First Summer Dress of the Season - McCall's M8449

 

Pattern Description:

Pull over dresses have placket, collar, sleeve and length variations.  View C has front buttons on placket.  Separate optional sash included.  I made view B with modifications

Pattern Sizing:  

8 to 26.  I used size size 16.  I was  lucky that the width across the the bust area had plenty of room.  So no FBA.

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

Yes, it did.  I added buttons to the placket. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  

The instructions were easy to follow.  Nothing complicated or confusing in them.  My biggest concern was the placket.  It is a focal point of the dress, and it has to be perfect.  I'm happy to say it turned out well.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  

I like the overall style of the dress.  This is the season for shirt dresses.  And this one was perfect for what I had in mind.  No dislikes.

Fabric Used:  

This striped cotton blend came from The Discount Textile Warehouse on West 21st Street in Chicago.  It is tightly woven with a dry hand.  It is wrinkle resistant and the stripes are vibrant.  No issue with sewing this fabrication.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: 

I made minimum alterations/changes.  As I said above, I like the buttons on the placket.  So I added them to this view.  I added a little width across the upper back.  I didn't have enough fabric to cut the collars in one piece.  For the under collar I created a chevron affect and for the upper collar the stripes are vertical.  No other changes.

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

Yes, I would like to make the sleeveless version.  And yes, I do recommend it to others.  Just take your time making the placket.

Conclusion:  

This was a great start to my summer dress wardrobe.  I'm happy with how it turned out.  It is pictured with a white belt that I purchased.  I really would like to find a wide navy belt to complement this summer dress. 

Happy Sewing!
C  

Anthropologie So Inspired: It's Spring and Summer Dresses

Dresses, dresses, and more dresses!

It's time for a little dress inspiration.  Spring is already here, and summer is around the corner.  I'm itching to make a pretty dress.  Before I start planning what fabric, style, and color I wanted to see what RTW styles are on the horizon.  Anthropologie has a great selection of the season's best spring and summer looks.  From their posted inventory, I see an entire caribbean vacation wardrobe.  They have beautiful florals, abstract prints and solids of every style and for every shape.  Below are some of the dresses I'd like to have.  But you can take a look at the entire collection that is posted online here.    

Happy Sewing!

C

Last Summer Dress of 2021 - Butterick B6600

These past few weeks have been so hot and humid.  Goodness!  I'm so looking forward to fall.  But before I totally shift gears into fall/winter sewing, I wanted to finish the last summer project that was on the cutting table.

Butterick B6600 is a pattern that I've owned since 2018.  And this is the first time I've used it.  I purchased it for the "V" neck top/dress.  I could make ten of these.  

Anyway, here is my review:

Pattern Description: A, B, C: Close-fitting zip front jacket and pullover top and dress have length and sleeve variations. D: Jumpsuit (fitted through the bust), has encased elastic and tie at waist. E: Loose fitting wide leg pull-on pants have encased elastic and tie at waist.  For moderate stretch knits only.

Pattern Sizing:  This pattern is available in two size groupings. (XS-M and L-XXL). I used sized medium with modifications.  I actually graded up some where between a medium and large.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, my dress looks very much like the dress on the envelope.  View C falls above the knee on the model.  I added a few inches to the length.  So my dress falls mid-knee.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were very easy and typical.  I basically glanced over them.  I didn't see any thing difficult or confusing.  The steps that I paid attention to were for constructing the neck band.  It was important that I get it as close to perfect as possible.  Since it is a focal point and using contrasting ribbing brings more attention to it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  Oh, I have a few likes for sure.  They are:

• "V" neck 
• Sort of A-line.
• Great opportunity to use another stripe fabric in my stash. ;-)
• Easy to sew.

No dislikes.

Fabric Used:  I purchased this knit from Fabricmart Fabrics earlier this summer.  I didn't know what I'd make out of it.  I just liked the red and white stripes.  When I received it, I immediately tossed it along with other fabric into the washer.  Then I dried it.  When I removed it from the dryer, it was softer and still had the same great recovery that it had before I washed it.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made a few fit changes along with grading it up in a few areas.

• Swayback adjustment and added a center back seam.
• Added a few inches to the length.
• The neck band was extremely long.  I reduced the length by two inches - pattern.  So that comes to a total of about four inches.  It may have been due to the ribbed knit that I used.
• The placement of the bands on the sleeves.  Mine are a little closer together than view C on the envelope.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Oh yes,  I'll make the dress again and plan to make a top.  And yes, I do recommend this pattern.  As always, I checked social media to see if other sewists made any view of the pattern.  There were a few people who made the jumpsuit, who posted on Instagram.

Conclusion: I enjoyed making this t-shirt dress up.  It went together with no problem.  I recommend it to all levels of sewists.   

I was lucky my daughter was willing to take pictures of me wearing it the same morning I finished it.  So afterward, I thought I may as well keep it on, which I did. Tee hee.

So that's all for now.  A very simple t-shirt dress that turned out great.  

Happy Sewing!

C

Christine Jonson Travel Trio Three 226 - Shirred Top

I'm still playing catch up with some pattern reviews and recent projects.  Real life, September and October were quite eventful to say the least.  So, I have a bit of a back log of things to blog about.  It almost always feel like I'm "catching up".

Today I'm review Christine Jonson's Travel Trio Three 226 - shirred tee.  Way back in 2012, I thought this was super cute but was concerned that shirred above the bust and how it may look on me.  My suspicions were right.  Not a good look on me.   So I decided to gift my sister.  It's a good look on her.

The tee is not a wader, just not good on me.  So that being said, here is my pattern review.

This tee is part of a mini wardrobe travel wardrobe pattern.  You can get the complete description here.  For the shirred tee, I simply copied the description from the CJ website.

Shirred Turtleneck/Raglan Tee: This top has long raglan sleeves and shirred yoke. It is designed to be close-fitting so that the bodice gathers will stretch tight vertically. The pattern also includes an alternative front pattern piece for a smooth and simple raglan top.  Multi-sized 4-22. I used size 16 only lengthening the sleeves.


My version does look like the drawing as far as style lines.  The striped fabric was a remnant from a dress that I made last year.  It was just enough for the back and sleeves.  The black and striped knit fabrics came from FabricMart Fabrics.

The shirring adds a few minutes more to the amount of time it takes to complete a basic tee.  The instructions were easy, nothing confusing about them.

I really like the shirred yoke.  That's what drew me to the pattern.   The fit of the turtleneck is spot on.  It's snug but not too snug, no drooping, just right.  I'm going to try the other tee view to see if it's a better look for me.  Hopefully, I won't need to gift another to my "happy to receive it" sister. ;-)

I do recommend this pattern to others sewists of all levels.  It's an easy one.  Both tee are perfect for wardrobe building.  The complement of this wardrobe pattern is cute too.  At some point, I will try those views as well.

That's all for now.  Have a great day!

Happy Sewing,
C

Simplicity 8891 - Warm Beige and Ivory Bengal Striped Stretch Twill

It is my pleasure to final post my first spring dress, made just for me!  Happy to show off Simplicity 8891 dress in Mood's Warm Beige and Ivory Bengal Striped Stretch Twill.  This dress was draped on my form for nearly two weeks before I was able to take a few pictures.

The mid-west has been like a tropical rain forest 80% of the time.  It rained hours before the photo shoot.  So me and my "photographer" raced to location before the next band of torrential wave hit the south suburbs. 

Anyway.., My review:

My fabric is fabulous!  I think by now, everyone knows I'm love a great striped textiles.  So when I saw it online, immediately I ordered four yards not having anything special in mind.  I just wanted to make sure I got some of it before it had a red sold out stamp on it.  Yes, there are 61 yards still available.  The details on the weight, fibers, and possible garment styles are on the website:  Warm Beige and Ivory Bengal Striped Stretch Twill. 

My pattern of choice is Simplicity 8891.  I just had to have it too.  Early May I posted on my blog my pattern notes.  It focuses on the fit adjustments.  The pattern also includes pants, shorts, and a top.  It's a simple wardrobe pattern that you can create a great little summer mini wardrobe from.  And I will probably make the top and pants too.  When I was finishing up my dress, I saw that Erica B had made the top and short.  It's a super cute outfit. Check it out on her blog if you haven't already.   I think we are the first to post outfits made using this new Simplicity pattern.

I started with size 16 modifying the tissue pattern, adjustments continuing as I constructed the dress. The sewing was very easy and steady. I practically finished the dress in one sewing session.   The instructions were typical.  No problems in them.

My dress looks much like the photographed dress on the envelope.  I only made minor changes that probably will go unnoticed. They are:

• Placement of the buttons.  At the waist I added two close together.  The rest are evenly spaced as I desired.  So I didn't use the button guide at all.
• On the shoulder, I added a little tiny dart where I added width for my prominent shoulder blades.  Initially, I thought maybe I'll ease in the excess.  But truth be told, I don't really like the effect of easing at the shoulder.
• I added a few inches to the length of the belt.

My likes:

• Button Front
• Pleating at the waist
• Lower band at the hem
• Sleeve finishing

My dislikes:

• The neck is a little wider than I like for this style.
• Pocket placement is a little high

I've added the top and pants to my ever growing "Things to Make" list.  This is a super cute summer mini wardrobe pattern that I think fellow sewists will enjoy making and wearing.  Let's not forget to grab a few yards of this lovely Bengal Striped Stretch Twill.  I still have 1.5 yards to make something else. ;-)

Happy Sewing!

C

Notes on a Pattern - Simplicity 8891

In my last post I mentioned that I had completed several pattern adjustments.  These were done in preparation for my spring and summer projects.  Most are dresses. 

Today I want to talk about one that I am anxious to start sewing. 

Notes on a pattern:  Simplicity 8891

My fabric is lovely, warm beige and ivory Bengal striped stretch polyester twill #325805.  It's still available online. 

This is a cute little dress has buttons down the front, with tucks in the front and back near the waist. Cut-on sleeves with sleeve bands, in-set pockets and a wide belt to complete the look.   It's a good pattern to play around with stripes.  And of course, I chose a striped fabric to make my dress.  The short set is cute too.  I'm thinking of making it as well. 

I didn't make a muslin because there is so much style ease across the bodice.  So I thought I could skip the muslin fitting.  In my opinion, this will be a somewhat relaxed look.

On the front, I made a little FBA.  I probably could have gotten away with not making one.  But I didn't want to take any chances on the hem of the dress not being even due to needed length/width in the bust area.  First I cut off the sleeve to make the FBA.  This adjustment added about 1/2" change in the sleeve/armhole area.  That's more room for a full bust.  There is a slight overlap on the side to eliminate the bust dart.  I'm trying something new hear.  Hopefully, it will work out.  For the shoulder and sleeve seam, I meant to adjust it for a slightly forward shoulder before the picture.  In the next, picture you can see that I added the needed room for my back.

For the back, I made a prominent shoulder blade adjustment.  I don't think I like a dart here.  I'll see if I can ease the 3/4" vs. making the shoulder dart.  To eliminate the extra width in the waist area, I will make deeper tucks.  Next, I made a swayback adjustment at the waistline and added the length of the tuck to the bottom of the back.  There is a center back seam, which is perfect for me.  Both the swayback tuck and the center back seam produce and great fit along the lower back area. 

The front and back lower panels have been adjusted accordingly.  So that the width matches the width of the respective pattern pieces.   So this weekend I plan to make my dress.  More later.

Parting Shot:  My McCall 7254 Jacket/Cardigan.  I added a closure to the front.  It really completes this jacket.  The quilted fabric is warm and can be worn fall and early winter as outwear.

Happy Sewing and Have a great Mother's Day weekend!
C

Here We Go Again - Vogue 1314 My All Time Favorite TNT Pullover Dress

I paired V1314 with this beautiful Taupe/Mocha/Black/Red stretch striped cotton terry (#308113).  I love the color combination.  Each color can be used to make a cardigan, jacket, or coat to complete a well put together stylish outfit.  The coloration and the stripes are classic 70's.    The knit is lightweight with a lovely drape that falls close to the body.  It feels good on and is super easy to work with.

If you follow my blog, you know I've used this pattern many time.  I just can't stop finding new ways to use Vogue 1314 Tracy Reese Pullover Ruched dress.  Actually, I've used the front and back lining pattern pieces (no ruching for me) to create over a dozen looks.  Can I say it's my favorite TNT pullover dress pattern.

For this dress I lengthen it by several inches and added slits to the side.  No other changes to it beyond the fit, which were made years ago.

My challenge was placement of the horizontal stripes.  I was careful to make sure the pattern of the stripes below the bust was consistent around my body.  My fit adjustments resulted in a bust dart, and it was important for me to try to reduce the appearance of it without disrupting the pattern of the stripes.  I'm very pleased with it and hope to get plenty of wear out of it.

Do I like it?  You bet.  Will I make it again?  YES.  Do I recommend it?  Yes, to every level of sewist.  This is a winner!

If you interested in reading about my other versions of this dress, please click here.

Happy Sewing!
C