Butterick B5382 - Still Back Tracking

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS: Straight, fitted dresses A, B, C, mid-knee, have front pleats, raised waist seam and back zipper. A: self-faced cap sleeves. B: three-quarter length sleeves. C: long sleeves.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 8 -22.

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? Pretty much. Beginners take your time with making the pleats. It's really not hard to do. It just takes a little patience.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The pleated neckline and the empire waistline. Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used: Jersey from JoAnn's Fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did my usual FBA, prominent shoulder blades, and added some length to it. For this dress I thought I needed to move up a size, but ended up increasing the side seam allowances and cutting away to excess. I've used size 16 a few times lately and found that I'm more a 14 with my normal pattern adjustments.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. I may make one more version of this dress. And I do recommend it. It's easy and comfortable.

Conclusion: This is a nice pattern that you can sew up fairly quick with no problems. Try it if you haven't already.

Butterick 5471 & M5527- A Little Back Tracking

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. Like so many sewists, I planned to do a lot of sewing over the weekend. But I was only able to finish one of the two red dresses on the sewing table.

Today I won't post the dress as I plan to wear it this weekend and want to post a photo of me wearing it. So for now, I'm back tracking. In April I made three pants, a dress, and a jacket using Butterick 5471.

My first thought was to use this pattern to create a wardrobe: jacket dress and pants. But that plan changed after I purchased the fabric for the jacket and dress. So I only made a coordinating jacket and dress. Then I used the pants pattern to complement a modified version of M5527 (View B). This review is mainly about B5471.

Pattern Description: MISSES' JACKET, TUNIC, DRESS AND PANTS: Loose-fitting lined jackets A, B have princess seams, side front seam pockets, yoke and notched collar, top stitched hem. A: turned back cuff. B: long sleeves with stitched hem. Semi-fitted tunic C or dress D have front seam details, top stitched neckline and back zipper. Semi-fitted pants E have darts, mock fly closing, side seam pockets and waistband.

Pattern Sizing: Sizing 6 - 20. I used size 16 and ended up taking it in and cutting off the excess. More on that later.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? No and yes. In the photo the dress appears to be more tapered than it is in real life. Maybe it's me. The jacket is boxy like the line drawing.

Were the instructions easy to follow? No problems with any of the instructions. Pretty standard.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the princess seams on the front of the dress and on the jacket. The jacket is a little too boxy for my figure and/or taste. For me, I need more tapering at the waist.

Fabric Used: I used home dec fabric from JoAnn's (cotton blend) for the green and white ensemble. For the pinstriped pants I used a polyester from Vogue Fabrics. I brought it in three colors for three pairs of pants and one jacket.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made quite a few alterations and design changes.

Jacket -

• FBA and Prominent Shoulder Blade Adjustments
• Contrast Pocket lining, under collar, and back yoke(lining)

Dress -

• FBA and Prominent Shoulder Blade Adjustments
• Omitted the facings
• Lined the dress
• Lengthen by three inches

Pants -

• Decreased crotch length and Adjusted crotch depth
• Lengthen by four inches
• Added flap to right back

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I'm done with this pattern. I have many in my collection to try. But I do recommend it to others with modifications to suit your personal style.


Conclusion: This is a nice wardrobe pattern that is great for beefing up the spring/summer wardrobe.

To add some variety, I made M5527 (View B) jacket to match one pair of slacks. I've used it before. This time I extended the length of the jacket. When I extended the length I forgot to take into consideration that the mid section is fitted and does not fit over the upper hip area easily. To save the jacket, I made a loop for the closure instead of the buttonhole. This worked just fine. Hopefully the next time I try this design change, I'll remember to add more width across the hip area. Below are pictures on the pants suit.

More pictures on this project can be found here.

Simplicity 2583 In The Navy

I hope everyone is well. Since the fashion show, I haven't been able to get back into the routine of posting and reading. But yesterday I was able to read about some of your projects. It made me to want to add to my ever-growing list of things to make.

Since April I've made several garments. I don't want to forget the important details about my experience so I really need to get them all written.

Today's review features one of the most recent dresses I made, Simplicity 2583. I've had this pattern in my collection for a while. Many have made and reviewed it on PR already. Last week I decided to use some of the fabric that I purchased at Buddy's in February.

So here goes my review:


Pattern Description: Misses'/miss petite dress or tunic with front and neckline variations. I made the beige dress view - minus the trim on the sleeves.


Pattern Sizing: 4 - 22; used 14 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much.



Were the instructions easy to follow? piece of cake. Nothing confusing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I think what initially drew me to this pattern was the keyhole neck variation of the tunic. There is nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used: I used a woolen from Buddy's shop on South Wabash. The trim I purchased at Vogue some time last month.




Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made my usual adjustments to fit my body. FBA, prominent shoulder blade, sway back, and a few more inches to the length. (My version is still a few inches shorter than the dress worn by the model.) One design change: omission of the trim on the sleeves. I thought about lining this one but decided to go ahead with the facing instead.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Hmmm.., I don't know if I will. I have so many patterns. These days I'm noticing that I keep making the same style (straight skirt). So, this summer and coming winter I'm going to change that up a little bit.

Conclusion: This is a nice pattern to sew. A beginner should be able to sew it with no problems.

Parting shots: I'm almost done with Vogue 1205. Let me tell you, this is a great small dress. I decided to make it in red with the white and black contrasting strap.

Pattern Review Weekend - Chicago 2011

Wow!
The Pattern Review Weekend was fun filled and exciting. It was so nice to meet the ladies. Warning: This is a pictorial post. Here we go:




Deepika, Owner and Creator of PatternReview.com. This is the 10th Anniversary, 250,000 members strong. Come join us.



Ting Wong, Our Hostess for the Conference. Thanks, Tina!


Robin Martin shopping at Fishman's Fabrics.


Kelly Adams holding one of books, designed to help her keep track of fabrics and notions.


Kelly's pattern catalog


The ladies shopping at New Rainbow Fabrics


More shopping


Still more shopping at Soutashe (Ribbons, Buttons, and Accessories). Great store!




Beautiful Belt


Andrea is going to make it.


Rolls and rolls of beautiful ribbon.


Jacqui chillin' after shopping.



Rose adding up all those receipts


Dinner at Berghoff.




Andrea- Yes, I made this outfit. And let me tell you how.


Perfect fit and great style.



Angela Wolf, local designer and speaker for the day.


A few of the PR members: Jacqui Rocha Lovelace, Kyle Burkhardt, Jeanette Marie Price, Sherill Miller, Leslie Lawson, Melody Gardner, Connie Bontje


Me contributing to the pattern swap on Saturday.






PS –
I bet you’re wondering if I’ve sewn anything lately? You know me.., Sure I have. I just haven’t taken the time to write about it. Reviews are forthcoming.

Parting Shot: My Sweet Pea graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago, earning her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration – Management. I’m very happy for her. This is one of three pictures. I was too excited to think about pictures.



Happy Sewing!
C

Butterick 4386 Is a Winner - Easter Dress 2011

Every year I make my DD an Easter dress. This year was no exception. I picked the pattern; she picked the fabric.

We were lucky. The sky was clear and sunny. Perfect for pictures outside.

B4386 View B

Pattern Description: MISSES’/MISSES’ PETITE DRESS: Semi-fitted, straight dress in various lengths has back zipper closure and back seam slit. A: self bands. A, D: sleeveless. B: contrast collar and bow. B, E: cap sleeves. C: below elbow sleeves and self sash. D: patch pockets. F: long sleeves and front drape.


Pattern Sizing: 8 - 12. I used size 12 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. I made a few small changes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? There was nothing difficult about them. Typical instructions. The dress went together with no problems.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the retro look of the collar and bow. No dislike.

Fabric Used: Silk Dupioni and Ambiance Bemberg Lining. Both fabrics are a dream to work with.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Alterations:

-I did a pigeon chest adjustment on the front bodice and facing. I also folded out a small tuck(not pictured) at the neckline to eliminate the gap at the neckline.
-Added an inch to the length.
-I made a small sway back adjustment.

Construction changes:

- The front and back dress are underlined with bemberg lining.
- Single fold bias tape was added to the hem.



- Double fold bias tape was added to finish the armholes.



- I prefer the invisible zipper



- Added a straight eye about an inch above the slit.



Design change:

- For the bow, I sewed the two pieces together to create a wide bow instead of the narrow one for view B.

Caution:

- There is a lot of ease in the sleeve cap. So you may want to remove some of it for a smooth finish.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't know if I will sew it again. But I do recommend it. It a great wardrobe builder.

Conclusion: This is a great little dress pattern that is fast and easy. Just like the pattern says. A good wardrobe builder.

Thank you!

Everyone,

To all my faithful readers and commenters, thank your for continuing to stop by. The Haute Couture Show was a great success and I am looking forward to trying something new for the 2012 show.

Ann Steeves has published an article on Threads that showcases some of the beautiful garments modeled from this year's show. Take a look.

Enjoy!

Cennetta

The Ladies - Breakfast at Tiffany's - LBD's

My sister, DD and I all modeled dresses for the Breakfast at Tiffany's - Little Black Dress segment.

DD's Dress -

S2248

Pattern Description: Misses Dress with sleeve and back variations. Project Runway pattern.

Pattern Sizing: 4 - 20; I used size 12.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. it did. I made the chartreuse version on the envelope.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Typical simplicity instructions for this type of dress. Nothing confusing about it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the neckline and the back yoke of this dress. No dislike.

Fabric Used: A poly blend jacquard from New Rainbow Fabric and china silk for the lining.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: This one was easy to fit. Aside from the sway back adjustment, I tweaked it as I sewed taking a chance that it would fit okay. Size 12 is a little too big for DD from bust line through the hip area. I added about 1 inch to length for a slightly deeper hem. This dress has front and back facing, which I do not like. I lined the dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't think I'll sew this again. I have hundreds of dress patterns. Seriously, hundreds.

Conclusion: This is a fairly easy pattern to sew. I chose this silhouette to contrast the other two LBD entries made by yours truly.

My Sister's Dress

Wouldn't you it? I do not have a deceit picture showing the front of the dress. Sorry.., If someone gives me a better photo I'll post it later.






B5277

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS AND BELT: Semi-fitted, lined dress, mid-knee has raglan sleeves and back zipper. A: self-fabric belt with buckle. B: attached mock front belt with buckle. C: collar with purchased pin.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 22. I used size 12.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? No problems with the instructions. Easy breezy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? My sister and I liked the collar and thought this was a good basic dress pattern for her. No dislikes.

Fabric Used: silk dupioni from New Rainbow Fabrics and china silk for the lining.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: My sister is easy to fit. I only made two changes: Added about 2 1/2 inches to the length and used size 10 at the waist. Design change: I hand picked the zipper and added glass beads.




Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I may make this dress for myself. The view in green.

Conclusion: This is a basic shift dress pattern that is easy to sew.


My Dress - New Look 6824 hounds tooth

This dress was completed in November 2010. So there you have it. Three LBD's for the Breakfast at Tiffany Fashion Show segment.

The final outfit modeled was I faux leather outfit that I made 2007. My sister did the honors since I have changed sizes again. sigh, sigh.

Happy Sewing!
C