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.