Pattern Review - Butterick B5211 Dress

This is definitely one of those dresses that would not sell in stores.  In the hanger it looks like a sack, but once you put it on it transforms into a cute comfy dress.

Pattern Description: Labeled by Butterick as "Fast & Easy" 1 hour pattern

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 22, next time I make it I will probably cut an 20 or 18

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? Easy to sew, loose fitting and comfortable.  Can easily be dressed up or dressed down with the right accessories or by constructing with a different fabric choice.

Fabric Used: Unknown, it was a med weight twill with a satin finish I had in my stash. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Lined

Would you sew it again? Yes

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, every easy dress to make.

Conclusion: Next time I sew it, I will add 3-4" inches to the length.

The Pencil Skirt

One of the key pieces to any fabulous wardrobe is a pencil skirt.  Pencil skirts are simple, classic and timeless.  And the quickest and easiest way to put together a professional look with very little effort. Your options are endless...a crisp white tailored shirt, blouse, sweater or blazer.  Add a few accessories and you are out the door.

I decided to challenge myself to make at least one (1) skirt a week from now until the end of the year to help build my wardrobe.  The pattern I will use is McCalls 3830.   This is such an easy pattern and there are many ways to alter it and add interest to the look.  

Stay tuned 

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.

Hemming

My boyfriend and I were talking over the weekend and he mentioned he had a couple of pair of his work coveralls that were looking "raggedy" because they were too long and the hem was starting to fray.  I'm like, just bring them with you when you come over and I will fix them. 

He's seen some of the stuff I've sewn but has never actually seen me in action.  So while we are waiting for dinner to finish up.  I have him try in the pants so I can see how much they need to be hemmed.  Marked my hem line and headed toward my sewing room. 

So he's sitting in there with me, looking around in awe at all the gadgets and what not.  It was kinda funny because he reminded me of a little kid getting a peek into the forbiden room...you know, "look but don't touch!"  Less than 10 minutes later I have both pair of pants hemmed and ironed.

"Wow! These look professionally done!"  I just smiled and him and replied "They were!  I will send you my bill"  I love my man!

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.


 

Fabric + Inspiration = Fabulous Dress

I saw this dress on Pinterest a couple of weeks ago...LOVE IT!  It's part of the Louis Vuitton, Fall 2013 collection.  The mix of the plaid and the lace is what I love the most about it.  So this morning I'm looking through my Style board where I have this picture pinned and it hits me!!!  This fabric is just like one of the fabrics I scored at Walmart last week, at a whopping' $1.00 per yard!

Thinking of using Vogue 8069 View A and making a jacket to go with it. This is an OOP pattern I had in my stash.

Cheers to the freakin' weekend!!!!

Yeah, its Friday!!! You know what that means....MORE TIME FOR SEWING!  I'm so glad I moved my sewing room, it has made a HUGE difference...I have my mojo back!  I have been coming home every day and heading straight to the sewing room.  Good thing it's just me at home, because no one would be eating or getting any kind of attention.  My focus has been totally on sewing!  And I am loving every minute of it. 

I'm getting re-aquinted with my sewing machine and dusting out the cobwebs on my sewing skills.  I even got inspired enought to take my degree off the bookshelf, frame it and proudly hang it on the wall.  Goodness...just think of where my skills would be if I had really really done more sewing when I got out of school.  But anyway...its never too late.  Everything happens for a reason, in it's own due time.

This weekend I am going to concentrate on finishing up the projects I have cut out and partially sewn up.  So hopefully before the weekend it out I will have some pictures up.

Happy Sewing!!!