Thank you for commenting on my latest posts. I really like receiving your comments and hope that you will continue to share your thoughts on my blog. Please expect a visit from me soon. Friday was the last day of a three-day business processing and mapping meeting. All appropriate stakeholders made the trek from their respective campuses to the Hilton Garden Inn in Kankakee, Illinois. It was intense. We reviewed previously discussed business processes, the corresponding process maps, and completed the future state documentation for each associated unit. Talk about TIRED. I didn't sew a stitch last week. But Sunday afternoon I was able to sew the lining for my Summer Dress Challenge. It's almost finished. I need to sew the bodice lining at the waist, armholes and along the zipper. Then I'm done.
In the meantime, I have a few more reviews on sewing projects completed in July.
Happy Sewing!
C
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Ponchos in Summer - Simplicity 4781
I'm always looking for ways to jazz up the wardrobe. But at the same time keeping it classic. This next review is on a fall/winter accessories or cover up pattern. This has been in the collection for a while. But is not outdated or dull.
This poncho is great for keeping the chill off your arms in those air conditioned theaters and restaurants. It's also perfect for fall like evenings that we sometimes get in the summertime.
S4781
The view that drew me to this pattern is the one I'm reviewing today.
Pattern Description: Misses' ponchos, vest, scarf, head band and bag.
Pattern Sizing: XS to XL, I made large. I made view A.
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? You really don't them. But, yes they were easy to follow. This is one of the one hour patterns. It didn't take me an hour to make the poncho.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the simplicity of it. I may make up the scarf, vest and head band for myself and for gifts. No dislikes.
Fabric Used: Knit from Walmart and a stable knit from Vogue. Both have been is the stash for a while.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Instead a sewing a small hem, I serged the edges.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I've already made two ponchos. I will sew a few of the other views. Yes, I recommend it if you have this pattern in your collection. It's easy.
Conclusion: This is an easy pattern that a beginner could sew with no problems.
Pattern Sizing: XS to XL, I made large. I made view A.
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? You really don't them. But, yes they were easy to follow. This is one of the one hour patterns. It didn't take me an hour to make the poncho.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the simplicity of it. I may make up the scarf, vest and head band for myself and for gifts. No dislikes.
Fabric Used: Knit from Walmart and a stable knit from Vogue. Both have been is the stash for a while.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Instead a sewing a small hem, I serged the edges.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I've already made two ponchos. I will sew a few of the other views. Yes, I recommend it if you have this pattern in your collection. It's easy.
Conclusion: This is an easy pattern that a beginner could sew with no problems.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Talking Wardrobe Building - Presentation at the ASG meeting in Chicago
A few months ago, Wendy G. asked me to be the guest speaker at one of monthly gatherings for American Sewing Guild. I gladly accepted and was thrilled at the opportunity to share what "little I know" about wardrobe building. Surely, I'm no expert. I pick up bits and pieces here and there. And like many of you, I love clothes that look and fit well.
My little talk was well received by the ladies. Big thanks to Wendy G. Susan G.- you certainly captured the essence of the presentation in your blog post, Thank you. It was an honor. More details on the presentation are here: Sew Chicago
Happy Sewing!
C
My little talk was well received by the ladies. Big thanks to Wendy G. Susan G.- you certainly captured the essence of the presentation in your blog post, Thank you. It was an honor. More details on the presentation are here: Sew Chicago
Happy Sewing!
C
The Cardigan of Simplicity 2424 - Threads Collection
I've been loving the cardigans that Carolyn makes and finally decided to start making my own. I'm going to get a lot of mileage out of this pattern. I can see myself making this cardigan over and over again. I already have the fabric for the next one.
Simplicity 2424
Pattern Description: This is a Threads pattern that includes a jacket, dress, and knit cardigan.
Pattern Sizing: 8-24; I made 16; I was concerned about the bust area and didn't want to make bust darts.
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? A piece of cake. This pattern was very easy to follow and I had no problems sewing up the cardigan. I guess I'm on a easy, make it quick kick. I need to get back to my silk dress. That's another story.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It's something that I've been wanting to make for a while. And I decided to make it. I consider this my test/mock garment.
The side seam is more like a side back seam.
Fabric Used: I purchased the knit fabric at Walmart several years ago for a dollar a yard. I bought all that was left. So I was able to make this cardigan and two other toppers that I will review later this week.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Added about an inch to the length. That's it. Future cardigans, I may have to make some alterations. This knit is very stretchy. I'm surprised; it has great recovery too.
I did notice that the shoulder seam is a bit long and that I need to trim the allowance of the armhole.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I plan to make at least five more. Lol This is a good sloper for a simple cardigan. Yes, I do recommend it to all level sewers.
Conclusion:
This is a simple versatile style that's a wardrobe staple. And it's easy to sew.
Pattern Sizing: 8-24; I made 16; I was concerned about the bust area and didn't want to make bust darts.
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? A piece of cake. This pattern was very easy to follow and I had no problems sewing up the cardigan. I guess I'm on a easy, make it quick kick. I need to get back to my silk dress. That's another story.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It's something that I've been wanting to make for a while. And I decided to make it. I consider this my test/mock garment.
The side seam is more like a side back seam.
Fabric Used: I purchased the knit fabric at Walmart several years ago for a dollar a yard. I bought all that was left. So I was able to make this cardigan and two other toppers that I will review later this week.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Added about an inch to the length. That's it. Future cardigans, I may have to make some alterations. This knit is very stretchy. I'm surprised; it has great recovery too.
I did notice that the shoulder seam is a bit long and that I need to trim the allowance of the armhole.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I plan to make at least five more. Lol This is a good sloper for a simple cardigan. Yes, I do recommend it to all level sewers.
Conclusion:
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Simplicity 5956 - Just as Easy as Vogue 1250
I picked up this very nice knit fabric at Vogue. It was about 1 3/4 yards and perfect for another easy knit dress. I thought about making Vogue 1250 out of it. But it darned on me I had another very easy Simplicity dress that I hadn't years in years. The first dress was made in 2004; long before I started blogging and reviewing patterns. So here's my review.
Simplicity 5956
Pattern Description: Misses' knit dresses or tops and knit or woven skirt.
Pattern Sizing: 4 -18; I made size 14.
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? The instructions were as easy as Vogue 1250. No problems. It took about two hours to make as the pattern envelope suggests.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it was another variation of a drape neck dress. The design of the front drape overlapped inside and connected to the front armhole which made for a clean finish. Additionally, the back of the dress is cut in two pieces. This give me better a fitting opportunity for a sway back.
This dress is A-line, not fitted or penciled like the Vogue dress. I think this silhouette looks better on me. No dislike.
Fabric Used: I think the fabric is a rayon jersey. It's similar to the fabric I used for the first version of V1250. I purchased it for under $7.00.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: My alterations were minor as the fabric had quite a bit of stretch in it. I did a sway back adjustment and lengthen the dress by a few inches. Also, I hand stitched the back neckline and back armholes. That's it.
I had limited fabric, but I managed to line up the print at the back seam.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This pattern is a keeper. I could go for another dress and a top or two. And yes, I do recommend it to others. It's super easy and stylish too. This pattern is out of print; But if you have it in your collection, give it a try. It's an alternative to Vogue 1250.
Conclusion: This dress sews up very quickly and a beginner could easily make it with no problems. I highly recommend it to all level sewers.
Pattern Sizing: 4 -18; I made size 14.
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? The instructions were as easy as Vogue 1250. No problems. It took about two hours to make as the pattern envelope suggests.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it was another variation of a drape neck dress. The design of the front drape overlapped inside and connected to the front armhole which made for a clean finish. Additionally, the back of the dress is cut in two pieces. This give me better a fitting opportunity for a sway back.
This dress is A-line, not fitted or penciled like the Vogue dress. I think this silhouette looks better on me. No dislike.
Fabric Used: I think the fabric is a rayon jersey. It's similar to the fabric I used for the first version of V1250. I purchased it for under $7.00.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: My alterations were minor as the fabric had quite a bit of stretch in it. I did a sway back adjustment and lengthen the dress by a few inches. Also, I hand stitched the back neckline and back armholes. That's it.
I had limited fabric, but I managed to line up the print at the back seam.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This pattern is a keeper. I could go for another dress and a top or two. And yes, I do recommend it to others. It's super easy and stylish too. This pattern is out of print; But if you have it in your collection, give it a try. It's an alternative to Vogue 1250.
Conclusion: This dress sews up very quickly and a beginner could easily make it with no problems. I highly recommend it to all level sewers.
Vogue 1250 - The Second Time Around
Two weeks ago, I finished my second Vogue 1250 dress. The fabric is a tighter weave than the first dress. So I graded up a 1/2 size to make sure it fits. On the back bodice, three inches above the waistline I scooped out about 1/2 inch hoping to pull the lower back closer to my body. It's better. So, I know many of you have made this dress multiple times. It's definitely the most popular dress pattern of the summer.
Next, I revisited a dress pattern that is as easy as the Vogue 1250. My full review will be posted this evening or tomorrow morning.
Stay Tuned!
C
Monday, July 4, 2011
4th Blogiversary!
Today is my 4th blogiversary and Independence Day. Wow! Exciting! It doesn't seem like it's been four years! It's amazing to look back and see how far I've come since 2007. The first post that anyone commented on was July 23rd. That post featured the faux leather outfit that I made to wear to a John Legend concert. I was kinda of skinny then, to say the least. My photographer's (DD) picture taking skills have improved. My sewing is better too. Some of that credit goes to the fabulous sewing fashionistas that inspire and teach me in the blogasphere.
This next year, I plan to incorporate more couture techniques into my projects. My dress for the Summer Dress Challenge is still not done. I will wear it to a wedding later this month and then again while on vacation. The zipper is in, but the sleeves are not. The final processes are to complete the lining and attach it to the dress. Then I will be done. In retrospect, I think the Summer Dress Challenge was supposed to be something less labor intensive and more something to stay cool in. My dress doesn't exactly fit that description. Since the start of my dress, I've made a few others (quick and easy), several tops, coverups and a cardigan. All will be featured here soon.
So, I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend. It's beautiful in Chicago, and I've enjoyed being away from the office for five solid days. So, beautiful ones, that's all for now. Have a great day!
C
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
