Merry Christmas To All!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

McCall's 5978 and A Few Other Projects

This past week, I was able to complete McCall's 5978. The pattern description is: MISSES' CARDIGANS AND TOP: Cardigans have three-quarter or full length sleeves and stitched hems; cardigan A has purchased lace trim; cardigan B has jewel stones; cardigan C has pearls; cardigan D has self-fabric appliques; sleeveless top E has narrow hem finishing at neck, armhole and lower edges.

Pattern Sizing: (xsm, sm, med) (lrg, xlrg)

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 barely looked at them.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the fact that this is something I can put together quickly and have lots of options for my wardrobe

Fabric Used: I just bought this from Joann's Red Tag sale last week. It was labeled "Missoni Knits"
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes/Yes
Conclusion: I will definitely make this again!
One thing this season that I've hardly ever done was to complete all the projects I had cut out for summer. Below are the last two outfits I made and wore just before the official end of summer. The white suit, however was worn I think on the first Sunday after the official start of Fall.
The print dress is Simplicity 3864 and the jacket is Neue Mode The print fabric was purchased from Fashion Fabrics Club a couple of years ago and the green solid for the jacket came from a Joann's Red Tag sale maybe last year.

The jacket for the white suit is Simplicity
2558 made with fabric I purchased about two years ago in Atlanta's Gail K's fabrics.

Up next to

complete is Butterick 5185 and then McCalls 5987.

Hi Everyone!
I know it's been awhile since my last post on Sept. 5th! You know, I've been reading everyone's blogs and not posting or commenting. I can see how it is easy to just not do it. But anyway, I've been sewing a little here and there. My main machine is having some problems. I thought it was the foot pedal because that's what it usually is. So after receiving a new one, the machine is still doing the same thing (won't sew at a normal speed). It must be something else. In the meantime, I pulled out my mom's machine this weekend and by the time I sat down to actually sew, the only thing completed was a tank top that will go with a cardigan that I could have sewn up but didn't. It is McCall's 5978. I may work on that tonight.

Thanks for all the wonderful comments from my recent posts. Thank you all that take the time to read my blog! I've been doing this for just over two years and I am amazed I've been able to keep up, LOL!
I received a question from Maz who asked about when to apply the interfacing to McCalls 5883:
maz said...
hiya. these tops look great, and so professional! i am a complete novice and this pattern is my first challenge. would u mind advising me? am i supposed to attach the interfacing, then line/cover this in the same material as the top, on the inside, or just attach the interfacing? many, many thanks. maz
In answer to your question, yes, attach the interfacing to the facing piece that you've cut from your fashion fabric. Follow the instructions on the guidesheet and with right sides together, you will sew your interfaced fabric piece which is your front & back facings to the neckline of the front/back of your top. Trim your seam (not too close to your stitching) and then clip the seams. View the guidesheet illustrations and it should give you an idea where to clip. Again being careful not to clip into your stitches. You're almost done!! Hope this helps. Let me know how it turns out and if you have anymore concerns. Good Luck & Happy Sewing!

New Rainbow Fabric Store

A great way to start out the weekend! Our Saturday outing began with a first-time visit to New Rainbow Fabrics located at 612 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago.
We were the only customers so we had the store to ourselves except for the owner and two employees who greeted us and were very nice.

Here are a few pictures of the inside of the store.
The fabric selection ranges from silk dupioni, african laces, woolens, cottons, stretch jerseys, just about everything. The prices are great!

I think the lowest price fabric was $3.99. There was probably something a little lower priced in fabrics, but actually the 45" linings were $1.99/yd in lots & lots of colors. The 60" linings are $2.99/yd. I saw interfacing for $1.29/yd. There are no patterns here, just fabric. So if you go, you need to have an idea of what yardage you'll need for various projects. They have cone thread and buttons (I only saw three types) that are sold individually. My daughter was trying to grab my granddaughter just as I snapped that photo. (BTW-Granddaughter had a ball walking/running the length of the store!)

Here are a few pieces of the fabrics we picked up while there. We will be going again very soon! Their website is http://www.newrainbows.com/

Vogue Fabrics is right across the street and Fishman's Fabrics is around the corner. We didn't go to either one on this day. We've been to both before. It was a good day!

Butterick 5313

I made Butterick 5313 View B. This did not work for me after it was made. I did not like how I looked wearing this dress. The pattern was easy to put together and the fabric is a knit from my stash. I will probably give this to the Goodwill and hope that someone else will like it and look nice. I still think it is a cute pattern though.

Simplicity 4695

I made Simplicity 4695 a couple weeks ago, and it has several options for a top. Either with sleeves and a collar or without. I chose to make it sleeveless and forgot to put the collar on! LOL It has bust darts and side slits and the sleeves and neck have facings. The fabric is of an unknown content from my stash and was ok to work with except it seems to like wrinkles. I've worn it with a skirt and have a few others I can pair it with. I'll probably make another top using this pattern but this time with sleeves and collar and also the pants or skirt.

Plans for Saturday

It's Friday night and I'm on the IM with my oldest daughter making plans for tomorrow. We will go to Rainbow Fabrics. It is our first visit and we're looking forward to it. I hear it's a small store with a very nice but limited selection and reasonable prices. Also, it is across the street from one of Vogue Fabrics locations and around the corner from Fishman's Fabric. I've heard very good reviews and will report back what we see!

Simplicity 2558

I plan to work on S2558 this weekend. The jacket pattern does not require a lining but I am going to add one. It's already cut out in this fabric that both my daughter & I purchased last year when visiting Atlanta.

New To My Pattern Collection

Last week I received from the BMV sale, (buy one get two free). Just now posting. But this is what I got. Haven't picked out fabrics yet, just wanted to get the patterns.
V8605
V1127
V1126

My Daughter's Skirt & Granddaugter's Dress

You know, my oldest daughter sews and her 'mojo' has been in full force this summer. She's a high school teacher and has been churning out quite a few things since she's been on vacation. Here are a couple of projects from last weekend. Sorry the pictures aren't real clear, especially the one where I cut off her head! My granddaughter's dress is made in an eyelet fabric from her mother's extensive collection. She applied a sequinned trim to the waistline. Not sure which pattern she used for this dress, but she did a wonderful job on it.

My daughter's skirt is a fabric she found at Walmart. She said it was $1.50/yard. The trim on the hemline was found there too. But she added the rhinestones! I think the wide rick-rack came from Joann's. It's very cute!

B5332 & V8491

I don't know why I just can't finish this outfit. It only needs buttons. I thought I had some in my stash. I was going to use covered anyway. Guess when I had planned to wear this? There were no unique problems sewing this. It just wasn't ready for when I wanted to wear it and now we've had some very warm weather and I won't wear it unless it's a cool Sunday or other event. The jacket is loose-fitting with double breast front button closures. The dress is a close-fitting, sleeveless and fully-lined with darts and a back center zipper, and slit opening. Anyway, this was intended to be worn on Mother's Day. I refuse to let this become a UFO that hangs around until next one. I will keep you posted when I get buttons, LOL!