Winter Clothes - Cozy Sweaters with McCall 7574

It is insanely cold in the mid-west.  Between today and Friday evening we are expected to get 8 to 14 inches of snow!  In the midst of snow storms and arctic winter temperatures, I need the right gear to brave the season.  I really started late with my preparation for it all.  Christmas is really too late to start thinking about cozy separates.  I almost needed to start in the summer considering the cold November.  But nevertheless, the bite of the January winds encouraged me to make my previously posted sweater dress and these sweater knit pull-over tops.

I used McCall 7574 making my usual adjustments these sweaters tops are the answer to the winter blast we are experience right now.

This is a Melissa Watson, Palmer/Pletsch pattern. The views are described as:  close-fitting pullover tops, tunic and dress have raglan sleeves, sleeve and length variations. D: Uneven hem, wrong side of fabric will show.  The available sizes are 6 to 22.  I used 14 with modifications.

The tops are semi-fitted to me.  Even the dress on the model isn't close-fitting.  I guess that my FBA may attribute to some of the looseness.   The cream sweater is view B lengthen with long sleeves, and the multi-color orange is view c with long sleeves.

The instructions are typical, and I didn't notice any confusing construction steps.  Palmer/Pletsch instructions are included for making adjustments, which may be helpful for anyone needing to make them.

My likes:

• The shape of the sleeves
• Center back seam

No dislikes.

I made my usual adjustments:

• A small FBA. The cream sweater I didn't make a bust dart.  I eased in the excess.  The multi-colored orange knit really hides any sign of a bust dart.  So I just sewed it as I normally would.

• Small swayback adjustment.  Because the top was on the boxy side to me. I didn't make the full swayback adjustment.
• Adjusted the roundness of the sleeve near the shoulder.  Too much fabric.
• Lengthen the cream sweater, view B and lengthen the sleeves of both views.

Both sweater knits came from JoAnn's Fabrics and Crafts.  Currently, they have an entire section of sweater knits. I believe they are acrylic/polyester blend.
  
I can't say that I will sew either again anytime soon.  But I do recommend this pattern to others.  It's easy and a great staple (wardrobe builder).  During this cold blast, I will definitely get a lot of wear out of them.

These two tops complete the four garments that I made in January 2018.

Happy Sewing!
C

My Latest Projects Sewn with Coats Eloflex Stretchable Threads

I was so happy to be selected to try out Coats new Eloflex stretchable thread. Initially, I thought of all sorts of "knit" things to sew. Once the initial excitement wore off, I decided to test the thread on something quick and easy.  But first, I wanted to closely examine the fiber of the thread to take note of the look, stretch and feel of it between my fingers. It reminded me of embroidery thread. Then I tried pulling it while holding it between two fingers.

This might sound a little crazy, but I wanted to see if it actually had stretch and if it would break easily.  Yes, it stretch and it did not break when I pulled on it.    I wanted to assess the usability before I tried it in the sewing machine.  I inserted a new Schwetz stretch needle, size 75/11; threaded a bobbin and the machine. I was able to use the thread like other thread without experiencing breakage or skipped stitches. I tested the stitching by holding the fabric taut and stretching it a little as the fabric passed through the needle plate area of the sewing machine.  It sews beautifully.  The stitches were the best when the fabric was slightly stretched though.

I really want you to try it out for yourself.  Please leave a comment indicating that you would like to enter a drawing for a packet of ten spools of thread in a variety of colors.  Just like the packet below.  I will send it to the person who's name is drawn.  If you would like to purchase the thread, you can find it at your location JoAnn's Fabric and Craft stores.

Also, go to the "Make It Coats" website to enter a contest for a grand prize.  The link is here.  Take a tour of the Make It Coats website for other products and project ideas.

Don't forget to let me know if you want to be included in to drawing for the packet of thread.

Thank you and Happy Sewing!
C

PS - DRAWING ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Pretty Toppers - Inspiration

I just wanted to share some more toppers that I like. There are a few design elements that I hope to incorporate into some of my future sewing projects.

Enjoy!
Cennetta

Notes on a Pattern (Design Element) - Always on Trend: Ruffles and Flounces

This started out being just a simple post: Notes on a Pattern, Vogue 8256, that I received as a gift.  I thought the skirt was something that I would consider making.  It's not difficult, it would just take some time to hem the flounces. The pattern is Sandra Betzina's three tier flounce skirt, copyright 2006. 

While pondering the thought of making the skirt, I decided to do a little research to see what designers were creating for Spring 2017.  That's when the flood gates opened.  I Googled "Ruffle and Flounce".  Thousands of images appeared in the search results.  Right then another thought occurred to me, "There is nothing new under the sun."

Every possible way to include ruffles or/and flounces appeared on screen.  I looked and looked until I couldn't look anymore.  I saved a few to show to you.   Next, I Googled "Vogue Pattern Ruffle and Flounce".  Here again hundreds of images appeared.  Many were pictures of my fellow sewing sistas/bloggers wearing the very own creations.

Needless to say, ruffles and flounces never ever go out of style.  You just need to determine how you want to incorporate them into your garment.  We don't have to be slaves to making anything exactly like the pattern calls for.  Be audacious or subtle as your personality and style dedicates.  Be creative.  Need a little inspiration, look at what the designers are doing.  See if there is something to suits you.

So, my little research project helped me decide to definitely make something with ruffles and/or flounces real soon.   For you viewing pleasure, here are a few designs that I'd like to share with you.

Happy Sewing!
C

Vogue 1282 in Review

Today's sewing project review is Vogue 1282. This one has been in the queue a while. Sandy Y. encouraged me to move it up to the top of the list. So early last month, I made my first top. I will definitely get a lot of wear out of it.

I bought this pattern thinking I would only make the top. But I'm thinking of making a matching skirt for the next top.

Vogue describes this pattern as: MISSES' TOP AND SKIRT: Loose-fitting, bias, pullover top has draped front neckline with weight, no side seams and stitched hem. Very close-fitting, below waist pull-on skirt has elastic waist with contrast facing, pleats, front extending to side back, no side seams and right side back slit. Self bias binding finishes hem.

It's a popular top, made by 18 members of PatternReview.com.  Barbara V illustrates how to remove the excess at the center back. After making this adjustment, the gaping completely disappears.

The pattern comes in sizes 4 to 20. I used size 14. My top does look like the photo on the pattern envelop except it does not drape as much across the bust. My fabric had plenty of stretch so I decided to forgo the FBA.

The neckline is super low. I started stitching the center seam about three inches above the indicated starting point.

The instructions were a piece of cake. At first, the weighted pocket looked a little strange, but presented no problem. I used a penny for the weight.

I like the design and drape of this top. No dislike.

I used a polyester lycra knit from Vogue, which contained more stretch than the pattern called for. The only other change I made was to hand stitch the armhole facings into place. All in all the changes that I made were minor.  Next time though, I will raise the arm hole a bit.

This is a great top to sew. It's easy and stylish.