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.