Vogue V1515 Pullover Vest and Skirt

I hesitated awhile before finally deciding to go ahead with posting my pattern review of Sandra Betzina's Vogue V1515 (OOP).  The hesitation is due to my "not being so happy" with how the top/vest looks on me.  I really was hoping that it would be a good look for me.

This is the last garment that I made in January 2022.  I decided I would do end of the month reviews.  And before doing that, I wanted to post this last garment made.  To be clear, the vest is the last garment for January, and the skirt is the last garment for December 2021.

Anyway, as far as the making of it, the construction was fine. There are somethings I could try if I decide to make it again, which I'll mention later in the review.  So, let me get to the specific details of the review.

Pattern Description:  Misses' top and skirts:  Loose fitting, pullover top has elasticized collar, forming ruffle, contrast facings at armhole and lower edges, and topstitching.  Below waist skirts have wide yoke piping cargo pocket, hidden pocket on front yoke facing and shaped hem.  C: Side zipper.

Pattern Sizing: Sandra Betzina uses a different sizing chart from other Vogue pattern designers.  I used size E with very little modifications. Views A and B

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I think both garments looked like the photos and drawing for the most part. 


Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were pretty easy to follow.  I did have a little issue with the outside cargo pocket (skirt). I mistakenly place the ends too far apart.  So, there is a pull at the top of the pocket.  But other than that, no problems.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  What drew me to this pattern was the pullover top.  (I'm calling my version a pullover vest because of the heaviness of the fabric.)  Unfortunately, I'm not that happy with how it looks on me.  

So here are my likes:

• The design of both the top and the skirt.  I love the ruffled collar of the pullover as well as the shape of the uneven skirt hem with the cute cargo pocket.
• Easy to sew project.
• Yoked skirt.
• The bust darts were spot on.  I didn't have to lower them.

My dislikes:

• The length of the pullover.  I wasn't thinking when I cut it out.   I should have made it a few inches longer and tapered it a bit at the bottom so it wouldn't look so boxy on me.  So I added a piece of elastic to create some shape to the vest.  In turn, create some shape for me.
• The length of the elastic to form the ruffle on the collar.  It's too long.  I would have like it closer to my neck.  

Fabric Used: 

• Pullover Vest - I used a faux suede with fleece backing from JoAnn's.  I thought this was perfect for the vest.  Only problem, it's a little bulky for me.  Contrast facings - crepe back satin remnant from my fabric collection. 
• Pullon Skirt - I thought this was a cute jersey knit.  For the life of me I can't remember where I purchased it. BTW- this is a UFO.  It was cut and ready to sew for about two years.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I only wish I had made a few adjustments on the vest.  For the skirt, I added the elastic to the waist and omitted the piping.  I made a design change on the vest.  For the collar I used the satin for the inside of the collar.  I actually, divided it in half lengthwise adding an inch to the faux seude outside and subtracting an inch from the inside satin. The original design would call for an all-faux suede collar and that would be too hot in my opinion. No other changes.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I really like the skirt.  I may make a woven version with the side zipper and adjustment to the width of the yoke to fit better.  The pullover vest, I probably won't try it again.  I think I'm going to gift this one to someone.  

Overall, I like this pattern especially the skirt.  I do recommend it to others.  The rating on the envelope is average.  I think most sewist could make this with no problems.  

PS - I did add the little inside pocket.  I forgot to take a picture of it.

Happy Sewing!

C

Simplicity Accessories S2508 - Tackling UFO's in 2021 - Part I

In the past six months I have made so many hats!  This next post adds two more to the list of completed toppers.  I'm pleased with getting off to a good start with accomplishing my sewing goals for 2021.  I'd like to complete at least one UFO per month.  So for January and February, I finished three things:  two hats and a scarf.  

Oh, it's so amazing how time flies.  These projects were cut and stored from over seven years.  Incredible..,  It only seems like yesterday.  

Often I'm so excited about sewing, and I want to make everything.  Then I see something on social media that inspires me to try even more things.  Thus, I end up with so many projects to make and/or finish.  This year, I'm making an effort to slow down the excitement and focus more on the project before me and get it done.

Simplicity S2508

This pattern is out of print.  It's loaded with goodies: jacket, scarf, hat, shawl.  Nice accessories and coordinates to try.

I made view E and F  The pattern has grouped sizes 6-14 and 14-22.  The hats come in sizes small, medium, and large.  I made a large.  The fabric I used is anti-pill polar fleece.

My hats and the scarf look like the illustrations on the envelope and guide sheet.    The instructions were typical and easy to follow.  Nothing confusing.

I found the construction of the hat interesting.  The brim has cording incased to form a ridge.  I like the affect.  I didn't follow step 5 for the bow.  I just machine stitched it to the hat.  I enjoyed making the flower and leaves for the scarf.  I do like making those little extras.

Overall, there was nothing to dislike in the construction or the finish projects.  I enjoyed making both the hat and scarf.  It took me less than two hours to make all three pieces.  

I like how these accessories turned out.  Really quick projects.  Good for all level sewists.  And I do recommend this pattern if you have it.  

My UFO bind is getting smaller.  wink, wink. I have to figure out what will I finish next.  So in the meantime, I hope you are having a great day.  Do something that brings you happiness.  It's the little things that seem to count the most these days.

Parting Shots:  Facial masks - I apply at least one per day.  During these cold, blustery winter months, stay hydrated.  Drink plenty of water and keep you skin moisturized too.  Masks are a great additional to my facial routine. 

Enjoy and Happy Sewing!

C

Hoodies - McCall M8054

 

 

 

I wanted to make something other than pajamas for my daughter.  But I didn't want to spend time going through the whole fit process.  I've been physically l and mentally drained for a number of reasons, which I won't go into.  So, when I was searching for something to make for her, I came across this McCall's (M8054, CharlieMcCalls) hoodie pattern.  It was in a bag of patterns that I purchased before the Covid-19 lock down.   I thought it was easy enough not to require any major fit issues.  

 

McCall's describes it as: Close-fitting, pullover tops have princess seams and narrow hem. A: Purchased trim. A, B: Neck band. Fitted hoodie has hem band and exposed zipper. C, D: Contrast lined hood. D: Kangaroo pockets. All have cuffs and raglan sleeves, and fit for men's sizing.

I made size small for my DD, views C and D with some design changes.  In my opinion, it is not close- fitting.  It doesn't look close-fitting on the pictured model, and it is not close-fitting on my DD.  Anyway, other than that, the hoodies does look like the picture and drawings on the envelope.

 

The instructions were typical and easy to follow. Nothing confusing in them.  

I liked this pattern for a few reasons: one mentioned earlier.  Easy to make without going through a lot of fit adjustments.  It's a basic hoodie.  What's not to like?  Young and old love wearing them.

For View C - I used a striped sweatshirt fleece from Mood Fabrics.  I also purchased the ribbed knit from Mood for the cuffs.  The red contrast for the hood was a remnant from a turtleneck top that I made in November.

For View D - I used a speckled sweatshirt fleece from Vogue Fabrics.  The ribbed knit for the cuffs and band is from Mood and the trim on the sleeves is from JoAnn's Fabrics.

The only changes that I made were in the design.  

 

View C - No contrast for the side front and back.  I only contrasted the inside of the hood.  Very small change.

 

View D - I wanted to add a little somethin' to the sleeves.  So I added a trim with metallic silver dots on velvet, some interest for this basic hoodie.

 

The little lady loves them.  She wears them often.  Her happiness makes me happy.  I don't know if she'll want more of these.   But, I think I will make a few for myself. This is a basic hoodie pattern that I would recommend it others.  It is a few inches longer than the average hoodies, which is a nice design element.  

The hoodies were fun to make.  I was very pleased with how they turned out.  The construction process was smooth sewing.  No fit adjustments, no construction issues.  Happiness.

This completes my Christmas gift sewing projects for 2020.

Next pattern review will be on a color blocked outfit that I made for myself.  It was the last project of 2020.

Happy Sewing!

C

Notes on a Pattern - Simplicity 1098 Views B & C

I was so excited about this pattern when I first saw it.  Diana S. and I were considering making large batches of these wraps and capes adding our own flair to them.  Last weekend I decided to test views B and C. 

One of Simplicity's selling points for this pattern is that it is super easy to make.  View B is billed as "cut and glue".  But I knew I would sew the collar on instead of gluing, and I would also finish the edges on my serger.  View C "super easy wrap to sew".  This is my favorite view, and I figured others would take a liking to it as well.

On the envelope:

All views look stylish and easy.  The models are well posed and look great in all of them.  Yes, Simplicity was successful in their advertising campaign.  One size is supposed to fit most. All can be made of fleece and double faced fleece fabrics. 

My Tests Revealed:

View B -

I made view B for my daughter.  I used a blizzard fleece from JoAnn's.  This view should take less than an hour to make.  But I decided to ditch the cut and glue process for a more permanent one, sewing.  After cutting it out, I serged all the edges.  A single layer for the collar seemed flimsy.  I cut two collars.  The second collar was trimmed 5/8 on the short sides and the outer edges to add some dimension. I wasn't too crazy about the belt.  So I did not make one. 

There are two slits on pattern 1.  On the fabric, you will end up with four: two in the front and two in the back to allow for threading the belt through to create a waist in the poncho.  Here is were Simplicity could have given the sewers some directions for sizing or fitting the poncho better. 

My daughter is between size 10 and 12.  Based on Simplicity placement of the slits, the poncho fits her with too much in the torso area.  I think there should have been multiple points for the slits based on sizing:  small, medium, and large.  So, the placement of the slits restricted the wearer's range of.  I thought this was worth noting.

For the belting, I like an elasticized belt or a sewn belt made with two layers instead of one for durability.  Also, I re-enforced the slit area with fusible tricot interfacing (on the inside).  I didn't like the construction (sewed) of the collar attachment, but I followed it anyway to see how it would turn out.

View C - 

I made three versions of view C.  The first was exactly as indicated by the sewing directions.  The darting at the neckline is not actuate.  It will not work with all types of fleece and it does not work for all sizes.  For all test versions I used anti-pill fleece. Only one worked with a modification to the center back.  The fabric must have some stretch in it.  The neckline even gapes on my daughter.  For the second and third versions, I added three inches to the center back, hoping the span across the back would help.  It did help in the back area, but it didn't resolve the gaping issue at the front neckline.  I did notice that the leopard print fleece had a little stretch in it and laid better across the chest area.  Because I'm tall I also added three inches to the length of the wrap (2nd and 3rd versions).  The first one was a good length for my daughter.

Here, again, there isn't a lot of mobility in the wrap.  The moment you move, the nice neatness of the wrap becomes undone. 

Sorry this one is not a favorable review/notes from my point of testing.  Sure something can be done to correct the neckline.  But when I see no sew, super easy, and one size fits most that means a beginner can do this with no problem.  It also implies no fitting issues.  Not the case here...

Parting:

I'm testing video capability.  So here are a few takes on me talking about view c.

Happy Sewing!
C