The One Pattern Piece Shrug - Butterick B5680

After completing the emerald crepe outfit, I needed a few easy projects to complete.  This super easy shrug was one of many UFO's I needed to complete.   I don't know what took me so long to sew it up. It didn't take two hours to finish.  I just want about five more really quick projects before a tackle another complex one.   LOl

Anyway, below is my short review of this Butterick shrug, View D.

Pattern Description:  Loose fitting.  A: button and buttonhole shoulder closure. B,C:  front extends into shawl collar.  D:  front extends to back, no side or shoulder seams.  Purchased pin; wrong side of fabric will show.  E:  V-shaped neckband, stitched at sides.

It is out of print.  copyright 2008.

The pattern piece is a modified rectangle.  Very simple construction.  It creates a interesting "V" shape back with the point resting a the waist.

 Pattern Sizing:  I used size medium.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes,  On the dress form, I pulled the collar closer to the neckline.  The drawing is positioned about midway the shoulder.   But for all intents and purposes, it looks very similar to the drawing.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Very easy; not difficult at all.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like the way the shrug came together as I sewed it.  The "V" at the back is super cute.  I also like the hem of it and the shawl collar.  

No dislikes.

Fabric Used:  I purchased this sweater knit from Fabricmart Fabric a few years ago.  Initially, I thought I may make a long cardigan.  But this shrug was perfect for the fabric.  I still have about two yards left.  So I need to come up with something else to make.  Maybe a skirt or a pull-over top.  Both would be nice.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  No pattern alterations.  But I did serge the edges.  Then turned the hem, pressed it, and sewed it down by machine.  So the serged edge is exposed.  I think it is a nice design element.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I don't think I will sew this view again.  I am interested in making view A.  I do recommend this pattern.  It is beginner friendly.  These wraps and jackets are a great way to spruce up your wardrobe.

Conclusion: This shrug was a great palette cleanser. It is very easy and beginner friendly.  I recommend it to all level sewists.  

Vogue V2097 - Emerald Green Crepe Pants Suit

I'm finished it!  I'm so happy to finally be able to share my newest Vogue (V2097) outfit!

This outfit suits me.  I love so many details about the design and how everything came together.  If you have been following my journey of making this suit, I posted details on my pattern adjustments and the construction process.  Here is where you can read about the process.  

Pattern Description:  Partially lined, hourglass shape V-neck top sewing pattern, fitted through waist, has concealed front button closure, decorative flaps and asymmetric collar.  Fitted skirt, has invisible back zipper and back vent.  Semi-fitted pants have front pleats, side pockets and invisible back zipper.

Pattern Sizing:  Size groupings (6 - 14) & (16 - 24)  I used size 16 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does.  I made a few changes with the closure of the pants.  More later.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, there was nothing difficult in the instructions.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 

I have several likes.  They are:

• Collar
• Pleated bodice
• Pleated high waisted pants
• In-seam buttonhole
• Darts at neckline
• Faux pockets

Dislikes:

• Back zipper
• Partially lined jacket

Fabric Used:  Stretch Polyester Crepe - Emerald Green from Mood Fabrics.  I love this fabric.  I bought three colors:  black, blue violet and the emerald green.  They have this stretch poly crepe in twelve different colors.  The crepe was a dry hand.  It is easy to handle and sew.  It hangs away from the body.  Great fabric to work with.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made my usual fit adjustments.  See my Notes on a Pattern post.    For the pants, I put the zipper in the front, change the closure of the waistband, and lengthen the pants as needed.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Oh yes, I will make it again and again.  Lol  And yes, I do recommend it to others.  Make sure you make a muslin before cutting into your beautiful fabric.  

Conclusion:  I am so very happy with how this outfit turned out.  I love everything about it: the style, fabric, and color. I would consider this an advanced intermediate level project.   

Parting Shot:  My Babylon Leather Bucket Tote Bag is a perfect complement to this outfit.

Happy Sewing!

C

Update - Vogue V2097

It's been a long while since I posted any status on Vogue V2097.  It's been hanging on the dress form for a month now.  Teaching and other things have kept me away from finishing it.  But I hope to finish it before the end of the June and provide the final view and review.  

Today, I did want to share some likes and dislikes, though.

Likes -

• the collar.  The way it came together and the design of it.
• pleats on the bodice 
• Faux welt pockets.  There are no pockets, but...,
• darts at the neckline
• in-seam buttonhole
• high waisted pants

Dislikes -

• back zipper 

More later..,

Fiber and Fabric Festive at Rosemont (All State Arena)

In early May, I went to the Fiber and Fabric Festive at Rosemont (All State Arena).  It was the very first time they opened the Festive to the Public.  So instead of one week open to merchants,  the first week open to the public then a second week to merchants and businesses.  The admission fee was $20.00

The festive was great.  There were quite a few booths and exhibits for quilting and various types of sewing machines. There were many vendors selling a variety of craft related goods.  In the conference room area, several classes were offered.  I didn't take any classes, though  I was there checking out the vendors and their wares.  

You know I bought something.  Surprise, no fabric. Lol.  I purchased the Lutterloh System  for pattern drafting, some hardware for bag making along with other notions. 

I purchase a pair of earrings from Sili Bells,  a jewelry and accessories company that specializes in the use upcycle leather and repurposed demin goods.    

That does it for this installment. So we will see what I will decide to create/design with the goods that I purchased at the Fiber and Fabric Festive.

Stay Creative,

C

Pickled Beets Recipe

Today, I want to share my recipe for pickled beets.   I love root vegetables, and beets are one of my favorites.   I enjoy them in salads, as a garnish with cornbread and collard greens, or with nothing at all.  They are delicious.

My preference is to prepare them using the recipe below.  But I also purchase them for the grocery store already in a jar.  This is my favorite recipe and I can't remember where I got it from. Anyway, I hope you like it.  Here goes.  

Ingredients:

A bunch of three or four medium sized beets

1/3 cup of vinegar (there about or to your taste)

1 medium onion sliced

1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar (to your taste)

1 cup of water or about 1 inch of water in a medium saucepan

1.  Cut off the top of the beets, peel, and rinse them off.

2.  Cut the beets into 1/3 inch slices and place in a medium sized saucepan

3.  Add  sliced onion, vinegar, sugar, and water

4.  Place saucepan on high flame and bring to a boil.  Liquid should start to thicken.  Lower heat as needed and cook until tender.  

That's it.  A very tasty garnish that is a great source of probiotics, which aids in the digestion of other foods.

Babylon Leather - Tote Bucket Bag

Over the holiday weekend, Rhonda and I decided to make our Babylon Tote Bucket Bags.  We thought it would be a great project to do together.  We had estimated that it would take about three to four hours to complete.  However, it ended up taking several more hours to complete.  

Before I get into the details of our sewing experience, let me give you some details about Babylon Leather bag kits.

Babylon Leather has an extensive line of leather bag making kits on their website.  Additionally, they offer tools, leather, hardware, and patterns.  A well-rounded website that has so many items to help you complete your own unique leather projects.  Check it out.  You are guaranteed to find something to your liking. ;-)

It was several Instagram craft influencers who "encouraged" me to try making my leather bag.  On the Babylon website, there are so many choices; it was hard to choose just one bag making kit.  I ended up settling for the Tote Bucket bag. 

The kit contained everything that I needed to complete my bag:

• all leather pieces needed for the desired bag (some were partially finished).
• two scarves and a bag charm
• waxed thread
• a set of hand-sewing leather needles
• bag hardware
• scissors
• screwdriver
• clip
• finger protector sleeves

and 

• QR code link to tutorial for assembling the bag.

The entire bag is assembled by hand.  So, it takes some time and patience to complete it.  I learned a few things about hand sewing leather.  How to "knot" the thread and how to sew with two needles at the same time.  Once you get the hang of sewing, it is a very calming and relaxing process. 

 

The most difficult part of making the Tote Bucket bag was attaching the handles to the bag.  It took about two hours to attach each handle.  Again, once you get past the initial stitches, the rest is easy.  It just takes time.  

 

The things that I liked about the product and this project are:

• everything is in the kit, which makes it super easy to concentrate on making the bag
• the design of the bag and the color options
• quality and quantity of the leather, supplies and tools
• packaging of the kit
• access to the tutorial to assemble the bag
• the simple, refined, unique looking bag
• the bright orange leather with a great texture
•  

and 

• the beautiful bag that I made with my very own hands. ;-)

There weren’t any real dislikes about the project.  

 

This ends my review of my first Babylon leather bag.  I hope this information is helpful.  If you've made a Babylon bag, please share your experience.  I'd love to read/view your experience.

 

Happy Sewing!

C