and used needle and thread to run a base stitch around the front.  In the end, my elastic waist placement is very different from the front and back of the dress.  But you cannot tell when I have the dress on.  So, it works for me.  After making the change, I also thought about the placement of the elastic in general as it can be lower or higher depending how you want to style the dress.  The final little change was with the bias tape to create the elastic casing.  I used a strip of fabric to make my own casing to match the dress.

As I stated earlier, my fabric is from JoAnn's Fabrics.  They have a nice selection of cotton guaze in a variety of colors and prints.  I loved this floral print.  It was easy to sew and a great choice for a summer dress.

You know I will sew this dress again.  I like it a lot!  ;-)  It is designed for beginners.  So all level sewists could make it with no problem.  This ends my little pattern review for this one!

Happy Sewing!

Cennetta

January 2022 - End of the Month Sewing Review

I owe this new approach to reviewing my sewing activities to my friend, Carolyn, over at "Diary of a Sewing Fanatic."  Carolyn has been doing this for quite some time now.  I really like the idea of posting mini recaps of my sewing journey.   This may be better for me than waiting until the end of the year for a grand post about all my makes of the year.  Following this practice will give me 12 mini recaps that I can draw from at the end of the year.  Then hopefully, I will find it easier to post an end of the year review.

After the holidays, I'm happy to stay at home and sew.  I'm encouraged and excited at the close of the year to start making new goals, new plans for a rewarding year of accomplishments.  This attitude is no different for things I want to make.  Usually, I decide what I'd like to make in December for January.  By the first of the year, I cut out a few garments to start.  Something easy.  

This helps get the mojo going after all the holiday season cooking, cleaning, and decorating.  So, this year I started with three knit tops.  I cut them all out on the same day.  I made the black velvet top first, as I thought it would be the prettiest of the three.  Then, I moved on to sew up the second and third tops.

Black Velvet Top - M7836 - View C 

This is actually my favorite, and it is a good compliment to the black leggings that I made last year.  So, I was off to a great start with a pretty top and something new to wear with the black leggings.  My fabric came from JoAnn's.

Ribbed Knit BS6990 - View D and M8238 - View B

The next two tops, I've made a few times before.  Especially, the Burda Style turtleneck BS6990.  It is a TNT.  This is the fourth time I've made it.  And McCall's M8238 - View B.  I just had to try it again.  From bodice to pullover knit top.  Both are great staples, and I will get a lot of wear out of them.  Fabric from FabricMart Fabrics.

Beige Polyester Suiting - V1294 - View B

Black and Ivory Floral Blouse - NL6560 - View D

My next two projects were not the quick and easy two-hour projects.  I wanted to add some details to a plain pair of pants.  I selected V1294.  These pants are well drafted and good for a sloper/TNT pant.  Welt pockets are still a challenge for me.  I don't know why as I've made them several times.  For these pants, I added them to the back.  They turned out perfect.  Happiness.  So, this was my challenge project for the month.  It was also a Minerva Fabric sponsored project.

My Coordinate of choice is also a Minerva sponsored project.  I've wanted to make this blouse for a while.  I like it paired with the subtle pinstriped beige pants.  Both the bold and the subtle show up in this outfit.  My new blouse is floating and feminine; it can be worn with a few other garments in my wardrobe.  That's another sub-goal of mine.  Is to create more mixing and matching instances in my wardrobe.

Black Faux Suede with Fleece Backing V1515 - View A

My final garment made for the month of January is a pullover vest made of faux suede from JoAnn's.  Unfortunately, this is my least favorite make of the month.  Nothing to do with the construction, but the style on me is not that great.  So, this one I will gift to someone.  

This sums up my sewing projects for the month of January 2022.  In total I completed six garments.  The majority are knit tops: fancy and staples.  Love my new neutral feminine blouse and pants.  There is only one not in love with project.  Pretty good for the first month of the year.

Til next time!  Enjoy!

Cennetta

January 2022 - The Month of Knit Top M8238 Burda Style 6990 M7836

My last post was a pattern review on McCall M7836, View C.  I didn't have any photos of me wearing the top at the time of the view.  Since then, I had an opportunity to take a few photos along with photos of two other knit tops that I made the same week.

Before I talk about the other knit tops I made, here are a few pictures of me wearing M7836, View C.

I'm wearing a pair of McCall 8244 leggings that I made sometime in October, I think.  I didn't bother to review them.  They were super easy. I was just waiting to show them with a new top or tunic.

You know I really try to maximize my use of patterns that I like.  So, my little collection of TNT patterns is growing.  Lol. I made another version of M8238-B and another of Burda Style 6990-D.

M8238-B

I just made a little minor change of making it a little smaller for a closer fit.

Burda Style 6990-D

Minor change to this one too.  I didn't have enough yardage to make the sleeve one piece.  So, I added a cuff like to make my desired length. 

Happy Sewing!

C