Tunic Delight - Vogue V1937 - Sandra Betzina

 

Pattern Description:  Misses' Dress and Tunic:  Pleat front A-line dress or tunic with back yoke.  View A has side seam pockets, contrast collar, cuffs and hem facings.  View B has lantern sleeves, contrast upper sleeves, yoke lining and hem facings, stitched to outside.  Purchased trim.

Pattern Sizing:  A - J corresponding measurements included.  I made view B (tunic), and I used sizes E and F.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  The sleeves were slightly longer on me than on the model.  It could be related to the sizing.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, the instructions were easy to follow.  Sandra Betzina also included some tips for making bust and back adjustments along with some construction tips.  Note:  I still need to tack down the front pleat.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I have a few likes:  The lantern sleeves are beautiful; the trim around the neckline and below the yoke, and the contrast at the hem.

No real dislikes.

Fabric Used:  I used an Ankara fabric that I purchased at Djenne Collection on 95th Street.  The contrasting fabric is a basic cotton from JoAnn's. All fabrics pre-washed and dried.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made a few small changes:

• I made bias tape for the trim instead a purchasing a fancy trim.  This first tunic was to test the pattern and the design for me.
• The sizing - I tweaked the fit between sizes E and F.
• I added 1/2" across the shoulder blades for prominent shoulder blades.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I think I will make the tunic again in one of the recommended fabrics.  I used a crisper fabric because I was going for more of a dashiki look.  With a crepe or silky fabric the tunic will hang closer to the body and have more drape than my version of it. I also want to make the dress.  And yes, I do recommend it to others.  I do suggest that you should transfer all markings especially on the front of the top.

Conclusion: I enjoyed making this tunic.  It was not difficult to sew and the instructions were good.  The finished top really looks great.  I hope to post pictures of me wearing it soon.

Thanks and Happy Sewing,

Cennetta

 

Another Comfy Outfit with Vogue V1914 Tunic and Vogue V1929 Pants

This week I'm continuing with posts of projects completed.  It real really good to be back at sewing on a regular basis.  I wanted to wait to post this review with photos of me wearing it instead of having it on my dress form.  Is it me?  Many times I feel the dress form gives a poor representation of how the garment actually looks.  Or maybe I just need to breakdown and buy one of the professional dress form to drape my new outfits on.

Anyway, today’s post is another comfy outfit that I made using Vogue V1914 and V1929.  I'll begin with the tunic.  This is the very first time I used this pattern.  I bought it because of the top-view B.  So here goes with the pattern review.

Tunic

Pattern Description:   Slim fit V-neck cardigan has button front, and neckline facings.  Loose-fitting asymmetric tunic has long sleeves, uneven hemline, and stitched hems.  Wide leg pull-on pants have elastic waist with drawstring, self-tie, and stitched hems.  

Pattern Sizing:  The pattern comes in two size groupings (XS - M) and (L-XXL).  I used large with small modifications.  

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were easy to follow.  This tunic didn't go together like a typical knit top with front, back, and sleeve. The design lines change the way the a typical top would be sewn together.  So, it is very important to transfer all markings and to follow the construction process as indicated in the guide sheet.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the design lines:  the slight drape at the neckline and the back side drape, the uneven hemline, and the different sleeve design.  These elements make this tunic unique.  My dislike is the dropped shoulder seam.  I like the standard shoulder seam line because it looks the best on my broad shoulders.

Fabric Used: The fabric was purchased at New Rainbow Fabrics on Roosevelt Road in Chicago.  It is a lightweight ribbed knit that has a lot of drape and stretch.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  This is my wearable muslin.  Because of the many directions and sections to form the tunic, I opted not to try to make any fit adjustments.  Besides I didn't know how it would come together.  So once I had the tunic sewn together, enough to try on, I was able to see how and where adjustments could be made.  Surprisingly, I only needed to slim down the sides and the sleeves so it would not look floppy.  Also, one sleeve was slightly longer than the other.  Across the shoulder and bust area, the fit was good.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I may sew it one more time.  Yes, I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion: This is an interesting tunic with unique style lines.  I enjoyed making it and will enjoy wearing it.  It is worth a try.  

 

Next is my review of the pants

Pattern Description: Top and dress are loose-fitting through bust and have asymmetric off-the-shoulder necklines.  Both top and dress include extra-long sleeves with thumbhole cuffs and stitched hems.  Below-waist pull-on pants have elasticized waist and stitched hem.

 Pattern Sizing:  This pattern also comes in two size groupings (8-16) and (18-26).  I used size 16 with small modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Pretty much.  I added a waistband casing for the elastic.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were typical and very easy to follow.  The pants sewed up like pajama pants.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked this style of pant (flared leg) better than the drawstring pants included in V1914.  My dislike was that the finished waist fell below the waistline.

Fabric Used:  Medium weight knit from New Rainbow Fabrics.  Nice weight and texture.  And no issues sewing it.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made two changes:  lengthen the pant leg and added a waistband casing for the elastic.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I could use a few more pairs of pull-on pants using this pattern.  And yes I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion: These pants were very easy to sew much like the dress that I already made twice.  I love how the pants turned out.  I will get a lot of wear out of them.

 

Happy Sewing!

C

 

Blast from the Past - Paisley Sateen Shirting - McCall 7575

Sometimes, the "ole school" in me comes shining through.  Even in my fabric picking.  Remember, way back in January when I came to New York to visit with my sewing friends.  Our first stop on our fabric shopping spree was at Mood.    I bought two yards of this gorgeous paisley print sateen, and I knew exactly what I was going to make.

I was seriously, hoping that it was available at the online store and it is.  Appropriately named:  Pacific Green Paisley Printed on Corded Cotton Sateen.  It has a little stretch to it with a soft hand.  This colorful print is recommended for spring and summer garments, but I think it's also perfect for fall and early winter.  It can be layered with jackets and cardigans.

If you've been following on my blog, this shirt is part of a series of shirts that I am making.  The goal is to perfect my shirt making skills and to jazz it up a bit along the way.  You might find these posts of interests as well.

Lowering the Dart and FBA - McCall 7575

McCall 7575 - The First Edison

Mood Gold Stripes - Vogue 8747

For this shirt, I used McCall's 7575 again.  I will probably used this pattern a few more times over the course of the next few months.

This time around, I made view D with a collar, no tabs.  The only differences in this shirt is that it is longer, I didn't add an inch to the sleeve length, and I used a contrasting black sateen from my stash for the neckband, yoke, cuffs, and pockets.   The constructions process is virtually the same as detailed in my post "McCall 7575 - The First Edison".    

As I learn to make better shirts, my desire to use better fabrics as increased.   I've found that Mood has vast selection of shirting fabrics available online here.   And I kid you not, every fabric that I've purchased has be absolutely beautiful and great to work with.

So, if making your own shirts is on your list on sewing projects, take a look at the selection available at Mood.  The selection is huge and you are sure to find some great textiles for your projects.



Happy Sewing!
C

Cruise Garments Made Days Before Vacationing

You would think that after all the dresses, pants, and tops I made during the spring and summer that I had plenty to choose from for my vacation. NOT..., At the nine hour I decided to make at least one of my LBD's, a jumpsuit, and a simple top. These last minute garments were still warm from the iron as I zipped up the suitcase.

At this point, it seems almost unnecessary to even talk about them as temperature have been in the mid-thirties. And some folks around town are wearing hats, gloves and Ugg boots.

So here goes the quick reviews of the last minute garments made for the cruise...,


Jumpsuit - M6083




This little gem was quick and easy. I made View C

Pattern Description:

MISSES' JUMPSUIT IN THREE LENGTHS AND SASH: Jumpsuits A, B, C, D, E have side front pockets, elastic casings and stitched hem; jumpsuit B has shoulder straps; jumpsuit C has sash; jumpsuits D, E have bodice with gathered shoulders, narrow hemmed armholes; jumpsuits A, D are thigh length; jumpsuit B above ankle length; jumpsuits C, E are floor length; optional purchased belt.

Pattern Sizing: Size 14

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Typical of patterns of this type of pattern. Nothing confusing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the style of the views included in the pattern. No dislike.

Fabric Used: Gauze from Vogue Fabric

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added about 1 inch to the upper portion of the front and back bodice pieces. I attached the straps to the back as well as the front, adjusting the length as needed. As usual I added about few inches to the length of the pant leg. Finally, instead of making the sash, I used a scarf to tie around my waist.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I want to make View E. And yes I would recommend it to others.

Conclusion: Easy pattern, easy jumpsuit to make. It's been reviewed on PR at least 20 times. Definitely a winner.

Top - Simplicity 4279 OOP




Pattern Description: Misses' Tunic with Neckline and Trim Variations.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 20. I made size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. I made view D.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Nothing difficult about them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern has been in my stash for a few years. The fabric and pattern are a cute combination for a easy summer top.

Fabric Used: Cotton from Hancock. I think it's been in the stash more than five years.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did a FBA. No picture, but it's basically the same as any other FBA done on similar bodices.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. I'll sew it again. And yes, I recommend it to others.

Conclusion: A nice little quick top. Perfect for vacation wear.

BWOF Tunic: 2010-06 138



Pattern Description: Simple Tunic

Pattern Sizing: 44 to 52. I made size 50. My cousin wanted a simple tunic to take on the cruise. This is one fit the bill.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. The instructions recommended stretch fabric I used a gauze instead. I made it a size larger then needed to make up the difference in the sizing for knit fabric. There is quite a bit of style ease in the tunic as well.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. BWOF typically has confusing or very little instructions on how to put the garment together. This tunic only had three pattern pieces plus instructions on how to make the neck facing. Pretty easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was quick and easy to make. No dislikes.

Fabric Used:Gauze from Vogue Fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:No alterations. Instead of using a leather cord for the neck tie, I make my own tie out of the same fabric. (On the bias, 2" wide 28" long).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and Yes.

Conclusion: Simple tunic that easy to wear and easy to make.
More pictures here: Flickr.

Next, I'll post my review on the LBD's
Happy Sewing!
C