The VaVaVoom Affect of Rhonda's Perfect Travel Dress

This is the second time around for Rhonda's Perfect Travel Dress. The sewing process was the same. I used the same measurements as the first version. The difference was the slink of the knit fabric and the size of my DD. I didn't take it into consideration that I may need to add a few inches. So this version has that VaVaVoom Affect!

Perfect Travel Dress is now the perfect club dress! This is another outfit that will be showcased at the Haute Couture Club Fashion Show this spring! It's a little on the sexy side; but I don't think it will offend anyone. So here's to the VaVaVoom in Rhonda's Perfect Travel Dress. Oh yeah, it does travel well with little to no wrinkles.

Happy Sewing!
C

Sequins, Sequins!

 
I used to think sequin was gaudy, and certainly not something to wear during day for casual wear.  Sure I have made a little black sequin/velvet skirt a few years ago for my sister.  Back then, that was the extent of my vision for using sequins.

But now that I've spent sometime on Pinterest, I grown to love sequin. There are so many different types and so many ways to add interest to a garment using them.  I hope to make a few garments that have a touch of sequins. 

Here are a few of the styles that I admired and posted on my two of my Pinterest boards.

Happy Sewing!
C

Navy Reptile Print Brocade - Simplicity 1803

Spring has sprung in Chi-town! I'm so glad the sun is shining and the flowers are starting to bloom.

I cannot believe an entire month has past since I last blogged. I'm happy to be back.

For spring, you would think that I would sew brighter colors to welcome the new season. But I couldn't resist this beautiful navy reptile print brocade. This fabric is lightweight and falls gracefully around the body. It is perfect for the dress I planned to make for my daughter. I purchased the fabric last fall; it's no longer available but Mood has a nice selection of brocades to choose from.

My daughter will attend a friend's wedding in Poland this summer. She asked for a new dress or two to take with her. This is the first dress made for that trip. It's been a while since a made what she calls a "princess" dress for her. So I thought is a good time to make a special dress. She will also model it in the upcoming Haute Couture Club of Chicago fashion show.

I chose Simplicity 1803. It is described as: Misses'  Miss Petite Dresses Project Runway Collection with bodice variations and tie belt. It comes in sizes 4 to 20. I used size 10 with quite a few modifications.

The bodice and skirt combination was the perfect foundation to add interest using a texture fabric, beads and tulle. The beads add a little sparkle to the bodice. They were randomly sewn to the lower shoulder area and the center front just above the bust area. I shorten the skirt by several inches and added lining and tulle to the skirt of the dress.  Aside from these changes the dress did look like the drawing on the envelope. I also made the usual fit adjustments: swayback and small FBA (instead of the usual pigeon chest adjustment).

The pattern instructions were typical, but nothing difficult or confusing about them. The dress came together very quickly with no problems. Labor came with adding the beads and the tulle underskirt.  My favorite figure about the pattern was this bodice view.   The added tulle gives the skirt an updated look.  I have no dislike about this project.

I can't say that I will use the pattern again. Because I have so many in my collection to try. This is a good pattern for intermediate beginners. I recommend it. As for the navy reptile brocade, I'm glad I have another 2.5 yards for a dress for me!  So give a fancy brocade a try.  You won't be disappointed.

Parting Shot: My DD is a happy lady! That's all for now.

All Legs with Cynthia Rowley's Simplcity 1372 Leggings

For weeks I've been promising my darling daughter I'd make her something. Finally, last week I made two pair of leggings using the Cynthia Rowley Simplicity 1372. This is the very first time I've used this pattern.


The leggings are quite simple. They have an exposed zipper in the back. I'm seeing a lot of leggings and yoga pant patterns with zippers. That seemed odd to me until I had a conversation with Andrea about it. She explained that for some ladies their waist is significantly smaller than the hips. So the added zipper gives more room to put the pants on. My response, "Awww..," DD was able to slide them on without opening the zipper. So the zipper is just decoration for her. The second pair has no zipper; keeping it super easy.

The pattern comes in sizes 6 to 22. I used size 10. They are not skin tight as pictured and have a bit of wiggle room in them even after grading them down from the hips to the ankle. Depending on the size of your legs you may or may not have this issue.

The instructions were super simple. This pattern goes together quickly. So if you looking for instant gratification, try it. No real dislike. Next time I will slim down the legs a little more.

The orange fabric is jersey knit from New Rainbow Fabrics. It has about 30 percent stretch with great recovery. The second pair are made of a synthetic python embossed stretch leather. Also from New Rainbow Fabrics. It's soft and drafts very close to the body.  It has about 25 percent stretch and great recovery. Both fabrics were pre-washed (I always forget to mention whether or not I pre-washed the fabric.). After washing I tossed the jersey in the dryer; the stretch leather hung to dry.

The only changes made was I lengthen the leg about an inch. I could have gone two. Oh well, next time. As I said, for the stretch leather pair I omitted the zipper.

The plan is to make several more pairs for her. I recommend it to all level sewists.

Happy Sewing!
C

Spring Fling with Supreme Neoprene

I'm so pleased with this project. What better way to start my spring wardrobe than with a supreme neoprene. I began my hunt for it after I saw a neoprene dress made by Ms. Erica B. Three weeks ago, I found it, the perfect, smooth neoprene.

At first glance I knew I had to have this audacious, attention getting print. I didn't need a swatch to know this fabric was a winner; good quality and sews like a dream. Too bad it's all sold out. Not to worry, Mood has a good selection of neoprene in stock.

Neoprene is on trend now. And Ms. Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) has a weekly showing of body hugging dresses that are a great source of inspiration. Her "standout" dresses inspired me to pair this fabulous fabric with Simplicity 1314 modified. Of course, I made several modifications to get the fit right for me.

It is a princess seamed dress with some center front and back details. The actual pattern is more a-line than straight. I made view C with the flange used for view D. Also included in the envelope are pants (view A) and sleeved dress (view B). It comes in sizes 6 to 22. I used size 16 with lots of modifications.

My dress is slightly different because of the changes I made. I was going for a slim dress instead of an a-line one. Other than that the dress looks like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope. The instructions were simple and easy to follow.

This was a good choice for the style of dress I had in mind. Princess seams work well with my body shape. And it is easy to make the pattern adjustments. I also like the curve of the dress panels. They add interest to the dress and can be used to create the illusion of a curvier body with a small waist. For my dress though, it's hard to see those details. Finally, I like the way this dress goes together. No sticky points.

I only had one dislike regarding the construction, and it was due to the thickness of the fabric. Where the flange and the armhole facing are finished, It was hard to get a polished finish. So instead of following step 25 I tacked down the facing by hand. The stitching does not show through to the right side of the fabric. I preferred this finishing to the recommended technique.

My usual fit adjustments:
 - FBA - Swayback
 - Prominent Shoulder Blades
 - Inch or two to length of skirt

After making these adjustments. The dress was too large everywhere, even in the bust area. I started with size 16, but the finished dress was between sizes 14 at the neckline and shoulders; 14/16 at bust; 14 waist and hips(with bust adjustment); and 12/10 below the hips. After all of these changes, I will probably use the pattern at least one more time.

I think this pattern is definitely worth a try. I like the design lines and it's not difficult to make. It's a good pattern for a princess seamed sloper dress.

This is my first dress for Spring 2015. I'm so glad that spring is on it's way. Neoprene is a great fabric to wear during this transitional period. The pattern; easy and sew up quickly.

That's all for now.  Happy Sewing!
C

Kimono Jacket - Simplicity 1318

Hi There!

It's finally looking like spring in Chi-town. That makes me very happy. So it's a great time to start sewing for spring. Last fall a posted Notes of a Pattern - Kimono Jackets. I'm just getting around to finishing my first one. DD's is on the table now waiting to be sewn. I couldn't wait to show you my new kimono jacket.

Simplicity never gives a detailed description. In this case, the photos on the envelope are an excellent representation of how the jackets look. So I won't bore you with describing "kimono jackets".

This simplicity pattern (1318) comes in sizes XXS - XXL. I made a medium for view C with no fit alterations. 

I did look like the photo on the pattern envelope, except I added fringe to the hem of the jacket. As for the instructions, a piece of cake. Very easy, nothing confusing.

I like everything about this pattern: style and comfort. Great for casual wear as well as evening wear.

I used a mesh knit from Michael Levine. The fringe came from New Rainbow Fabrics on Roosevelt Rd. in Chicago.

Today I will make view D for my daughter. It's slightly different, but is just as easy as view C. I really like how this kimono turned out and am sure I will get plenty of wear out of it in the coming months.

That's all for now. Happy Sewing!
Cennetta