Weekend Sewing

I'm currently working on this tunic. I don't have the pattern number handy and need to get off the computer. But all that's needed are the side seams, sleeves inserted and hem. That's all for now.

Simplicity 2560, Vogue 8605 & McCalls 5929

S2560
I used a black knit fabric I've had in my fabric collection for a few years. This was an easy sew project.

Pattern Description: Cardigan with sleeve and neckline variations
Pattern Sizing: 8 - 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 like that it has more than one length to choose and that the sleeves can be how you like
Fabric Used: Stretch Knit
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I don't usually read the guide sheet that comes with patterns. I should have paid more attention to this one because on the sleeves, I left off the facing and just sewed up the bottom the way I saw fit.
Would you sew it again? Yes
Would you recommend it to others? Yes
Conclusion: I like this and will try it again soon.

V8605
This is the pattern that seemed to take forever to complete. I started this before the holidays and then I must have been caught up in the preparations for that and just put this aside.
Pattern Description: Loose-fitting un-lined jackets, shawl collar, elbow length dolman sleeves, pockets & topstitching detail. Close-fitting skirt with top-stitching details and back zipper and slit.
Pattern Sizing: 8-24
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? Although the skirt is straight, it has design details and top stitching that I really like.
Fabric Used: Double knit from Fabric.com
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? Yes, I plan to make the longer length jacket.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes
Conclusion: This pattern is rated easy. I think any figure type could wear this because of the loose-fitting top/jackiet.

My daughter's blouse is M5929 is out of a peachskin type fabric from her extensive stash. The solid contrast is something my mother gave to her and it matches perfectly with the blue in the blouse fabric.

Pattern Description: Fitted shirts darted front and back, front band, ruffles and shaped hemline; view A has stand-up collar, below elbow length sleeves with sleeve band; view B has collar and collar band, full length sleeves with placket opening and cuffs; dresses A, B have sleeves gathered at cap and lower edge.

Pattern sizing: 6-20

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern enveloope 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?

Fabric used: Striped peachskin and a satin remnant.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Just contrasted the front band, collar and cuffs.

Would you sew it again: This is the second time she's made this shirt. The other was a solid yellow.

Conclusion: My daughter made this up in two evenings (I think). She was on a sewing kick to make a wardrobe in a week that I'd told her about from reading the Stitcher's Guild. This was part of that. She had two tops and two bottoms in her plan.

So that's it for now. Off to start on more sewing projects.

It seemed to me that it was an uphill climb to complete V8605 but I made it thru and have worn the outfit already. I will post photos tomorrow. It was not a difficult sewing project at all, just my procrastination. I started working on S2560 last night and should be done soon. Yesterday I went out to Joann's to pickup a couple Simplicity patterns and a few other notions. I looked at their fabrics but did not purchase anything. I am trying to stay true to my goal of not buying new fabrics until June. The patterns I picked up are S2452 & S2455. There is plenty of fabric to choose from in my collection so I should be content with enough choices...

My Sewing Goals

Thank you for all the nice comments. My mom was thrilled to get to wear her outfits.
I've been reading about the sewing goals of other bloggers for the new year. I had thought about my own back in late November and that I'd like to make changes in my wardrobe. It always seems to me as if I don't have anything to wear or I always just pick from the same things. But in order to make the changes I want, I need to make plans and commit to them. Not that things can't change. So for this year:
1. Add suits, dresses and slacks to my wardrobe.
2. Make use of some of the patterns I've acquired. I purchased some Lekala patterns a couple months ago, so I want to make those up too. This should help with No. 1.
3. It's been a long, long time since I made anything with welt pockets. So it's time to include this and other enhancements in my sewing again.
4. I plan not to purchase any new fabric until June. With the exception of linings and anything I may need to complete a garment.
5. Spend less time on the computer so I can get my new wardrobe made (smile!) I saw this on Linda's blog and I agree that my sewing time could only be helped if I did this too.

I hope everyone is enjoying the new year. It's been my intention to post a sort of recap of 2009 but each time I log into blogger, it won't let me post pictures. So I'll talk about other sewing related things I've done recently.
During the month of December, I didn't sew any new garments. However, I did alterations for my mom. She had two suits she wanted changed. One was a short-sleeved jacket that and wanted long sleeves and the skirt taken in; and the other was a knit jacket where the sleeves were unlined and she wanted them lined. My mom used to sew, so she went off to Vogue Fabrics and the sales clerk helped her choose a fabric for the new sleeves to match the jacket. Since not all shades of black fabric aren't the same, they did a very good job in matchining it up. It is a lot of work to take apart things to alter or whatever which is why I am such a procrastinator when it comes to this type of project. But I got it done in time for her to wear to church.
With that project done, my next was to line the sleeves for the next jacket which was red. With both jackets I used the current sleeve as my guide. I did not remove the sleeve in this jacket though. I made a paper pattern after outlining the sleeve and then proceeded to handstitch it in place after sewing the seam on the machine. This took an entire evening but I was able to deliver the jacket for the next church wearing, LOL!
She was very pleased and so am I. I do have one more skirt to take in and I will do that soon.
If you haven't heard already, the new McCall's & Simplicity patterns are up on their sites. I not real excited but only like one of the McCall's patterns which is M6028. From what I've read, everyone seems to like that one. I may buy this next time I'm at Joann's. And the two Simplicty patterns are S2443 & S2452.
This kind of a long post withouth pictures, but that's it for now.

Happy New Year!

Peace, Joy & Happiness to all in the new year.