Sinclair Lotte Hoodie.

This pattern, has been blowing up my feed on IG.  How cute is this hoodie?

This is another winning pattern from Sinclair.  I use the US 12 Tall sizing and it fits perfectly with zero alterations.

Here's my version: 

So I am loving this blush color and I found these lovely fabrics at JoAnns in Baton Rouge when I visited by DD1, SIL, and DGD.  You may remember, our JoAnns was hit by a tornado last September and I never thought I'd be excited to visit a JoAnns again.  The Baton Rouge JoAnns is really nice and this fabric passed the feel, wash, and wear test.  Plus, that color!!! 

This is an easy pattern to put together.  Those in-seam pockets are cleverly constructed and I just love how cozy this feels on.  Plus, did I mention the color? ;) 

I really love how these patterns fit me.  I've made four now and all fit straight out of the package, so to speak.

You'll see more of these from me.

Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!

Sue 

StyleArc Miley Top

Here's a fun little top for you to view today.  This is the Miley Woven top by my beloved StyleArc. Just look at those sleeves!

This went together easily and fairly quickly.  Isn't that just a wondering thing once in a while?

Sorry about the indoor photos but it was raining all day long.  

For this top, I used a silky print from JoAnns.  It feels like a crepe with some of that wonderful spongy quality it can have.  I love the colors for fall!

I made my usual alterations after I flat pattern measured.  This includes adding to the bust curve and then adding the same amount to the area between the shoulder blade and waistline.  That's it.

These sleeves are the highlight of the pattern and the fun part!  You make a casing and attach your longer tie at the top of that casing.  To gather it into soft folds, you pull on that tie and attach it to the lower tie that's attached at the flounce.

The longest part of making this blouse/top is hemming the flounces!

I'll be making this again!

Thanks for reading!

Sue

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 

Another McCall's 7432 in blue!

Welp, I made another dress.  I told myself no more summer dresses, but I simply couldn't help it.  I am sure you know what I mean.  

This time, I used one of my TNT patterns: McCall's 7432.  I love this pattern, almost as much as I love McCall's 6886. 

In a moment of weakness, I picked up this blue floral knit from JoAnns.  It washed and dried beautifully and didn't pill or stretch out of shape.  I think this dress will hold up.  Sometimes with Jo's you get burned.  I hope it's not this time as I really like this dress!  

Here's the pattern I used: 

It's very basic.  I like the A-line shape along with the three choices of necklines along with sleeve and length options.  

I made view E.  I think it's a classic shape and style for summer.  

As I am always trying to improve fit, I've finally come to realize that when I use a cottony-feel knit, I absolutely must make a seam at the center back waistline.  I use a 1/4" seam at the sides and taper to almost an inch at the dead center back.  This accommodates my swayback.  I've done this on my beloved McCall's 6886 and any time I use this type of knit, I have to with any pattern that doesn't have a seam there.

Here you can see it better.  See how much nicer that fits me?

For the neckband, in previous makes, I found the neckband to be rather wide and hang outwards from your body.  With this neckband, I cut it almost 1/2" narrower and tested it numerous times to make sure it hugged my body.  It does.

Another neckline trick I use is to put the garment on my dress form, and pin the neckband (or sleeve bands) to the garment.  Once I am happy, I remove it and sew.  This works beautifully for me.

For the sleeves and hemline, I used 1" hems and SewkeysE tape.  That stuff is what miracles are made of.  I read a post from Kenneth D. King stating that better knit dresses use 1" hems.  Guess what I now always do for knit hems? 

Thanks so much for reading and I hope your summer sewing is something you feel good about!

Sue

Bright orange and Mimi G: Simplicity 8889

Hi all!  

Today I want to share with all of you this cute top from Mimi G.  The styling on this is just darling!  

Here's my version: 

This pattern is very well drafted.  It fits me so well.  I barely made any alterations to this, other than my usual which I will describe below.

I am loving this bright orange linen from JoAnns.  I hope it holds up!  It's always so hit and miss with them.  This did wash and dry well, so I am hopeful.

First, let's talk about the pocket that I modified.  I added a self-fabric tube or flat piping to the right side of the pocket facing.  I had a bit extra of the fabric, so I decided to add this non-functional loop to the pocket so I could use this pretty pearl button.  I had two and knew it would be difficult to use just one on another project.  After sewing on the loop, I added the flat piping.

Then I turned the facing to the right side of the pocket so it would show.  Fold back the side edges and bam!  You are ready to stitch this onto the garment. 

There is a hidden placket for the buttons.  I love hidden plackets.  They are fun to make.  

I made clean finish hems on the sleeves and bottom edges.  

I matched the rounded edge of the hem facing to my top stitching. 

And, for the final picture, he's the back.

I almost forgot to mention my alterations!  I lengthened from the shoulder to apex, the bust curve and the back from the shoulder to the waist.  My total length adjustment was 1.75" for each--front and back.  Had I not lengthened this, I would be belly-bearing and that isn't a good look for me at this point in my life.  ;)  

I really love how this turned out!  I am wearing this with my McCall's 7432 dress pattern.  This is another fav of mine!  

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Hacking in prep for Spring--Simplicity 8375

Do you hack?  I want to and try to but sometimes I worry.  Will I be able to execute the design I have in mind?  With this pattern, all the worry is taken and you can simply have fun with it!

Plus with the way this pattern makes hacking so easy, it will give you confidence to try other design ideas. 

This is Simplicity 8375: 

There are main pattern pieces with lines to hack--you can see the various lines on the front.  As you can see, I made the dress with the slashed sleeves.  I had fun playing with how to keep the sleeve closed.  

I found this happy cotton-lycra knit at JoAnns.  It felt to be of decent quality and with some brutal cold weather on the way over the weekend, I knew I needed to do something to combat spring fever.  I bought the fabric. :)  I made a dress.  :)  I did some hacking. :) 

Here's the front.  It's a little looser fitting than my beloved McCalls 6886.  That's okay though.  

Here's a good look at the sleeves.  I followed the slash lines on the tissue and made a length of fabric folded onto itself to make something like a belt loop--no tube! Every three inches on the sleeve I put a length of the tape and stitched it on.  Easy.

More views of the sleeve.  

Here's a view of the back.  This pattern goes together well.  I will be using it again.

Thanks for reading!

Sue