Merry Christmas!

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
It has been two months since my last post!  Time really flies.  I've been extremely busy in non-sewing related activities and lots of things have happened.  But I hope to be back at a more regular pace in the new year. 

Butterick 5295 Jacket & Skirt

Over the weekend I completed B5295.  Also, wore it to church.  Not sure why this picture came out so dark.  

Here is my review:

Pattern Description:  Misses/Misses' Petite Jacket, Top, Skirt and Pants.  I made the jacket and skirt.  Loose-fitting, lined jacket, hip-length, shoulder pads, inverted center back pleat and long sleeve with bell-shaped hem.  Straight skirt with mid-knee, has waistband, back zipper and back slit.

Pattern Sizing:  Multi-sized for custom fit (8-22)

Fabric Used:  Faille Crepe Suiting 100% Acetate from Fabric.com

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Pretty much. 

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  This pattern has been in my stash for just over a year.  I kept rotating it around and finally decided to sew.  I like all the various outfits  you can make up with this pattern.  One thing I sort of don't care for is the sleeves.  I wore this to church and it seemed like the sleeves were a bit much around the bottom.  The flared portion.  I like the way it looks on the picture though; but wearing it was a different story.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Although I like the pattern, I probably won't sew it again.  I do recommend to others. 

Conclusion:  This is a pattern that is easy to sew.  The directions are straightforward and illustrations are clear.

My next project will be a skirt,  B5566 view E in a lavender moleskin. 

Happy Sewing!

 

Butterick 5295 Jacket & Skirt WIP

This pattern is now out-of-print.  Seems like it just came out last year.  But anyway, I've had it on my list for quite some time.  I am still working on it and hope to have a much better looking picture tomorrow.  All that is left is to hem the lining of the jacket, sew a buttonhole, make sure the shoulder pads are correct (they were not in place in this picture).  For the skirt, just the hem is left. 

S2229

S2229 This was sewn up during the hot hot summer!  Just had the chance but  I wore it this past Sunday for church and it was perfect in our now cooler temperatures.  I had a mishap with the jacket.  Not while wearing it, but before I could even put it on.  I'm not going to tell you what I did except I had to re-make a section of the back.  Totally my fault.  But as they say,  all is well that ends well.   Here is my review: 

Pattern Description:  Misses' & Miss petite jacket, pants and skirt. Threads sewing pattern collection.

Pattern Sizing:  K5(8-10-12-14-16)  U5(16-18-20-22-24)

Fabric Used:  A suede fabric from Joann's

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 the jacket.  Although I notice that I forgot to put the little floral design on the front.  Also, I usually don't like wrap type skirts.  This one was okay. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  None.  I made it pretty much exactly as the pattern directions indicated. 
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?   I doubt I'll sew again, but I do recommend. There are so many other patterns I want to make.
Conclusion:  Both the jacket and skirt are fully lined.  I think an advanced beginner could make this.   

B5643, S2466 and B5355

Hi Everyone!

I know it's been several weeks since my last post.  I've signed in quite often to update my blog, but would end up reading all the other blogs and kept postponing the updates.  I did finish my summer sewing which hasn't happened in a long time.  I don't have any leftover patterns cut out that had to be put away, YAY!  Because of the cool temperatures, I won't be able to wear these items until next summer.  At least there will be something new to look forward to.  So here is a few reviews of the last of my summer sewing:

Pattern Description:  B5643 Loose-fitting jacket has darted sleeves. Dress is semi-fitted at bust.

Pattern Sizing:  A5(6-8-10-12-14), EE(14-16-18-20)
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 the jacket and the fact that the dress could be worn with or without.
Fabric Used: Not sure what it's called.  I remember it came from Fashion Fabrics Club.  It's kinda see-through as you'll notice when you look at the dress on the dress form.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  None.  I should have lined it.  But since I can't wear it now, I probably will. (I know I will :) )
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Not sure if I'll sew it again.  I do recommend to others.  If they want something quick and easy.

I don't know why I didn't take a picture with the jacket and dress together.

The two fabrics were picked up a few weeks ago on sale at Joann's.  The left is a charmeuse that I will make a tunic and the fabric on the right will be a skirt.  Not to be worn together.

This is fabric looks like silk duiponi (not sure what Joann's called it) but I plan to make the dress on the pattern that is a similar color.

I picked up two patterns during the Butterick sale that weekend.  I know, I really didn't need more patterns (right)  and I've already picked out another cape pattern.  I decided this pattern would not work with the fabric I have in mind.  More on that in a future post.


This is not a good picture of this dress that will be a top for my granddaughter by next summer.  It is S2466.  
Pattern Description:  Child's Sportswear - Child's dress, top, capri pants, tote, headband and ponytail holder sewing patterns. Daisy Kingdom Collection.
Pattern Sizing: A(3-4-5-6-7-8) 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, exactly.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes
Fabric used:  A dotted swiss print. 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I've had this pattern since last year and decided to make it this year but still not in time for the hot weather.  Hopefully, my granddaughter will be able to wear this as a top next summer season, like it is shown on the pattern envelope.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  None.  I did cut it longer for her.  She is tall and will probably be taller.  That's why it'll be the top. :))
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes.  I will have to make the capri pants.

Pattern Description: B5355 - Misses Tops and Sash.  Very loose-fitting, pullover tops A, B, C, D have elbow or full length raglan sleeves (wrong side of fabric will show), carriers, self or contrast sash and shaped hems, neck is finished with purchased bias tape. Purchased bottoms. B: sleeve casings with drawstrings to adjust sleeve length and fullness. C: purchased lace appliques.
Pattern Sizing:  Y(XS-S-M), ZZ(L-XL-XXL)
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

Fabric used: Georgette print from Joann's.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern:   I just like it.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  None.  I did make the bias strip for the neckline from fabric scraps. 
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I plan to make it again in several fabrics.  Not sheer though.  I recommend it to others as it is quick to make.

I have more later.  Thanks for stopping by.

A Few New Fabrics

 I received three fabrics from Fabric Mart last week.  I ordered the two prints because Carolyn posted that it was a good sale.  So I followed her advice and clicked over there and I'm glad I did. 

I like the Trendy Rayon Challis prints and will make a couple of dresses.   The red one is Embroidered Burnout.  Not sure now what it'll become.

A Sorbetto Weekend

As mentioned in the previous post, I downloaded the Sorbetto top.  And this must be a world's record for me because I have sewn up two so far.  Wore one Sunday. 
One of the writers on the Sew Weekly did 7 Days of Sorbetto and that inspired me to go back to the Collette Pattern site and download the top.  It's so easy!   The first one I used a lightweight print just picked up this year from the red tag section at Joann's.  Last year I made a skirt from this same fabric that was not in the clearance section.   Anyway, this is so easy because it has only the front and back pattern pieces.  You see a sleeve pattern in my picture because some kind person whom I can't think of right now, drafted a sleeve pattern that I will try in my next couple of Sorbettos.  There are no facings for the neck and sleeve openings.  You can use your own bias tape made from the fabric scraps which I did in both of these tops.  Or purchase a matching or contrasting bias tape.  You can make several of these in a day if you want to just sew up a few.

I asked my daughter to take a picture of my top and she did just that.

Here's my granddaughter who I think is a 5 year old supermodel!  When the camera comes out, she is there with her pose whether she's supposed to be in the picture or not! 

Her mom made the skirt and her top is sequins.  I don't know where she bought it.  I'm not sure of the skirt pattern, but she made two skirts at the same time and I'm sure she'll probably wear the other one next weekend.

The second sorbetto is exactly as the first except I used a remnant leftover from a dress that was sewn two years ago.  The fabric came from Fabric Mart.   I did not follow the directions for the Sorbetto.  Didn't read them.   It looks similar to the picture though. 

Do I Have Enough Patterns!

I always tell myself I am not going to buy more patterns.  Here is what I have on hand:
Two rolling carts that have four sections and are packed to the max. A lot of these patterns I've used and hope to again.

The patterns here I've selected to make in the very near future, like the next week or two or three. Maybe not all of them, but most. These items will complete my summer sewing.

Here are some more I've got nearby.

This stack has some "I might sew soon" styles too.

This is my first pattern cart.  Most of the patterns are probably ten years or more.  Lots of Vogue designer patterns in this cart.

Some of these are patterns that were laying around that I was going to 'sew' last year during the spring/summer and maybe fall season, and I just put most of them in here. This is a bin that I inherited last year. I have two empty drawers.

The patterns in here are kind of dated, but some I've sewn, and some not, of course. I put them in here because I knew I wasn't going to use them anytime soon. But I revisit from time to time.

And this stack of magazines from Burda, Knip Mode, Octobre, and a few others.  There are possibilities here.  But the tracing part, I just can't seem to get into. 

Oh, I almost forgot to mention (confess), I've downloaded lots.   The Sorbetto for instance.  I've made two of those already. 

So I ask, do you think I have enough. 

My answer:

Sadly it's no because I saw a Simplicity top that I think is so cute S2026.  Someone had this on their site about two weeks ago.  At that time they weren't on the Simplicity site.  Also, this jacket, S2024 just saw this when I went to look for the top.  Although the jacket reminds me of another they had maybe last year.   I guess this is a new category for them.  Sew Simple, only $1.99.  So no need to wait for a pattern sale.  And that's the thing.  Without the sales, there is no way I could have accummulated this many.  Well maybe, when I was working in corporate America and there weren't sales every other week!    I do share my patterns with my daughter who sews, but she's as bad as me.  Sometimes we have the same pattern.  It's so fun to rush to the pattern sites when they announce their new patterns.

Go check out Simplicity and plan to add more patterns to your stash too...

Have a great evening everybody!

Another UFO - Vogue 1127 - Blouse

I finally finished the blouse from V1127.  It's been cut out for over a year and this blog post had been saved for over a week.  This was part of the UFO challenge over at Sew Much Talent. 

 The pattern guidesheet instructs you to make french seams.

 There are fabric loops on the neck for the opening above the slit. 

Pattern Description: MISSES' JACKET, SKIRT AND BLOUSE: Jacket is fitted, cropped, lined, long raglan sleeves and standup collar. Skirt is straight-fitting, lined and 1" below normal waist with waistline facing, back darts, back slit and invisible zipper. Length is 2" above mid-knee. Blouse is semi-fitted, sleeveless, front and back gathers, back neckline slit, gathered standup collar and ties.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like the style, the neck and collar ties.

Fabric Used: A chiffon print from Joann's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I might sew again in a fabric that's not so sheer.  I do recommend to others.

Conclusion: I kept looking at this pattern and I'm glad I finally finished it. 

Sew Much Talent-UFO Challenge

Sew Much Talent has a challenge that ends tomorrow.  I managed to get one thing done so far.  Out of Print V2887 that features a jacket and skirt.  I made the skirt which is straight, lined and below mid-knee with princess seams. 

The waist is faced with ribbon, and there's a back zipper and slit.

The fabric is a home dec suede from Joann's that was suitable for

 apparel.  I don't have enough to make the jacket out of this but plan to in the future in another fabric and the skirt.  Since it's a suede fabric, I consider this a sort of beginning to my fall sewing.  I have a knit fabric that I planned to use with this so I may start that in a few weeks.  I still have lots of summer sewing I want to complete.  The next item from the UFO list is a blouse that is certainly summertime.  I hope to complete it tonight for the deadline of the SMT challenge.

My New Patterns!

I am happy to report that today I was able to find a B5638 along with a few others on my list. Joann's 99 cents sale on Butterick patterns ends Saturday.

When I opened the drawer to find B5177, lo & behold there was OOP B5180 staring right up at me. In my last post, the website says it's an OOP so maybe that was a recent update. But for right now I have enough new patterns to rotate and choose fabric etc. (and change my mind). LOL

B5180 Done

Pattern Description: This is OOP Fast & Easy B5180
A-lined, above mid-knee with neckline, armhole & sleeve variations, back zipper. View C is lined.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope one you were done sewing with it? My version has the sleeves from View B and the dress is View C.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, but I did not follow them. Which could be the reason I had the back facing piece left, lol! I think I may have cut it out by mistake because I certainly did not use it since I lined the dress.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I've always look at this pattern and put it back every spring/summer and this time decided to make it.
Fabric used? I am not sure the exact name of this fabric. I have several pieces in various colors from Joann's clearance section. I have made pants, a suit, and now a dress. I think it's a rayon.
Pattern alterations or design changes you made: The only thing was I used View B sleeves but made the dress of View C.
Would you sew it again? Perhaps but the other view in a different fabric. Conclusion: I like this dress. I look forward to wearing it when the temperatures come out of the 90s.
Below are a few recent patterns I've purchased. Butterick is on sale this week at Joann's. I hope they have 5638 in stock. It seems to be a popular style.

S4697

S4697 I believe is an OOP. I used the pattern before when I made the top & skirt. This time I came across the pattern and decided to make the dress out of a knit fabric that's been moved around in my stash for the past couple of years. This was super easy to sew. There is self fabric binding for the neckline and also the armholes. Gathered middle seam in the bust.
This past Saturday was my granddaughter's 5th birthday. My oldest daughter (in the blue print and who is her mother) said we could wear animal print which somehow was the color scheme. Anyway, here we are in various prints! I think she made her dress the night before. Next day, without any plans at all to dress in the same fabric, we both wore to church what we'd made last year. I think her dress is a Butterick pattern and my top is McCalls. Great minds think alike, LOL!

Coming up on my sewing agenda is to complete a few UFOs since I joined the challenge on Sew Much Talent to get as many done as possible by July 31st. I don't have a lot but enough to keep busy until then.

I've been reading all the other blogs and not posting here. I have been sewing but some things were not going well in my sewing world. This was to be my second dress for the Stay Cool-Stitch a Dress Challenge. Cut it out, even bought lining to match, sewing went well and it's almost done. BOOM!

Cut a hole in the back of the dress with the serger! Not going to bore you with how it exactly happened because I've had more than one disaster lately.

Of course, I left the dress incomplete as I did not do anything more to it. I thought about saving it for something to just wear around the house after I close up the cut (and in case somebody stops by). So I'll look presentable at least.

For something easy and quick, I made up this skirt using B5147. I figured I could handle this without having another mishap. It is lined and has a slit in the back and a back center zipper. The fabric was from a piece leftover from a dress I made last year.

It came out great and all faith is restored, LOL!

A couple other projects are cut out and one already in the process and hope to share those soon.

Have a great sewing day!

Easy Top

Thanks for all the compliments on my dress last week. Did you hearthe summer dress challenge has been extended to June 19th. Yay!
So here's one of the tops I finished up last week. Butterick 5496 View A without the elastic in the waist. I wanted a loose fit in the waist and decided to leave that out. In the other top (not shown) I inserted the elastic but I'm thinking about taking it out.


















The fabric is lightweight (not sure of the exact name) but I picked this up in Nashville last year when we were on our road trip. It was easy to handle, not sliding all over the place. The neckline is finished with bias tape and topstitched. The sleeves have slits (under) and there are side slits and topstitched hems. This was an easy sew project(s) which was why I was able to sew up two this week.
This is the next project I'll be sewing for the summer dress challenge.