Silky Print and Suiting are Matched - Simplicity S3103 and Vogue V1294

Next, Outfit sharing posts is Simplicity S3103 and Vogue V1294.  Good combination.  Still in some neutral tones for some mixing and matching.

I really like these coordinates together.  All I need is a orange, ivory or black jacket.  Hmmm..., more sewing projects added to the never ending list.  Previous post on this outfit is here.

Happy Sewing!

C

A New Blouse Silhouette with Simplicity S3103

Another new pattern to review.  This is a recent release:  Simplicity S3103.  I paired it with Vogue V1294.  These slacks were made last winter.  I just never posted pictures of them.  They look good with this top.

Pattern Description:  Simplicity vague description - blouse with sleeve variations

Pattern Sizing:  4 - 24; I used size 16 with modifications View B

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

Pretty much.  I think the top pictured on the envelope looks longer than mine.  I thought about making it again adding a few inches to the hem. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes.  They were pretty easy to follow. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Looking at the pattern, I initially liked the funnel neck and the sleeves of view C.  I was concerned about how my upper body would look in this silhouette.    Additionally, I didn't care too much for how the armhole facing looked once it was finished.  

Fabric Used: This is a silky polyester print that I purchased from Mood Fabrics several years ago.  I was drawn to it because of the print and colors in the fabric.  I only purchased one yard hoping I would be able to make a simple top.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made my usual adjustments:  FBA, swayback, and prominent shoulder blades.  The FBA produced an additional waist dart plus and bust dart.  I made the bust dart slightly on an angle.  It almost disappears in the fabric.  One other change needed for me is the width of the funnel.  It stands out too far from my neck.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will make it again.  I want to make view C with a few more inches added to the hem.  And yes, I do recommend it to others.  One word of caution, pay close mention with finishing the armhole with the facing.


Conclusion:  This is a easy top to sew.  If you need a FBA, it may produce an additional waist dart.  You can also consider making the original waist dart deeper if you do not want to add another one.

P.S.  -  I'm hoping my DD will be able to take some pictures soon of me wearing my newly made outfits.

Stay Tuned!

C

Minerva Fabric - Black Neutral Jacket Simplicity S1781

I finally finished a sewing project.  This one stayed on the table too long.  I started on it in February, and I had hoped to finish it that same month.  I'm glad to move it from the sewing studio to one of my closets.  

This black jacket will be part of my neutral wardrobe.  Already I know that it will be in high rotation, especially in the coming spring and early summer seasons.  I can dress it up or down.  For these photos I decided to dress it down with jeans and one of my molly tees.

For the review, I will try to be brief; but at the same time provide enough information about the experience just in case someone in the sewing community is planning to make this.  The pattern isn't new, but I don't think there are a lot of reviews online.

Pattern Description:  Misses' jacket in two lengths with front and collar variations.  Closures feature an exposed zipper, hook and eye, or loops and buttons.  Croquis Kit included with each Project Runway pattern allows you to be your own designer.   This is OOP, but you can find a copy of it on Etsy.

Pattern Sizing:  The pattern comes in sizes 6 to 22.   I used size 16 with a lot of modifications beginning with the view.  I really liked the view in the lower righthand corner with the pleated pocket and side back.  But I wanted the length of the red jacket that the model is wearing.  So that is what I decided to make.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  For the most part. my jacket does look like the jacket drawing, except it is longer.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical and easy to follow.  I changed a few things.  One being I understitched the facing and along the neckline.  I like the way it slightly rolls the edge to the inside of the jacket.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  There are many things that I like about the jacket beginning with the princess seams.  This style always makes it a little easier to do the pattern adjustments for an FBA.  The pleated pockets and side back are also favorite design elements.  They help create a balance between my upper and lower body.  They also add some interest to what could be considered a boring classic princess style jacket. I love the two-piece sleeve in a jacket. They look better and are easier to fit.  The buttonhole loops are on my like list too.  Lastly, I like the draft of this pattern.  Even with all of my fit adjustments, it appears to be well drafted.  

No dislikes.

Fabric Used: I chose a recycled polyester suiting from Minerva Fabrics.  This light/medium weight suiting, sewed up without any problems.  It has a "bubble" texture which adds interest to the feel and look of the jacket.  But it does not make it look heavy.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made my usual adjustments for an FBA, swayback, prominent shoulder blades, and I added length to the sleeve and the jacket itself.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes and yes.  I must use the pattern again.  I spent so much time making the adjustments.  It would be somewhat of a waste if I didn't make it at least one more time.  And of course, I love how it turned out.  The side front and back have three sections.  For the side front there are also pockets.  When I made the FBA and swayback adjustments they affected all of the pieces associated with the side front and back.  So I was doing a lot of slashing and taping.

I do recommend it to others.  But make a muslin and take the time to make the pattern fit adjustments.  

Conclusion:  I really like how my jacket turned out.  And I'm glad I finally finished it.  In the coming months I hope to get plenty of wear out of it.  It's comfortable and the fit is pretty good.  I like wearing it with jeans and a t-shirt.  But it would be great to wear with a skirt or dress. 

For a sewing project like this, take the time to make sure the fit is good and make a muslin before you cut into your lovely fashion fabric. Wink, wink.

Happy Sewing!

C

Plaid Hat Vogue V8403 and Pants Simplicity S2315 To Match

 

 

 

 

 

The brown plaid pant suit is complete!  I actually finished the pants and hat almost two weeks ago.  The pants is Simplicity S2315.  I've used this pattern twice before.  So I won't review the pattern again.  You can read the initial review here. 

The hat is another view of Vogue 8403.  There was enough fabric leftover to make a hat.  So I did.  Lately, I'm trying to make use of as many remnants and scraps from previous projects.  I have a really tough time tossing out pieces that are a half yard or more.  

 

This hat was really fun to make.  I completed it while watching a Hallmark Christmas movie.  So, it took less than two hours to make.  I changed a few of the construction steps.  Nothing earth shaking.  It was a matter of taking my time with the stitching and pressing as needed.  

 

 

I enjoyed the process and will probably make at least one more view of this hat pattern.

Happy Sewing!

C

Burda Flounce Top 6428 and McCall Pants 7483

Happy FRIDAY!  It is super hot in the Chicago land area.  I'm talking upper nineties, feeling like 105 degrees and very sticky.  I think I'll spend a little time sewing this weekend.

Today, I'm reviewing McCall 7483 (pants); also I'm wearing my new Burda flounce top 6428.  NOTE:  I used steam a seam on the hem of my top.  It created puckering all the way around.  I hate that.  I'm going to try to correct it.  Wish me luck.

The pants are wide leg with a deep yoke, front pleats and back invisible zipper.  I used size 16 with minor changes.  There's not a lot to these pants: front and back yoke; front and back pants.

I used a light weight polyester suiting that was gifted to me some time ago.  It has a crisp hand and stands slightly away from the body.  It's charcoal in color.  Good to wear in the fall and cooler spring/summer days.

The instructions were pretty typical of the big four.  And I didn't see anything confusing or difficult in them.  The construction was easy enough for a beginner to sew.

I only made very minor changes:  lengthen them about for inches and shorten the front pant about 1.5 inches at center front and tapering to 0 at the side seam.

I could have added maybe .5 inch to the center back and added a bit to the hook of the crotch.  If I make them again, I will.  Another change I'll make to this pair is to sew the pleats together through the mid hip area.  I don't like the way they open.  It's not neat to me.  That's my only dislike about how they turned out.

I can't say that I will make these again for myself.  But that remains to be seen. ;-)

These are a basic pants with a pleated front that all level sewists can make.  If this is a style that you like, I recommend that you give them a try.  Make a muslin first to make sure the fit is right.

Have a great weekend and happy sewing!
Cennetta