Another Sweater
01 Jan 2012 2 Comments
in 2011, DECEMBER Tags: Sweater Knit
I bought this sweater back in November but unfortunately as much as I loved it I had to return it. It irritated my skin unbearably so I decided to copy it. This is what I came up with.
Here is my Review.
<b>Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Close enough
<b>What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?</b> I loved the circular back and shawl collar.
<b>Fabric Used:</b>A loosely woven sweater knit.
I used the sleeves from Simplicity 2603. The only problem I had was how to finish the ends of the neckline. I could not find any binding that matched the color the fabric and decided yesterday to cut 1.5 inch strips of the sweater knit and fuse with stitch witchery for support but it wasn’t necessary. It took a while but I got the entire piece done. I love it!
PANTS Butterick 5682 x 5
31 Dec 2011 2 Comments
in 2011, DECEMBER Tags: Butterick 5682, pants
I have been working on this pants pattern off and on for at least two months. I have tweaked and adjusted over and over. I am working/hoping/praying for a TNT pants pattern!!! LOL!! Here are the results:
This is the first wearable pair. They are lined but something funky is going on with the pant legs. I somehow cut them off grain. I have just taken the seams out from the inside and outer leg to try and fix. I am also correcting the awful hem.
Second pair but not really wearable. With this pair I took in a tuck down the back pant leg just under the thigh hoping to get a better fit in the back but I’d forgotten the inch (2 inches total) I had taken from the sides. I loved the fabric but couldn’t do anything about it. It’s more noticeable in the back view.
Next pair tuck was released but there’s still something funky with that pant leg. This is a wool fabric I got from Gus Woolen’s in Baltimore. I learned with these to use the twill tape in my waist band to stop the stretching. They stretched out so much I had to hold them up. LOL!!!
Another wool pair with a better fit. These held up really well, this picture is after a long day at work.
This is my most recent pair. I am happier with this pair than all of the others. BTW, they aren’t hemmed yet in the pictures above.
Here’s my Review:
Pattern Description: At waist, fitted jeans (A,B,C,D) and semi fitted trouser (E), have contoured waistband and fly zipper. A: Slim leg, ankle length. B: Straight leg. C: Boot cut. D: Flared leg. E: Straight leg, hook and eye closure.
Pattern Sizing:16-22 I think I ended up with between 16 and 18
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 assumed because it was a jeans pattern the trousers would be a closer fit but they are not.
Fabric Used: Some type of Polyester. I love the drape and weight of it. I got it on clearance at Joann’s. I can’t remember for how much but I got about 7 more yards of it.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Well I started with the size 20 big mistake cause I had to take a couple of inches off the side seams. I did a large derriere adjustment lengthening my back crotch and sewed in a deeper curve scooping out the lower portion of it. I also took an inch off of the front crotch because the front was too long in the crotch. I lengthened the pants by 3 inches cause I need to be able to wear heels with these. I also did the Sandra Betzina zipper method for the latest pair and will continue to use this method going forward. It looks much more professional. I put twill tape in the waistband to avoid stretching. Oh and lengthened the pocket cause it wasn’t deep enough.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definitely make these again. I have already made 4 other pairs.
Conclusion: My 2011 goal a TNT!!!
Burda 7625 & M6435
30 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in 2011, DECEMBER Tags: Burda 7625, M6435, top
Inspiration Armani Pleated top
Pattern Description: Top and dress with v neckline, gathers at shoulder and under bust, back darts
Pattern Sizing: 34-46 I’m not sure what I used probably a 44
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? It reminded me of my inspiration top above.
Fabric Used: Cotton Knit remnant from G Street
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I just used the tab from S2181 and closed up the V opening by about 3 inches. It was really low.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would like to make the dress too. Yes I recommend
Conclusion: Great Top!
Inspiration Ann Taylor Lace Top
Pattern Description: Close fitting, pullover tops have neck and sleeve length variation. A,B: Heart shaped yoke. C,D: Asymmetrical shaped yoke.
Pattern Sizing: 12-14-16-18
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Nope not with my changes
Were the instructions easy to follow? Didn’t really use them
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It reminded me of the inspiration top shown above.
Fabric Used: Cotton double knit with little stretch
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used the sweetheart neckline but cut it straight across.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might make another version and would recommend this pattern.
Conclusion: Nice Top!
V8780
29 Dec 2011 4 Comments
in 2011, DECEMBER Tags: V8780; Sweater Knit
Victoria Secret Cardigan Inspiration
Review:
Pattern Description: Fitted, unlined jacket (does not meet at center front) has front extending into collar, wrong side shows, side pockets, stitched hem on collar/sleeves, and raw-edge finish on hem. B: shown overlapped. Semi-fitted, straight-legged pants have waistband, elasticized tie ends and stitched hems.
Pattern Sizing: I made the shorter version in a Medium
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Somewhat
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like all of the asymmetrical sweaters I’ve been seeing and thought to make one myself.
Fabric Used: Sweater knit bought on clearance last summer (Hancock’s I think)
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn’t want the folded over collar so I shortened that piece by about 5 inches. I eyeballed it. I also serged all of the seams, stabilized the neckline and waistline seam with Lightweight clear elastic.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I am actually thinking about sewing the longer version soon.
Conclusion: I could wear this everyday!!! I want one in every color.
McCalls 6400 Times 2
29 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in 2011, DECEMBER Tags: McCalls 6400, top
I couldn’t resist making this quick and easy top once again. This time I used the extension from view C and added it onto both sleeves. Review is found Here.
I am in the process of trying to review all of the projects I haven’t reviewed before the year ends. I’m closing out 2011. LOL!!!
McCalls 6400
28 Nov 2011 13 Comments
in 2011, NOVEMBER Tags: Top M6400
Pattern Description: Misses close fitting top
Pattern Sizing: Xsm, Sml, Med– I made the Medium
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 liked the unusual design and realized this fabric was perfect for it.
Fabric Used: Rayon Knit purchased from Fabric.com last year.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definitely be sewing this one again. It took less than an hour. I also highly recommend.
Conclusion: Great Top!! Unique, comfortable, and stylish! IMHO Can you tell I love it.
I have quite a few other projects to review, just haven’t had the time to write them yet. More Soon!!!
Another Butterick 5283
17 Nov 2011 3 Comments
in 2011, NOVEMBER Tags: Top B5283
Pattern Description: Close-fitting, pullover tops have stitched hems. A, B: self-faced twisted upper fronts. C, D: self-faced twisted asymmetrical fronts.
Pattern Sizing: I made the 18 but didn’t quite have enough fabric and cut the back out in a 12. It worked.
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? The twist.
Fabric Used: Jersey purchased from G Street Fabrics
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None other than closing up the opening quite a bit. The knot leaves a small hole and i may end up slip stitching some of it closed later. After I created the knit and finished the top, I did not like the opening and closed up it by sewing as close to it as possible to close.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I’ve already sewn the other version but might sew this version again in a shorter sleeve in the spring and highly recommend.
Conclusion: Another Great top!!
Bra Making Review
05 Nov 2011 1 Comment
I took the Bra class offered by the ASG last month. The class was taught by Anne St Clair of Needlenook Fabrics. It started with a seminar on Friday evening where you get a thorough overview on bras and how they should fit and support you. It was very informative. I tried to sign up for this class back in July (the first week of July), and it was already full. I was added to the waiting list for any opening and got the call on Wednesday October 12 asking if I was still interested, there was a last minute cancellation. The seminar was Friday October 14 and the class was Sunday October 16, but because it was very last minute I wasn’t able to get to the late Friday afternoon fitting. Anne was very flexible and agreed to fit me after the seminar. I was measured and fitted into a bra that felt really comfortable. On Sunday we all arrived machines and all ready to get started. They took the measurements from Friday and traced your specific pattern with adjustments noted from the Friday fitting. So when I got there I had a packet which included all the supplies for 3 bras, the original bra pattern, and a custom pattern for me. You know I was excited! The morning session was pretty much step by step where we waited for everyone to be done each step before moving on to the next. We breaked for lunch which was included in the fee for the course. We then began the afternoon session which felt like we were kind of on our own. At this point people were kind of on different stages of completion and Anne’s assistant (can’t remember her name) who was Great repeatedly gave demonstrations on what the next steps were. I learned that I don’t sew continuously for 8 hours straight, and by the afternoon I was sooo tired. The class was an hour’s drive from my home so it made for a very long day for me. Well we all know what happens when you sew while tired, yup you guessed it, I started making mistakes. I believe I put the elastic on along the top of the band 3 times, and the last time it still was wrong but I wasn’t changing it again. LOL!! I just wanted to get to the end and be able to try it on. It was a lot of little steps nothing really difficult. I finally made it to the end and tried on the Bra and it was too big!! Anne was very clear on Friday’s session that the seam on your bra had to go across your nipple for a good fit. Mine did not. She then told me that I did not really have much of a lower bust and I could use a pattern with the lower bust in two parts and fit for my problem that way. The bra was very comfortable and I had supplies to make two more so I thought I’ll go home and take a look. My one suggestion for this class and anyone who takes it is bring a Mirror!! I didn’t even realize this at the time but there was no mirror there. We are all looking at everyone’s bras and saying how good they look But we can’t really see our own. Once I got home I could clearly see the problem.
This is what I found:
The cups are too big. I believe this was caused by the quick fitting on Friday. At one point I asked her for my upper bust measurement and she told me it was 40.5 which is my under bust measurement. Well just looking at me there is no way my upper bust and under bust measures the same. LOL!! This was very important because it meant my cup sizes would be very large because my full bust would be 7 cups up and she rounded that and gave me an 40H bra size.
Bra Back. I took the custom bra pattern and compared it with the original. The only change I saw was made to the band and not the cups, but the band felt really good. It was perfect!!
Inside of the bra
Markings for the adjustments needed to the pattern.
Traced pattern with changes marked
I basically cu the lower cup in half.
Added Seam Allowance.
Bra #2 results. This is a much better fit, however easing in the much smaller lower cup resulted in some puckering within the two cups. I think the upper cup is also too large, but I’m making progress.
Bra Back
Closeup
Conclusion:
I believe the class was well worth it. They put a lot into it. I think the book is a must have if you will be using their patterns and/or making bras. There is a lot of information in there. Make sure you get rest the night before and bring a mirror!!! LOL!! I have ordered supplies for more bras and will share my progress. The first bra took a LONG time, but the next time I was able to do complete the bra in two sittings. (probably about 4 hours) I expect the next time it will be even quicker. If you want to make your own bras and have the opportunity to take the class I recommend it!!!
McCalls 5819
17 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in 2011, NOVEMBER Tags: McCalls5819, velour
Finally complete. Here is my Review:
McCalls 5819
<b>Pattern Description: </b>Hooded jacket A has exposed separating zipper and sleeves with bands; top B has raw edge finish at front neckline and casing, short cuffed sleeves and purchased camisole; top C has contrast sleeves and bands; shorts D, pants E have ribbed knit waistbands; pants E are below knee length; pants F have draped, ringed waistband.
Pattern Sizing: 12-14-16-18 I made the 16 with alterations
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, without the pockets
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the deep V and the cute pockets
Fabric Used: Velour from fabric mart fabrics
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: many changes detailed about Would you sew it again? Maybe, I want to make one of the other verisons in this pattern first. Would you recommend it to
others? Yes but beware of the sleeves.
Conclusion: It is super cute and comfortable.
Simplicity 1945 and What I’m Up To??
14 Oct 2011 2 Comments
in 2011, October Tags: Athletic Gear, Bra making, Khaliah Ali, McCalls5819, Simplicity 1945, top
Originally, last week after the light jacket I wanted another quick and easy project to complete. They are addictive!! I started working on McCalls 5819 but I ran into a few problems and ultimately put it aside and decided this would be my quick and easy project. It did not disappoint me. I love this top!
Here is my Review:
Pattern Description: Misses’ & plus size pants, skirt and knit tops and cardigan sweater. Khaliah Ali Collection. I made the top with the draped front.
Pattern Sizing: AA (10-12-14-16-18) I made the 18
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I thought the line drawing looked as if the neckline was lower but when I see the model with this top on mine looks just like it.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Super Easy
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I bought this pattern for the other top (the wrapped one) but liked this one as well.
Fabric Used: Jersey from G Streets $2.97 table
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Originally I lengthened the pattern but didnt need it and actually cut it off.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes I will sew again and definitely would recommend.
Conclusion: I wanted a quick and easy project. This took about an hour and a half from cut to finish. I serged all seams.
Me in Top before Make-up!!
Now, my original quick and easy project! I have had this OOP McCalls 5819 for a while and always wanted to do something in velour. This fabric was purchased over a year ago at Fabric Mart. It is a deep dark Espresso brown and super soft with a little stretch. First, I gotta say if constructed the way the pattern instructs it would be a quick and easy project. I did not realize the gathered neckline was done with exposed raw edges, so I had to figure out how to make it cleaner with my pattern pieces that I’d already cut. Basically I sewed the neckline in 1/4 inch seams, right side (trim) to wrong side (neckline), then turned it to the outside (front) and topstitched with my coverstitch. I left an opening for the drawstring which I figured I would purchase instead of making to eliminate bulk. After going to two fabric stores which did not even have brown cording I just made it according to the pattern instructions.
Next the pockets were too high! I was kicking myself for not checking the placement. Once I tried the top on it was not as loose as I wanted. I assumed it being active wear and all, it would have a lot of ease. So even though the pattern sized up to a 16, I wasn’t worried. That won’t happen again. LOL!! Lesson Learned on all counts. Anyway, while I was in Joann’s trying to buy the cording I picked up Easy projects to Sew and noticed an article on Godets. It looked easy enough and I thought well I’ll make it a design element.
Then I cut the Godet in the wrong direction, but I kinda like it. !!LOL!!
What do you think?
Once I added the Godets the pocket placement didn’t work. My husband suggested I just leave them off which was hard to do because this is one of the things I liked about the top. I also worked really hard on them to not get the home made look. In the end hubby was right!! I left them off.
Then the sleeves are suppose to be gathered at the top. I did not like the look on me. Kinda quarter back ish. So I remove some of the ease and set-in the sleeve. I still have to take off the other and do the same.
Last night I cut out and serged the pant together, that was quick and easy! Now I have to fix the one sleeve on the top and hem both the top and pants. Hopefully I can review tomorrow.
Bra Making
I have always wanted to learn how to make bras. I even bought an Elan pattern and ordered the supplies from SewSassy to complete a couple of bras, but once I got everything I was intimidated.
I traced off what I thought would be my size but put everything away until I could do later research. Well the Maryland ASG is having a class with Ann of Needle Nook fabrics. I had read two previous reviews about this class one favorable from Sew Tawdry and one unfavorable from KnitMachineQueen. I love sewing bloggers because both of these reviews helped me to make my decision. Originally I was put on a waiting list and didn’t think I’d be able to take the class at any rate, but there was a cancellation and I got the call. I didn’t have any plans for this weekend and I haven’t taken a class all year so I decided I’m in. The two reviewers told me completely what to expect and what to watch out for. I appreciate that. My class is tomorrow but last night was the fitting and workshop. Anne measures you and has you try on a sample bra to get the idea of your fit, then adjusts her own pattern to give you a custom fit bra. So tomorrow I’ll get the original pattern and a traced custom fit one for me. I then get the supplies to make three bras (my guess is so you can tweak and make two more to play around with the fit) and one will be completed in your class and tweaked. The bra that I tried on definitely felt comfortable but also a little big, at the same time after having heard the first part of the workshop you begin to see that what you’ve been wearing is ALL wrong. So far I have learned a lot which in the end is all I’m looking for. I suspect tomorrow I’ll have at the very least a good starting point on a pattern. She also is very knowledgeable on everything bra related so I should be able to use this information in foundational support for future garments. I’ll follow-up with a review after tomorrow’s class. So far so Good!!
