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.