Christmas Party 2009

Pattern Description: Self drafted one shoulder knee length formal dress

Pattern Sizing: custom

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

yeah...just like the image in my head.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I wanted to make an off the shoulder dress for a Chrismas party my husband and I always attend... I drafted an off the shoulder princess seam bodice. I cut 2 strips of glitter organza for the ruffle. I cut one layer at 7 inches and 1 layer 5 inches wide. I used my serger to do a rolled hem on the organza. I attached the organza all around the front and back edges of the dress. I used my tnt pattern for the skirt. The dress is also fully lined in self fabric.

Fabric Used:

Black crepe back satin from Hancock's and glitter organza from hancocks

Conclusion:

I got lots of compliments on my dress and lots of people wanted me to make them a dress for next year's gala (NOT!!!). My husband and I had lots of fun and I even danced ( a little). Maybe next year I will actually get a picture with my hubby!!

WHIRLWINDVACATION!!!!

OUR FAMILY VACATION

My family and I just got back from a whirlwind vacation...We flew from Tampa Airport to Raleigh,NC to visit some friends for a few days...We then rented a Suburban and drove to Harrisonburg, VA to visit my brother. He is working on his Master's degree from his alma mater JMU. The kids dont get to see uncle Lou that much so they were in heaven.

We then drove to Washington DC and took the kids sightseeing...It was my first time there so I was sightseeing too. It was also our first time on the metro train and it was neat!! We saw Arlington Cemetery with all of its graves. Reminds us all of the high price some paid for us to enjoy the freedoms we all take for granted.


We saw Old Abe in the Lincoln Monument...It was huge...Upstairs they have a lot of Lincoln's speeches etched in stone...Very educational...

Of course my daughter wanted to see where President Obama lived...She was so elated.

The Washington monument...

We were so tired from all the walking...On TV of course it looks like everything is so close together. NOT!!! The next day (which happened to be my 38th birthday) we took the kiddos to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History...It is awesome to say the least.

I also pursuaded my hunny to take me to G street fabrics...I bought 4 cuts of wool suiting and they had all their patterns marked down to $1.00...I lost my mind on the Burda's...I bought 16 patterns.

The next day we packed up again and headed for Philadelphia. We have a friend who plays for the 76 ers and he got us tickets for the game...

The kids loved it and they got to go out on the court after the game.

The next day we went to the Philadelphia Zoo.

They have a beautiful blond Lioness with a Mane...They say she has hormone problems. I still think she is pretty.

My husband dropped me off in Philadelphia's Fabric district. I went to Maxie's daughter and bought 5 yards of wool to make a suit. Then I went to Pennsylvania Fabric Outlet. I bought some weft interfacing there. I had never seen interfacing 60 inches wide. I went down the street to Baldwin Fabrics and bought some leather. I am going to attempt to make a handbag one day. I also bought some beautiful brown wool tweed.

We left Philadelphia and headed to The Big Apple...thats right NY City...We went to Manhattan!!!...

We saw the famous tree in Rockefeller Center...They were still working on it, hence the scaffolding

Took this photo in front on the Chase Manhattan building...We call my daughter Chase Manhattan because her name is Chaise. Doesn't Chancellor look excited!! Right!!

I have never seen so many people in my life, and on a Saturday and Sunday... Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to hit the garment district but my husband assures me I can come back soon to shop for fabric and he will pay for it. We stayed in Manhattan for 2 days right at the Hilton in Times Square.. We took the kids over to Rockefeller center and saw the big Christmas tree in place with scaffolding all around it and let the kids watch the ice skaters. From there we went to Connecticut to see some of my husband's relatives. We the hit New Jersey and saw the Statue of Liberty and headed back south to Baltimore for 1 day and then back to DC for 1 day and then back to Raleigh/Durham where we then got back on the plane and headed back home...This was the best vacation ever!!!! I am already anticipating our next one. Let's see, where shall we roam next???

MCCALLS 5323

Ok, I admit it...I cant get enough of ruffles and frills and fluff and flounces!!!! I think this is an OOP pattern but of course I had it in my stash...I just happened to be riffling thru my pattern drawers and found this...Yeah, more ruffles!!!!

Pattern Description: Unlined, fitted wrap blouse has sleeve and neckline variations; blouse A has purchased applique; blouses A, B have side ties, purchased trim; blouse C has sash; includes separate pattern pieces for A, B, C and D cup sizes. I made view B with the ruffles.

Pattern Sizing: I used size 18.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yep

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Ruffles, and no FBA.

I cant get enough of ruffles so had to have this one.Fabric Used: cotton shirting

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: This pattern has the separate D cup bodice so I didnt need an FBA. I lengthened the bodice by 3 inches to make it 26 inches... I also changed the sleeves to short sleeves and added a cuff. I saw that the bust dart on the pattern was REALLY long so I shortened it about 2 inches... Next time I make it I will lower the dart about 1 inch.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I think this will be part of my Christmas party suit...I am going to make it up in red satin with a matching pencil skirt.

Conclusion: If you are craving the ruffles go for it. I t is OOP, but if you have a pattern stash like mine, it may be worth it to go hunthing thru it for this one.

There's A Jungle Out There

What do you do when you have a great comfy chair that you love but you are sick of the upholstry and the kiddos have spilled every substance known to man (and some not known) on it... I say slipcovers baby!!!

I have a Chaise lounge and a overside chair the I recovered. I got this fabric at Hancocks...I think I bought about 25 yards... I pinned the fabric on the chairs upside down to make a pattern and then sewed it together. For the cushions made a pattern by tracing the outseide on the cushions, and added my 1 inch seam allowances...My cushions are 6 inches thick, so I made the covers 5 and 1/2 inches high so the covers were nice and tight...I added a strip at the back and inserted a zipper...Perfecto...Now when the kids decide to pour koolaid on my chairs, at least I can wash them and they look as good as new...

SIMPLICITY 2473

About a week ago I tricked my non sewing sister into stopping by Hnacocks with me to "pick up a few things" after our weekly lunch date. They were having a pattern sale and my sister spotted this and I had to have it. I loved the collar and the shoulder princess seams.

Pattern Description: Inspired by Project Runway.

Misses'/miss petite dress sewing pattern with slim or flared skirt.

Pattern Sizing: 12-14-16-18-20

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 loved the collar and loved the princess seams.Fabric Used: Grey wool woven. Dont remember where it came from!!!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I always do an FBA. I did a 1 and 3/4 inch FBA. I also added 1 and 1/2 inches to the front and back bodice pieces at the lengthen/shorten lines. I added 3 inches to the skirt length, but next time I will add another 3 inches as I like my skirts a little longer. I used the cap sleeve, but I added 4 inches in length and I also added a sleeve band. I also did a full lining and used an invisible zipper.

Would you sew it again?

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I really like the way this turned out and I will make it again someday.

Conclusion:

Great pattern that is stylish and easy to alter.

SIMPLICITY 3631

Pattern Description: Misses/Miss Petite Coat, Jacket, Dress, Jumper, Slim Pants and Skirt: Sew Stylish Collection

Pattern Sizing: I used size 16-18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Sort of...I changed the jacket design.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the pleats at the neckline.

Fabric Used: wool tweed I bought on vacation in Charleston, SC

.Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the jacket. I also added an elastic casing using 1&1/2 inch elastic. I lengthened the sleeves to full length and also narrowed them by 8 inches and added cuffs.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I may make this again.

Conclusion: Nice easy pattern.

MY NEW CUTTING/IRONING TABLE

I kinda got tired of cutting out patterns on my bar, so I decided to build a new sewing table. I liked the height of my bar as it was the perfect height for me... I went to the local Lowe's and got six 2X4's and had them cut some 3/4 inch plywood 38 inches wide by 60 inches. I also purchased some casters to place on the bottom of the legs so I could move my table by myself. I made the table 39 inches high, same as my bar. I am still looking for an old wool blanket to go over the top but in the meantime I just used 5 layers of cotton flannel on top. I love my table!!!It is the perfect size, and I even have some storage underneath... When I need to cut out patterns on it, I just slide my 36 inch by 60 inch cutting mat on top...When I need to iron, I just slide the mat down to the side. I can steam large pieces of fabric really easily...Like I said it is great.

MY NEW SUIT AND MY NEW HAIRCUT!!!

I was ready for a change so I decided a new haircut was in order...Then on to some new clothes...

SIMPLICITY 2562

Pattern Description: Misses'/miss petite wide leg pants with individual pattern pieces given for slim, average and curvy fit. Amazing Fit.

Pattern Sizing: I used a heavily altered (mutilated) size 16

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Sort of except for my changes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the look of these trousers...Some people might like skinny legs, but I love a wide leg trouser.

Fabric Used: tropical weight wool that has been looking at me in my sewing room for so long that I dont remember where I got it from...

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Plenty alterations here...I set out to make the perfect pants for my TNT pattern...I have scoliosis so I have one hip that is 1&1/2 inches higher than the other, It is also fuller on that side. So, my first step was to trace the pattern to have separate pattern pieces for the right and left front and right and left back....I also decided that since I was just trying to get a good fit to leave off the pockets. I just taped the front and the side yoke together prior to cutting..I started with a straight size 16 and added 4 inches at the knee and 2 inches at the bottom, and made a muslin . It was a little tight in the waist, needless to say,LOL so I added 1 inch to the right and left front waistband side seams. I increased the height of the right back and front pieces at the waistband seam by 1&1/2 inches since that is my high hip side. I made another muslin and decided to alter the pattern again as follows:I narrowed the back width on both back pieces at the back inseam about 1/2 inch from about 3 inches below the derriere up to the crotch seam in order to remove the wrinkles under the bum (I dont have much in that department!!!.) I then also did the clown but alteration taking out 1/2 inch wedge at crotch level on both left and right back. I then got some foil, rolled it up in a long line and used it to mimic my crotch curve...L shaped, just as I suspected. I altered both the back pieces to make the crotch curve L shaped and voila.. I decided to add Finally, the results of all my hard work was perfection...I loved the fit. And these pants are the result of all these weeks of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears...but it was so worth it!!!.. Oh I also fully lined these. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? For all this work I did, I will sew these for every pant pattern I make...This one is it for me...It is my TNT, hopefully forever and ever!!!!

Conclusion: Pants heaven!!!

VOGUE 8207

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, lined jacket has collar, shoulder pads, princess seams, three-quarter length sleeves with cuffs and shaped hem. B: purchased trim. Slightly flared, below mid-knee skirt is fitted through hip and has princess seams and left side zipper closure. Straight-legged pants has stitched pleats and left side zipper closure. I made the jacket.

Pattern Sizing:14-16-18Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes, except for my changes

Were the instructions easy to follow?I didnt read them

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I always have to do an FBA so I love patterns with shoulder princess seams.

Fabric Used: I used a deep navy tropical weight wool...It has been in my stash for a while so I dont remember where I got it from.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I cut a size 16 at the shoulders and went out to a size 18 from the bust down. I did a 1&3/4 FBA. Since I am tall, I added an 1&1/2 at the lengthen/ shorten line and also added 1&1/2 to the bottom to make the length about 26 inches. I added welt pockets and I drafted half circle flaps. I also used the sleeves from Vogue 7975 as I wanted 2 piece full length sleeves.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will...I love sholder princess seam jackets as they as so easy to do FBA's on. I think the silhouette is classic and this one will join my other TNT jacket patterns.

Conclusion: This is a nice classic jacket pattern that I highly recommend.

I AM STILL HERE!!!

Hello all. Although I have not posted anything in over a month, I am still here and I have been busy sewing. I made 3 skirt suits, 1 pant suit and 1 pair of jeans...I just have not gotten around to taking the pics I need in order to post. I plan on taking pics next week so I will have a lot to post next week...toodles..

I got a new toy!!!!!

I was getting tired of constantly having to refill my rowenta iron and I had been looking at either a gravity steam iron or ths little puppy....I was passing by the store Tuesday Morning on Monday morning(go figure) and did an abrupt uturn as I remembered someone posting about this iron. There was so much other stuff in the store that I didnt see the irons at first, so I asked someone working there is they had irons...Lo and behold, imagine my utter joy and excitement when I stumbled across this bad boy!!! But wait, the best was yet to come....It was only $99.00....SOLD!!! I got it home plugged it in and waited the 8 minutes for it to heat up....WOW...this puppy was on all afternoon as I ironed and sewed and still had plenty of water left in the tank....No more refilling the iron every 10 minutes!!!Oh happy day indeed.

BUTTERICK 4978 IN REVIEW

Lately, I realized that I needed some more dresses for church so this is my first one. Sorry for the blurry pics...my 6 yo daughter is the photographer.

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, flared, lined dress, below mid-knee or above ankle has bodice with neck binding, front opening slit and slightly cut-a-way armholes, midriff, bias skirt and back zipper. B: tie ends

Pattern Sizing: 16-22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?<>

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I thought it was cute...dressy enough for church, but I could also wear it out for a dinner date.

Fabric Used: A printed poly from Hancocks

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did an FBA and rotated the dart up into the neckline gathers. I also lengthened the bodice by 2 inches and added 4 inches to the lower front and back. I also used an invisible zipper.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I may sew it again ...I never throw patterns away so I will add this one to the 175 patterns that I have cut out and saved!!!

Conclusion: Nice, easy dress...

MCCALLS 5843

A LITTLE TASTE OF SUNSHINE

REVIEW

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESSES: Empire dresses A, B with close fitting, self-lined bodice, have princess seams, shoulder straps, gathered skirt with side zipper closing; dress A has ruffles; dress B has flowers.

I made the dress sans ruffles or flowers.

Pattern Sizing: 12-20. I made a size 16, but the bodice was too large and had to be altered.

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? Very easy, it took about 2 hours to make.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes...I liked the princess seams on the bodice...made for easy FBA and fitting. I made my usual size 16 and had to take in the sides of the bodice by about an inch on each side.

Fabric Used: Sunny yellow linen blend from Hancocks...

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I used an invisible zipper and I cut the back bodice with a center seam due to a shortage of material. I did an FBA using the princess seams and added my standard 2 inches to the bodice length at the bust... I also added 3 inches to lower skirt.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, It makes a nice summer dress.

SIMPLICITY 2638 REVISITED

Pattern Description: Misses Dress or Day Gown

Pattern Sizing: size 6-16

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I didnt use them since I have made this one previously

I love the style of this maxidress...it is my TNT maxidress pattern.

Fabric Used:

I was reading Ms. Sheila's blog and she had made her daughter a beautiful cotton skirt with this same fabric in a blue colorway...I loved that fabric and I inquired where she had gotten it and she replied that she found it at Joann's in the quilting facrics...So I went looking for that fabric and found it and this same fabric in this pink/green colorway and bought it with the intentions of this maxidress....Thanks Sheila!!!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

I lengthened the bodice front and back by 2 inches and also did an fba...added 2 inches to the lower length.

Would you sew this again: I'm sure this one will get sewn again!!!

Conclusion: Happy sewing!!!

CONFLICT AVERTED!!!!

I found some red patent leather peep toes!!! I knew Zappos would not let me down...they had to get some in eventually....I got these pupppies in the mail on Tuesday...(gotta love that fast shipping) these are some bad boys...they are 5 inches high though so I am still deciding if I am gonna keep them...but I do love them...Heck, I am already 6'2", with these I will be 6'7"...That may be more than the public can handle...Whay ya think???

I NEED SHOES!!!

Okay... I am admitting I have a shoe problem...I have a collection of shoes that numbers over 300...but now i need(want) a pair of red patent leather peep toes in a size 11...I made a zebra print dress that I want to wear to church Sunday, but I cant find the shoes!!!..nothing...zilch...nada...My sister and I went to the ellenton outlet and visited all our usual haunts..Nine West, (scored some new platform sandals there...yah!!!),Saks, and Aigner, but no red patent leather peep toes...I have been online for 1 week looking at all the online shoe stores to no avail...I should have bought the ones I saw lsat year at Target but I stupidly did not...now I am paying for my mistake...

SIMPLICITY 2638-IN REVIEW

I wanted a maxidress that I could wear without looking like a 25 year old...This is just what the Dr. ordered...

Pattern Description: Simplicity calls this a dress or day gown...I call it a maxi dress that a grown woman can wear!!!

Pattern Sizing:I used size 16...next time I will use a size 14, I found it ran just a tad large.

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 wanted a maxi dress that had wider straps so I could wear a bra with it...Hey, after nursing 3 kids, believe me, no one wants to see me sans bra!!! This pattern fit the bill...

Fabric Used: I used a green linen blend from Joann's.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I am 6'2" so i always lenthen the pattern at the bustline by 2 inches.. did my usual 3/4 inch FBA and rotated the dart created to the underbust gathers, but I probably only needed to do a half inch fba. I also added my usual 3 inches at the hem, however, I ended up taking most of that out... I wanted to make sure that the girls were well covered, so I raised the neckline by an inch and a half and I also rounded out the v-neck.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I love my dress...It is comfortable and kind of trendy without looking like I am trying to be a teenager again!!!

Conclusion: What's not to love!!!

Hello all...well this is my first review(although I have been sewing for 15 years) so be gentle!!!

I saw this shirt made up by Candyo on patternreview and thought it was so cute...

SIMPLICITY 2614

Fabric:
Cotton-Lycra Woven [See other projects in this fabric]
Pattern Description: Misses Pull Over Tops with Separate Patterns for A,B,C,D Cup Sizes and Bias Skirt: Threads Collection

Pattern Sizing:14-16-18-20-22...I sewed a 16...

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, better!!!Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were simple...they got a little tricky at the v neck but not too bad if you take your time

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the ties at the neck!!! And there were less alterations I had to do because the FBA was already done.

Fabric Used:pale yellow stretch cotton from my stash...It has been in my stash for a while so I dont remember where I got it from

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I am 6'2" so i added 2 inches to the length at the bustline on the front and the corresponding location on the back and also added 3 inches at the lower edge.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will probably sew this again since I love it so much, however there are so many other things that on my cutting table that I dont know when it will come back up in the sewing rotation!!Conclusion: Great trendy top that is a breeze to sew...It only took me about 2 hours to whip this one up!!!