Sweater Knits - A Difference In Sizing Burda Style 6990

Of course,  you all already know that all knits are not alike.  Sometimes I have to remind myself. Especially when I'm making multiple versions of a given pattern.  Way back in January, I made two turtleneck tops using sweater knits from So Sew Fabrics.  The graduated color knit is just a basic weave sweater knit with a slightly course hand and about 30 percent stretch.  While the tan ribbed sweater knit is very soft and has about 60 percent stretch.

My original plan was to make the Burda Style 6990 turtleneck top for me and my daughter.  I traced off size large for me and medium for DD.  Of course, I wanted the brown knit for myself; and DD gladly took the tan ribbed knit.  As it turned out, my top was perfect.  But when DD tried on her top, it looked like she was wearing my top. Lol

So I tried it on. It fits me almost perfectly.  The armsyce needed a little adjustment.  I ended up with two new turtleneck tops.  Unfortunate for DD. Lol  I'll make her something later.

These new turtlenecks fit into my brown wardrobe capsule.  They go well with pull-on pants and jeans.  I'm pictured wearing the brown top with my TNT Vogue V8859 pull-on pants.  I love this pattern.

No pictures of me wearing the second top yet.  I hope to post that soon.

Notes on the pattern -

This was a very easy top to sew.  I especially like the cut on the sleeve.  It fit well under the arm and looks good in the shoulder area.  This pattern does have great bones.  I could make a hundred of these.

There is nothing complicated or confusing about the construction of the top.  And it has three other views that look great too.  I think I will also try the shawl collar view.

Parting Shots:  Because it was a sunny day, we wanted to take some pictures outside.  But it was windy and cold.  Anyway, we tried.  I couldn't keep a straight face or hold a good pose.  So here are a few fun/silly shots.

Happy Sewing!

C

 

An Audacious, Simple Sweater Dress - McCall M7979

Every once in awhile a lady needs to add an audacious garment to her wardrobe.  For me, a simple, easy pattern paired with a bold textile is a perfect combination for achieving this goal.  It's especially, gratifying when you can achieve it in less than two hours.  So here's my audacious dress!

I purchased the pattern about a year ago.  Almost immediately, I made a test garment out of a jersey snake print that I purchased from FabricMart Fabrics. My test proofed that this style looked pretty good on me given there was quite a bit of fabric in the upper part of the dress.  No need for any of my usual fit adjustments.  That put a smile on my face.  It's takes so much time to make the adjustments. 

 

What makes this dress standout is the audacious "Ziggin' and Zaggin'" sweater knit from Gorgeous Fabrics.  This was another fabric that I purchased for my birthday in September.  This fabric is super easy to sew.  It's cozy and bold.  Definitely, a statement piece anyway you design it.  

Anyway, today I want to give my review of McCall M7979.

McCall's description:  Misses': Tops and Tunic close-fitting, pullover top A, B or tunic C has  drop shoulder and low armhole and sleeve variations.  A, B: neckband C: Cowl collar.

The first thing I noticed about the description is "close-fitting".  It is only close fitting in the hip and upper thigh area.  They must have meant loose-fitting.  Anyway..,

I decided to make view C into a dress.  So, the only change I made was to lengthen the tunic by a few inches.  My idea for styling this view was to wear it as a dress as well as a tunic with leggings belted at the waist.

The pattern comes in sizes 8 to 24.  I used sizes 14 and 16.  For the most part, the dress looks like the tunic only a few inches longer.

The instruction and the construction were a piece of cake.  Nothing confusing as I just glance them.  The guide sheet included all the typical Palmer/Pletsch fit adjustments.  Again, I didn't need to make any.  There was also a construction technique for making the cowl with a twist.  I may try that on one of the top versions if I decide to make it again.

Initially, I thought it might look better if I added cuffs to the sleeves and a band to finish the hem.  But when I tried it on, I didn't like it.  So I removed them I made small hems.

I bought this pattern for view B. Then, I became interested in view C after I made my test top.  I like the drop sleeves and the cowl neck. No real dislike.

I may make it again.  And, I do recommend it to others.  

There is a lot of style ease in this pattern.  For most, there will be no need for complicated fit adjustments.  For me, it's was another quick and easy sewing project with great results and style.

Happy Sewing!

C

BTW  - I'm still working on Vogue 8627 jacket.  More on that later.  

Mood Taupe Sweater Knit Rayon - Perfect for TNT T-Shirt Dress Vogue 1314

Now, who doesn't love a great t-shirt dress?

My latest dress made is my TNT V1314 t-shirt dress in Mood's Taupe Sweater Knit Printed Rayon Jersey.  Believe me, this one fabric you don't want to pass up!  It is a super soft beefy knit.  It really doesn't look like sweater knit, but it's much thicker than your average rayon jersey.  The drape is fluid, and it lays gently against the skin.  It is great!

 

 

Vogue 1314 is in high rotation on the cutting table.  This is the third dress that I've made this year.  And I've used the pattern a total of eight times so far. ;-)

Guess what?  This will not be the last time you see this pattern made up in some amazing fabric.  It's quick and very easy.  From cutting table to hem, it's takes me about 2.5 hours to crank one of these babies out.  Perfect go to pattern when you need a simple, cute dress that is also great staple that you can dress up or down.

I like wearing this version with shoes that pop and a great statement shoulder bag.

With that being said, I'm off to a great start with my Fall wardrobe. Quick, easy, and ready for the crisp, cool breeze of the fall season.  That's all for now!

Happy Sewing!
C

Winter Clothes - Cozy Sweaters with McCall 7574

It is insanely cold in the mid-west.  Between today and Friday evening we are expected to get 8 to 14 inches of snow!  In the midst of snow storms and arctic winter temperatures, I need the right gear to brave the season.  I really started late with my preparation for it all.  Christmas is really too late to start thinking about cozy separates.  I almost needed to start in the summer considering the cold November.  But nevertheless, the bite of the January winds encouraged me to make my previously posted sweater dress and these sweater knit pull-over tops.

I used McCall 7574 making my usual adjustments these sweaters tops are the answer to the winter blast we are experience right now.

This is a Melissa Watson, Palmer/Pletsch pattern. The views are described as:  close-fitting pullover tops, tunic and dress have raglan sleeves, sleeve and length variations. D: Uneven hem, wrong side of fabric will show.  The available sizes are 6 to 22.  I used 14 with modifications.

The tops are semi-fitted to me.  Even the dress on the model isn't close-fitting.  I guess that my FBA may attribute to some of the looseness.   The cream sweater is view B lengthen with long sleeves, and the multi-color orange is view c with long sleeves.

The instructions are typical, and I didn't notice any confusing construction steps.  Palmer/Pletsch instructions are included for making adjustments, which may be helpful for anyone needing to make them.

My likes:

• The shape of the sleeves
• Center back seam

No dislikes.

I made my usual adjustments:

• A small FBA. The cream sweater I didn't make a bust dart.  I eased in the excess.  The multi-colored orange knit really hides any sign of a bust dart.  So I just sewed it as I normally would.

• Small swayback adjustment.  Because the top was on the boxy side to me. I didn't make the full swayback adjustment.
• Adjusted the roundness of the sleeve near the shoulder.  Too much fabric.
• Lengthen the cream sweater, view B and lengthen the sleeves of both views.

Both sweater knits came from JoAnn's Fabrics and Crafts.  Currently, they have an entire section of sweater knits. I believe they are acrylic/polyester blend.
  
I can't say that I will sew either again anytime soon.  But I do recommend this pattern to others.  It's easy and a great staple (wardrobe builder).  During this cold blast, I will definitely get a lot of wear out of them.

These two tops complete the four garments that I made in January 2018.

Happy Sewing!
C

TNT's Patterns Are My Favorites - Vogue 1314

My first "finished" project of 2018.  I needed something fast and easy to make on Monday afternoon.

Vogue 1314 is one of my go to knit dress pattern because it is quick, easy, and already to go.   It's a simple four piece pattern to is a bind right next to my table.  Perfect for a mid-western, cold as the North Pole, January day.  I first used it a few years back.  After making the necessary adjustments, it was immediately place in the TNT bind.  I use the front and back lining for the dress along with the neck band and sleeve.

The possibilities are many.  It can be used as a sloper to adjust similar style patterns.  Last year I used it with other sleeve patterns.  This basic pattern can lend itself to be morphed into a totally different dress.  The possibilities are endless.

My previous reviews are here:

Vogue 1314 The Third Time's The Charm

Getting the Most Out of Your Pattern Vogue 1314 and McCall 7542

Vogue 1314 Striped Knit Top

Oops The Wrong Fabric Choice

Self Drafted Sleeve - Vogue 1314

Sparkle Top with Bold Full Skirt

There are all of the versions of Vogue 1314 that I've had over the years.

Happy Sewing!
C

First Review of 2013 - Vogue 1124 Asymetric Vest/Cardigan

Happy New Year! Today is my first day back in the office since the start of the Christmas holiday season. It was a nice break. This morning the sun was bright and the temperature was a biting 15 degrees when I left for the office. But I'd rather have cold temps than snow.

This is my first review of the new year and my last garment made in 2012. Now, I have to say there are about about six more reviews for 2012 garments made. But I'll get to those later. This one is being reviewed because I actually wore this to work today. It's a Sandra Betzina pattern, Vogue 1124.

It is described as: MISSES' CARDIGAN AND VEST: Loose-fitting cardigan A and vest B. A: long sleeves and mitered hems. B: bands finishing the front lower edges and purchased belt, wrong side of fabric will show. Placement for armhole and sleeve is included for all sizes. It comes in sizes A through J.

 My version looks like the photo on the pattern envelope, except it's longer. I was a little confused about the joining of pattern pieces 2 to 5. Then when I added the band to the ends, it made the vest extremely long. I really like the shape of the vest. It's a relaxed look and comfortable to wear.

The fabric used was purchased at Stone Mountain and Daughter. It's a medium weight sweater knit. I didn't make any changes to the pattern. There is quite a bit of style ease in it. The only concern any may have is the width between the arm holes. Other than that, this is a easy pattern to sew and fit.

I don't know if I'll sew it again. It's unique enough that I only want one in my wardrobe. But I do recommend it to others. This is a definitely a statement piece for any wardrobe. It's versatile and can be worn to dress up or down.