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..