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Saturday, August 21, 2010

The Friday Night Sew-In

This was my first FNSI. I was prepared the night before by cutting out a top from B5493 View A and a dress using M6114 View C or D. My plan to start around 7:30 p.m. failed but I did manage to complete the top. The dress I'm going to sew this evening. Although there was a minor delay due to having to cut another neck facing, it was fun thinking about all the others who were participating in this sew-in. Hopefully I'll have both projects to show later this evening or tomorrow.
I am looking forward to the next sew-in.
I am technically done with warm weather sewing if you consider I don't have anything else cut out (except the dress) that is considered 'summer'. But my plans are to start a fall project (or two) during the upcoming holiday weekend.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

B5147

B5147 complete and already worn last weekend.
Here's the info:
Pattern Description: Easy/ Misses/Misses Petite jacket, top, dress and skirt. I made the dress View D. A-line dress has front and back darts, back zipper and mid-calf length. All garments are lined.
Pattern Sizing: Multi-sized 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 folllow? I did not use the guidesheet.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the simplicity of this pattern and that I kept seeing it on other blogs. Seems like they were all having fun with this pattern so I decided to finally buy one for myself.
Fabric used: A polyester print from Joann's.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: This pattern calls for lining, but I did not want to line this dress. I traced facings for the neck opening and armholes using the pattern as a guide.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Most definitely will be sewing this again and I do recommend to others.
Conclusion: I think this is a great pattern. Don't know why I didn't buy this sooner, LOL!
This coming Friday, August 20th, I'll be participating in the Friday Night Sew In. It's a virtual sew-in I read about on someone's blog after the last one which took place in July. It sounds like everybody had a fun time. So that's what I'll be doing Friday night.
Also, I just want to take a moment and thank all of those who follow or just stop by and read my blog compliment my work. Thank you.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Patterns

These are the most recent patterns from the 99 cent sales a few weeks ago. Others that I wanted were not available. I have noticed though, that I've been sewing from patterns that have been in my collection for awhile. But I plan on using these soon. Here's what I got:

Butterick 5415 - I like all the views of this dress. It could be a transitional dress for the season change. Depends on the fabric.
Butterick 5147 - I finally decided to buy this one because of Sheila, LOL I have a fabric for the a-lined dress, View D. After looking at the line drawings on the actual pattern, I can see why this pattern has so many options.
McCalls 6169 in 2 lengths -this may be the pattern I use to kick-off my fall sewing. It's easy to sew and will be great to complete an outfit if (when) the weather turns cool and you don't need a coat just yet.

Although I really don't like to think about cold weather, I know I should be prepared because it's coming. Ugh! LOL

Road Trip


My daughters, granddaughter and I just returned from our whirlwind trip. We stopped at several places along the way to Savannah, GA. There was no agenda except for those stops and we just had a really fun time. We stopped in Nashville, TN at Pancake Pantry to get a taste for ourselves because someone from our church recommended we go. It was very good! That's not my plate, btw, LOL
After our meal, we headed over to Textile Fabrics. They had a vast array of fabrics to choose from. I got the info on this one from Adrienne after reading her blog. I was very disciplined and didn't splurge on fabric, but I did manage to get one piece. I didn't take a lot of time to touch and feel everything, but their fabrics are beautiful and I hope to visit this store again.

In Savannah, of course we had to go check out Paula Deen's Lady & Sons.

The food was delicious, rich in flavor. Yum! Other stops were Tybee Island Beach, Hilton Head, SC, Piccadilly's and Gail K Fabrics in ATL on the way home. LOL ~ It was a great trip!

Monday, August 2, 2010

I Won and A Couple Pattern Reviews

Last week before leaving to go out of town, I found out that I was the winner of Carolyn's giveaway for The Sewing Answer Book. I just had to acknowledge this amd I'm very excited!
Before we left, I had sewn up a few items. For this top I used a very lightweight linen fabric print from Joann's with Butterick 4800, View C. The sleeveless bodice has a v-neck in the front & back, is self-lined using the same fabric. The lower bodice is flared and machine hemmed.
The Pattern Description: Misses Tops, Hip length tops with self-
faced bodices and fabric ties. View A has bust pleats but the other views have darts and other options for the lower bodice i.e., tiered flounces or purchased trim and shaped hems.
Pattern Sizing: AA-6-8-10-12 & EE 14-16-18-20
Did it look like the pattern/drawing on the envelope once you were done sewing with it: Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow: Yes, but I only glanced at them.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern: This is one of the patterns I've had for awhile and never used until now. It always ended up put back in the pattern collection until the next season.
Fabric used: Lightweight rayon/linen type fabric print.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None,except I didn't add the ties.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes/Yes.
Conclusion: Again, I've always liked this pattern. This top was easy to make and carefree to wear.
For this dress I used New Look 6103. The fabric is one of the pieces from my first fabric purchase in six months. I don't think this pattern is still available as I couldn't find in on their site.
Pattern Description: Dress with bodice variations and flared skirt section, center back zipper and optional sash. Coat with large shawl -like collar, long sleeves and inside pockets.
Pattern Sizing: Sizes 6-16, all sizes included
Did it look like the pattern /drawing on the 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 everything about this pattern. This time I made the dress with the gathered side accent.
Fabric used: Rayon print from Joann's.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I might sew this one again and I'd recommend it to others.
Conclusion: This was an easy sew project. I've made View A with sash several years ago. It is something I wear again and again. My go-to dress.