The Not So Famous Jacket - Simplicity S9227

This is one I really did not like how it turned out.  I tried and tried to make it work, but...,  I think it me though.  It's in how it looks on me. 

So here goes my pattern review of Simplicity S9227.  

Pattern Description:  Simplicity's says Misses' jacket and pants.  I'll add:  it is a princess seam style jacket, unlined.  On the model, the sleeve cap does not sit exactly on the ball of the shoulder.  

Pattern Sizing:  The pattern is available in sizes 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 does for the most part.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical, nothing confusing in them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I do not like the look on me after I made all of the fit alterations.   The princess seam sit more on the side of the body than normal. I think the problem with the "look" is more related to the position of the princess seam and being full busted.  Also, I did not like how the sleeve and arm syce are drafted.  It just does not look good or wear well to me. 

Fabric Used:  I purchased this suiting fabric from the Textile Warehouse a few years ago.  It is a twill like weave..  I thought it was perfect for this pattern.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made most of my usual upper body fit adjustments:  FBA, broad shoulders, and lengthen the sleeves.    Sorry, I didn't take pictures of the alterations.  I even made a muslin.  I added Dior darts on the front in hopes of improving the look of the jacket.  No luck.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I will not sew this again.  I'm putting the jacket in my donation bag.  I've enough time on it.  Plus, I have so many jacket patterns to try.  If you are thinking about trying this pattern, please make a muslin and make sure it fits perfect (just the way you like it) before cutting into your fashion fabric.

Conclusion:  This jacket really didn't work for me.  Try it with caution.  Make a muslin first.  Side note:  in the photos I'm also wearing a new molly t-shirt.  I have made so many of these.  This is a highly recommended pattern.  It is great for a quick sewing project.

More 2024 to come.

 

Purple Flower Power Dress Revealed - Vogue V1858

 

It has been almost a whole month since I last posted about this dress.  I had mentioned that I wanted to do something extra.  My "extra" was to add some silk flowers and petals to the dress.  It took me a while to decide how to place the flowers and the petals on it.  I knew I wanted to make a corsage like flower, not detachable.  Also, I thought of putting one flower at the hem.  I still wasn't sold on the placement.  

After talking with Rhonda about my idea, she helped me rearrange the flowers and the petals.  So today, finally, I'm sharing how I finished the purple flower power dress.  First, I added three flowers at the top shoulder area.  The one directly on top is a detachable corsage.  I was afraid that it would get mangled if I sewed it onto the dress.  The leaves were the biggest concern.  The remaining two were placed on the back shoulder, kind of in a cluster like a bouquet.  Then I sewed on petals falling down the back of the dress with the majority of them at the hem.  To complement the beaded zipper, I added a few beads to each petal and flower. 

I changed the length of the dress as well.  Initially, I added several inches to it.  After taking a few pictures, I decided to shorten it a bit.  Above are a few photos taken prior to the floral additions and the length adjustment.  So, that's it for now.  

I haven't made anything new since March.  I've been busy with other things.  We will see what the coming warmer season brings.

BTW- This was my Easter dress.  

Happy Sewing!

C

Notes on a Pattern - Vogue V1858

Today I want to talk about Vogue V1858.  This is one of Vogue's latest pattern releases.  It is basically a princess seam dress with a curve "V" neck front yoke and a back yoke.  Nothing really extra special.  But it has a neckline that I haven't seen.  And that is why a decided to purchase the pattern.  

I considered this to be a relatively easy dress to make.  There is no lining, it has princess seams, and it requires moderate stretch knits.  On the envelope, it indicates a sewing rating of average.  That's okay because there is an invisible zipper and the front yoke may present a little bit of a challenge to get it just right.

Vogue describes the pattern as:  Fitted dress has shaped contrast neck bands, side front and side back seams, three-quarter length set-in sleeves, invisible back zipper, hook and eye closure, stitched hems. 

I made some changes: no invisible zipper and I hand-stitched the hems.  Simple changes.  

But first, as always, I need to make sure the pattern fits.  So, immediately I made my typical adjustments.  Only later to discover that they were a bit too much.  I started by cutting size 16.  I could have used size 14.

Below are my original adjustments.  

The FBA was spot on.  But all of the added width was too much.  

The swayback adjustment was good too.  This time I added the amount removed to the hip area instead of at the hem.  Now this area seems to be a better area to add the length back into the garment.  

Using size 16 in the shoulder area was okay.  But at the very top of the shoulder, an inch or so front and back, was too long.  I adjusted it before setting the sleeves.  So, there was no need to add in the shoulder blade area.  

The overall size selection was a little bit off.  This has happened with other princess seam dresses like Simplicity S1314.  I ended up doing a lot of tweaking to get the best fit in other areas of my body, resulting in huge seam allowances of 1" or more. 

Simplicity 1314

What I like:  the front yoke and princess seam.

Other changes that I made in my dress:  I hand-picked the zipper and added beads instead of installing an invisible zipper;  I added several inches to the length. The dress is on the short side; I hand-stitched the hems.

Right now, I can consider my dress finished.  But I was thinking of adding some more to the dress to make it extra special.  I thought of adding petals of silk flowers:  one at the side bottom hem area and another at the left shoulder.  Or a small panel of lace somewhere.  

This making it extra special feature may not materialize.  It something that I was thinking about. 

These are my notes on this pattern.  I really like the neckline and hope to incorporate it into another dress or top.  We will see. Lol.

Anyway, I hope this information was useful to other sewists who have similar fit adjustments as I do.  

Happy Sewing!

C