Well, I’ll still kinda wear it....and Happy Halloween

     Yep, this dress wore me out a little, but I’ll still kinda wear it.  I’ve had this pattern for a while, and you know I like anything with inseam pockets, so I was just waiting to find what I wanted to make it with. Now I’ve had this plaid/check fabric (hard to see, but click to enlarge images)  I purchased from Denver fabrics for 2 years. I’ve always wanted to try using more than 1 color combinations, so this pattern S2888 seemed perfect!
    But first, … let me rewind.  I’ve actually attempted this combo before earlier this year with this pattern by vogue…

It’s V8633 and I love that vintage look,…. but some how I goofed in several places. Can you see in this pic? 

 

At first glance maybe not, but look closely at the hip area, wth!!  I ‘m still scratching my head,
and the shoulders….. 

 
 

 
(Click to enlarge)

It’s like I’m lopsided or something, after I put in the zip,  well anywho.
Basically it didn’t work out :-(  I had some really major fit issues everywhere, so needless to say, it’s somewhere balled up @ the back of my closet.

Sooo…

I couldn't give up on the color combo, so I tried it again with this pattern, here’s the first shot.

Okay, not too bad @ 1st glance but…. once again, somehow I goofed in my alteration process. First off I made a FBA, which wasn't that hard to do. I even made a muslin of the bodice to make sure the fit was good, here.

But in the process I also altered the waistline part, to match up to the bodice, and boy is it big and shapeless!! I didn't pay much attention to it thru the whole construction process either, lol.

Until I tried it on, after I completely finished the dress. Yes, I can go back and rip the seams apart to make it fit underneath the breast more better but @ this point….no!  Maybe later, when I can figure out exactly what to do. But for the time being , I ‘ll still kinda wear it…. lol.

Oh, and I’m not giving up on V8633 just yet, I do like the idea of trying it in yellow and black.
Til the next dilemma, lol
C-ya!!

More Flounce with M6024

I have to confess, this has got to be one of my favorite patterns from McCalls. In fact I’ve actually managed to make all views, so you know by now I don't need instructions for this right, (lol). This time I decided to try out my binder foot and  I’ve been itching to use this attachment since I picked it up last year. I’m glad I got it, because it’s soo much easier to use than the snap-on I originally had (this one is a low shank by Brother). I decided to use a prepackaged binding in red on the flounces and I lurved it!  The trim helped define the flounces and break up the busy pattern print a bit, so that worked out well. Although I haven't quite mastered  fabric content/descripts, I know it’s a cotton blend that I picked up from Joanns last year, it’s not stiff but very light weight so it moves well, and I do love fabric that flows….

McCall 6024 (view A)

I’m moving this dress off my “cutting table” list, (if I can figure out how to do that, technically)and showing her completed! Here’s my Review:

Not a LBD, but a LB&WD….B5491

  Okay, okay, I realize this dress has been on the “In Progress” side of the page for some time now... truth is, I forgot how to change it, and it’s been completed for a few months!  This little dress has some versatility for me since I’ve worn it on an evening out, and to the festival in the park. I think it’s pretty jazzy but the midriff had me confused a little. Ok maybe not confused, but I must confess I am very lazy when it comes to hand sewing, grrrr!  Please don't poke me with needles, I know!  But the midriff requires some hand sewing and me…. well,  I’m all about quick, fast, and right now.

B5491

The fabric is a knit I purchased @ High Fashion Fabrics, and it is soo lovely!  It has weight but it’s lightweight with a beautiful drape, (yeah explained that clearly didn't I, lol)  Well this is clearly not a LBD, but it’s my Little Black & White Dress, and its special!

Happy B-Day 2 Moi! Oh, and V-1027….

It’z my birthday, get busy, It’z my birthday get busy…..(as I do the running man, lol)

I kicked the door open last year, and joined the 20/20 club and today it’s 20/20 plus 1!

Heck, I feel good and my hubby sais I look great, he’s a sweetie. But most importantly I thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for allowing me to see 41! amen!!!!

You Have to Read This (Chain Email)…

I thought this was Hilarius!

Shannon (the secretary) has lost her cat and has asked David (the graphic designer) to help with a lost poster. This is their email correspondence...

From: Shannon Walkley

Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster
Hi
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.

This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.

Ever been to a 70's Party

Have you ever been to a 70's party?
Well, I've been to a few, and they are hilarious, lol!!! A couple weeks ago, my co-worker decided to plan one for her husband, who was turning 50, so my husband and I decided to go!  (seriously, I really didn't think he would dress up, ha-ha). There are shops all around town, that cater to vintage and 70'  themed parties, so we decided to rent our "get-ups" from a place called "Color Explosion". The visit to the store is so nostalgic, the clothing is a mixture of disco and seventies. There, you can rent the entire outfit which includes, wig, shoes, cane, cape (lol) and accessories! Now, originally I was given a blonde fro, but it was Florida Evans size, ("Good Times") and  I wasn't feeling baby fro, so I called up Mom!

That's a Wrap!

I've been meaning to post this review for quite a while now, and yep, I can be a bit trife on occasion, lol.  But seriously it's been so freakin  hot here in Houston, I can barely focus on any one thing!! Schools out so I'm busy with the kids, work and home life, I swear sometimes I feel like all my energy is being zapped away every time I step outside. Truly, my only escape from this madness is my little sewing nook,  my retreat, lol.

 But back to my dress, now I realize it's been reviewed on PR like 67 gazillion times, and it's on the 2007 and 2008 best patterns list an all, oh, not to mention 2009 Hall of Fame, but anywayz, I still needed to try it out for myself, I mean, it's simply a classic!

Vogue top

Vogue 8581

I don't sew many Vogue patterns, although I've managed to collect quite a few (uhmm like 78, but whoz counting). No real reason, but that's already changed,lol. I've been meaning to finish this top for some time, and as I joined Mz.Faye for the, "Spring Month of Tops", I decided to add this top to my completed list. Although I probly wont wear it this spring, it'll be ready for the Fall!

Simplicity dress 2406

Simplicity 2406

Butterick 5248

Ok, this was almost too easy to make, I mean seriously there was literally only 2 pieces!
I have only one, no two gripes with this top/tunic. One, I stand @ 5'9 and this, is not a tunic on me, it's actually a dress, lol. This tunic stops right above my knees! My fault though, I didn't pay that, much attention when laying my pattern out. Two, this is not a bra friendly top! I can just remedy this by wearing a tank, but I will be cutting a few inches off the length before i can actually wear this in public. I had this top on the other day, and my daughter thought I made a cute nightgown, lol.

My First Jalie's

Jalie 2804

This is my first Jalie pattern pattern, and I must say I love it! The instructions are pretty clear, and this top took no time tat all, lol! The only changes, I'll make in the future (cuz I can see me sewing up a slew of these, lol) is, I must do a FBA. Other than that, great top for work!

Pattern Description:

Empire crossover top with 4 sleeve variations. View A has a double-layer lower front with ruching at side seams. View B has a single-layer flat lower front. The sleeveless version has a casing and tie at shoulder seam for adjustable ruching.

Pattern Sizing:

There are 27 sizes.

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, very easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that this didn't take me all day to sew and the fitting is great.

Fabric Used:
I used a ITY knit fabric from Denver fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made none, however in the future I will do a FBA.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Oh yes, I need more simple easy to make tops for work and I think its easy enough for beginners!

Conclusion:

As mentioned before this was pretty fast and easy to sew, and I like fast and easy. I can see myself making more for work, but of course with an FBA, it will be even better.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jalie 2908

This is my second pair of Jalie jeans, but my first time reviewing. I, like many others on PR, love my Jalie jeans! The fit is fantastic, I can hardly believe I made myself some jeans, lol. I thought I'd be different and embroider some sculls on my arse, lol.
Okay, well I thought they were special anyways, sooo....I got the sculls from urbanthreads.com I juz love how fun their designs are. I really would like to slim the pant leg, and make these just straight leg eventually. The fit is so good, it gives me a butt!

Pattern Description:
Women's flattering stretch jeans with slim fit through the hips and thigh and a flared leg, back and side front pockets, zip fly with button closure.
View A has a low rise (2-3 inches below the navel) and View B has a regular rise (at the navel).

Pattern Sizing:
There are 27 sizes!

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

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked how easy these were to sew, I always thought jeans were too difficult to make.
So I really appreciated the gaposis fix tutorial, that Amy made, so no dislikes for me.

Fabric Used:
Stretch denim, purchased @ High Fashion Fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None really, I just used the gaposis tutorial, so that was the only alteration

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I already made another pair, and I think others should give it a shot.

Conclusion:

I really love jeans anyway, so to make my own, was a blast. The fit was great enough that I had to duplicate and make another pair! Now, I know why so many joined the great jeans sew-along.

My first Jalies, top and Jeans!
Seeya!

McCall's 6037

McCalls 6037

This kimono styled top was pretty easy to sew. Although the print seems a little bold here,
it's actually pretty sheer and flowy. What attracted me most to this top, was the sleeves and the back tie! They're too cute and different, well to me anyway..

Pattern Description:

Loose fitting top A, tunic B or caftan C have raised waistline, front casing with tie ends extending into back and tied into bow; top A is below hipline length; tunic B is above mid-knee length; caftan C is above ankle length; purchased leggings.

Pattern Sizing:
Size range from 8-24. I used 14.

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 were ok.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Nothing to dislike, the construction was not difficult at all, although I must say, when sewing the sleeve, I didn't do a lot of pinning, (and this is an odd sleeve to sew btw.) soo one sleeve is not aligned evenly. So watch out for that, lol.

Fabric Used:
Some type of sheer fabric from Hancock.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes/Yes, I plan to make this over in a solid color sheer.

Conclusion:This was pretty fun to make, didn't take long at all. I made some white capri's to go with this, and the top felt so cool and breezy!

Seriously tho, this is as close as I will ever get to a caftan, mu-mu or housedress, lol. Well,... unless it's a coverall for a swimsuit.....

Click to see the alignment issue, and magnify!

You can kinda see where it's uneven , but it's actually not very noticeable at all. I can live with it!

Seeya!

McCalls

McCalls 6024

The sun has come out, the birds are singing, It is Spring!
My sewing is in full gear for the season, and this dress is definitely screaming spring, lol.
What can I say, besides it's an easy sew, and I love ruffles, so feminine.

I know the pictures aren't the clearest, but I really dig this fabric it's a printed cotton
I purchased from High Fashion fabrics last summer. I didn't know what I wanted it to be,
but when i saw this pattern, I knew one of the views would be from this fabric. It's a wrap dress
and I'm a sucker for a wrap dress, (btw) and one of my favorite things about this one, it comes in different cup sizes, yea! It saves me time, so no FBA's needed! I actually have all views cut out and ready to be sewn, so There will be two more reviews coming from this pattern!
It's just so Spring, and I really like it!

Pattern Description: Wrapped, A-line dresses A, B, C, mid-knee length, have neck flounce and ties; dress A has faced armholes; dress B has flutter sleeves and purchased bias tape for binding edges; dressses A, B have hemline flounce; dress C has above elbow length sleeves and lower flounce; separate pattern pieces provided for A/B, C, D cup sizes.

Pattern Sizing: 6-20

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very well written.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes. I love the diffrent cup sizes, so no fba was needed and that's a plus.

Fabric Used: Printed cotton


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: No alterations were needed, but I rolled the hem on the ruffles/flounces.

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

Conclusion : This dress reminds me of spring and it was a very easy sew. I do have all views cut out and ready sew, if that's any indication how much I like this. What can I say, I love a wrap dress, and the length is perfect for me.

Have a great weekend .
Seeya!

I'm kinda liking Burda.....BWOF 7/09- 124b

BWOF 7/09 -124b

When I made this Maxi, I was pleasantly surprised how quickly it sewed up!
Now, usually I get stumped following the instructions in Burda, but yep, this was smooth sailing for me. I was also happy with the fabric I purchased from Joann's too, it had a great
drape to it and the print is also pretty vibrant. I traced this almost as soon as I got the mag. in July. I added 3" to the length because of my height to get that true Maxi look, all the ones i tried on over the summer always stopped above my ankles, yeech! It was refreshing to be able
to make it the way I liked! I've since, made the tube to go underneath, as Tany suggested in
her blog, which allowed me to wear a bra comfortably because of the low back!

Pattern Description: Halter dress, The back is loosely wrapped and attached tie-bands shape the waist.

Pattern Sizing: 36-44
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, easy peasy!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This was a very easy sew, I made it in 3 hours which is a good time for me. Dislikes, well... the back is pretty low, so it's impossible to wear a bra, which I feel uncomfortable not wearing, :-/

Fabric Used: Jersey Knit


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added 3 inches to the length.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes/ Yes, but keep in mind that it's very low-cut in the back.

Conclusion : I think I kinda like this dress, lol, it's very comfortable to wear and was a quick project for me. In the future I do plan to try a method used by Tany here on her blog to solve the low back issue.

Seeya!!!!

B.W.O.F. 7/09 - 105

July/09 Burda #105

Let me start this off by saying , my hubby thinks this dress is pretty loud! lol Okay, he may be a little right,........ somewhat, lol.   Yep, it'z a busy print ....  but I still really like it tho. Aside from my choice of "print" this was like my 2nd time trying B.W.O.F and it was a cool learning experience for me, the instructions were a lil short per usual tho. Anywho, I love the relaxed casual design of this dress. The raglan sleeves, inside seam pockets, standing collar and drawstring waist, appealed to me as a throw on, dress me up or down type of dress, and I love versatility. This pattern called for using flat felled seams, which I had never tried but I actually liked the clean look. 

 Of course, I will be making this again, in a more calmer print for the summer, hopefully the hubby will approve............................................... whateva, lol.

Pattern Description: Slightly flared mini dress with 3/4-length raglan sleeves and drawstring
waist.

Pattern Sizing: 36-44

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? They were pretty much, the usual, but understandable.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the sleeves, pockets and drawstring waist, there were no dislikes.

Fabric Used: A silky, rayon I think!?


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: none


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I plan to make another one in a more calmer print, lol.

Conclusion: It's a great summer cool dress.

Seeya!!