V1570 In Black and White

This is another outfit that I started while at Sew Camp Spring 2018.  All fabrics purchased at Fabric Mart.  I actually didn't bring any fabric with me on purpose.  The goal was to purchase fabrics to sew while at camp and to purchase fabrics to be shipped home.  

Between the two coordinates, I was most interested in making the pants.  I am always on the hunt for bottoms that give me a little volume to help balance out my silhouette.  The drape was interesting and added just a little imaginary hip.  Looking at the model on the envelope, she reminds me of a former me.  Way back when I was a rail.  Time has past and I'm a much bigger lady.  The good news is I can sew whatever I want.

Anyway, this outfit is part of a pseudo wardrobe capsule that I kind of decided to do as I shopped the floors at FabricMart Fabric.  I like both coordinates, but I think I like them better with other pieces.  More on that as I continue to work on the capsule.  

I used Vogue 1570 for my outfit.  It is described as A: fitted top has front and back princess seams, back invisible zipper and asymmetrical hem.  Fitted pants have back invisible zipper and front overlay. It comes in two size groupings 6-14 and 14-22.  I used 14 and 16 with modifications.

My finished garments do look like the drawing on the pattern envelope.  There was nothing in the instruction or construction of the outfit that was confusing.  I did, however, have to do a little tweaking with the neckline and one of the armholes appeared to be slightly larger than the other.  More on that later.

I had a lot of likes for this pattern:

Top:

• Shoulder seam.  It's not straight on, from ear to center shoulder tip.  It curves around to the front.  That's a cute detail.
• Asymmetrical hem.
• Peak a boo front yoke
• Topstitching

Pants:

• Overlay as stated above
• Slim pant leg - easily worn with a variety of tops.  Sews up quickly.

The top is a lightweight striped cotton blend pique, which I thought would be perfect to play up the design lines of the top. It is softer than most piques that I've own/touched.

The pants is a lovely medium wool crepe.  Love, love this fabric.  I wish they had more in other colors.  I bought all they had.  Same for the pique.

There were a few challenges with the top.  I almost gave up on it.  After I made my usual adjustments, I had to do quite a bit of tweaking along the side seams, below the bust and in the armhole areas.  I think I ripped out the sleeves at least three times before getting it to a good, not perfect, state.  Once that was done, The front neckline gapped a bit more on one side.  Odd.  So I ended up undoing quite a bit of topstitching to adjust the length of the front neckline.  Truth be told after all that tweaking, I can't remember how much for each tweak. Lol  

The pants were easy.  I extended the back curve about an inch tapering into about four inches into the inseam.  At the center back, I raised it about an inch or so and tapered to zero near the dart.  The front pant does not have darts.  Knock it off!!  No way!! I added some.  Lastly, I lengthen the pants by three/four inches.

I plan to make both coordinates again.  At least one more top, for my sister. And one pants without the overlay.  It's a nice fit. After all those adjustments, I need to make them at least one more time.

I'm glad I was able to workout the kinks.  These are two pieces for my black and white capsule.  More in months to come.  I do recommend it, because of the likes I mentioned above.

Happy Sewing!
C

Gold Stripes and Ivory Creme - Vogue 8747 and McCall 5818

I'm so happy to final post about this shirt that I made with Mood's beautiful Italian Amber Striped Cotton-Rayon Shirting.  This is one gorgeous textile.  And I'm not just saying that because I'm a Mood blogger.  This is a definite must have fabric; you should get it!

The title color is "amber", but I call it gold.  The online photo does not show the richness of the colors nor does it show the luster.  The sheen is not gaudy like some ultra shiny satin fabrics.  It's luminous with gives an air of sophistication.  The striped pattern is uneven.  At first, I thought to match up the stripes then decided to focus more on collecting the larger stripes across the sections of the shirt.

This shirt was a pleasure to make.  My review on the sewing process is here.  I decided to make a wearable muslin first to eliminate any fit or construction issues before I cut into my fabric.  To sum it up, the making of the shirt was not difficult at all.

One of the key things I noted of importance was to maintain the same seam allowance throughout the stitching process for good symmetry. I tried to play up the stripe pattern as much as possible.  The front band, side front and back were all cut of the bias.

I love this shirt and the pattern.  The third shirt is cut and ready to sew.

The pants are made of wool crepe (#300942) that I purchased about two year ago from Mood.  I'm sorry to say, it's sold out.  Mood has many other textiles available here. I know you are probably wondering, "why on earth would she make wool crepe pants with summer just around the corner."  And the answer is:  "I made them to complete another outfit worn in the Haute Couture Fashion show last month."  Plus I have my first pair of wool pants ready to wear for next fall.  ;-)

Anyway, these pants are easy to make.  I've made them at least 20 times before.  This pair I lined to eliminate transparency.  No pockets, just darts at the waist, a curved waist band, and simple fly.  Great straight leg slacks.

So, this completes my post for today.  I hope to post again before the month is out.

Happy Sewing!
C