S2504 Part 1

It's been so cold here all I can think about is ways to stay warm. Luckily I've been on vacation since right before Christmas so I had more options but it got me to thinking about finishing up some those outerwear patterns I have. First up is this leopard fleece little casual jacket as I pretty much wear one of my jean jackets or no jacket most of the time. I thought this would shake that up a bit.

I'll probably will work on this this weekend after I cut out a few more things.

Christmas PJ's

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas most of my time was spent with these little ones and sewing matching Christmas PJ's for the entire family because the kids wanted us to stay in pajamas the whole day.

B5679 - Sneak Peek

I woke up yesterday morning feeling cold. I always feel like I don't have anything to wear so I decided to work on this sweater/tunic a bit before work.

Front

Don't mind the dress, it's another Mimi G T-shirt maxi that I wasn't able to finish before the weather turned cold and wet.  I will definitely finish it and wear it Spring/Summer 2013.

Back

I love this fabric. It's warm and stretchy and sparkly.  Those little sparkly bits were killing my machine.  I have some sewing/craft deadlines to meet so I probably won't get back to this until this weekend but I should definitely be able to finish it since I only have to put the sleeves, collar and hem in. 

B5789

My daughter is here to spend Thanksgiving with us. Since she used her employee flight benefits she flew standby which from my perspective is not always all it's cracked up to be. Since she was supposed to come in on last Friday we hung close to the house waiting for her to tell us what flight she'd be on and planned to run a few errands while she was in the air and the boys were in school.  But since she couldn't make it on a flight, I had to run last minute errands for my 2 year old's birthday party and do some Thanksgiving grocery shopping with my three little ones in tow while my husband drove the 80 miles round trip to get her from the airport. Oh what fun.  So because I didn't have enough to keep me busy, I decided to make this sweater to wear to dress things up while braving the weather and crowds.

I've wanted to make one of these cascade front jackets for awhile but hadn't gotten around to it. I'm really trying to beef up my Fall/Winter wardrobe with versatile pieces so this really fit the bill.

Pattern Description: MISSES' VEST AND JACKET: Vest and jacket (wrong side shows) have neckline and length variations. A and B: front extends into back collar, front and back cut-in-one, no side seams, cut on crosswise fold of fabric. C and D: collar. D: button closure. A, B, C and D: draped front, narrow hem. E: front, sleeve and hem bands, topstitching.

Pattern Sizing: Combinations: Y(XSmall-Small-Medium), ZZ(Large-XLarge-XXLarge)

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? Super easy. I only looked at them to see how the collar was gathered.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that this pattern will allow me to add many light to mid-weight outerwear options to my wardrobe. This pattern runs kind of big and since I have sloping shoulders, that's not good but thankfully, because of the unstructured nature of the garment, it still works.

Fabric Used: This was sold as a ponte knit but it is really more of a french terry.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I definitely plan to.

Conclusion: I've had this pattern for awhile, I'm glad I finally got around to sewing it. A nice entry into outerwear for beginners.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone is having a lovely day with good food, good family and good friends.

Hooray its my Birthday! and V8815

I always get so excited for my birthday.  It's actually on the 13th but since I'm still up on the 14th it's still my birthday in my book (like the logic).  I'm just happy to have made it through another year healthy and sane.  2012 has been a trying one but I feel there has been tremendous growth, I've made some amazing new friendships and strengthened existing ones.  As I approach this next year I want to continue to live life to the fullest with no regrets and loving those around me to the fullest capacity of my heart.  Thank you all for always supporting and encouraging me.  It is truly appreciated.

I wanted to make something new to wear on my birthday and since I worked today and baby it's (California) cold outside, I wanted to be comfortable and warm. I actually chose this version because I needed to finish fast and there is no zipper.

I'm definitely late to the peplum party but I needed to figure out in my head how I was going to do my pattern adjustments with the two piece front bodice. I ended up using the pivot method for my FBA pivoting the bottom of the upper bodice piece out about 1" then pivoted the top of the front bottom to match easing the pattern piece back to the center fold at the bottom of the peplum. This worked perfectly and I should have taken pictures but I definitely will on my next one.

Pattern Description: MISSES' TOP: Fitted top has raised waist/hemline variations and narrow hem. A and B: back zipper. C: pullover, wrong side shows (back hemline), back neck slit with hook/eye closing. B and C: stitched hems on sleeves. Purchase bias tape to finish necklines and armholes A.

Pattern Sizing: B5(8-10-12-14-16), F5(16-18-20-22-24)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I think so.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are super easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the different options in one envelope. I plan to get a lot of use from this pattern.

Fabric Used: A ponte knit I scored about two years ago for $1.99 a yard from denverfabrics.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did a FBA and added two inches to the front upper bodice length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I definitely plan to sew some view of this pattern again soon.

Conclusion: Easy and on-trend. Definitely a wardwrobe staple.

Faye's Carnival of Skirts - My Plan

I am participating in Faye's Carnival of Skirts sew-a-long. I am definitely late to the party but I wanted to post my sewing plan. I hope to complete at least three skirts by the deadline on Wednesday.

2 using Mimi G's Pencil skirt tutorial, one of which is already done; and

1 using B5466 below

If I'm really productive, I'll also try to knock out one of these B5566 skirts

I have joined just about every sew-a-long of Faye's and have yet to finish anything before deadline so I'm just happy I did it.  I'll post pictures soon.

Did you see it! Mimi has posted information for next years Meet, Shop and Learn event. I attended last year and it was phenomenal! Great fabric, great prices, great people, great fun! Hope to see you there.

M6612 - Reason No. 665,566,650 to love my fabric stash

I love this picture with Raven's pony tails and the shadows in it. Trying to get a picture without little people running through it has become very challenging.

I found out last night at about 10pm that my stepfather's funeral was today at 1:30 (long boring story). Of course, I had nothing to wear. (Actually, I tried on this dress, but since I didn't love it the first time, I loved it even less the second time) so I needed a dress. This dress was perfect since it is essentially M6559 and I have made that four times.

Now on to fabric. I have, like many of you learned that all ponte/double knit is not created equally and I can usually avoid being duped into buying the thin, crappy non-sumptuous versions that I don't like but a few weeks ago, during one of the DenverFabrics.com sales I bought 3 yards of the black crappy stuff thinking I could use it to make leggings. I actually had it packaged up to return but in a pinch I had to use it. Lesson learned here: only buy ponte roma/double knit from trusted sources.

On the ride home, I was feeling pretty pleased with myself and pretty darn powerful.  There is so much power in the ability to create.  If this had happened during my sewing hiatus, I would have freaked out, gotten up super early and headed to the mall to spend way too much money on something sure to be mediocre.  Instead, I just had to flip through one of my beautifully organized pattern binders, hit the fabric stash and create!

Pattern Description: Close-fitting, pullover dresses have neckline/sleeve variations and narrow hem. A: elasticized side seams. D: double-layered collar.

Pattern Sizing: B5(8-10-12-14-16), RR(18W-20W-22W-24W)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Sort of. I made view D with the collar but made it short like view C.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Since this dress is essentially another version of my beloved 6559, after looking over the instructions to see how the collar was attached, I didn't need them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved how quickly this went together and how it was a little twist on the tank. I also loved the collar which oddly enough keeps you slightly warmer than a plain sleeveless dress.

Fabric Used: Ponte Double Knit (not the best quality but it worked).  My machine HATED this fabric and kept eating it so I ended up constructing the entire thing on the serger. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the dress to just above the knee and pegged the hem.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definitely be sewing this again . . . many times.

Conclusion: This pattern has so many options and this will make a great wardrobe staple.

McCalls 6400 (Temporary) Fail

What I love about this top - It works up so quickly I was able to make it up before work.

What I don't love about this top - It's drafted freakishly small (that's my story and I'm sticking to it) so it doesn't fit. Yet, anyway. It's not soooo bad and it's nothing 10lbs won't solve, hence the *temporary* vs. epic fail status but when I make something, I want to wear it right now!

Pattern Description: MISSES' TOPS: Close Fitting (doesn't that just say it all).

Pattern Sizing: Y(XSmall-Small-Medium), ZZ(Large-XLarge-XXLarge)

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? Didn't even use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Fabric Used: A metallic knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I am quite busty so I made the XXL which is supposedly a size 24-26 AND added about an inch to the side seams.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Not.So.Much. Other people have had success with it and it is cute so give it a try.

Conclusion: This is a cute top that works up quickly BUT, it seems rather odd that a top of this style would be drafted as "close fitting". Additionally, I don't think it's drafted true to size as it seems to run kind of small.

V8821 - Redo

I started this tank a couple of weeks ago, following my sewing plan of cutting out a few garments at a time and sewing 10-15 minutes when I find the time. It works up pretty quickly and I finished the front in one sitting. A couple of days later I finished the back and went about serging my seams because as much as I wish I could rush through I love having neat insides. Finally on the last seam, the one connecting the upper to the lower bodice, I serged about a 2 inch hole in the shirt. Luckily I had more fabric but because I was so disgusted, I put it down. Finally, last night, I decided I wanted to get this done so I can wear it before it gets too cold.

Pattern Description: MISSES' TUNIC AND PANTS: Very loose-fitting, pullover tunic has princess seams, side slits, narrow hem, back longer than front (wrong side shows), and back neck slit with hook/eye closing. B: stitched hem on sleeves. Purchased bias tape finishes neckline, and armholes A. Semi-fitted, straight-legged pants have self-lined yokes, back zipper and stitched hems.

Pattern Sizing: B5(8-10-12-14-16), F5(16-18-20-22-24)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I think so.

Were the instructions easy to follow? This is a "Very Easy Vogue" pattern and the instructions definitely fit the bill.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the stylishness of this pattern and how easy it came together. I'm sure the front bodice seam is there for interest, however, it's unnecessary and if I make this again, I will take a page from Adrienne's book and tape the two pieces together and cut them as one.

Fabric Used: Rayon Challis

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: As far a sizing goes, no FBA was needed because there is plenty of room however, I would have liked an extra inch or two in the front to avoid the threat of flashing people with my "no baby, just bump" if I lifted my arms. Don't know how that would have thrown off the lines of the top so I just wore a tank underneath. I also sewed up the entire center back seam because even in this woven fabric, I can easily slip this on over my head.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I may make this again but warmer weather is fading so maybe not until next year. I definitely would recommend this to others.

Conclusion: Great little top. You should give it a try.

BMV 5 Day Pattern Sale Now thru 9/20

Patterns are going for as little as $1.44 if you have a Club BMV membership. Check it out if you need to stock up for Fall.

A Song For Daddy

My eldest daughter singing for her daddy.



I love this (little girl) young woman.

Mimi G's T-Shirt Maxi

I made this dress following the fabulous Mimi G's T Shirt Maxi Tutorial.

This tutorial is AMAZING!!! It is extremely well done and offers something for the experienced sewist, the novice and everyone in between. Not only does Mimi walk you through each step of creating the dress from an existing garment, you'll also learn how to create your own pattern, make the dress without a paper pattern, technique for installing sleeves, neck binding and how to make fit adjustments. Learning these techniques alone make this tutorial worth every penny of the $10.99. I've sewn for nearly 30 years and it took me years to master some of these things and this is my first time copying an existing garment. Mimi talks you through each step, explains WHY she's doing what she's doing and if that wasn't enough, she actually contructs her dress while you watch. The real beauty of this tutorial is that this dress looks great on all body types because you start with a T-shirt that you already know fits you the way you like. If you haven't already gotten your download please do you won't regret it! This will definitely be a wardrobe staple. I already have many other versions planned.

Pattern Description: T-Shirt Maxi Dress

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? The dress looks exactly like the shirt I used

Were the instructions easy to follow? Extremely so.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the level of detail in the intructions. Makes this a can't fail pattern option.

Fabric Used: ITY Jersey Knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No alterations necessary since you create the pattern using a t-shirt that you already know fits you. One note though, using ITY knit again, I will stabilize the the neck binding with a knit interfacing so that it won't droop.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? You bet!

Conclusion: This will be my go to piece for fall layering. I.LOVE.THIS.DRESS.

4am is not the time to get all fancy.

I decided to finish up my version of V8821 to wear tomorrow because we're having a heat wave. I put the front together over the weekend and finished the back "tonight". I decided to serge all my seams and tada serged a big a$$ hole in it. #epicfail. Luckily I have more fabric so I'll re-cut and finish tomorrow. Now off to find something ELSE to wear to work tomorrow.

M6115 . . . So Inspired

I made this dress (M5425) some time ago

I loved the print but at the time, didn't love the dress so I never wore it for "fashion" and would just wear it to run to the post office or grocery store. Over time, I came to really love the dress because it always made me feel so happy to be dressed so brightly so I decided to make it again in another fun print. Then a couple of weeks ago I spotted this dress on
Mimi's Blog and was inspired instead to make this

This dress wears like dream.

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESSES IN THREE LENGTHS: Dresses A, B, C, D are loose fitting, A-line with neckline casing and shoulder strap; dress A has contrast shoulder strap and bow; dress C has contrast shoulder strap; dresses A, B, C lengths are above-knee; dress D is ankle length.

Pattern Sizing: A5(6-8-10-12-14), EE(14-16-18-20)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I think so.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Super easy, didn't need them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the ease with which this came together. A great dress in a couple of hours.

Fabric Used: Crepe Knit bought from Fabric.com awhile ago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made the pattern as directed, however, I did add inseam side pockets. I also used a knit when it was recommended for wovens.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I plan to sew this at least once more. I would definitely recommend this pattern to others.

Conclusion: This pattern is simple but stylish pattern, easy to sew, easy to wear. Great for beginners.

M6559 Version 4

Here is Version 4 of M6559. When I originally made this dress. I used black fold over elastic around the neck and arm openings but I.HATED.IT. I wore it once but then it promptly went on the shelf and out of the rotation. I didn't want to pick out all of that stitching so I just cut of the elastic and now I'm back in the game. This is again made from the trendy knit from FabricMart (needless to say I cleaned up during that sale)

Just because, I've included a pic of me and the hubby (isn't he the cutest!). I didn''t make this dress, it's one of my steal of a deal dresses from Old Navy.