Scrap Busting with Simplicity Turban - S8423

One of my sewing goals is to sew and/or donate a large portion of the fabric scraps that I have accumulated over the years.  This may take some time.  But I'm going to take to stash bust as many scraps as I can.  One way I'm doing it is to make accessories.  

At the end of 2020, I started making turbans using Simplicity S8423.  It is so quick and easy.  Tje pattern piece is a rectangle and two seams to sew.  Literally, it took me 15 minutes from cut to sew to make one of these.  So I made ten of them.  The first one was made out of a remnant from my Cashmerette dress, the blue paisley one.  

I gifted it to Venus.  She a Nurses Aide at Senior facility near Chicago.  Venus was very happy to have it.  In fact she purchased three more from me just last week.  

These little turbans are great for holding you hair in place during facials and make-up applications.  Or wearing it as a head wrap like Ms. Venus.  

So here's to the easiest sewing project ever.

Caution regarding the sizing. This is a large. Depending on the stretch of the knit you may need to adjust the size along the opposite sides of the pattern that identifies the sizes.

Happy Sewing!

C 

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.

Vintage McCall's Bomber Jacket M7203 and Vogue Jogging Pants V8909

One of the things that I love to do sometimes is mix and match patterns.  In this case, I used the bomber jacket of a vintage McCall's pattern V7203 and Vogue 8909 jogging pants.

I first planned to make the bomber jacket about a year and half ago, but I never got around to it until now.  Sure, I purchased McCall's bomber jacket from last year, but I liked this one better.  The vintage pattern has two options for making the collar, waistband, and wristbands: one for ribbed knit and the other the same fashion fabric as the jacket (collar and wristband cut on the bias - the waistband with rows of elastic inserted between channel stitches.)

Here are my reviews for the McCall 7203 bomber jacket and the Vogue 8909 jogging pants:

McCall 7203 Bomber Jacket

Pattern Description: Jacket has separating zipper and long sleeves with elasticize waistband, cuffs and neckband. 

Pattern Sizing:  6-16; My pattern was size 16, copyright 1980.  Only one size per envelope during that time.

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 the instructions were easy to follow.  When I opened the envelope to review them, I had to chuckle.  This pattern is almost 36 years old.  The guide sheet has colored illustrations.  Unlike the guide sheets on today.  The blue indicates the right side of the fabric.  The pattern pieces are also different, having large print and numbers to indicate notches and layout instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the option of having the entire jacket had in the fashion fabric and the instructions on how to do so.  Also, bomber jackets are on trend.  No real dislikes.

Fabric Used:  I purchased this lovely faux ultra suede from JoAnn's.  The chestnut or cinnamon color is also on trend.  This warm color is perfect for my skin tone.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I didn't make any changes.  The pattern is a size 16.  So I thought it should be okay across the bust and shoulder areas. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I want to sew it again, but in a mesh or lacy fabric.  I noticed some pull at the neck area.  So I will address that before I do so.  And, I think I will add a few inches more to the length of the waistband elastic as it pull a little more than I'd like it to.  I do recommend the construction technique to other.  You should be able to use a more recent pattern to get the same results by cutting the fabric for the collar and wristband on the bias; also by adding the elastic to the waistband with channel stitches.

I really enjoyed making this jacket.

Vogue 8909 Jogging Pants

Pattern Description: Fitted (below waist) pants have elastic waistband and purchased ribbon drawstring, yoke back, side-front seams, no side seams, and side-front pockets. A, B: Elasticized leg bands. B, C: Stitched hems.  I had view B lengthening the pant leg by a few inches.

Pattern Sizing:  4-26; I used size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, they did except I eliminated the draw string and only did two rows of elastic instead of three.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Nothing difficult about them.  Simple.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the back yoke, pocket placement, mock fly, and front/side seaming.  My only dislike was the length as shown on the model.  I like my pant a little longer.  In this case I over compensated by a inch or so. Next time I won't add as much length to them.

Fabric Used: I used a lovely faux ultra suede from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  The only changes to the pants were: eliminated the draw string, only inserted two rows of elastic instead of three, and lengthen the pant leg.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, and yes.  This will be my go to jogging pant pattern.

So there you have it.  My new bomber jacket and jogging pants outfit.   They can be worn together or with other coordinates.

Happy Sewing!
C

Wrapped Up and Skirting Around in New Look 6029, McCall's 6842, and Rhonda's Circle Skirt

Good afternoon everyone!

I hoped everyone had a great Father's Day weekend. It was a little sad for me. My dad passed in 2006. I spent some time remembering funny stories and words of wisdom that he shared during our many long conversations. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed your time with family and friends.

This week I will review several patterns. Some are for projects made several months ago and a few recent projects. Today I will start with three reviews: New Look 6029-C. This pattern is about 10 years old. So it may be out of print. McCall's 6842, which was published last year. My skirt was finished in January. And finally, Rhonda's Circle skirt which was also finished in January.

Warning: This post is lengthy and has several photos.

Let me start with New Look 6029-C.

I made two wrap tops. I really like this top. It's perfect for summertime and can worn under a nice blazer/cardigan on cooler days. And I think this is a good style for me.

New Look does not provide a description. The pattern includes a tank top, a sleeveless wrap top with tie, knit coat, straight skirt and pants. The sizing is from 6 to 16.

My tops do look like the one on the cover. But I think the drawing of the slender model makes it look longer than it actually is.

There were no confusing instructions. There were several steps I did not follow because I preferred a different method. Or I needed to address a fit issue.

I actually like all of the pieces to this pattern. They are good staples for any wardrobe. Years ago I tried the tank top. It produced a gapping armhole. So I suspected the wrap top would too. It did. So be aware that this may be an issue for you too.

My changes were:

- FBA - Adding the the length of the back. It was a little short in the muslin version.

- For the neck band and the armhole facings, I used McCall 6793. The neckline was used as the neckband double the length. I did shorten both about an inch or so.

- For the gapping armhole, I follow Diana Sewing Lesson to correct the problem. I did not apply the twill tape.

My selected fabrics: a spandex knit from Supreme Novelty Fabrics (red) and a matte jersey from Hancock (green). No problem with sewing either. The spandex has more stretch than the jersey.

I will definitely use this pattern again. Like I said, the other views are can be used to make staple garments for any wardrobe. And I recommend it to all sewists. I'm glad I tried the wrap top. It's easy to sew with a few modifications. Make a muslin before you cut into your fashion fabric to make sure the fit and length are right for you.

Okay. Now onto my second review. McCall's 6842.

I made view B. I adore this pattern. The skirt has that swing affect going on.

McCall's describes this skirt as Misses' skirts: skirts have contour waist, yoke variation, back zipper, and narrow hem. The sizes are from 6 to 22.

The skirt certainly looks like the view on the envelope. The instructions were easy to follow. I do recommend that you carefully reinforce the inward corners of yoke front as described to ensure that the seams are the same on both sides. Also, it is so easy to fit. I added a little more to the side seam allowances just in case. When fitting, complete steps 1 through 4. Pin front and back yoke together to try it on. Make adjusts as needed. Then make the adjustments to your waistline facing and the lower portion of the skirt. I will make this skirt again. I have no dislikes.

For this first skirt, I used a ponte knit. (Yeah, it's a little on the heavy side for summer temps. But perfect for spring, fall, and winter.) Originally, I thought I would pair it with a beige cardigan and ivory T. Summer rolled around before I had a chance to wear it.

In conclusion, this is an easy skirt to make. The hardest parts are making sure the seaming is balance at the inward corners and finishing the hem. This is a circle skirt. Once the waist is finished the hem hangs uneven. I recommend that you allow it to hang for a few days before finishing it.

Now, for Rhonda's circle skirt.

I decided I would give it a try just because. My original intention was to make an Anthropologie skirt I'd seen online. I have not tried that yet. Maybe later this year. maybe..,

See Rhonda's Sew News post for the instructions and description. The instructions were easy to follow and she provides photos and drawings to help guide you through the process. You can make variations of the circle skirt based on your personal preference. I like the idea of having options to make whatever you want. This is why I so interested in learning more about drafting.

No alterations are required. It's all based on your measurements and style preference. I recommend that you give it a try. That's all for now!

Parting Shot:  Don't forget to holding your skirt when a gust of wind comes along!

Happy Sewing,
Cennetta

Sewing with Knits - Ann Steeves of Gorgeous Fabrics

Happy Monday!  It's a beautiful day in Chi-Town.  Over the weekend I was able to sew.  But I'm not ready to post reviews.  Those will come later.

In the meantime, the vendor presentations continue.  This afternoon will be the first of eight to be held this week.  I am bound and determine to stay in touch with all of you.  So this morning I decided to take a minutes to read a few reviews of Patternreview.com.  Heatherrique provided a link to Ann's video on Sewing with Knits.  Ann gives some important tips on what needles to use and how to sew flawless seams.  Enjoy!

Happy Sewing!
C