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Friday, July 23, 2010

Another M6074


Another version of McCalls 6074 sewn up in one evening. This is such an easy dress to put together. I made View B again. The fabric is a knit that I just purchased last Saturday at Joann's. Not sure if I'll make this again before summer is over but it's definitely one of my favorites to sew and will be on the list again for the next summer seaon.

McCalls 3503. An out-of-print pattern I've had several years. Never used it, but decided now would be a good time. I made View B, sleeveless vest/jacket. Has princess seams, sleeve facings and hidden placket for buttons/buttonholes. The fabric is a poly/twill I think, LOL! But there's enough left to either make the pants to go with this or for the jacket I originally planned this fabric for. But note the skirt. (not a good pic) It is a-lined from one of the linen prints I bought at Joann's a couple weeks ago. I think it coordinates perfectly with the solid. The skirt is a simple a-lined with back zipper and facings for the waistline. The hem is machine stitched. It is Butterick 3637, a Diahann Carroll style. Very out-of-print but still stylish.
Fabrics in shades of turquoise seem to be my new favorite color. The fabrics I purchased most recently plus some that was already in my stash are in that color family. Hmmm.

There are several pieces of fabric left on my cutting table. Believe it or not, I actually said in a conversation with one of my daughters the other day, that I think I'll try to sew up the rest of those fabrics for summer and then start on fall/winter sewing. We both said it as a matter of fact. In the midst of temperatures in the 90s and we're thinking of sewing clothing for the cool/cold/frigid temperatures. I must be changing. I normally sew in the moment and try to remain in summer mode as long as possible. What can I say...

Catching Up

This became an outfit a few weeks ago. I forgot to blog about it. The top has been in my wardrobe for about two years and I'd wear it with slacks or a denim skirt. I had just enough fabric left for a skirt. The first picture isn't really a good one. I took it without the flash. The skirt is an elastic waist with lining and top-stitched hem. Very simple. I've worn it once already already.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Decisions Decisions

When I broke my fabric fast in June, I purchased two prints to make dresses. I had patterns already picked out for the fabric. But, I've been playing around looking through my pattern collection and actually pinned patterns to fabric. Changed my mind which is not good in this case. I haven't sewn the fabric yet. This is what happens if you don't stick to your original plan, at least in my case. I don't want to line one of the dresses, so I picked out another pattern. So today, I am going to cut out one of the dresses. And it's from a New Look pattern that's been in my pattern stash for a few years. It's hot out already and I'm going to go do some quick errands and come back and stay inside and sew.

Monday, July 5, 2010

A Quick Skirt

After completing the dress from S3874, I decided to sew up the skirt from B3037. I've had this pattern for a long time and have used it a lot. It's still available according to the Butterick site.
Pattern Description: Misses/Misses' petite top, skirt and scarf
Pattern Sizing: 14-16-18
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? I'm sure they are but I didn't use them.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It's easy and quick
Fabric used: Lightweight linen print from Joann Fabrics and I lined the skirt.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None except I just cut it a little shorter than the pattern calls for.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes & Yes
Conclusion: I will use this again and again for a quick skirt project. I think it took maybe an hour to sew this. (if that)




Another Dress Project Complete

I hope everyone has enjoyed the 4th of July holiday weekend. I sure have. I decided to stay in on Saturday and sew. My husband barbequed on Sunday which was a surprise to me. My daughters, of course, were very happy.

After starting last week, I finished up this dress from Simplicity 3874.

Here I am in a couple of rare photos of myself wearing the dress. Took advantage of having one of my photographers around to take pictures. The fabric is a polyester print that I think came from Walmart a few years ago. Originally purposed for a blouse. I like the dress much better.
Pattern Description: Misses dress with bodice variations and jacket
Pattern Sizing: 16-24
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 really like this pattern. I made the jacket to go with another outfit last year.
Fabric used: Silky polyester
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The only thing I did was add about an inch to the bottom of the bodice. I tend to be on the short-waisted and for dresses or tops that have a seam or other definition underneath the bust area, I add a little length to that area. Always works out well.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might sew the other dress view and yes I do recommend this to others.
Conclusion: I definitely like the way the dress turned out and will probably make it again with the sleeved version of the dress.