Vogue 8879

This is one of the patterns I bought on one of my pattern-buying binges. It's a pullover top with different variations (it's a nice T-shirt pattern). There are several things I really like about this. It's very easy and quick to sew (like, a couple hours start to finish even if you're slow). I made mine almost entirely on the serger. I made View A which has the 3/4 sleeves; then I made A with shorter sleeves. I like that the shirt is longer in the back which makes it visually interesting, but also covers the rear if you make it long enough. I like that because it can be worn as a tunic.

 

This is the first one I made from a lightweight cotton knit (bought at Hobby Lobby, of all places). As you can see, the neckline is low (too low for me). I figured it would be, but wanted to make it anyway. So the next one I made, I raised the neckline by a couple of inches. That worked out really well. This one is a cotton knit fabric.



You can also see the length of the top. Then I made a short-sleeve top from a rayon poly knit fabric (I've had the fabric so long, I can't remember the exact name of it) Anyway, the short-sleeve is nice as well.

I basically made all of these in a weekend which is a record for me. I figured I had the pattern out and had already made the alterations, I might as well keep going! I'd like to make a couple more from a lightweight cotton knit, because when it gets hot here in the summer, it gets very humid as well.

That's all for now. Happy sewing everyone!



Finished in time...

My goal in making a Spring coat for myself was to get it done in time for Easter. That almost didn't happen, because I almost gave up. I used BurdaStyle 7072. It was exactly what I wanted my coat to look like. The only thing is I had a little trouble putting one section together. The side-panel and under-sleeve piece just about did me in. I followed instructions, but as sometimes happens with Burda, the instructions seemed rather skimpy in this area. As a result, I never could get it to go together exactly right. Fortunately, I knew what it was supposed to look like, so I did the best I could and actually hand-sewed the fabric pieces together rather than use the sewing machine. By the time I did the lining, I think I figured out what the instructions didn't say and that went together by machine pretty easily. In any case, I'm happy with the result (and happier I stuck with it). Usually around here (in the Washington, DC area), Spring, if we have one, can be very short before we go right into summer temperatures. So far, Spring has been exceptionally and unusually cool. 

Anyway, the coat is made from a polyester fabric and the lining is a silky lining fabric. I had both of these in my stash so I was glad to get some use out of both of these pieces. I have enough left to make a skirt so I may do that at a later date.

Otherwise the coat went together very smoothly with no other issues. This is something that I'm not sure I would make again, just because the style is pretty distinct. But I do like it very much.

Completed McCall's 6172

Okay I did it. I finished the jacket I have been putting off making for a few years now. I only started this last week, but I've had the pattern for a few years now. I really liked it, but I was afraid of giving it a try with the welt pockets, the fit, etc. You name it, I made excuses for it. Anyway, I used some fabric I had at home (sort of a linen blend). I'm really happy with the results AND it wasn't difficult to make at all. I must say that I am a person who will follow directions when making something that I'm either unfamiliar with or am having trouble with. I did what the instructions said and got great results. Even the welt pockets turned out great.

And with the added flap:

I said I would challenge myself this year and so far I have and things have turned out pretty well. The things that haven't turned out have been "learning experiences". I do want to make another jacket like this one in another color, but I'm not sure when it will happen. There are so many things I have planned in my head to sew... I'm really trying to get the things done that I will get the most use out of before tackling some other things.

Spring is in the air...

I've been trying to gear up for some spring sewing even though winter has tried to hang on. But now that it seems that the seasons might really be changing, I have a few things planned. I read the Spring fashion edition of InStyle Magazine and got some ideas. One article featured coats which I really liked.

 Then, I found this pattern from Burda Style which I think I'll try.

In the meantime, I'm working on a navy blue blazer. I still have to attach the lining. So I hope everything goes well for the rest of it. I made really good welt pockets for the first time in my life, so I don't want to screw-up now!

The goal is to finish this weekend, so I'll see how it goes.

Jalie 3130

I finished this shirt earlier this week. This is one of those things that I liked the minute I saw it, then I kept putting off making it. I think I was intimidated by the tracing that I would have to do. But, in all honesty, the tracing wasn't bad at all. And I am so happy I made this shirt. I used a linen blend shirting fabric. I made this in a size "W". I like the details of the shirt (the darts in front and back so it gives a more accented waistline, button details, etc). And I love the length of the shirt. It is so comfortable and not at all difficult to put together. I may want to make this again in a patterned material.

Now, I need to think about what I want to sew for Spring (even though we may have snow showers tonight).

Happy sewing!

Finished the blouse

This is Vogue 1323. I (finally) finished. It's not that the pattern is difficult, but it was, at least for me, more time consuming. Although I must say I spent more time on this than I had intended to. It's been a long time since I had made anything with a "slippery" feel to the fabric. This was just a basic polyester blouse fabric. But I did do quite a bit of hand basting since it was easier to control and would be easier to remove when necessary. This pattern is rated "Average" but for anyone who wonders if they should give it a try, I say go for it! I usually shy away from patterns with this rating, but I am more interested in challenging myself. Therefore, while I wouldn't use really expensive fabric for a first try, I would certainly give it a try. Some of the techniques in the pattern are things that I have not done before (French seams), but the instructions tell you how to do it and it's very easy to figure out. Believe me, if I can do this, anyone should be able to. And in all things, I firmly believe that even in "failure", you can learn a lot. I made this in a 14. That's down a size from what I would normally have made, but it fits very well without being too big. I did have some trouble getting a decent picture that shows some detail. But I like this pattern. At some point I may try the pants that come with it.

V8162 Cape

Well I've completed my first project of the year. I made this Vogue cape but I think the pattern is OOP.  It's a shame because this is such an easy thing to make. There are a few variations with this pattern. I made the one with collar and buttons in a mid-thigh length. I used a wool hounds tooth fabric I bought at JoAnn's. The cape is unlined, but since it's wool, it is quite warm. It's the kind of thing I think I can get a lot of use out of.

I would recommend trying this pattern if you have it, or I'm sure there is something similar out there. It is very easy to make and it's pretty quick to make too.

Now I'm off to plan my next sewing project!