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Monday, November 30, 2009

MOT 5 & 6

Over the weekend, I managed to complete the last two tops of the MOT Sew-A-Long. It has been so much fun! I changed around the pattern choice for this fabric. I used an OOP S7013. My top does not really look like any of the view options on the envelope. I just took what I wanted from the pattern pieces and made a top with two-piece sleeves, it has a neck facing and top stitched hems. I used the sleeves from ViewA but did not leave the seam open nor did I make a drawstring closure. The front & back is from View F and the length of the top is about 1 inch longer than the pattern. This fabric has been in my stash for a very long time. I am glad I finally got a chance to use it.
My next top also OOP S5956. The fabric has been in stash for quite some time and I never really knew what to do with it because there was not even 1 1/2 yards of fabric. It was a piece I picked up probably from Joann's red tag section back before it became the place we'd always look for fabrics first (my daughter & I) when going to Joann's. Very quick and easy.











This is an up close view of draping on the front neck area of the top. When I described this top on the Month of Tops blog, I called it cowl neck. That just shows how old-school I am. LOL!
I had lots of fun participating in the Month of Tops Sew-A-Long thanks to Faye. Now to whip up a few bottoms for my tops!

Friday, November 20, 2009

B5260 & NL6838

B5260 in this black & white knit print, View A. This took about two hours, if that, to sew up last night. When I first came across B5375 a See&Sew pattern, I really liked the top. Since those are never on sale, I searched to see if one of their regular patterns was similar. I found 5260 with exactly the same line drawing and description etc. So I buy it at one of the 99 cent sales. This top is made from a knit from stash. It is an a-lined, pullover with topstitched hems. The top has several neckline variations to choose from. I might make this one again and I highly recommend it.


The next top is NL6838 and this knit has gold diagonal lines. I've had this fabric in my stash for over nine years. This is a very easy top to make and I chose View B with elbow length sleeves. There is a center back seam. This may be an out of print pattern.
I have to say I am very happy I've been able to complete four tops so far this month! Now to add some bottoms to the wardrobe at this same type of pace. That would be exciting! We shall see.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Top #2 - S4605

Simplicity 4605 is my second top for the Month of Tops. I've made this before and I think this pattern is now an OOP. I used a knit from my stash that I purchased from Walmart. It was easy to sew and I like it. The top has neckline variations and I used the view with the neck band. The sleeves are 3/4 length. I used topstitching for the sleeves and the bottom hem. It looks close to the pattern photo but I used a few gathering stitches in the front & back neck areas to make the neck band fit. This is why during the sewing process of this top, I feel I should have used another fabric or a different pattern for this. But I have another top for my wardrobe.

McCall's 5987

Finally posting pics of the coat.

It was very easy to sew. It's unlined and has an attached scarf/collar. The sleeves are two-piece and there are pockets in the side seams. There is lots of topstitching. I have no idea what type of fabric it is. A mediumweight navy and you can't tell much difference from the right/wrong sides. I've had this in my stash for quite some time and pretty sure I bought it from Joann's.
The first photo is of the scarf/collar tied once in front. and the second photo has the scarf/collar one side draped over the shoulder. Both of these ideas are shown on the pattern envelope. I did not get to wear this because the weather has become too cool by the time I fininished. I think this will look nice with slacks or jeans and a turtleneck or plain sweater underneath. If we get another day that is almost 60 degrees, I could wear it! But I do look forward to making another but probably not until spring.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Coming Up Next for Month of Tops!

Here are the patterns/fabrics for the next projects for tops this month:



NL6838 View A already cut. A knit fabric that has been in the stash and finally going to be used.


I will use M5978 again for another twinset from stash knit that has been there for a long time!





The top from S4605 I've sewn before and pulled this fabric out of stash to use for it.



M5768 is a pattern I've had for maybe a year and I always pull it out and then change my mind on fabric to use with it. This time I will use this bold print that hasn't been in my stash very long at all. I just purchased from Joann's in the Red Tag section in early October.

This is another knit which was in the Joann's Reg Tag (different sale) recently.




My plan is to stay in and sew all day Saturday! Stay tuned :)

B5185 #1 Month of Tops


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? Nothing to dislike except how the fabric hangs at the bottom front opening. Probably is the choice of fabric.
Fabric Used: Stretchy Knit.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? Yes perhaps in a knit that is not as stretchy or slinky.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes
Conclusion: This is an easy to make top.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

THE MONTH OF TOPS SEW-A-LONG

I decided to join Faye's Month of Tops Sew-a-Long. You can check out her blog for the details. I will post soon what I plan to make for this month. I am excited to participate and am looking forward to what everyone else will be sewing!
I finished Butterick 5185 all but the hem, and began working on McCalls 5987.