What I Wore on Christmas - V1835

 

I have just a few more 2024 projects that I'll post before moving on to my 2025 sewing.  This lounge outfit was actually the last project I made in 2024.  

This was my Christmas outfit.  I was glad to host Christmas day.  I enjoy having my family over, and we had a festive time.  

There isn't much to review with this outfit; because I made it before in 2022.  Here is the link to that review.   

There are just a few small changes that I made for this version:  

• I ruched the lower left side and the lower sleeve.  
• If you plan to do the cold shoulder, you'll need to adjust the length of the left sleeve by a few inches.  
• I lengthen the sleeve and pant leg.

No other changes.  

My fabric was purchased at JoAnn's Fabrics.  I pre-washed and dry it.  It came from the dryer soft and ready to cut into.  Sewing was a breeze.  I really like how quickly this  pattern sews up. 

This is a very comfortable set to wear around the house.  Lately, I'm enjoying the "cute" lounge clothes.  There may be a few more of these sets added to my comfy wardrobe. Lol

Happy Sewing!

C

Drapery Cowl Knit Top - McCall M7194

You can never have too many tops.  Especially, comfortable ones.  Today's first pattern review is on McCall's M7194.  Another older pattern that has been in my collection for nearly ten years.  The great thing about this one is that it is a modern day classic style with an "edgy" twist. Lol

It sews up pretty much like a basic t-shirt pattern with the exception of the lower section and the hemline.

Pattern Description:  Misses' tops:  close-fitting pullover tops have hemline variations and stitched hem on sleeves.  B:  Cut on crosswise grain, lower sections out on bias grain.  C:Lower band with left side slit.  A, B, C:  Collar D: Neckband, flounce, wrong side may show.  A, B, D:  Narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing:  XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL.   I used size medium grading it up between medium and large.  Note:  I added slightly more wide, rounded at the bust area, not much though.  My fabric has a lot of stretch in it. 

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? Yes, simple.  Nothing confusing in them.  This top really sews up fast with the most time spent on setting the sleeves in and getting the hem just right.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like the cowl, hemline and lower section variation.  No dislikes.

Fabric Used:  This smooth hand knit has about 50 percent stretch and was very easy to work with.  As with most projects, I pre-washed my fabric (sometimes I forget to say that.).  I purchased it at New Rainbow Fabrics on Roosevelt Road in Chicago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  No serious alterations.  I lengthen the sleeve a bit and added some width at the bust area.  I attempted to align the window panes of the upper and lower sections of the bodies, but I missed that (one section cut crosswise and the other on the bias).  Also, I noticed a little too much ease in the sleeve cap.  So, it is a good idea to check it and maybe decrease it a little for a smooth finish.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, and yes.  I could use a few more of these.  I'll make view B again as well as view D.  This is an easy pattern.  I think all level sewists can make it without any problems.

Conclusion:   I enjoyed making and wearing this top (Fall 2024 make).  It is super comfy.  Great for those potentially lazy days of winter.  It also great for running errands and pairing with your favorite leggings or jeans.

Happy Sewing!

C

Ribbed Summer Knit - Simplicity S9757

Good day everyone,

Today's post is an outfit for my DD.  She really liked how the previous version turned out and wanted another for this summer.  So here is the second version.  The only differences are that I made view C instead of D and the fabric is a ribbed knit.

All of the review information is here. 

So that's basically it for this post.  As for the sewing experience, it was the same expect for the type of fabric. I guess I should give some descriptive information about that.  This fabric was another purchase from Hobby Lobby.  It has 35-40% stretch crosswise. It has a soft hand and is fluid, not stiff like some ribbed knits.  

Happy Sewing!

C

My DD in Simplicity S9757

Pattern Description:  Fitted tops have cap sleeves, high mock neckline and optional ruched sides.  Skirt with elasticized waistband and figure-hugging fit comes in midi length with side slit or mini length with ruched detail. 

Pattern Sizing:  The pattern is available is sizes XS to XXL.  I used size medium with modifications for my daughter.  I made views B and D

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?  

The instruction were a piece of cake.  Super easy.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  

I like the high mock neckline cropped top.  I knew my DD would like it.  I/we also like the ruched sides of the skirt.  No dislikes.

Fabric Used:  

A modal jersey knit from JoAnn's Fabrics.  I love the soft touch and the color.  JoAnn's has a variety of colors available in this jersey.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  

My adjustments were minimal.  My DD's needs basic adjustments:  a square shoulder and slight swayback adjustments.  Nothing more is needed for this pattern.   

I made one change in the construction.  Instead of using bias tape to finish the armholes, I cut bias strips 1.75" wide and the length of the armhole minus an inch easing in the difference between the "facing" and the actual armhole.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes and yes.  My DD already asked for another outfit, View A and C.

Conclusion: 

We both really like how this outfit turned out.  It was easy and she liked it a lot.

Festive Summer Vacay Dress - Simplicity S9598

Pattern Description:  Slim V-neck pullover knit dresses in two lengths have long or short sleeves with cutout back and twist detail.  One view feature contrast layout.

Pattern Sizing:  The pattern is available in two size groupings (6-14) and (16-24).  I used between size 16 and 18.  This is very close fitting and I want just a little ease in the dress.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  I really like the way the dress turned out.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical and easy to follow.  There was nothing confusing in them.  Of course, I changed a few things.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the V-neck, the twist/cutout, and the option to color block the dress.  There was only one dislike; the way the back elastic facing is supposed to be finished.  It did not look good.

Fabric Used:  I used an ITY knit that I purchased from Fabric Mart Fabrics a while ago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  There is always something that needs to be adjusted or changed.  Here is my little list:

• Small FBA made that produced a bust dart.  You can barely see it in this print.
• Made a prominent shoulder blade adjustment.  I didn't want the twist to pull too much.
• Selected a length between the two indicated on the pattern.
• 3/4 Sleeve instead of the long sleeve
• Sewed a channel for the elastic to be threaded through.  It looks better than just having the elastic between the skirt and facing.
• Used a twin needle to hem the sleeves and the skirt.
• The neckband was gapping a bit.  I had to make a deeper center front seam to make it fit better.  See pattern pieces showing the blue marking to indicate the new stitching line.  Note:  You must be precise in your stitching making sure both neckbands are stitched the same.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Of course, I will sew it again.  I don't know when though.  There are so many other dress patterns in my to make pile for 2022.  We will see how it goes. 

Conclusion:  I think this is a great little pattern to make a fun, festive summer dress.  It a good one for all level sewists. 

 

P.S.  I'll post pictures of me wearing soon.  No one available for a photo shoot today. Wink, wink.

Happy Sewing!

C

Mixing It Up With Simplicity Cardigan S8992 and Vogue Pants V8859

My little collection of TNT patterns is growing.  It's the simple style lines and easy sewing that makes some of these patterns extremely valuable to me.  Vogue V8859 pants I've made at least a dozen pair so far.  And I don't see myself retiring this one any time soon.  I love these pull-on pants.  As for Simplicity S8992, I've only made it once before.  The dress is below.  This could quickly become a TNT.  It is part of Simplicity's "Pattern Hacking" collection.  I like it a lot too.

I started this project with making the pants.  I wanted to add a tuxedo style stripe down the sides.  Like I said to try something new.  Personally, they turned out to be a great looking pair of pants.  After I finished them, I saw that I had about 3/4 yard of the knit fabric left.  So, I attempted to "squeeze" out a little cardigan.  But of course, I had to use another fabric for the stripe and the sleeve to complete it.  The difference in fabric didn't matter.  In fact, they complement each other.  

In the end, I not only made another great pair of pants, but I also have a nice little cardigan to match.

Just to provide some details on the fabrics, I purchased the ponte knit from Vogue Fabrics last winter.  I only bought two yards which was more than enough for the slim pull-on pants.  The ribbed black knit (used for the sleeve and the stripe on the cardigan) came from Joann's.  It was a remnant from another project.  

Also, for the cardigan I used snaps and buttons for the closure.  I didn't want to make buttonholes.  So, I sewed on snaps and sewed buttons to the right side of the front closure.

I like how the outfit turned out.  It is definitely an early fall project.  The ponte knit is too heavy for summer weather. Lol I'll save this outfit for the right time and weather conditions.  

Happy Sewing!

C

Navy Stripe Leisure Set - Vogue V1835

Surprise, Surprise!

I'm back. Lol  

It's good to be back.  I missed blogging and sharing my sewing projects. There are so many things going on.  And lately I seriously wanted to spend my limited free time sewing.  

So today, I'm reviewing one of my outfits made in early May.  This little leisure set was easy to make and didn't take much time to do so.  I do want to point out that I could have given myself a tad more move across the bust area.  In the photos I notices a little pulling across the bust.  Anyway, here is my review.

Pattern Description: Misses' close-fitting tops can be worn on or off the shoulder; close fitting cropped pants have elastic, drawstring waist.  Slippers are lined.  

Pattern Sizing: This pattern comes in size A(XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL)  I used between medium and large.  I should have just used the large for the top.  It would have been better for me across the bust since I didn't want to fuss with making a FBA.

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? The instructions were very easy to follow, and there weren't any confusing or complicated steps.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the style of the outfit.  It speaks comfort and chic at the same time.  It just depends on how you style it.  I became interested in trying this pattern after seeing other sewists' version on Instagram.  

No real dislikes.

Fabric Used:  My knit fabric came from FabricMart Fabrics.  I bought it several months ago.  At the time, I didn't know what I'd make with it.  Vogue V1835 was a great choice.  This medium weight knit fabric has an interesting diagonal stripe navy on navy. There is about 35 percent stretch crosswise.  I think the same lengthwise.  

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

 

• I cut between a medium and large for both top and pants.
• The neckline was a little snug when I wore it off my shoulder.  So I made the opening slightly larger so the right side wouldn't bunch up at the base of my neck.
• For the pants I installed two eyelets instead of making buttonholes for the drawstring.
• As usual, I lengthen the pants.
• Adding elastic to one side of the top to create ruching and drape.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I actually would like a few more sets of this outfit.  I will tweak the bust area a bit though.

Conclusion:  I think this wearable muslin version turned out pretty good.  This is a design that I think would look good on most people.  Plus it is easy to sew.

Parting shots:  This is my nephew, Roy.  He graduated in May.  Roy also received a full football scholarship to Northern Illinois University.  We are very proud of him.  Believe it or not, he is the baby of the family, standing at 6'7".

Happy Sewing Friends!

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