Pattern Review: McCalls M6797 Top

Pattern Description:
 Pullover loose fitting top
Pattern Sizing:
I cut in XL
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?
Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It was easy to sew and went together quickly.
Fabric Used:
I used a rib knit that I purchased online for $1.00/yard.  This was made as a "wearable muslin" that I will probably wear to lounge around the house with yoga pants.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None

Would you sew it again? 
Yes, I plan on making this again, in a better fabric.  I make make some alterations to the draped side of the top by removing some of the drape and adding a little more structure to it.
Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I would.  It was an easy top to make and is very versatile. You can dress it up or down depending on the fabric you use and how you accessorize it.

Pattern Review: McCalls Quick & Easy Skirt 3830 (Pencil Skirt #1)

This is probably the oldest pattern in my stash...its date stamped October 2004!!! So yes, I have had this pattern quite some time.  Sad thing is, it only took me a couple of hours to cut it out and sew it!

Pattern Description: Skirt in 5 lengths. I decided to sew view E, which is knee length.

Pattern Sizing: 16-22

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? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved this pattern. Very simple and easy to make.

Fabric Used: Black/Off White Geometric stretch Poly Twill Sateen 46W purchased from FabricMart.com.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No alterations, however...instead of putting in the waist yoke, I added lining.  I made view D which is a knee length skirt.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definately sew it again. This pattern can be to base for sew many skirt options. Highly recommend you give it s try. I've had it for almost 10 years and McCalls still has it available for purchase, so the right there lets you know it a popular pattern.

Conclusion: LOVE IT!

Pattern Review - McCalls 6243 Dress View C

McCalls 6243 View C

This is one of the submissions that I will be entering into the Mini Wardrobe challenge on Pattern Review. What I like about this dress is that it is perfect to transition into fall.  Here in Texas we really won’t start getting cooler weather until probably mid to late October.  And once the temperature drops, I can easy pair this dress with a light weight jacket complete the look.

Pattern Description: Above mid-knee, straight dresses A, B, C have diagonal seams in front, back exposed zipper and extended shoulders, forming cap sleeve; dress A has front cut-out; dress B has diagonal, exposed decorative zippers; dress C has top-stitched seams.

Pattern Sizing: I cut out Size 18

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? Yes, although I did not follow them step by step.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? As it was labeled, it was very easy to sew. Did not like the neckline or the length, so I made some modifications to the pattern.

Fabric Used: I used a printed Ponte Knit that was purchased online FrabricMart.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The drawing on the pattern for view C made the neckline look very tight. So I dropped the center front neckline down about 1" and the back neckline down about 1/2". Because I am tall, I added 3" to the length. I also lined the top bodice so that I could have clean, seamless arm and neck openings.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definitely sew this again, it was a very easy dress to sew and it is very comfortable.

Conclusion: Very cute dress with endless options for styling.

Pattern Review: McCall's 1 hr Cardigan

Here is my review for McCall's 1 hr. Cardigan.  I am currently participating in two challenges.  One of which is www.patternreview.com pattern stash. This is a pattern I have had in my stash for a loooonnnngggg time.  I tend to be cold natured and I thought this is the perfect project to have to lounge in. So this morning when I got up I decided to sew this up real quick

Pattern Description: 1 hr Cardigan
Pattern Sizing: ZZ (Lrg-Xlg-XXlg) I cut the XXL because I wanted this to lounge in. I like to wrap up in stuff.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Somewhat.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was easy to cut and sew. Just two pattern pieces. Was not pleased with the overall shape of the completed project.
Fabric Used: A light weight knit I had in my stash.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? No, probably not.
Would you recommend it to others? No
Conclusion: Not quite what I was looking for.


 

Graduation Outfit

My son graduates next month from basic training.  So my mom, my other son and I will be headed to South Carolina for his graduation.  I am super excited!  But I must find the perfect outfit to wear!  You know mom has to look cute!   There are a a lot of unknowns about this trip.  Being in the south already, I know that weather most likely will be hot and balmy.  And I also know that the graduation will be out doors, weather permitting (translation as long as we don't get hit with one of those crazy summer rain storms), so I need something that is suitable for out door weather.

Last month I picked up a lot of really cute patterns from Hobby Lobby and JoAnn's when they had their sale.  So last night I started flipping through them in hopes to find the perfect dress to sew.

I decided to sew the Simplicity 2178 Cynthia Rowley dress - I am of doing View A minus the strap and the shoulder tie (just a seam).

Here is the Cynthia Rowley Resort 2010 version of the dress (Below). I love the color blocking with the coral and the white.

There a a few reviews of this pattern on www.patternreview.com that will be very helpful when I sew this baby together.  It seems a few people had some little issues with how the bodice, waistband and skirt attach together.  But I don't think I will let that deter me...I love this dress!

Pattern Review: Simplicity 1658 Jessica McClintock Dress.

Pattern Description:  Depending on the view you decide to sew and that fabric you use, this dress can be a nice everyday dress, date night dress or worn for a cocktail or evening event.

Pattern Sizing: 14-22

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? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I loved the simplicity of the dress. I had just the right amount of flair! However, I did not like the flange in the sleeves.  I sewed the pattern with them initially, but went back and removed them.

Fabric Used: For the under layer and lining, I used a light weigh fabric (unknown…something I had in my stash).  For the over layer I used organza.  The skirt was made out of a medium weight stretch satin. The skirt to this dress is fitted and there are no waist darts.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Looking at the pictures and the drawings, I suspected that I would not like the flange sleeves, but cut and sewed the dress according to the instructions.  Once I finished it, I realized I DID NOT LIKE the sleeves for sure! So I took them off. 

I also used French seams and a rolled hem on the organza so I could have clean edges all the way around.

Because of my height (and age). I added about 2” to the hem so the hemline would be right at my knees.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I would sew it again. I needed this dress to wear out last night, and it was perfect for the occasion.  I did make a few mistakes that I need to fix.  I would definitely sew it again, it’s a very cute and comfortable dress.  Next time I make it I will go for a day look. Yes, I would recommend it to others, it was fairly easy to sew, instructions were clear and it is a VERY comfortable dress to wear.  I got lots of compliments on it.

Conclusion: Loved it because I was able to accomplish two things…had a cute outfit to wear out last night, and sewed up about 5 yards of fabric out of my fabric stash!

Location, Location, Location!!!

When I moved into my house last summer, I decided I was going to put my sewing/craft room in the extra bedroom that faced the front of the house.  That way I can see out the front window and all the happenings in the neighborhood.  Needless to say, that room was very un-inspiring.

Last week as I sat at my dining room table hemming some curtains I was making for my niece's bedroom and the thought crossed my mind..."why am I NOT in my sewing room doing this???" As I looked around, I realized what I liked about the dining room was that I could see out my patio door (lots of natural light and a nice view) and that I could see my TV in my living room.  

So I pulled everything out of both rooms and started moving things around. It's still a work in progress, but I feel "inspired" already.  Hopefully by the end of the week I can have all my fabric stash sorted and reorganized.

I took a break or too to surf the net and ran across this contest on Pattern Review. An thought it would be the perfect contest to get my sewing mojo back and use some of the patterns I have that I have not tried yet.

The contest starts March 16th, and ends April 30th.