Pleated Tunic - Sandra Betzina Vogue V1805

This tunic has been on my to make list for a few years.  I finally made view B earlier to month.  My initial attraction was to view A.  But, I decided to make view B first.  I have a great black and white stripe that I purchased from Mood Fabric some time ago for view A.  More later on that view.  But for now, let's talk about view B.

Pattern Description: Misses' asymmetrical tunic with tie neck, set-in puffed sleeve with stay, fron tuck detailing.  Slim pull-on capri pants with side front pockets and side vent detailing. B: round neck, D: angular back seaming from better fit, purchased piping.

Pattern Sizing:  A - J.  I made view B using sizes E-F.

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.  I only glanced at them, because I was making the simplest view of the two tops.  The construction was very much like any typical t-shirt top/tunic.  When I make view A with the tie, I'm sure to pay more attention to the instructions. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  Again, I was drawn to view A.  The draw was the tie, pleats, and the puff sleeves.  I really do not have a dislike.  But I would like to see something more in the back detail of most tops and dresses.

Fabric Used:  I used a jersey knit from the Vogue Fabric warehouse in Evanston.  I recently went there with one of my sewing students.  I'm trying to do better about fabric purchases.  Lol I have so much fabric.  Anyway, this fabric sewed up easy.  For the sleeves, I used the remnant from a recent project.  That fabric was purchased at Walmart.  It is a light weight sweatshirt fabric. Both fabrics were pre-washed and dried.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  No alterations or design changes.  Sewn right from the envelope.  Of course, a little tweaking as I sewed it together.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I plan to sew view A very soon.  And yes, I do recommend it to others sewists.

Conclusion:  I really like how this tunic turned out.  It is definitely a wardrobe staple.  I plan to pair it with jeans or a simple pull on pants.  This tunic is a nice alterative to a typical t-shirt top.

Happy Sewing!

C

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

 

Cute Sassy Little Cold Shoulder Dress - V1674

I don't mind making multiple garment for the same pattern.  It's an opportunity to use a different fabric or make design changes.  Both can result in a totally different look.  

This is the second time I've made Vogue V1674, view B.  Once again I made it using a knit print fabric.  For this version my fabric was purchased at Vogue Fabric warehouse a few weeks ago.  I was in a big hurry to make sometime out of it, and this pattern fit the bill.  My fabric was pre-washed and dried. 

There was no real fit issues.  I simply added a little width along the side seams just in case.  Everything workout fine.  The dress fits same as before.  Here is the first version that I made a few years ago. 

That's all for this posting.

Happy Sewing!

C

Djenne Collection - Clothing and Fabric - Store Review

 I can't believe I've never reviewed this store.  It is a gold mine filled to the brim with African attire and Ankara fabric.  It is a must shop at store located on west 95th Street in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago.

Djenne Collection

1759 West 95th Street

Chicago, IL  60643

The store is huge, or it appears to be huge.  At the front of the shop are accessories, jewelry, skin care, and all kinds of scents for the home.  Clothing is throughout to the rafters, literally.  In the middle of the store is Ankara fabric heaven.  At the back of the store, there are tailors and seamstresses.  You rarely see them.  But every once in a while, someone will emerge from the back of the shop.

I have shopped there numerous times.  In the passed, I've had clients who wanted an African styled garment for Black History month.  Most recently, Calumet Middle School, has commissioned stoles made of Kente clothe.  For one of my recent projects, I wanted to use Ankara fabric for it.  Djenne is the place to go!

The staff is always courteous and helpful.  You are greeted with a smile and a helpful attitude.  Great place to shop.  I only wish there were more ma and pa shops like this around town.

This is one of my favorite things in the store, a symbol chart.

As you can see, I took lots of pictures at my last visit, in February, to give you an idea of what the store looks like.

Happy shopping!

Cennetta

Notes on a Pattern - Full Bust Adjustment Tutorial McCall's M8240

This is my muslin

It has been a while since I did a Notes on a Pattern.  

This top is all over social media.  I hesitated to make it for fear of the front placket not being perfect.  To help myself, I researched for some tutorials to get a flawless placket.  I did find a few on Instagram that were helpful.  An easy fit.  My other concern was with the FBA adjustment.  Could I get away without adjusting?  So for my wearable muslin, I decided to use the molly t-shirt front pattern as a sloper for the FBA. 

Well, it didn't exactly work to my liking.  The center front hem is slightly higher than the rest of the hem. So, I did the next best thing:  I made a traditional FBA for the best fit.  Today, I am posting a FBA tutorial for this McCall's pullover.

Below is my tutorial:

Step 1 - Draw the lines to prepare for the slash and spread of the pattern sections.

Step 2 - Cut along the line 1 and spread the desired amount of the adjustment.  In this instance, the amount is 1".

Step 3 - Cut and spread line 2 at the bust area to bring balance back to the side.

Step 4 - fill in with tissue paper along line 1 and 2.  Tape in place except for the lower right portion severl inches above the hem.

Step 5 - Cut and spread line 3 to true up the hemline.  Then fill in with tissue paper.

Step 6 - trim tissue paper all except for the bust area.

Step 7 - Fold the dart in half to trim tissue paper.  True up the bust dart along the side seam.

That's it for the basic traditional full bust adjustment.  I hope this information/tutorial is helpful.

Happy Sewing!

C

Vogue V2049 - Quick Post of Me Wearing the Bodysuit

 

Happy Sewing!

C

Joggers To Love - Vogue V8909

Yes, these are joggers to love.  I've made them about four times.  So, this pattern is a TNT.  My first pair are reviewed here.

There isn't much more to say about these other than I did a little leg treatment at the bottom of each of my latest pair.  The green pair is my favorite.

I will certainly make several more in the coming years.  So that's all for now.  

Parting Photos:

Here are a few pictures of me and Bonnie (one of my sewing students) on our February field trip to Vogue Fabric warehouse.