Dress for DD

Pattern Description: Strapless sundress

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I didn't use a pattern

Were the instructions easy to follow? This dress was so easy I didn't need any instructions

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved that with one serged seam, casing for the elastic, the hem and a ribbon belt, I had a cute dress in no time for my daughter. I'm not crazy about this print but my daughter picked it out and she really loves it.

Fabric Used: Quilting Cotton $5.99 on sale at JoAnn'sWould you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would definitely sew this for her again. All it took was 1 1/8 yard of 45" fabric and a seam for a great look. Total cost $7.

Conclusion: It took no time, my daughter is happy, it's a winner.

Summer Top

Pattern Description: Misses sleeveless top in two lengths. Pattern Sizing: 8-18

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? The instructions were super easy. I didn't really need them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked how quickly this top came together (that is if you don't count the weeks it sat in the UFO pile). I wish they would figure out how to consistently design this style of top so that it would cover bra straps. I guess you can guess that this one did not.

Fabric Used: I used a polyester charmeuse that I got really cheap from Fabric.com. I actually bought this particular print to practice on on my new machine and serger before sewing on the prints I really liked but as this shirt shaped up, I started to really like it.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: There were no major design changes, however I did do an FBA and added 2 inches to the side seams. There was some wierd thing happening with the facings sticking out of the armscye but that could have been me so I just trimmed the facings back and serged the edges. I also made the top the length of view A because I can't stand wondering if my skin is showing when I raise my arms, but used the design elements of view B.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? With a good strapless bra (nearly impossible to find in my size) or with some alteration to the design of the straps, I would definitely make this again.

Conclusion: This top is cute, great for hot weather and is simple and quick to construct. This is a great pattern for the beginning sewist. This was also my first go around with the rolled edge which turned out pretty good. Overall, I'm really happy with this project.

Knit Maxi Dress

Pattern Description: Empire waist dresses A, B, C, D have hemmed, scoop necklines, side seam pockets and elastic casing at waist; dresses A, C and D have hemmed armholes; dress A has contrast bodice and hem band; dress B has sleeves gathered to sleeve band.

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? Mostly

Were the instructions easy to follow? Instructions were super easy. I didn't really need them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved that this dress had pockets and that it went together so quickly.

Fabric Used: Polyester KnitPattern

Alterations or any design changes you made: I added two inches to the bodice length and one inch to the width to make sure I had full bust coverage.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I definitely plan to sew at least one more of these. It's so comfortable.

Conclusion: I've been dying for a maxi dress but have very limited time to sew. The ease of this design allowed me to get my dress and not have to commit too much time. There are other maxi designs still on the cutting table but I've already worn this dress twice.

Butterick 5347

Pattern Description: Dresses A, B, C have front and back darts, front pleat with nonfunctioning button and back zipper. B: cap sleeves. C: contrast pockets. Lengths are 2" above mid-knee.Pattern Sizing: BB(8-10-12-14), F5(16-18-20-22-24) I made the 22 with a FBA but I ended up taking out a lot of ease. I definitely could have made a smaller size.

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?

The instructions were pretty clear although this dress was so simple to make I didn't really need them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I liked how quickly it came together but I felt it looked more matronly and less chic than I would have liked so I had to jazz it up with my accessories, this Spring trench from Target for $30 and these platform peeptoe pumps.

Fabric Used: 100% Linen

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

I omitted the facings and fully lined the dress since I wanted it to have a little more body and fewer wrinkles. Which worked out pretty well considering these photos were taken after a day of sitting and getting in and out of cars.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I will not be sewing this dress again. I actually bought a white pique to make the first version of the dress and then needed to make a black dress for a funeral so I will have to find something else to use the white pique for. I think this is a good dress for a beginner and would recommend it if you need a dress in a hurry.

Conclusion:

The one good thing about this is that it was my very first attempt at an invisible zipper. While my zipper is not as invisible as I would like it, I did get the insertion process down and think this will be my zipper of choice.

Butterick Summer Patterns . . . Are They Serious

Sooooo, I've been waiting and waiting to see Butterick's Summer 09 offerings certain that they would be fantasic after what we've seen from the other three for Summer. Imagine my shock and horror when I visited the site to find only 3 maybes out of 33 new offerings and the blatant replay of at least two patterns from Fall. I'm sorry but a sleeve variation does not a new pattern make. Here are my maybes

I like the sleeveless version better as the one with sleeves looks ill fitting on the model.

I actually really like version D but since I hardly ever wear strapless, I doubt that I will make this anytime in the near future but will probably still pick it up for $.99

I like View A of this pattern for the classic lines and style and it looks like it would be easy to put together.

The truth is, even though I'm sorely disappointed with the lack of new offerings, I'll be right in line to pick these up at the next $.99 sale.

Until then,

Happy Sewing

McCall's 5659 - Mother's Day Dress

Pattern Description: MISSES’ AND WOMEN’S DRESSES:

Dresses A, B, C have front pleats and contrast self-faced yoke; dress A has contrast hem band; dress B has purchased buttons, jewel stones or beads to creatively embellish yoke; dress C has patch pockets with pleats and contrast pocket bands; length is 2" above mid-knee.

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

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

Yes! I made view AWere the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were super easy which is one of the reasons I picked this pattern. I needed a dress to wear to dinner on Mothers Day but needed to be able to get it cut out and completed in one day. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the simplity of construction for something that is so stylish and that it worked up so quickly. I also liked the front pleat which gives the dress both shaping and functionality, the contrast band at the bottom which meant no hemming and that this dress has no zipper and goes on over your head. I liked that the dress has pockets because one of the reasons I don't wear dresses more is because I feel naked with no pockets. I liked that the yoke actually covers my bra straps without alteration unlike the circular yokes that are so popular. I also liked that this dress gave me enough room to not have to worry about holding my stomach in or worrying about Spanx but didn't look like a bag. No dislikes. I did have a little trouble making sure that pleat lined up in the middle but I just put the dress on my dress form to help with that and was able to get it right.

Fabric Used: A polyester woven from JoAnn's I got months ago and earmarked for a different pattern for the dress and a gaberdine solid for the contrast yoke. This was a great fabric choice as it made the dress really flowy (is that a word).

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

Because of the pleat in the front, I didn't have to do my usual FBA.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I definitely will be sewing this dress again at least twice. Depending on the fabric used, it can be dressed up or down. I plan to make it in cotton next.

Conclusion:

I think this is a great little dress for summer and is quite stylish and easy to put together. Definitely one you might want to check out if you need something cute in a hurry.

My Latest Inspiration

This is my latest fashion inspiration. I'm trying to decide on a pattern to use as a base, here are my two choices.

Simplicity 2647 although rather than a deep V, this pattern features a cross over bodice but after seeing what they did with it in the recent issue of Sew Stylish it makes me think this might be a good candidate.

Simplicity 2647 variation in the Spring 09 edition.

OR

McCall's 5753 although it's looks funky on the envelope it's a create it pattern so you can use the bodice and/or sleeve variations. This dress stays more true to the lines of the inspiration dress including the deep V but I already own the Simplicity pattern and would have to buy the McCall's pattern so we'll see. Until then. . .

Happy Sewing