My Little Black Dress

McCALL'S 5972 Laura Ashley...A Review

What can I say about this pattern...hmmmm...It's simple, simple, simple and the fit is great. I bought this pattern cause I loved view C (that's the pink one) and desperately wanted to add it to my wardrobe, in the meantime though I also wanted a versatile black dress for which I decided to use this pattern. I sewed view A with minor alterations.

I cut size 10, which fit the way I liked. The dress pattern comes in four pieces, two for the back and two for the front (which means that there is a seam at the waist), which I didn't like because I would have to always wear the dress with a belt to get that polished look. So I joined my two back pattern pieces and the two front pattern pieces to eliminate the seam at the waist. 

I also moved the position of the zip from the side to the back, thus creating a seam there to allow for the slit opening at the hem.

The directions were really easy to follow, so easy that anyone can make a fabulous dress. 

I only lined the bodice area of the dress (no real reason, only that I was being lazy and looking for short cuts ). 

The fabric I used was a linen blend, which has some weight to it so it was an easy sew overall. I like the way the dress turned out however, I do prefer the zip to the side but I did not want the waist seam which facilitates the slit opening at the back so I had to compromise.

For sure I'm sewing this one again, it's a classic pattern. I don't think it would ever go out of style and of course I must sew view C...after all, that's the reason I purchased the pattern in the first place.

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

My First Vogue...V 1217

Review: V1217

At one of the recent sales that Vogue had online, I bought two patterns. I have been wanting to sew a Vogue for quite a while but I did not have the courage (to me Vogue are the master of all pattern companies, if you know what I mean) Both of the patterns I chose were labelled "easy". I thought since its my first experience I might as well be easy on myself  LOL. 

I must say though, that I really enjoyed sewing this dress...it was easy to sew (minimum alterations) and it turned out fabulous.

The fabric is a very nice brown on cream polka dot chiffon. I got this fabric on the sale table at an extremely low price :). Sale again!!! I'm always looking for a bargain. 

I lengthened the dress by about 5" just because the model's version is a bit too short for me. I always like that just above the knee look. ;)

After I attached the bow, I did not like how it sagged, so I tacked the end of it onto the neckline with a small stitch and that did the trick.

 

Check out that... oh-so-chic bow.

And the back...

The slip was the only troublesome bit. Because I lengthened the dress I also had to do the same with the slip. The straps for the slip are attached in line with my armpit, so I was not sure how much to add to have the same effect as adding 5" to the dress. I ended up having to cut the slip quite a few times to have it fall above the hemline of the dress. But by trial and error, I was able to figure it out.

This is definitely a a sew again pattern, I have already begun to look for a suitable print. I may try it in a different fabric and eliminate the need for the slip altogether :)

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

Simplicity 4273

I have had this pattern for a long time and never attempted it, so I dusted it off and got into it. I was a bit intimated but the number of pattern pieces for the jacket...so I procrastinated, and procrastinated some more, until I finally decided to sew it.

I sewed view A Jacket & D Skirt.

Please excuse the shine on my face, these pics were taken after a long day at work.

Below is my review:


Pattern Description: 

Jacket, Pant, Skirt and Dress Pattern

Pattern Sizing:

Size 8 - 24

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

Yes, it did with some alterations but clearly I should have done more (do you see how the back fits)

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Somewhat...I was a bit confused with the construction of the collar.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Directions for the collar construction.

Fabric Used:

Ralph Taylor (Linen Type)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I totally changed the collar; I scraped their pattern piece and cut one from another pattern and attached the collar the way I know how. 


I also added the sash for the necktie.

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

Yes I would sew again. I feel the need to conquer this pattern I also like the style. The pattern itself is okay.

Conclusion:

I took quite a long time to complete this suit because I assumed that the jacket would be difficult, however in retrospect had I attempted it when I cut the fabric I could have completed it in a relatively short time. 

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

Quick and Easy

I wanted a nice flowing skirt to go with a top my husband bought me last year. I made this little number in just  two hours, with only one and a half yard of fabric. 

The fabric is a really pretty chiffon-type fabric with a bit of texture in between the print.

You can never go wrong with an elastic waist skirt...quick and easy. I must say it paired with the top as if they were made for each other :).

 The skirt turned out perfect...light and playful!


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

Maxis Missing from My Wardrobe

You know its summer when...there are a lot of maxis in the air, be it skirts or dresses as every woman need to have something cool to wear when its hot out.  

But could you believe I live in a tropical country and don't own a maxi dress?!? Well believe it cause I kid you not. So the quest of owning a maxi dress was on and I was eyeing the ever popular McCall's 6559, but I also had an event in mind that I wanted to wear it to. However as I don't live in the US, I would have to order the pattern online which will take some time to be delivered. 


I decided to improvise...yes improvise, and improvise I did. :)

I created my own pattern from an old racer back tee and the results were astonishing...I could not believe myself. Below are a few pics, let me know what you think...

I am really pleased with the way it turned out and the feeling was very rewarding knowing I constructed it all by myself. YAY ME!!!

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

Jumpers, Rompers, Jumpers...and a Pencil Skirt!

When this particular style first exploded in the fashion world, I loved it instantly and as there are many patterns  available for these jumpers, I decided to sew as many as I wanted...um...um... six (6) might be sufficient. Just kidding...um, I think... Well I also promised my four nieces that I would sew them each one for their birthday. (I hope for their sake I get the time to keep my promise :) )

I have seen quite a few reviews for this McCall 6083 on Pattern Review.com so I doubt that I would do one, especially as they were all really good reviews. I will say though, that there was one common adjustment that some persons made, that I am am really sorry I didn't.

Some reviewers added length to the bodice of the jumper, I neglected to do this as I believe I have a short torso. In the end, I really should have because I ended up having to add an inch after the jumper was completed to at least be able to wear my creation (which gave me a VERY visible double seam around the waist).

If you look closely you can see the double seam at the waist

I made a size 6 but I think next time I would sew size 8 or 10 for a little more "wiggle room". I also included 3/8" elastic around the leg so it would bunch at my knees.

Overall I really love this pattern, it is super easy to construct and turns out just as one would expect. There really aren't any surprises with this one.

The Pencil Skirt


When I first learned to sew, over 15 years ago, one of the first garments I constructed was a straight skirt using the block method of pattern drafting. What I learned then never left me, even though I probably only made a total of 4 straight skirts in my life, but then again I had an excellent teacher!

The skirt turned out pretty good, which boosted my confidence to undertake pattern drafting with more vigor than I had before. YAY ME!!!!

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

I'm Still Here in the Land of the Sewing!!!

I feel as though I have not blogged in forever, but I most definitely have not stopped sewing!! It has been a bit hectic in my neck of the woods, hence the reason I have not posted. Before I jump into sewing stuff I want to say *Happy New Year* to all my fabulously fantastic readers. May you have a really wonderful 2012 filled with lots of love and laughter.

Okay, so here is what I've been up to...

• Simplicity 2697 again... and again...I think I have now had my full of this style :).

• The very popular McCall's 6083, with a twist...

• Simplicity 4273 (still in progress)

• A pair of school shorts for my son and a much needed pencil skirt for myself F-I-N-A-L-L-Y!!! Both self drafted.

I will post pictures and do proper reviews on all soon, but I really missed writing about my projects so I had to drop a quick line.

I also received these patterns in the mail today, which has me extremely hyped...I'm really getting my sew on this year!

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