Kimono Style Top for How Much???

I saw a top in the style below at the mall close to where I live and I really wanted it or something close to it to add to my wardrobe. Unfortunately for the store, it was being sold for TT$275.00 which is approximately US$43.00 and fortunately for me I had a pattern in my stash that might just do the trick.  

So out came New Look 6648

This pattern comes in sizes 6-16 and I sewed my usual size 12. I must say that it was an extremely easy sew...I only took a total of 2 hours from cut to completed garment. What directions?!..., I did not even need the directions for this one. As I started sewing it just flowed. Talk about a great beginner pattern!!!

I used 1 1/2 yards of printed chiffon fabric. I cut the fabric with the intention of sewing it on the weekend, but then the sewing bug bit me, so I had to continue until I finished the top. 

I made a few alterations to the original design to get the look I wanted, such as:

• adding 4" to the length.
• altered the band to add a pull through sash at the hip.

I made a band about 2" and pulled through a sash, which ties on my left hip.

I loved the way the finished garment turned out and I will definitely be using this pattern again and again and maybe again :)

So until I write again, happy reading and thanks for stopping by!

"Life" and a Bit of Sewing!

I have been a bit wrapped up lately... well with life in general, but it has been great nonetheless. I am always thankful for life, living, loving and laughing. 

A  wonderful friend of mine... I actually call her my sister, had her first baby two weeks ago and I thank God for all his blessings and for the new addition to the "family"... Samara. It really is a great feeling being able to share in the joy of those you love. Fortunately, amid all the celebration I still had time to sneak in some sewing. I do hope to get more sewing done this coming week though, as I am beginning to feel withdrawal symptoms...sigh :( 

I saw Simplicity 2187 reviewed by Knitters Delight and really liked the way it looked on her so I decided to try it myself.  The only problem I had was when I was finished with the dress, there was too much bulk around my torso area. So I adjusted it inward about 1" on each side to reduce the bulk a bit. I should have essentially used a smaller size, maybe a 10 instead of my usual 12. 

Other than the size issue it turned out pretty good.

Fabric Cost: 

Total: US$7.03 (1 1/2 yards)

Time to complete garment:

I spent about 4 hours from fabric cutting to final stitch.

Pattern Description: 

Misses Dress, Jumpsuit and Knit Tunic.

Pattern Sizing:

Size 6-14. I think it goes up to size 22.

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

Yes it did.  

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I chose size 12, but I think I should have used size 10 because the finished garment was a bit big. Yes, the instruction were very easy, however the instruction on how to construct the pocket did not state to top stitch but it was shown in the picture. So I top stitched the pocket. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the pockets and the fact that the pattern was a very easy sew.

Fabric Used:

Patterned knit jersey.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did not include the carrier. I did make the tie belt but I don't think its needed. I did adjusted the bodice area to make a little smaller.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, maybe in a different fabric.

Conclusion:

Really nice and easy to sew!  




So until I write again, happy reading and thanks for stopping by!

Faux Wrap!?!

October is here!! We are so close to Christmas that I am already feeling festive. Imagine I already have a pattern in mind for a dress to wear to our Christmas service at church. I also have some projects lined up that I cant wait to try and I have been to quite a few fabric stores literally hunting for the perfect prints to create my masterpieces. LOL!! 


For this month though I would like to complete at least four projects, and this is the first of those. I will also give you guys and gals a sneak peek of two of the other pieces of fabric that I have waiting for transformation. :)

Simplicity 4074


I must say this pattern really tricked me into believing it was a wrap dress pattern but it turned out not to be so I was a bit disappointed about that. After coming to terms with the realization that it is not a real wrap dress, I am pleased with the way it did turned out. I made view B with the sash which I believe was G. I opted out of the 3/4 sleeve though and decided to go with a puff sleeve instead...I think this is my favorite sleeve-type ever!! 

(I should have stood up straight, just as my mom always says too!! LOL)

Fabric Cost: 

Total: US$ 9.33 

Time to complete garment:

I spent about eight hours from fabric cutting to final stitch.

Pattern Description: 

Knit Dress with front variations

Pattern Sizing:

Size 6-14

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

Yes it did, but I changed the sleeve as mentioned before. Besides it being hot as hell in Trinidad these days, I prefer short sleeves to longer ones. I thought the change of sleeve pattern took the dress up a notch. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I chose size 12. For all the Simplicity and New Look patterns I've sewn thus far I seam to be a size 12. Yes most of the instructions were easy to follow. When I got to the part with the collar, though, I doubted that the way I understood the directions is the way it was really to be done. So I mess around for quite some time before actually completing this step. But other than that little confusion, the directions were okay.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the pleats at the shoulder seams.

Fabric Used:

Patterned knit jersey. A little tip, when sewing knits: starch the ends of the fabric before sewing, it keeps the ends from rolling in.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I changed the sleeves as mentioned before. I also shortened the dress quite a bit to get it to fall above my knee.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Not really, one dress in this style is sufficient for a wardrobe. Yes I would recommend it, if you are looking for a "faux wrap" dress, instead of a real wrap.

Conclusion:

Its a good pattern and it was easy to construct but I was disappointed with it not being a wrap.


As promised: Sneak Peek...

So until I write again, happy reading and thanks for stopping by!

"Showcase" at Last!!!

Okay so I have been wanting to showcase my work for the longest time. I have a number of projects lined up to start next month but I will post two projects that I have done recently. Sewing relaxes me so I have decided to try to do a project every week or at the most every other week for challenging projects. I hope you enjoy my blog!! Happy reading :)

So here goes....

Simplicity 2697


I love, love, love this top. I took a while between cutting the pattern out and actually sewing it because I thought it would be more difficult than it actually. I enjoyed sewing it... Quite simple and easy to put together. I chose a mixture of top C with sleeve A. I used size 12, which was a perfect fit. I personally think that mine looks better than the model's!

Pattern Description:
Light top with sleeve variations and elastic at shoulder.


Fabric Used:
Georgette. I will sew another, maybe style F in Satin.

Alterations:
None, I sewed it exactly as directed.

I paired it with a pair of classic black slacks to give it a complete look. Though, I doubt I would wear it with a skirt, when I sew it again I would lengthen it a bit so it can be tucked in to be worn with a pencil skirt for a sleek look to wear to work.

Next up:

New Look 6909

I have had this New Look pattern for quite some time before I finally decided to sew it. I chose view C without the pockets.

Pattern Description:

Vintage type dress with princess seams, pleated cap sleeves and bow in collar.

Fabric Used:

Linen Blend

Alterations:

I did not include the pockets.

I like the style of this dress, its very sophisticated, however the collar on my dress does not look exactly like the model's, I think its because I did not follow all the sewing directions. The area just above my bust does not lay as flat as I would like it to, so some alterations may have been required here (suggestions anyone). I would use this pattern again but I would not make it with the collar, only because I would not want too many dresses in this style.

The dress without the collar and pleated cap sleeves is very basic and can take many variations to get the desired look.

So until I write again, happy reading and thanks for stopping by!