Split Neck Top (Jalie 2682)

This is a very popular Jalie pattern and I can see why. It's easy to sew and looks great in both lightweight knits and heavy knits. 

Pattern: Jalie 2682
Fabric: slinky watercolor print (don't remember where I bought it)
Size S grading to T at hips 

Animal Print Tunic (V8634)

I made this tunic twice before (here and here) and still wear the polka dot one a lot! The pattern (Vogue 8634) is out of print.

I made this version back in the winter but forgot to photograph it. We had a cold spell last weekend that allowed me to wear it again and had my son snap a couple pics.

Fabric is a sweater knit from Banasch in Cincinnati.

StyleArc Issy Top

I loved this pattern and gave it a go over the weekend. I struggled with the draping directions but I'm ok with how it turned out. My PR review is shown below.

Pattern Description: From StyleArc site: This knit top can be made long-sleeved or sleeveless. The clever neck drape gives this top a distinctive look, while the angled rouching at the side seam is flattering across the front. This fabulous design can be worn casually or dressed up. Link to StyleArc Issy pattern.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I decided not to do the asymmetrical hem. So I redrew the hem at the highest point.

Pattern Sizing: I started with a size 8 but graded out about an inch on each side at hips. I wasn't sure how that would work out with the gathering at sides but it seemed to work fine.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't think the draping instructions were clear and I'm not positive I did it correctly. I'm ok with how it ended up though. I rated this pattern difficult because I think a beginner would have trouble with the draping instructions.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I have some pulling at the shoulders which makes me think I didn't do the draping correctly. It's not that visible due to the fabric design.

Fabric Used: An ITY purchased from Fashion Fabric a few months ago.

How long did this take: It took me about 3 hours to sew this top. I spent a good 30-45 minutes trying to figure out the drape.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is a cute one and I think I see more in my future!

Knit Dress (M5974)

It's easy to see why this was a Best Pattern of 2010 at PR. The pattern goes together very easily and is quite flattering. I'll be making more work dresses from this pattern. I finished this dress months ago (I'm thinking last fall!) but never got around to taking pictures although I have worn it many times.

My coworker and I had some fun on the fire escape today!

 

Details:
Pattern: McCalls 5974 (out of print)
Fabric: ITY from Gorgeous Fabrics.
Fitting Adjustments:
Cut size 10 at bodice; took in additional 1/2" on each side.
Graded to 12-14 at hips but then took 3/4" off each side.
Cut 2" out of skirt as some of the reviews indicated the skirt was very full.
2" hem; just above knee.

I can't recommend this pattern enough.

Linen Pants Revisited (V8584)

Late last summer, I made a pair of wide legged linen pants with some side pockets. (See Here.) I wasn't too crazy about the wide leg look and my husband literally laughed at the pockets. My kids also gave them a thumbs down. Being stubborn, I took them to the Novi Sewing Expo and showed them to two of my friends for encouragement. Deafening silence. ALRIGHT ALREADY... NOT A GREAT LOOK. I get it.

But I really wanted some comfy linen pants so when my roomie Liz showed up at PR Weekend in Austin with an adorable pair of pants in a moderate width, I decided I would revamp my pair. First I took the pocket off and tried on again to see if I liked them wide. NOPE. So then I took about an inch off of both inner and outer seams. I like them better now.

Illusion Dress (Burda 7053)

So I guess if I can't lose the ten lbs. I need to come up with some clothes that have the illusion of making me look like I weigh less. LOL. This is Burda 7053.

Photo quality is poor because I finished it the night before leaving for PR Austin so hubby couldn't take a real photo. I cropped above from some shots during the fun weekend.

Red White Denim Jacket (M5860)

Fabric is from Mood - stretch twill
Pattern is McCalls 5860 (out of print)
Because it is unlined, I bound all the seams with white bias tape.
The buttons are a fun multi-faceted crystal I found at JoAnn's.

Mindi Skirt (Style Arc)

I loved this Style Arc skirt when I first saw it. The pockets are made of two pieces and have a zipper. I added a little faux leather pull tab to the zippers. Fabric is a stretch twill.

A

Knit Cardigan (Jalie 3248)

Emilie from Jalie Patterns debuted this pattern at PR Weekend San Francisco back in April 2013. She was wearing the cutest version and I couldn't wait to try it myself. I purchased the striped knit at Stone Mountain in Berkley along with a solid black to coordinate.

I cut size S. Front and sleeves fit great but I should have use a larger size for my broad back. The pattern is written well; the construction is very clever. I was confused at first but quickly figured out how to handle and was very impressed by whomever created this pattern!

I LOVE this and wish I had made it in a solid so I had more things to wear it with. I need to make another.

 I finished this last fall but am just now getting around to finishing the review!

White Dress (M6518)

I made this dress as a sew along to the PR White Dress contest in January. I wore it on a cruise I took with my daughter but I don't love how the dress looks so it's going to Goodwill. But how about those peacock shoes?!! Love them!

Fabric: white rayon from stash and lining from stash
Pattern: McCalls 6518 (out of print)
Size: 10 bodice (1"broadback adjustment), 12 waist (although I subsequently took 1/2" out of each side), 14 hips
Pattern directions are good. 

Big Bird Halloween Costume

More catchup posts.

My daughter came to me with the photo on the left and asked me to make for my grandson for Halloween. My grandson is on the right.

Inspiration Photo

Copycat version

I started with a long sleeve onesie and sewed yellow boas vertically down the sleeves and body. The hat is a ski cap with feathers from yellow and white boas. The beak is felt and fleece, stuffed with poly fill and the eyeballs are large white pompoms with small black pompom eyeballs. The pants are orange sweatpants embellished with hot pink sweatshirt fleece.

Knit Reindeer Hat

Had to make this for my grandson even though I knew he would pull it off his head. LOL. Pattern name is Antler Hat Pattern and was purchased from Melody's Makings (Ravelry link).

Polka Dot Sweater Knit Top (V8790)

I found this sweater knit at the only local Cincinnati fabric store (Banasch) and fell in love. I thought I would make a little top so I only bought 1.5 yards. I decided to make this wrapped top instead and didn't have enough to make with long sleeves. I considered making short sleeves or using a black knit for the back. It's a cozy knit so I decided it had to have long sleeves.I found the polka dot fabric at our local fabric store.


Fabric: Sweater knit from Banasch + "Ubersoft Rayon Jersey" from Gorgeous Fabrics
Pattern: Vogue 8790 View C
Fit Adjustments: Size 10 at top and graded to 12-14 at hips;The top was still a little big so I graded a little more from armscye to about waist. Cut 2" off length because I didn't want tunic length.


I love how this looks and fits except for some funkiness going on at the bottom where the two fabrics meet. I need to fix that!

Another Vogue 1250

Love this pattern - Vogue 1250. I think this is my third one. Fabric is a gorgeous large scale rayon knit from Elliott Berman.

Crafty Items

Adding some old projects to the blog. Advent calendars for the grandkids; camouflage apron and another robe for Ben.

Apron for Redneck Bridal Shower

 

McCalls 3979

Robe for Ben

Goodies from PR Weekend Austin

Just returned from another fun Pattern Review Weekend. This year, we went to Austin during Fashion Week. I attended two runway shows. The first was some local designers and the other was six former Project Runway contestants - Daniel Esquivel, Korto Momolu, Jeffrey Sebelia, Melissa Fleis, Michelle Lesniak and Mychael Knight.

Here are my fabric purchases:

Textiles Purchases - all knits

Austin Fabric Coop purchases - White linen on bottom, Others are knits

Common Threads Purchase - silk chiffon (my FAVORITE purchase!)

And here are my patterns - some from the Pattern Swap and some were in goodie bag or prizes.