Simplicity S8982 - The Great Wardrobe Builder

This Simplicity pattern can be used to build a little mini wardrobe.  For the SewYourView November Challenge, I came away with four new pieces:  three tops and one skirt.  They can be mixed and matched with other pieces I already have.

For now, this raps up my posts on S8982.  It's an easy pattern that you can get a lot of mileage out of.  Out of the four pieces that I made, my favorite is the hacked key hole top made of ITY polyester/lycra jersey.  You'll see this one again.

Anyway, this is more of a pictorial posts.  All of the pattern review notes are in the two previous posts.  Enjoy! More to come later.

Happy Sewing!
C


 

Just A Little Fun with Pattern Hacking - Simplicity S8982

Good morning everyone,

Just for fun, I decided to do a little pattern hacking  on Simplicity S8982.   So for the next top, I decided to add a keyhole. 

To make it, I simply traced my adjusted front pattern of view C.  Then, I determined the size of my keyhole. Transferred that to my copied pattern and cut the shape away.

Next, I cut a facing to finish the area.  The dimensions are:  1.5" by 12".  My length is based on the size of the hole.  Measure it and add a few inches for safety.

Next, fold the facing in half lengthwise and press.  attach the folded facing to the right side of the front.  Then, press and fold to the inside of the front.  Stitch it in place.  Now continue the construction as instructed by the guide sheet.  That's it.  Pretty easy.

BTW- I still plan to post pictures of me wearing the first outfit using this pattern.  It's a Mood post.  So I'm waiting for it to appear on their website first.  Anyway, below is a picture of the third top that I made.

Happy Sewing!

C

Notes on a Pattern - Simplicity 8982

Hi everyone,

It's been ages since I posted and even longer since I posted Notes on a Pattern.  Anyway, today I'd like to give some details on my pattern adjustments, talk about my likes and personal preferences using one of Simplicity's popular patterns for the Fall 2019 season.  It is also the "SewYourView" challenge pattern for November.

Simplicity S8982

Easy to Sew Misses' Dress or two-piece top and skirt. Designed and sized for stretch knits only. Dress is below-knee length with long sleeves. Top has straight or cuffed sleeve options. Pull-on skirt is elasticated at waist. Two length options. (description from the website.)

The pattern is available in two size groupings (6-14 and 14-22), which is pretty good for range of sizes available.  Because the pattern is so simple, you can easily grade it up if needed.

The instructions are pretty typical, no problems with understanding or following them.  I must confess, I didn't look at them until after I made my first top and skirt.  But because I'd wanted to do a Notes post, I decided to read them.  They are easy and all level sewists can follow them.

Looking at the drawing and the modeled view of C and D, the skirt appears to be tapered below the hip.   But the skirt pattern is exactly like the drawing, straight from the hip to hem.  So without any changes, your garment will look like the illustration.

I made a few fit adjustments and as well as personal preference changes.  Being with the top, view C:

• FBA using Sandra Betzina's Fast Fit.  Her FBA eliminates the bust dart that the standard FBA creates.
• Reduced the neckband by 1/2".  My first version still does not fit as snug as the modeled version.  For the next version, I reduced it by 1.5".
• Prominent shoulder blade adjustment (with shoulder dart).
• Swayback adjustment and slightly forward shoulder adjustment to correct the shoulder seam alignment. 
• Added a centered back seam for a better fit. 
• Because of the added width created by the FBA and PSB adjustments, I had to eliminate the added width below the bust by grading down a few sizes.  That is not illustrated here. I only showed the initial adjustments. I typically make that adjustment as I sew.

• Lengthen the sleeves by 2"
• Tapered the cuffs for a more attractive look.
• I also lengthen the top by a few inches.  But this was done on the pattern after this top was made. 

Skirt:

• Cut my usual size at the waist and tapered below the hip to the hem.  This change also produced a more flatter look and the skirt looks more like the skirt worn by the model. 

This is a good basic pattern that you can get a lot of mileage out of once you've worked out the adjustments.  For that reason, I like it and will use it over and over again.  If you're teaching sewing, it's a good beginner pattern.  Students will come away with a stylish outfit that is very easy to sew.  For me, it's a nice wardrobe builder.  So far, I've made three versions of top, view C, and one of the skirt, view D.   Next week, I will post me wearing my first versions of views C and D.

In the meantime, hears a picture of the outfit on Rochelle (I named my dress form).

Happy Sewing!
C

Christine Jonson Travel Trio Three 226 - Shirred Top

I'm still playing catch up with some pattern reviews and recent projects.  Real life, September and October were quite eventful to say the least.  So, I have a bit of a back log of things to blog about.  It almost always feel like I'm "catching up".

Today I'm review Christine Jonson's Travel Trio Three 226 - shirred tee.  Way back in 2012, I thought this was super cute but was concerned that shirred above the bust and how it may look on me.  My suspicions were right.  Not a good look on me.   So I decided to gift my sister.  It's a good look on her.

The tee is not a wader, just not good on me.  So that being said, here is my pattern review.

This tee is part of a mini wardrobe travel wardrobe pattern.  You can get the complete description here.  For the shirred tee, I simply copied the description from the CJ website.

Shirred Turtleneck/Raglan Tee: This top has long raglan sleeves and shirred yoke. It is designed to be close-fitting so that the bodice gathers will stretch tight vertically. The pattern also includes an alternative front pattern piece for a smooth and simple raglan top.  Multi-sized 4-22. I used size 16 only lengthening the sleeves.


My version does look like the drawing as far as style lines.  The striped fabric was a remnant from a dress that I made last year.  It was just enough for the back and sleeves.  The black and striped knit fabrics came from FabricMart Fabrics.

The shirring adds a few minutes more to the amount of time it takes to complete a basic tee.  The instructions were easy, nothing confusing about them.

I really like the shirred yoke.  That's what drew me to the pattern.   The fit of the turtleneck is spot on.  It's snug but not too snug, no drooping, just right.  I'm going to try the other tee view to see if it's a better look for me.  Hopefully, I won't need to gift another to my "happy to receive it" sister. ;-)

I do recommend this pattern to others sewists of all levels.  It's an easy one.  Both tee are perfect for wardrobe building.  The complement of this wardrobe pattern is cute too.  At some point, I will try those views as well.

That's all for now.  Have a great day!

Happy Sewing,
C

Trinity Church in Boston Massachusetts - First Stop on Vacation

We returned home from vacation.  And today I'm spending a little time reflecting on our trip.  It was a good relaxing vacation where we spent our days cruises Northeast to Maine and Canada.  First we flew into Boston, Massachusetts, spending a day at Copley Square.

It's funny how with each vacation, we find ourselves visiting a place of worship.  This time it was Trinity Church in Boston.  A very old and beautiful edifice.  As we walked Copley Square where a huge book festival was taking place, there stood Trinity church.  We decided to go in.  They have self-guided tours with audio assistance from just $10.00.  Who could pass it up.  Trinity was established in the 1600's and founded at the current location in 1733.  It is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

The Eagle represents God's word taking flight.

Many different artists were commission to complete the interior of the church.  Each of them brought their own unique style and artistry to create a fantastic work of beauty.  The stained glass windows alone where created by several different artisans.

I was very glad I decided to take the tour.  It peaked my curiosity and I wanted to know more about the history of the church. (I'll research later.) While I was there though, I took several pictures. They don't do it justice, but you'll get the idea of how breathtaking it is.

More information about Trinity Church in Boston is here. 

A Little Sporty Fun with Royal Blue Liverpool Knit - McCall M7873

It's about time for a little fun sporty outfit.  Mood Fabric is well stocked with all types of fabrics and trims that can help make your vision a reality.  For my active wear outfit I chose Mood's reorderable Royal Stretch Liverpool Knit.  There are a total of eight gorgeous colors available, from bright white to mustard yellow to neutral black.  Liverpool knits have a crepey texture with a somewhat dry hand.  The malleable weft-wise stretch and subtle warp-wise give was perfect for this project.

And please don't sleep Mood's online inventory of great trims.  There is a HUGH variety of all types:  stretch, woven, textured, feathered, leather, etc.  So for more interest, I added Mood's Red and Ivory Stretch Grosgrain trim.  Love this stuff.  Both are also regularly stocked at Mood.

I used McCall's M7873, a relatively new pattern made popular by Monica's "Sew Your Own View" sewing challenge several months ago.  I wasn't ready to try the pattern back then, but this summer it was on my short list.  It is described as:  "loose-fitting knit tops feature sleeve, length and fabric variations and cold shoulder detail.  Close-fitting pull-on pants have elasticated waist and leg openings, contrast side panels with no side seams, and side front pockets.   Note: No provisions provided for above waist adjustment."

The pattern is available in two size groupings:  (XS-M and L-XXL)  I used the large with some modifications.

The technical drawing is spot on.  In my version, I tried the emulate the contrasting fabric with adding the stretch grosgrain.  More on that later.

The instructions were typical with nothing confusing in them.  The top and bottom came together with ease. There was only two design/construction steps that I didn't like; that is, the length for the cold shoulder.  It's too long for my taste.  So on the front of the top, I closed it about 1.5".  I should have made the same adjustment to the back too.  I'll take care of that later. Sometimes I wear the garment to get of feel for the wear and comfort before making my final tweaks, especially with unique style elements. The second one was the neckband.  I actually cut it 1" shorter than the pattern piece.  It's still not close fitting as I would like.

No other dislikes.  A more of my usual adjustments:   lengthen of the pants leg 3" and lengthen the sleeve about 1" ( I didn't need the later.).  I came up with the idea of adding the stretch trim, trying to copy the look of the contrasting fabric.  The stretch trim was easy to apply.  I used stitch witchery to hold it in place while stitching it to the Liverpool knit (no pins).

I'm pleased with the overall project. I can definitely see myself making the pants again, but the top is unique enough for me to only have one in my wardrobe.  This pattern is one that I think almost everyone can wear.  It's easy to make, and you can come up with different fabric combinations to use to make it uniquely yours.

The Liverpool knits are an excellent choice of fabric for the outfit.  I think a rib knit trim would work best for the neckband though.  And of course, Mood has plenty to choose from. 


Parting Shots:  Okay, these last two photos are just for fun!

Happy Sewing!
C