This and That

It's been well over a month since my last post.  A lot has happened since then.  First, my sewing and posting was interrupted by vacation.  Tee Hee.  Then shortly thereafter, I had a minor surgery to correct my deviated septum.  For years I've been suffering with sinus issues.  Hopefully, the surgery will make things better.

Vacation was more for relaxation.  I didn't do any tours and no serious sightseeing.  There were only three ports of call this trip:  Haiti, Jamaica, and Cozumel.  I've been to Jamaica and Cozumel over at least a half dozen times each.  So it was no biggie.  The Oasis of the Sea is a grand ship.  It has a park, zip lining, and several swimming pools/Jacuzzis.

Central Park was located on deck eight, the same deck as my cabin.  It was nice to walk through the park each morning.  And sometimes we walked through after dinner.  Another convenience on deck eight was the jazz bar was about 100 feet away from my room too.  And when there was no show in the theater, you would find me at the jazz bar enjoying the band.

I was happy to have a low key vacation mainly because I haven't felt well for months.  My nasal issues and allergies have wreak havoc on me the entire spring/summer seasons. This is my third week in recovery.  I've had two follow up appointments thus far.  Another is schedule for the 30th.  Dr. Michael Friedman is my surgeon.  He is the same doctor that performed the thyroidectomy four years ago.  He is top in his field (ENT), which has given me a level of comfort.  But there is God, who is the ultimate healer. The one I pray to when I am sick and afraid of what may lie ahead.

In early October I blogged about posting some of my least favorite projects.  I'm still going to do that starting tomorrow.  Also, I will post about some UFO's that have been lingering in the closet of my sewing studio for more than a year.  About two week ago, I mustard up some strength to do a little sewing, like a three hours interval every other day.  I finished:

New Look 6560 Wrap top - I was supposed to take this on vacation.  Cut about two weeks before vacation.

New Look 6735  Cardigan - 2 of them:  brown and red cut summer 2017.

McCall    6996 Cardigan - This cardigan was cut about 1.5 months ago.  So that not to bad on getting it finished.

Butterick 6393  Caccoon cardigan cut summer 2017.

WIP:

M7288 Jacket, View D -  This is going to be a long post.  Lots of changes to a multi-cup size pattern.


V1570 Pants, View without the drape.  Easy make.  (no pictures yet)


Anyway..,  This is all for now.  I hope to continue posting through the holiday season.  I can't believe the year is almost over.

Happy Sewing!
C

In Review: Vogue 8670 and McCall 6404

This afternoon I was determined to take more pictures. So, instead of eating lunch, I decided to try a third time to get pictures for my reviews. These garments were made for weekend comfort.

Lately, I'm not able to spend as much time as I would like sewing. So I'm making things that sew up relatively fast for immediate gratification.

I had both patterns in my collection for some time. Both have been reviewed on pattern review and in blogland multiple times. But that's all right. I wanted to tell about my experience of working with them. They served the purpose of making some quick outfits to add to my small weekend gear. First, I will review the knit top; Vogue 8670.  

Pattern Description:
MISSES' TOP: Close-fitting, straight, below hip length tops A, B, C, D, E have front darts, raglan sleeves with length variations, stitched hems and neckline variation. A: neck band and short sleeves. B: neck band and contrast three-quarter length sleeves. C: scrunch turtleneck collar and long sleeves. D, E: mock turtle neck with button closure. D: three-quarter length sleeves. E: long sleeves. I made view B twice with long sleeves.

Pattern Sizing:
8 to 24; I used 16 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, pretty much.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
No problems, easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that the tops were easy to sew; the raglan sleeves and the optional collars. No dislikes.

Fabric Used:
I used ponte and faux snake skin knit from my stash. It's not on the suggested fabric list. My choices had little stretch. So I cut my tops a little bigger.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made my usual FBA, prominent shoulder blade adjustment, and sway back adjustments. I also added an inch to the length of the sleeves and two inches to the length of the top. I wanted full coverage of the derriere. I also, added a triangle to the back at the neckline and added a center back seam.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I will make views C and E at another time. This is a great wardrobe builder and is perfect for the cold, cold winters of Chicago.

Conclusion: This was an easy top to sew and is a great wardrobe builder. I recommend it to all level sewists.

Now, the leggings.

I think I have about five different legging patterns in my collection. I've wanted to try them for a while. Last month, I finally got around to it. For my first two pair, I used McCall's 6404. It's out of print.

Pattern Description:
MISSES' LEGGINGS: Close-fitting, casing with elastic. A: Welt pocket with hidden zipper. SUGGESTED FABRICS: Two-Way Stretch Knits: Double Knits. Contrast A,B: Synthetic Leather, Synthetic Suede. Lining A: Lining Fabric. I made view B and D.

Pattern Sizing:
XS to XL; I used Medium with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
No confusion. easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I bought this pattern because of the multiple variations. The design will give me opportunities to add uniqueness to my leggings without drafting a pattern. No dislike.

Fabric Used:
I used ponte knit. It does not have as much stretch as the recommended fabrics, but I was able to modify them to fit through the crotch area. I didn't have any fit issues in the leg.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I only added a few inches to the length of the brown pair because I had limited fabric. The cream/beige pair I added about four inches to the length. For both, I lengthen the crotch on the back pant.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes and yes. I plan to make more.

Conclusion: These are a good alternative to the average legging pattern. The pattern is easy to sew and goes together with no problem.