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.