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!

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!