Union Pattern Molly T-Shirt with Rhonda's Square Shoulder Sleeve Design

Today I'm sharing my fifth version of the Molly t-shirt.  This time I drafted Rhonda's Square Shoulder Sleeve design for the sleeve.  The pattern drafting was so easy and the finished sleeve turned out very well.    If you want to try drafting the sleeve, check here on Rhonda's blog.

There isn't much more to say about the process.  Rhonda's post gives you all the details on how to make it.  So there is no need for me to repeat it.

Sorry about the poor quality of the pictures.

Parting Shots:  This is the very first Molly T-Shirt that I made in 2019.

Simplicity 8643 - My First Knit Top of 2019

This top is actually the forth garment made in 2019.  I'll be posted the rest soon, but I want to get some picture of me wearing them.  Anyway, the pattern is  "quick sew" T-shirt "like tops.  The two differences are:  the asymmetric hem and the front pleating.  These are the two details that convinced me to purchase the pattern.

Simplicity describes this pattern as:  misses' knit top featuring asymmetrical hems with optional cold-shoulder, contrasting sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, or sleeveless view.  I made view D with sleeve from view C.  It's comes in multi- XXS to XXL.  I used between size M and L with some modifications.

My finished top did look like the modeled top, only a more fitted with sleeves.  It's winter, for real, in the mid-west.  So sleeves are the best optional.

The instructions are super easy to follow.  The pleating along the center front are just simple tucks with a line of stitches to hold them in place.  Nothing complicated about making them.  I traced the stitching and pleat lines onto the fabric.  Then pinned the pleats in place and stitched.  All done in less the two minutes.

There is nothing to dislike.  It's basically a modified t-shirt pattern with center pleats.  As I stated earlier, I like the pleats and the hemline. My other like is the neckband.  It looks great if I say so myself. ;-)

My knit fabric was purchased from Marcy Tilton online fabric store.  She really has some great knits.  This particular textile is no longer available, but there are other fabulous knits that you can purchase.  This knit has 4-way stretch with great recovery.  I can't remember the fiber content. Sorry.

I only made a few changes.  For this top, I skipped my regular FBA just to see if will with work/fit.  Instead I cut between M and L at the  half way mark on the front armhole and extended the side edges to the large size in the bust area. Then tapered back to between the M and L sizes.

For the back, I did do a swayback adjustment and created a center back seam.  This works well for me.

I forgot to lengthen the sleeves before cutting them out.  So I added a 1.5 inch sleeve band to compensate for the shortage.

Update - I forgot to add that I shorten the neckband by 2.5" to get it to lay flat.

I almost always fail to mention that I use stitch witchery or steam a seam to finish the hem.  Both of these notions are a must have in my sewing notion drawer.  I keep plenty of both on hand.

This is a good top to sew to help build your staple wardrobe.  I will pair this top with some slim knit pants or leggings.  To complete the outfit during these bone chilling days, I'll throw on a cardigan to fight back the cold.

I am very pleased with how my top turned out and may use this pattern again.  Yes, I also recommend it to others, beginners and advanced sewers.

Happy Sewing!
C

Vogue 1314 - Dolce and Gabbana Floral Print Inspired Dress

Good evening everyone,

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.  It went by so quickly.  Anyway..,

This is another post about sewing with one of my favorite TNT patterns.  Last night I made another dress using Vogue 1314, the lining pattern front and back.  This is my favorite t-shirt TNT pattern.  To date I've made five dresses and two t-shirts.

Not bad for getting the most out of a pattern.  After I finished this floral edition, I think I better copy it onto some issue paper for a back up.  Tee Hee.

This project was quick and easy.  I had no fit issues to resolve. Sewing time was about 3.5 hours.  I used a knit from Fabricmart Fabric. It has a soft hand and very easy to work with. 

My inspiration for this version comes from one of my favorite fashion designers, Dolce & Gabbana.  I simply love the floral dresses, short and long.  The inspiration fashion is above.

I cut the sleeves at 3/4 length and added ruffles.  I also shorten the front and back by 4.5 inches and added a 10 inch ruffle.  No other changes except those that I normally make.  You can read about my other versions here.

That's all for now!

Happy Sewing,
C

Mood Fabric Artsy Graphic Print - Inspiration from the Spring/Summer Designer Collection 2014

Selecting one designer and one fashion trend was a tough job to say the least.  There is so much to choose from.  Many designers like Marni, Prada, Versace, and Jil Sander all showcased bold artsy graphic designs on the runway for Spring/Summer 2014.  This was one of my favorite trends of the season.  The next challenge was how to incorporate this audacious trend into my wardrobe.


  

This is where Mood Fabrics comes in.  They have a beautiful selection of jersey prints that can be transformed into a great statement garment for the season.  Or if you are like me and want to add a little oomph to your wardrobe, you can start with a simple t-shirt using Simplicity 4076.  This is my TNT.  I've made the t-shirt view six times. With this print, I place the prominent images in the lower center front and back.  This t-shirt is a perfect match for this artsy print.

Mood jersey is top quality.  It has a soft hand and sews up beautifully.  It's a light weight jersey that can stand up to washing on the regular cycle.  No fading or pilling.  Great fabric all the way around.

This was part of one of my "easy" wardrobe pieces that I wore during my vacation in Jamaica last week.  I sewed it up in less than two hours, two days before vacation.  Pairing with white cropped pants was perfect for a stroll along the beach after breakfast.

This week, I paired it with my Sandra Betzina jeans, V7608.  Can you believe it?! We're still getting snow and temperatures in the 30's.

Like I said earlier it was difficult to select one designer or one trend to draw inspiration from.  Later, I will also share another post on the Spring/Summer 2014 designer challenge.

Happy Sewing!
C