Utility Jumpsuit - McCall's M7908

I'm so happy to be able to sport my new jumpsuit. It turned out pretty good.  I'm going to make another one. Lol

Utility jumpsuits are somewhat on trend now.  I just like the way it looks.  

Nordstrom $149

Way back in the 70's when I first started making my own clothes, I made a similar jumpsuit out of a knit fabric my late grandmother gave me.  I wish I had a photo of it.   

Anyway, here is my review.

Pattern Description:  Jumpsuits have fitted bodice with princess seams, exposed front zipper, and semi-fitted straight leg pants with neckline, sleeve, pocket and length variations. A, B, C, D neck and B armhole finished with purchased bias tape.  Note: Separate pattern pieces are included for cup size A/B, C, D.

Pattern Sizing:  6 - 22.  I used size 16, cup D, view C with modification.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, my jumpsuits looks like the photo envelope

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical; nothing confusing in them.  But I had a little challenge with getting the base of the exposed zipper presentable. I tested an alternative construction method that I saw on social media; it worked only slightly better than what's in the instruction guide sheet. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  

Likes -

• The style of the jumpsuit. 
• The stretch denim fabric from Textile Warehouse.
• That the pattern include different pattern pieces for A/B, C and D cup sizes.  It reduced the amount of pattern adjustments for me.
• The princess seams.  Easier to fit.

Dislikes -

• The neckline is too "open" for me.  It stands away from my neck.  Next time I will bring it a little closer.
• The exposed zipper instructions.  It could just be me. Lol

Fabric Used:  I used a stretch woven denim that I purchased from the Discount Textile Warehouse.  It is so forgiving and comfortable to wear.  I prewashed and dried it before cutting into it.  The fabric was softer and easier to work with.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I tweaked the  D cup pattern, swayback adjustment and lengthen the pants leg,  I don't like cropped pants.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, and yes.  I like it well enough to make it again.  And, I do recommend it to other sewists. 

Conclusion:   I'm happy I finally made my jumpsuit.  My sewing buddy, Marcy, was the motivation for getting this made this spring.

Happy Sewing!

C

 

Vogue V2049 - New Pattern Release in Review

When I saw Vogue V2049 bodysuit pattern in the catalog, I had to have it.  And a few weeks ago, I was finally able to purchase it at the JoAnn's pattern sale.  Days later I cut it out and begin to make the fit adjustments.

At times making the fit adjustments can take just as much time as it does to sew up a simple t-shirt.  For this top, I got the brilliant idea to use my Molly Tee pattern as a sloper in hopes of speeding up the process.  Low and behold, it was spot on with the adjustments.  

I was extremely happy not to do the entire process of slashing, cutting, and taping. So, here is my review:

 

 Pattern Description: Misses' Bodysuits:  close-fitting bodysuit has asymmetric neckline stabilized with 1/4" elastic, bust darts, long sleeves and fastens with snap closures.  View A has front and back gathered drape pulled through loop.

 

Pattern Sizing:  8 to 26.  I used size 16 with modifications.

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?  One of the things that I love about sewing Vogue patterns is that they sometimes have some very interesting techniques for constructing a garment.  The construction of the right top at the arm was one of those cases.  To my surprise, it went together very well.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I have some likes and dislikes.

Likes

• The style of the bodysuit.  I love the drape about the neckline and the scarf. And the asymmetric stabilized neckline is a winner. too

Dislikes

 

• Now, the way that vogue instructs on how to finish the leg hole and the snap area, I didn't appreciate at all.  It did not make sense to me.  But for the sake of following the instructions for this wearable muslin, I finished the leg hole and snap area as instructed.  Next time I will probably add a little more to the edges and sew on elastic to finish the area.

Fabric Used:  My fabric came from Walmart.  I got it out of the 2 yard discount bend.  I only paid $4.00 for it.  It is a soft, light weight knit with 75% crosswise stretch required for this top.  Note:  having enough crosswise stretch is key.  Make sure you take the amount of stretch into consideration if you plan to make this top.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I used what I'll say is a short-cut on the FBA.  If you've been following this blog for at least a year, you know that I love making the Molly Tee and have made several of them throughout the years.  It comes with bust cup sizes, I think, up to G.  I have my pattern at the ready at all times.  So, I placed my Molly Tee under the front of the Vogue V2049 to determine the FBA.  I totally ignored the darts.  Then I added the "curved width" needed to make this new top fit.  When I constructed the bodysuit, I did make darts as instructed.  It worked out perfectly.

 

I'm hope  I'll be able to take of picture of me wearing it soon.  But for now, I'm showing it on the dress form.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, this was my wearable muslin.  I think that I will make it as a top, though.  We will see how that goes later.  I do recommend it to others.  Caution, this is not a typical t-shirt pattern.  I can sew up a simple t-shirt within an hour and a half.  This bodysuit took about 3 hours to make minus putting on the snaps.  It takes time and patience on the neckline and drape.

Conclusion:   I really like how this bodysuit turned out with the exception of the finishing of the leg hole and snap area.  The attractive neckline is a winner.  

 

Happy Sewing!

 

C

 

McCall M7978 - Blouse From Muslin to Fashion Fabric

In the Spring I posted this "Notes on a Pattern - McCall M7978" with all the details on the fit adjustments.  It took six months to finally make the blouse.  So here it is with a full pattern review.

Pattern Description:  Misses' tops:  Tops A, B, C, D have gathered front and back, self faced yoke, button and loop closures, forward shoulder seams and gathered sleeve variation and band.  B: Flounce, A, B, C: Cuffs.  D: Sleeve hand, neckband and ties in one.  I made view B with modifications.

Pattern Sizing:  I used size 16 with modifications and fit adjustments.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, for the most part.  I didn't have enough fabric for the tie.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, the instructions were typical and nothing difficult or confusing in them. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  There several things that I like about this blouse.  For starters:  the neckline and the midriff.  I also like the tie and the full sleeve of A.  I'm hope to make view A with a tie and the flounce of view B.  

My only dislike is the front closure.  This is a very easy fit, though.  I simply built in a little more width across the front to overlap the button area.  So the placement of the buttons is an inch from the front edge. 


Fabric Used:  One of my dear friends' mom passed and she gifted me with some of her fabrics.  This is a paisley print cotton.  It has a smooth hand, and it sews and presses beautifully.  The yardage was about a yard and a half.  So I was unable to include the tie for this version.  Next time. :-)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  All of my fit adjustments  are noted in my "Notes on a Pattern" posted in May 2024.  See link above.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I plan to make at least one more version.  Also, mentioned above.  And yes, I do recommend this pattern with modifications based on the sewist's body shape and preferences.  You can mix and match the design elements to your liking.

Conclusion:  This pattern has a few different style options and the "V" neck is great for us busty ladies.  Be careful with the placement of the buttons and the depth of the "V".  The closure as is may gap open and "V" is very low.

All level sewists should be able to make this blouse.  It is definitely more than your average wardrobe builder top. ;-)

Happy Sewing!

C

 

Wrap Top- Butterick B5101

This wrap top was made in October 2024.  It has been on my "to make" list for ages.  Butterick B5101 Lifestyle Wardrobe pattern, with several views to literally make a complete wardrobe with endless outfit options.  The copyright year is 2007.  So it is OOP.

Pattern Description:  Misses' top, dress, skirt and pants:  wrap front top and dress have all-in-one sleeve, pleated collar extending into front neckline, side tie, sleeve length and hem variations.  Mock wrap front skirt and straight leg pants have casing and elastic yoke.

Pattern Sizing:  SX, S, M, L, XL .  I used size medium grading it up somewhere between a medium and large with fit adjustments.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical, but not difficult to follow.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I liked that it is a wrap top/dress with some pleating around the mid section with a tie.  

I do have a few dislikes, though.  The tie is slightly wider than what I'd like for this top/dress.  And I prefer it to be a little longer since I'm so tall.  My other dislikes is the thickness of the belt loop.  It could be thinner.  I'll make these adjustments on my next version, which is already in the making. :-)  No other dislikes.

Fabric Used:  My knit jersey came from New Rainbow Fabrics on Roosevelt Road in Chicago.  It is a vibrant tomato red with a dry hand.  It is easy to work with and is wrinkle free.  I pre-washed and dried it as soon as I bought it home.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  Okay, it may be boring, but I had to make my usual full bust adjustment.    Definitely necessary for the level of stretch of my fabric choice and the style of the top.  Because the sleeve is cut-on, I started the process with removing the sleeve.  Then I made the FBA.  Finally, reattaching the sleeve. See the photo below for the finished fit adjustment. Also, I lengthen the sleeve by an inch.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I will.  I'm in the process of making the pants and the top.  I hope to finish it by the end of this week.  If this is your style, of course, I recommend it.  The pattern is easy to sew and it offers a lot of style options in one pattern.

Conclusion:  This is a good wardrobe pattern that offers many outfit options.  It is easy to sew for all level sewists.  The hem of the top/dress may be a little challenging for beginners, but doable.  Take your time.

Happy Sewing!

C

Minerva - Caftan - Challis Prints Butterick B6900

Last week, I was finally sewed up this lovely caftan.  It has been quite some time since I've sewn anything using Minerva fabric.  I'm so glad I was able to finally finish it.

 

Pattern Description:  V-neck caftans have drawstring waist with hem and length variations.  View A has ruffled collar.

Pattern Sizing:  8 - 26.  I used size 16, view B.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  Big and floaty. Lol

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy.  Nothing confusing about them.  Typical.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like that the caftan was a very easy make.  At the time, I thought I would make it up immediately after I cut it out.  But, that didn't happen.  Also, I thought the pattern was perfect for showcasing the beautiful rayon challis.  Who doesn't like a beautiful house dress.

No dislike.

Fabric Used:  Rayon challis from Minerva.  It is soft, fluid, and easy to work with.  Love how it presses.  Unfortunately, it wrinkles just as easy.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I didn't make any changes.  Perfect. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I would like to make view B for a swim suit cover-up.  Yes, I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion:  I'm pleased with how the caftan turned out.  I will certainly get a lot of wear out of it.  Also, this was a super easy sewing project that I recommend to all level sewists. 

Parting Shot:  Me admiring our tomatoes plants that are still producing.

That's all for now!

Inspiration Strikes Again - Burda Style 6322 Dress

Good evening everyone,

I hope everyone is enjoying this lovely weekend.  It has been sunny and the air is crisp.  I love this time of year.  

Yesterday afternoon I was finally able to get some photos of me wearing my first dress of the fall season.  It's becoming more and more difficult these days to get photos of me wearing my newly sewn garments.  My daughter is my photographer, and our schedules don't always allow for photo shoots.  I'm lucky when our schedules do.

I love my new pony print dress.  Early summer, I saw this photo of Vivica A. Fox on Instagram wearing a cute little dress.   Her outfit inspired me to make this dress.  Of course, Ms. Fox's dress is a whole lot sexier than my version.  Lol.  So, let me start with my review of the process of constructing my inspiration dress.

Pattern Description:  Burda's description is just as poor as their instructions at times. Lol.  So, I'll give my little two cents of a description.  A shift dress with cut-on sleeves (long or short).  It has a high scoop neck.  The dress has a center back seam with invisible zipper.  View A has a slit and belt.  This pattern is rated super easy. 

Pattern Sizing:  8 to 18.  I used 16 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? The silhouette looked like the dress.  I did make several changes so that it looked more like the inspiration dress.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  This pattern is exactly as stated, "super easy."  And the instructions were easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I have several likes and only one dislike.  First the likes.

 Likes -

• The silhouette was perfect for the inspiration dress.  
• The dress pattern was only five pattern pieces and a quick sew.
• The pattern is versatile.  Once I finished my dress, I started dreaming about other projects and uses for the patter.  I plan to make a tunic and top.  
• All the design changes that I added to make this dress special.

Dislikes -

• The scoop neck is a little too wide for me.  I will adjust it for the next project.

Fabric Used:  This year I purchased a lot of fabric from Hobby Lobby.  They have a 40% off sale nearly every other week.  Anyway, My fabric is a polyester pony print fabric that has the hand of faux suede.  I pre-washed and dried it before I cut out my dress.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  Here's is where the review gets lengthy.  I made several changes.  But here again, I didn't make a FBA, swayback, or broad shoulder adjustment.  Below is what I did change:

 

• Center Front Seam - The easiest change was to add the center front seam.  All was needed was to add seam allowance instead of cutting on the fold.

• Re-Draft Front Facing - The front facing was extended and also has a center front seam.  After I tried the dress on with the belt, I realized that the front facing was just a little too long.  This is easily corrected.
• Eyelets were added to the front of the dress to copy the design of the inspiration dress.
• Drawstring was added to the front of the dress.

Application Process - Eyelets

Every time I add buttonholes, eyelets, snaps, etc., to any finished garment, my hands get a little sweaty. Lol  I get nervous.  I’m scared of ruining the entire project.  So I must do a test before I do anything.

1.     Test applying an eyelet on a piece of scrap fabric.

2.     Measure the length of the area where the eyelets will be applied.  Determine the distance between each eyelet based on the length and number of eyelets to be applied.

3.     Mark the placement for each on both sides.

4.     Punch the holes.

5.     Carefully, install each eyelet as directed.

6.     All done.

 

Dress Belted

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and yes.  I will sew this pattern again.  This is a good pattern for beginners as well as other level sewists.

Conclusion: I'm really happy with how my dress turned out.  Though it isn't exactly like the inspiration dress, it is how I envisioned it for my life style.  The dress was very easy to sew and I got exactly what I wanted out of this project.

 

Happy Sewing!

C