McCall's 7868

Today I have for you a top I made from the remnant from my Isabella skirt.  I am working so hard to have a zero gain in my stash of remnants.  So far, this proves to be working!  

Back to the pattern...

                   

I am loving these looser fitting tops right now.  Especially in pretty prints.  

Here's the description from the back of the envelope: 

Very loose-fitting tops have neckline and sleeve variations. A: Neck binding with hook and eye closure, elasticized sleeves. B: Collar with tie ends, button cuffs. C: Stand collar with hook and eye closure, button cuffs. D: Stand collar with hook and eye closure, button cuffs, elasticized waist with purchased bias tape casing.

So this is fairly close to the pattern photo, except for the width of the sleeves at the cuff.  Check out the difference between the pattern photo and mine. 

This was a very easy sew.  As usual, I did a bunch of flat pattern measurements and determined my size from there.  I only had to lengthen the bust curve and the area between the shoulder blades and waistline.

Since this is a looser fitting top, it's very comfortable to wear.  My only very slight concern is how low the front slit is.  I didn't wear a cami that day and wish I had!!!

I also noticed that the hook and eye at the neckline flies open once in a while.  Just be aware!  If I am feeling ambitious, I plan on taking the collar apart at the front opening and attaching some button loops and buttons.  Maybe just one...or possibly two.  

Thanks for reading!

Sue

Rebecca Page Isabella Skirt

This was a fun sew for me.  I became a Brand Ambassador for Rebecca Page Patterns and this was my first pattern I tested.  I love the style, the elastic waist, and now I can't wait to see what's in store for me for next month's make!  

Here's a pic of the super fun pattern!

I also included a link to the pattern page as my skirt is one of those that are featured!  Isabella Skirt

This is a beginner-friendly pattern.  It has a flat front waist with an elastic back.  The skirt is very full and is floor length.  There's a fun addition of lace or contrast fabric you can highlight as well.  

You pick your size based on your waist.  That as well as the length is all you need to worry about.  

Also, have fun with your fabric choice!  I used this silky print from JoAnns.  Since I wasn't familiar with this pattern company, for my test garment, I didn't want to use something that I spent large bucks on.  This fit the bill, plus it's washable.  I did order the lace from Fabric.Com.  I wasn't sure it would arrive in time for the deadline, but luckily it did! I think it is the perfect addition to the skirt. 

  And, did I mention that after I finished this, I fell so in love that I determined this my make for photos!  Yep, I like it that much.  

There aren't any surprises with this pattern.  It's simple and there is a step by step photo and text.  It's very detailed.  No head scratching with this! 

I also made my tee to match.  This is the Gem Tee by StyleArc.  I've been working on perfecting the fit and I really love how this fits and the color!  Did I mention that I simply love this soft peachy-pink color?  

That's it!  I hope you'll try this pattern.  It's fun!

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

a little fall sewing!

Hi Sewing friends! 

Today I am reviewing my August Fabric Mart post.  I love these separates I made.  Sometimes its fun to sew for the upcoming season. 

First, I want to review the Thea Pant by StyleArc.  I simply love this pant!  I used FM's midnight blue Designer Linen.  This stuff sews like a dream!  It washes, dries, and presses well.  I highly recommend it for these pants! 

Here's what my version looks like: 

See what I mean about the perfect weight for the pattern?  These are so very comfortable!  

This pattern, like all SA patterns, is very well drafted.  This fits me just how I had hoped it would, straight from the package.  As with all SA patterns, there isn't much hand-holding but honestly with a pattern this straight forward, a beginner could make it work.  

The paperbag waistband is so comfortable and totally 'in' right now.

I feel like these are the perfect length for me as well.  For reference, I am 5'7".  These are hemmed at 2" from the bottom, just like the pattern calls for.

These pockets are the perfect depth.  When I wear these, I find my hands stuffed in them all the time.  

I also made my tank and cardi.  For the tank, I used a FREE pattern, called the Lago tank from Itch To Stitch.  Check it out here: Itch to Stitch Lago Tank Pattern link

I had to size down from what my measurements were but that's okay.  Its a free pattern and I really like how it fits and feels.  

For the cardi, I used the uber popular Blackwood cardigan in the shorter length.  I left off the pockets since I knew the pants I had made for this outfit had pockets. This pattern is fun and fast and cute!

I really love this outfit!  I hope you are sewing for the next season, no matter where you live!

Sue

Another Alabama Chanin Skirt Kit

This is at least my third, if not fourth, Alabama Chanin kit that I am reviewing.  There's something about the process of slow sewing that is so gratifying that I seem to have to have a project such as this going constantly. 


For this project, I used a swing skirt kit.  Everything was ready for me, meaning the fabric was stenciled, the fabric was cut into four panel, and the FOE was included.  I made an additional purchase of the embroidery floss from the AC site.  This is really nice, quality stuff!  It comes on a spool so it is easy to use. 

Here's my version:

This skirt is so easy to wear.  The sewing process is pretty simple, you stitch the layers together using whatever method you like.  I used reverse applique.  For this technique, you stitch around the motif and then cut away the center, basically reversing the applique process. 

I did some other stitches other than the reverse applique.  I also did some daisy stitching and some satin stitching.  I left the lower hem a raw edge and I like how it curls up a bit.

This skirt fits great at the hips and I love the length.  The waistline is a bit large, so I will most likely end up removing the FOE, taking in the waistline at each seam a bit, and reapplying the FOE.

The drape of this is really nice too.

Enough of me modeling this!  Onto some close-ups!

Here you can see the three stitches I used. After the reverse applique, you trim away the insides of the motif.  I carefully pull the front and back pieces away from other with my finger tips, snip, and then carefully trim about 1/8" from the edge.

This is some slow-sewing, but I find it very gratifying!

I machine stitch the side seams and the FOE on.  I love this process so much, I've already started on my next project!

Thanks for reading!

Sue