M6650 A wearable muslin

I'm usually one to buy patterns as soon as they come out but it then it takes me awhile to sew them up.  I'd really been digging the pussy bow trend but most of the blouses I'd seen were button up and being super busty, we don't usually get along too well. So, when I saw this pattern, I snapped it right up.  I picked out a lovely stripped fabric to go with the skirt I'm wearing (reviewed Here) but I wanted to work out the kinks before cutting into it so since I always have lots of white broadcloth laying around and it's pretty easy to come by if I mess it up, I decided to make a wearable muslin so if things went well I'd have a cool new white top and if not it wouldn't be a huge loss.

Pattern Description:   MISSES' TOPS: Loose-fitting, pullover tops have gathered front neckline, and back-button placket. A: Purchased bias tape finishes armholes. B: Sleeve bands. A,B: Bias collar extends into tie ends. C: Bias neck binding. A,B,C: Narrow hem. D: Collar, lower edge gathered into band. B,C,D: Gathered sleeves. B,D: Bias, gathered overlays. C,D: Button cuffs, seam opening on sleeves.

Pattern Sizing: AX5(4-6-8-10-12), D5(12-14-16-18-20)

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the neck and sleeve detail but it's also the thing that drove me a little crazy because there are a few fiddly bits and hand sewing to create those details but it would just be a plain old shirt without them.

Fabric Used:  I used a cotton broadcloth.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  Since the front is cut on the fold, I made a FBA by pivoting out 2 inches at the hem.  Also, since the sleeve bands are fitted, I added about 2 inches to all of the pieces used to create the band according to my bicep measurement.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I do have another one planned.  This is a very versatile pattern and I have seen it used to make some fabulous creations.

Conclusion:   This is a great wardrobe staple and a pretty easy make.

Another Mimi G. T-Shirt Maxi

I'm really on a "I want something new to wear today" kick. I'm super busy and super tired so I didn't have time to get to the dress I had planned, enter this UFO.  I actually started this dress late September and then the weather changed so it sat on the dress form until last night.  I have made this before and reviewed it Here. There really isn't more I can say about how much I love it. If you haven't tried it, please do, you'll love it.

I made this version out of a lovely modal knit from High End Fabrics on ebay.  This fabric feels heavenly BUT it is super clingy so proper foundation garments are a must.

 

And the winner is . . .

Congratulations Faye Lewis! You are the winner of the Mimi G Mermaid Maxi tutorial. Please send me you e-mail address so I can send you the file.

Thank you all for entering.

Butterick 5892

It seems my sewing mojo has been inspired by the recent change in weather.  I've worn something I've sewn every day this week and today, I wanted to wear something new. I knew it had to be pretty simple because I didn't even get off work until 8pm.  I cut this out last night but didn't trust myself to sew as I was getting sleepy and we know how that usually turns out so I got up early this morning and headed straight to the sewing den and about 45 minutes later TA DA!

Please know how much you guys mean to me because in the picture of the back of the skirt I look as wide as the side of a building but I am holding the skirt out at the sides just to give you guys a better look.

Pattern Description: MISSES' SKIRT: Loose-fitting, lined skirt has elasticized waist and shaped hemline (wrong side shows), and narrow hem. C and D: elasticized tie ends, and ruffle.

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? Yes.  They even included instructions on how to do french seams which is unheard of.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love how easy this pattern was.  I cut it out Wednesday night, got up a little early on Thursday, sewed it and wore it the same day.

Fabric Used:  I used an ITY Knit I bought from Fabric Mart Fabrics

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  While I was excited to see that french seams were used in such an easy/simple pattern, I actually didn't use them because the pattern has several views that are lined sheer skirts, hence the need for the french seams but since my fabric wasn't sheer, I just did my standard zig zag stitch and serged the seams.  There is a fair amount of ease in the design and I could have easily gone down a size.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I may make another.

Conclusion:   This is a very easy sew.  I would definitely recommend this for beginners.

Mimi G's Mermaid Maxi

Mimi G is at it again. Several weeks back I was doing my usual blog crawl and ran across this post



it's been a minute since I had a MUST.HAVE.THIS. moment but I found myself smack dab in the middle of one. After patiently (not really) waiting for the tutorial on this one, here is my version of this skirt.





I feel fabulous in this and I will definitely be making this again. Now for the really good part. Mimi has graciously offered to sponsor a giveaway of this tutorial right here on my blog. Soooooo if you want to learn great technique, simple pattern drafting or if you just want a fabulous maxi skirt, leave a comment below telling me how you plan to rock it. The winner will be announced on Monday. Good luck!

Where do I begin? I LOVE THIS SKIRT! I’ve definitely made pencil skirts before, but what drew me to this one is the idea that it would be custom to my body. In the past, I’ve had to make many adjustments for the waist or create a hip curve so it’s not just a straight skirt, fit and re-fit so that a simple skirt becomes a major project just to get the look I wanted. This tutorial teaches you how to create a CUSTOM pattern that essentially gets all of that right from the beginning. After having three babies in 6 years, my tummy doesn’t remember flat and there is little junk in this trunk but the customized pattern allowed me to adjust/compensate for that and make the perfect skirt for me.

 

 

I used this tutorial to create a custom pattern for this skirt.  The other cool thing is that should my measurements change, I can just create a new pattern and still get a great fitting skirt.

 

Pattern Description: High Waist Pencil Skirt
Pattern Sizing: You draft the pattern according to your measurements
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? I have watched a lot of sewing/crafting videos over the years.  I continue to be impressed by Mimi’s teaching style as she walks you through every step and tells you why you’re doing what you’re doing in simple easy to understand terms.  Mimi has produced another winner. 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  The tutorial is full of techniques and manages to give you all the information you would typically learn in a sewing 101 series yet presents it in a way that is so matter of fact and encouraging that you don’t even realize you’re learning intermediate techniques.   Pattern drafting, fitting, topstitching, edge stitching, the COOLEST, EASIEST invisible zipper insertion technique known to man (this alone makes the video worth the price) are just a few of the techniques you’ll learn in this tutorial. 
Fabric Used: Stretch Denim
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Not necessary since the pattern is custom
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Honestly, I don’t know what to be happier about, my perfect skirt, how much use I will get out of this pattern or the unlimited options that can be created using the basic skirt pattern. 
Conclusion:   This will be my TNT pencil skirt pattern

B5679

Pattern Description: MISSES' TOP: Slightly fitted through bust, stitched hems. A,B: self faced collar. C: loose fitting, shaped front panel with pocket, raw edge finish. D: draped front neckline, shaped hem.

I've been working on this sweater of an on for a minute but I had to set it aside to get the Christmas gifts and Christmas PJ's done. I finally finshed today so I can rethread my machines and move on to sewing my cute little jacket.

Front

 

 

Back View

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? Definitely

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I would say that this pattern runs slightly big. I am actually pretty happy about it because I was able to sew it right out of the envelope but if you have a normal sized bust, you might want to adjust in the bust area.

Fabric Used: A metallic sweater knit that was a BEAST on my sewing machine.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: N/a

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I have an idea for another of the views on the pattern.

Conclusion: Super easy, great options