Fall is Around the Corner - Making The List ...,

The leaves are starting to turn. Today the atmosphere is crisp and sunny. We are able to turn the air conditioner down or off. I've received my Fall magazine issues. I thinking about what I want to sew this fall. Last spring Bebe advertised this jacket. I like it. So it's making the fall sewing list. Weeks ago I found a pattern with the same design lines. For jeans: Vogue 2812. This is a trouble free TNT for me.



Happy Sewing!
C

Butterick 5147 Sew Along

Last week I made two very different dresses. McCalls 6069 was reviewed earlier so today I'm reviewing Butterick 5147. This dress was added to my list as a result of Carolyn's showcasing Sheila's dresses. Then I surfed over to Elizabeth's blog where she invites sewists to join the B5147 Dress Sew-A-long. Sheila's success with the pattern sold me on giving this dress a try.

If you don't have a TNT sheath pattern, this dress is perfect for creating one. It's simple: two pieces, front and back with darts. I started my process with selecting some fabric from my stash for my first dress. Then I altered the pattern making my usual adjustments: prominent shoulder blade , sway back, and full bust adjustments. Also added two inches to the length. Then to create a slender silhouette, I tapered the sides of the skirt.

Below are the illustrations for the adjustments made to the pattern:



Here you can see the FBA - The fisheye dart has two optional lengths. Play around with this adjustment to find the "best" width.


Next the prominent shoulder blade adjustment:



I over estimated the width needed. Next time I'll reduce the spread by half the width. The sway back adjustment is above the waistline line at the center back.



Tapered the side of the Skirt: This was done to the front and back pattern. And finally, the additional inches were added as I cut the fabric.




In closing, try this dress. Sheila's latest version is super cute. She added grommets to the waist. It's simple and a great wardrobe builder.

Here is the link to all related photos: Flickr

And this is the link to the B5147 Sew Along set on Flickr.Sewists of B5147.

Parting shot: Me wearing M6069

M6069 - The Easy Knit Dress

This is the easiest knit dress of the summer. I really like how this sylish dress came together. After picking up the correct size elastic yesterday, I finished my first border trim dress.

M6069

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESSES AND SASH: Pullover, above mid-knee, semi-fitted straight dresses A, B, C have elastic waist casing, stitched hem and bodice variations; dress A is sleeveless; dress B has three-quarter sleeves; dress C is sleeveless with self sash; dresses A, B, C have optional back strap; optional purchased belt.







Pattern Sizing: 6- 20. I used 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? I only read the instructions for attaching the strap and joining the front and back bodice. Those instructions were easy to follow. So I'm guessing the rest are too. Or at least, pretty standard.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It's stylish and easy to make. No dislikes.

Fabric Used: Border Print Knit from Vogue Fabrics.




Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
-Because of the style ease, I didn't have to do FBA.
-I eliminated the pockets.
-Added three inches to the length of the skirt.
-Cut dress crosswise.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't think I'll sew it again for myself, but yes for one of my sisters. And yes I recommend it to others. It's cute and easy to make.

Conclusion: This is a great knit dress to make for all sewing levels. It only took me about two and half hours to make. It's easy to make and very stylish.

Can't Seem To Wrap Up Summer Sewing

By this time I had planned to Recap my summer sewing projects. But I'm still not there yet with three dresses (M6069, V8489, and B5147) still on the sewing table. Maybe at the end of the month I'll be able to give a better report. Still in the queue: three tank tops, two jackets, and two skirts (DD).

Our annual church Men and Women's Conference is fast approaching. I have some ideas for what I'd like to wear. DD has already picked out a dress and wants it made from silk dupioni or a brocade. For the event the women dress in white or off white. Last week JoAnn's and Hancock's had patterns on sale. I picked up a few Vogue and Simplicity patterns. My favorites from the early fall season release were already sold out. Next time.

So for now I'm leaning forward one of the following for my outfit.

Choice #1: - Vogue 1196 (minus the bow to create balance on top and bottom.)



Second options Vogue 1169 - I really like the formation of the lapel, but at the same time it too low and I don't want to where a cami or to fight with the jacket all day. Hmmmm.., I must figure out how to make the adjustment to bring the neckline up a few inches.



I need to finalize my plan soon so that I can get started.

Miss DD will greet our guest this year.

Simplicity 2588 - The green version. This will be the second time I've used this pattern. I made the yellow view for Easter 2010(purple).



Tonight I will M6069 finish. I didn't have the right size elastic. Hopefully, tomorrow I post my version of this dress.

Happy Sewing
C

Beach Wear B4526 - Halter Coverup and Wrap Skirt

About a month ago, my cousin asked me to make two wrap skirts for her upcoming vacation. I selected Butterick 4526 because the wrap skirt could also convert into a halter coverup. The swimsuit aren't bad either. This patterns includes cup sizes A to D which is always good.

Pattern Description: MISSES’ SWIMSUIT AND WRAP: Lined one piece or two piece swimsuit has neckline variations, front darts, low back and panty shield. A, B: braless. C, D: size A, B or C, D bra cup. Wrap laps in front and ties at back neck.
Pattern Sizing: 6 - 20

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. I shorten it by four inches.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't read them until after I made two skirts. Lol They are simple.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the style options wrap skirt or halter coverup.

No dislikes.

Fabric Used: Georgette and chiffon from Vogue Fabric.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made a few changes.
- I cut both skirt crosswise as I would not have had enough fabric otherwise.
- It's about four inches shorter.
- The center back was placed on the fold. I didn't see the need to add another seam to this clear skirt. I added a dart for shaping at the waist. This looks better to me.









Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. I'm going to make myself a few and at least one for my sister. Yes I do recommend it. It's easy to make and you have a few style options.

Conclusion: Quick, easy wrap skirt with a few style options.

Gores and Godets - How to Sew Them

HLT of Before the Door asked if there was a trick to sewing gores and godets. So I decided to do a little tutorial on how I sew them.

Step 1 -
The middle of large circle on the godet pattern is exactly 5/8 inch away from the edge of the pattern. It is important to sew the exact distance on either side of the godet.



Step 2 -
I cut triangles to indicate the replacement of the large circles on the godet.



Step 3 -
Here you see the indicators for joining the gore to the godet.



Step 4 -
Next, stitch the seam of the gore to the large circle indicator. Back stitch a few stitches to secure it.



Step 5 -
After the seam is complete, pin the left side of the godet to the left side of the gore making sure to match the notches and large circles.



Step 6 -
Position the needle about a 1/4 inch below the seam already sewn. Back stitch to the seam above. Then continue to stitch the godet to the gore.



Step 7 -
Next, sew from the hem up to the large dot, stop and reinforce stitching before breaking.



Step 8 -
Press the seam away from the godet. Here is a view from the wrong side.



Step 9 -
Here is a view from the right side. That's it.



Happy Sewing!
C

Simplicity's Godet Summer Dress

I wore this to church on Sunday (7-25-10). It was a hot and sunny day. Perfect dress for this type of weather.

For years I shied away from all garments that included a godet. Recently, I conquered the fear of the imperfect godet and I'm enjoying the victory of mastering another design technique. To build up my courage, I tried sewing one or two godets in a skirt or dress. Last week I sewed eight in Simplicity 3877. All turned out perfect.



Here's my review of S3877.

Pattern Description: Misses'dress in two lengths with bodice variations. Separate patterns included for B, C, D cup sizes. I love those patterns that include separate patterns for the cup size. It makes it a little easier. In most cases a only have to increase the seam allowance from under the bust to the waistline.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 22; I used size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. I barely had enough fabric for the main pieces of the dress. The belt is about 4 inches shorter than the pattern.


Were the instructions easy to follow? I only glanced at them; but I didn't see anything that was confusing. Make sure you press as you go.

Initially I thought I'd add cap sleeves to view A, but when it came time to insert them, I decided to go with no sleeves. I used bias tape for the armhole facing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

-I love the full skirt. My DD calls this type of dress "June Cleaver-ish".
-The wrapped bodice is a favorite design element of mine as well.
-This pattern included separate patterns for cup sizes. This is always a plus for me.

No dislikes.

Fabric Used: Linen blend from Vogue. I bought about four yards, barely having enough to fit all the pattern pieces.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: A few minor changes were made:

- shorten the tie about 4 inches due to not enough fabric
- small board shoulder adjustment
- used voile for the neck facing and used bias tape for the armholes
- at center back of the skirt, I added a little soft pleat as the skirt was bigger
at the (back) waist. Everything else lined up perfectly. (I don't know what happened in my measurements.)



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Maybe, it's a good pattern to sew from. I may mix and match with another pattern. Maybe..., Yes, I do recommend it. I love this summery dress.



Conclusion: This is a good pattern to try. It offers bodice and sleeve variations. The instructions are typical at glance. It took me about seven hours to make this dress.

Parting shots: Me wearing V8380 on Saturday afternoon.