Second Installment - Green Wardrobe Capsule S8601 and S8389

It's so nice to be able to post my second installment of my green wardrobe capsule.  This set was actually a UFO that I planned to make in 2018 but never got around to it.  Better late than never.  I can always use another summery outfit for social outings or vacation.  For right now though, it's perfect for a stroll in the park on a warm July day.

This set is made using to separate patterns.  I've used both patterns before: S8601 and S8389.  And I'm already planning to make the pants again.  The initial reviews for the patterns are list below:

Simplicity S8601

Simplicity S8389

For this set I used a beautiful rayon challis from FabricMart Fabrics.  It was easy to sew and press.   Lately, I'm drawn to floaty, fluid fabrics.  I really didn't try to match up the print to look continuous over all the sections of the garment.  It wasn't important to me for this project.  The print is busy enough for me to not care.

Since the covid-19 outbreak, I decided to sew at least one UFO per month. This set was the winner for July.  Luckily it fits in with my Green Wardrobe Capsule project.  The construction was fast.  I happily finished both pieces last Saturday night.   And today that I was able to take a pictures of me wearing it.

I was well pleased when I finished it and almost immediately started listing my likes, which are:

• The color/print of the fabric.  It's also a nice quality of rayon challis.  It feel like a soft cotton.
  
  
• Front tie of the top

• The flounce of the sleeve.  This was the first time that I sewed this sleeves.  It has four parts:  front and back sleeve; front and back flounce.

• The waistband on the pants is perfect.  I love the front panel (non-elastic) with the rest of it elasticized. 
• The inset pockets and the full pant leg.

I can see multiple versions of the top and pants in my wardrobe in the months to come.  I need (I mean) I want more of these easy wearing coordinates.

Note on construction/fit .  There could be a little more room across the upper back on the top.  It's not too small, I would like some more ease.  That is a easy fix for me.

Both patterns are easy to sew and look great together.  I'd recommend them to all level sewists. 

Happy Sewing!

C

Summer Linen and Cotton Blend Gingham - S8389 and S9894

Finally, I have some photos of me wearing some of my recent sewing projects.  For this posts I'm showing Simplicity Bustier S9894 and S8389 pants/shorts (TNT).  All can be paired with other summer coordinates.  Love the neutral tones.

My initial post is here.

Happy Sewing!

C

More Stash Busting with S8389 and S9894

More Stash busting with patterns that I've sewn before.  I'm so pleased with being able to shop my stash.  It is so gratifying to move these lovely fabrics from the sewing studio to the closet.  I hope to get some picture of me wearing these garments very soon.

Patterns used: Simplicity S9894  My review is here.  And Simplicity S8389 (TNT); reviews are here.

There is not much to say about these projects as I have reviewed the patterns before.  I hope to have pictures of my wearing them soon.

Parting shot:  This is just a photo of the July book club book, "The Guest List" by Lucy Foley.  It was a very good murder mystery.  If you are interested, I highly recommend it.  Thanks for your visit to my blog.

Sunny Blue Sky Striped Cotton Chambray - Simplicity 1371 and Simplicity 8389

July is the peak of summer. I love that the days are long and the sun shines so bright.  What I hate is the humidity and the extreme temperatures, and everyone has the AC set to "North Pole".  So it can be a struggle trying to figure out what to wear.

But if you plan to be outdoors, light and airy clothing is the way to go! I purchased this lovely Blue Sky Striped Cotton Chambray a few months with the thought of making a shirt.  When I pulled it from the packaging, I quickly changed my mind and decided to make some baggy wide leg pants.  Perfect vacation pants for a stroll on the beach or a day of shopping on some tropical island.

Chambray is a classic and is typically used to make shirts, shirt dresses, and tunics.  This particular fabrication is lightweight but durable if that makes sense.  And because the pants are very roomy, there is little to no stress on the seams.  I love the way it feels and moves when I'm wearing them.

The pattern (S8389) I used is relatively new.  Style like pj pants with a faux drawstring in the front.  Nothing fancy at all.  These sewed up very quickly.  If you can sew a straight seam and make an elastic casing, you can make these.  I actually, bought the pattern for second view on the pattern envelope.

After cutting out the pants, I had enough leftover to make a little top (S1371) to wear with them.  This is the second time I've made it.  My first top was also made with Mood African print fabric several months ago.  The details on making the adjustments and sewing it are on my blog.

That's it!  This was a very easy sewing project.  My new outfit is perfect for the summer heat and a great look for a stroll along the beach.

Happy Summer and Happy Sewing!
C

Easy Simplicity Pullover Top - S9679 in Review

I've had Simplicity S9679 in my pattern collection for a while. I am just getting around to sewing it.  Of course, I had to do my usual fit adjustments; FBA and swayback.  In this review, I paired it with a TNT pants pattern S8389.  It is a go-to for an easy fit and sew coordinate.  

So let's begin the pattern review of Simplicity S9679

Pattern Description:  Misses' knit top with sleeve variations.

Pattern Sizing:  4 - 20; I used size 16 with modifications.  I made view B.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  Slight changes to address the adjustments made.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes,  the instructions were typical; nothing difficult or confusing in them.  

Was the construction easy?  Yes, the top went together with ease.  The most tedious part was finishing the opening across the upper chest and back.  This step required you to take your time.  This area is a focal point of the top.  I used some steam a seam to hold everything in place as I sewed.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  For this version of the top I have likes and dislikes.

 Likes -

• The seaming and the opening at the upper body. 
• The slant of the neck opening.  It adds interest to what would a simple pullover top.

Dislikes -

• Finishing of the armhole.  I added a binding to finish it.
• The armhole fit.  I could have created the problem when I slightly rise it.  But this is something that I noticed in other tops that have a sleeveless and sleeved version that used the same front and back pattern.  For my next version I'll try to address that.

Fabric Used:  I used a ribbed knit from Fashion Fabric Fabrics.  I love the chartreuse color of it.  The stretch recovery could be better.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  

• FBA - I used my molly t-shirt pattern to make it.  You can see where are made changes along the sides and at the lower front armhole.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Swayback adjustment - I first cut the lower back into two pattern pieces.  Next, I made the tuck on each pieces and added at the hem.  I added seam allowance to both patterns where they would be joined.   I didn't make a prominent shoulder blade adjustment.  It appears to be okay without it. 
• I shorten the opening to eliminate any gapping.
• I cut binding out of the fashion fabric to finish the armhole.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I plan to sew view C. And yes, I recommend it to others.

Conclusion:  I enjoyed making this pullover top.  It is a change from the typical t-shirt style pullover.  You can dress it up or down.  It's easy to sew for all sewing levels.

Happy Sewing!

C