McCall's 6467

Pattern Description:
This is an ultra feminine misses' top described on the back of the envelope like this: Semi-fitted, pullover tops have bias neck binding, seam detail, flounce (wrong side shows) variations, button trim and baby narrow hem.  A: Below elbow sleeves gathered at cap and into hold ruffles.  B, C: Cap sleeves gathered to stay.  D: Gathered armhole ruffles.  B, C, D: Shaped hemline. 

Suggested fabrics:
Crepe de Chine, Challis, Washed silk.  I used a piece of fabric I purchased at an antique shop.  It was 36" wide and took almost four yards for view B.  It must have been well cared for as I didn't find any holes, stains, permanent creases, etc.  I don't know the content but it feels and behaved like rayon. 

Sizing:
This pattern is multi-sized and comes in two choices: A5 is 6 to 14 or E5 14 to 22.  I made a modified size 14.  Other reviewers mentioned how roomy it is and they were right!  Read below for modifications. 

Notions needed:
Just four 1/2" ball buttons from my stash.  In fact, everything was already in my stash! 

Did it look like the envelope after completion?
Yes, I believe it does.  The style is super feminine.  I was so drawn to this top. 

Modifications/Alterations made to the design/pattern:
I made my usual 1/2" swayback adjustment on the center back pattern piece. 
I took a larger seam allowance starting at the waistline and continuing to the hem.  Usually I use the 5/8" seam allowance, but with this top, I started with a 3/4" at the waist and kept that to the hemline.  While this may not seem like much, there are 12 separate pieces to this top so that little 1/4" for each seam ended up taking things in 3 whopping inches!  I was going to experiment with more, but it is a flowing top and there are no closures so it has to easily slip on and off over your head. 
This top is really low cut.  I took up the front bodice an inch before attaching it to the back shoulder seam.  It is still low, and depending on where I wear it (i.e., work) I will have to wear a cami underneath or insert some lace. 

Time and monetary investment:
This really whips up pretty quickly.  I am a putzer so it took me about 3 hours or so. If you are quick, you could get it done really fast. 
Honestly, I think I spent about 30 bucks on the fabric, but it was more than a year ago, so I am not sure how accurate that price is. 


Directions--how were they?
The directions were just fine....easy to understand.  All the notches seemed to match up.  I had no concerns at all. 

Do you recommend this? Will you sew it again?
I do recommend this pattern.  Just be wary of how low it is cut and how roomy it is.  It does need to fit over your head and skim the body but there is some room to take it in on the lower half of your body.  Not sure if I will sew a short-sleeve version, but may create the longer sleeves for fall. 

Conclusion:
This is an easy pattern to put together and there are so many pretty summer prints to make a fun top! 


Thanks for reading!
Sue

Vogue 1086 Tracy Reese Dress

 
 
 
 






















Pattern Description: Misses' dress designed by Tracy Reese is a slightly flared dress, mid-knee, has princess seams, very loose-fitting bodice with yokes, forming cap sleeves, above waist midriff and left side zipper opening.  This pattern is rated average in sewing ability. 

Pattern Sizing:
8-24.  I made this for DD1 and we started with a size 14 but with so many alterations in the bodice, I have to say we ended up with more of a 8 or 10 in the bodice. 



















Fabric Used:
I love the fabric we used.  It is 100% cotton I purchased on clearance from Fabric Mart.   If I remember correctly, this cost less than 5 bucks a yard.  Total cost for this dress was less than $20. 

Time to Make:
I made 2 muslins in order to get this dress to fit my daughter the way she wanted it to fit.  I would say I spent about 12 hours on this dress.  The construction isn't terribly complicated, it is just all the fitting it took to get it so she'd wear it. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the style of the dress and so does DD1.  There are enough designer details to make this dress super cute and stylish. 

Would you sew it again or recommend it to others? 

I won't sew it for myself, but it looks great on my daughter.  It is pretty distinct, but in a variety of fabrics and colors it will look different.  I do recommend it to others provided you take the time to make a muslin and see how you want it to fit.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Well, yes actually it looks quite a bit like the envelope--which I don't necessarily get as the description states it is very loose-fitting bodice which is what we had when we made the muslin.  To me the envelope doesn't look very-loose fitting at all. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Instructions were just fine.  I didn't have any issues with them.  I will caution everyone to carefully mark all the dots/squares/circles you need clearly on the fabric for reference points.  You'll need them. 

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
We took in many parts of the bodice numerous times.  In total, I am not sure how many inches although you can see in the photo the new sewing lines I drew on the muslin I made. 
As for design changes, none--DD loved the style so we left that alone.  What you can't see in the photo is a pair of darts she took in at the bodice area to help with the loose-fitting area.  I thought I had the dress completed, sent it to her at +1600 miles away.  It was still looser than she wanted so she took off the sleeve facings, took it in and when I arrived, I reattached the sleeve facings and ta-da!  A new dress! 

Conclusion
This is a fun summer dress pattern.  DD and I started this a year ago and finally finished it when I was visiting her in sunny California last week.  I am glad we completed this and I hope she loves wearing it as much as I enjoyed making it with her.  I would make sure you create a muslin or two in order to get it to fit how you want.  With our first muslin it was ridiculously huge and totally unwearable.  Now it is fun and great for summer parties, work, and everything else!   

Vogue 8912

Pattern Description:
Misses' top, shorts and pants: Very loose-fitting top has neck and front bands, pockets, slightly shaped front hemline and narrow hem.  A: Uneven hemline (wrong side shows), and purchased bias tape finishes armholes.  B: fold-back cuffs,.  Semi-fitted shorts or tapered pants have elastic waist, side pockets, and stitched hems. 

I made view B with modifications. 

Pattern Sizing:
Two size combinations for this pattern are B5 (8 to 16) and F5 (16 to 24).  I made a 14 and it is indeed very-loose fitting.  I knew it was loose-fitting when I started out and I am okay with the result.  If you want something more fitted, I suggest you go down a size (or two). 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, I believe it does look quite a bit like the drawing, sans the long sleeves. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were really good.  The illustrations show you exactly what to do and that is what I followed.  Since the pattern is labeled as very easy, I didn't read much and actually there isn't much to read with this pattern. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes:
I love the band on the neckline.  If gives the top such a nice and professional finish. 
I even like the loose-fit of the top.  It is loose but it isn't over the top loose, if you know what I mean. 
Dislikes:
My only dislike is minor and I will change it if I make this top again.  Some of the other Vogue patterns have you hem the top and then attach the front band.  I think this gives a nice professional finish.  With this pattern, you attach the band and then hem.  Had I actually read the direction prior to cutting out, I would have corrected the band length to allow me to hem prior to attaching it. 
I almost made this top sleeveless, but given how loose it is, I think you would need to wear a cami or something underneath otherwise the wide armholes will show everything you've got! 

Fabric Used:
I used a piece of fabric from my stash that has been sitting untouched for over a year.  Why did I let this pretty lightweight fabric sit for so long? 
I think it is a cotton blend and I purchased it at JoAnns last summer when they had some glimmers of improving their fabric quality--a bit anyway.  They seemed to have made a U-turn and downgraded again. 
I used sheer elegance from Fashion Sewing Supplies for the interfacing and it worked beautifully. 
The buttonholes were a little tricky as this fabric is a little soft and shifty.  I put some of the tear away stabilizer on the back side of the buttonholes and it was just enough to keep the buttonholes sharp.  The tear away stabilizer's main function in my sewing room is embroidery so it served double duty today! 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made my usual 1/2" swayback adjustment
I chopped off the sleeves to short sleeves rather than using the cuff. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
While this top is flowy, I do love it and think it would look great in a variety of fabric. 
I'm not too thrilled with the mullet-type hem on the sleeveless version but I may give it a whirl and then chop it if I don't like it. 
I really can't imagine using a chiffon type fabric or one that is very slippery or sheer.  I think it would make the neckband ultra tricky. 

Conclusion:
This is a fun, easy, and quick summer top.  It lends itself to a wide variety of fabric choices, colors, and prints.  It took longer for me to put in the button holes than cut out and sew the entire thing.  Enjoy! 

Lorax Quilt!

I made this very colorful quilt for my youngest son.  When he was a little boy, I had to read the Lorax to him almost daily.  Have you ever read that book to a child?  It takes a LONG time!  He just loved it when I made different voices for the Lorax.  How easy it is to entertain a young child!  He is an avid reader to this day and will be attending medical school in just a few short months. 

So, Daniel kept asking, "Mom, when are you going to make me a quilt?"  "Soon," was always my reply and then one day, I happened to stop into my favorite local quilt shop and there it was, a stack of fat quarters all with the Lorax fabric!!!  Ta-da!  Here was my chance to create a quilt I knew Daniel would just love and that I would have fun creating!


This book was my inspiration.  It came with the templates needed to create the quilt.  I used one of the tiny rotary cutters and it was a breeze to cut! 

I had previously made this quilt as a Christmas gift for my husband who saw when I begrudgingly drug him into the shop so I could look at upgrading my Bernina.  He pointed it out and said how much he liked it--bingo!  Christmas gift dilemma solved! 
Here is a photo of his quilt:

 

The colors go well in our home. 

Back to Daniel and his Lorax quilt.....

 

After finding the fabric, I started just about immediately on his quilt.  Fast, easy, fun!  The top took only about 6 hours to complete and the fun part is arranging all the finished blocks into the look you want.  After completing that task I worked on the border.  I had some small scraps of the Lorax fabric and since I don't need to add to my stash/scrap bucket, I used those pieces to create piano keys on the edge.  I had not done that before and I love how it turned out!  I didn't have quite enough so I used the black/white stripe on the remainder of the border.  What I wish you could see better is the embroidery I used on the black and white stripes.  Here is what it says, a quote for the Lorax book--well, really Dr. Seuss, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not."  I had a lot of fun playing with the size of the words, the fill of the letters, italicizing (or not), etc. 

 

After all this, I put a minky, Dr. Seuss striped fabric on the back and the batting is wool.  This is one warm quilt!  I was so proud to give it to him and he LOVES it!  Yea for mom! 

 

Thanks for reading.  I really love how easy this quilt pattern is.  Circles?  Bring them on!

 

Thanks for reading!

Sue

 

The proud owner is in the green t-shirt.  :) 

Very Easy Vogue Dress 8871

Pattern Description:
This is a super easy Misses' dress in two lengths.  Close-fitting, flared, pullover dress has seam detail and narrow hems, with or without sleeves, knee-length or mid-calf.  The back of the envelope says that view B is cut on the cross-grain, but that is only for the side insets.  I made view B. 

Pattern Sizing:
There are two size combinations: B5 or 8 to 16 or F5 which is 16 to 22.  I started with a 16 and graded to somewhere between a 12 and 14. 
According to my bust measurement, I should be closer to an 18, but I didn't need to do any adjustments for this dress.  Yahoo! 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, my dress looks quite a bit like view B.  I really like the fabric used in the picture.  If I can find some that looks like that, I will make this again!






Were the instructions easy to follow?
Super easy instructions.  The visuals are more than adequate so I just glanced at them and put them away.  A few steps were missing that I think are necessary, so of course I added a few things. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love how EASY, FAST, CUTE, COMFORTABLE this dress is.  It also fits well, did I mention that?  This really is an instant gratification project.  From cutting out to final clipping of the threads, it was about 3 hours.  This could be done faster, but my fabric rolled a little at the cut edge so I spent some time pinning.  Take that step out of the equation and this dress could be even faster, plus I am not at fast sewer, I prefer to take my time. 
No zipper!  When is the last time you saw a knit dress with no zipper?  Just make sure your fabric has enough stretch so it fits comfortably over your head. 
Dislikes: No elastic or support at the shoulder seam, especially for such a long dress.  I remedied that by adding 1/4" clear elastic to the seam. 
I didn't like how the narrow hem looked at the neckline, so I added a very narrow strip to the edge, turned it to the wrong side, and topstitched around.  The band isn't even 1/4" wide, which is what I wanted, so it isn't really noticeable. 
Art Attack's review mentioned that there are only two points (well really notches) to match up the side insets to the front/back.  I just used a lot of pins and basted before I serged the seam.  You really want a nice curved seam here that matches up front and back. 

Fabric Used:
I used a rayon, poly, Lycra knit from Gorgeous Fabrics.  I've had this for a while, and had to wait for the perfect pattern to use it.  I think this was it!  I also didn't have quite enough given how flared the skirt is, so I had to cut the back piece in two separate pieces and serge them together.  Since my print is so busy, it isn't noticeable. 
This fabric is so light, pretty, and colorful, but isn't quite as opaque as I'd like.  Note to self, make sure to have the proper undergarments on prior to leaving the house.  :) 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
My usual 1/2" swayback adjustment which was so easy to do with this pattern given the shaping. 
Other than the neckline and adding elastic to the shoulder seams, I only had to bring in the side inset seams about a 1/4" to get it to fit properly.  Yahoo! 
I used quite a bit of steam-a-seam on the hem and armhole edges.  It worked like magic!
Normally I raise necklines, this time I lowered it by 2 inches.  Can you believe it? 
I do think next time I will experiment with the size of the armholes.  I think it slightly gaps just a bit too much for my liking. 
I also think I may narrow the shoulders about an inch on each side as it is kind of wide.  Maybe I am being to picky? 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Oh yes, I would love to sew this again...with sleeves, maybe even long sleeves, shorter skirt, etc.  I do recommend this to others, especially beginners.  You can get a great result with minimal effort. 

Conclusion:
I love this pattern!  I can see this becoming a Favorite Pattern on Sewing Pattern Reviews for the year!  Try it! 

Simplicity 2443 Cynthia Rowley Jacket

Pattern Description:
This is a uber-popular Cynthia Rowley dress and jacket.  The only description on the back of the envelope is this: Misses dress with knit bodice and jacket or vest.  Really?  That's it? 



I would describe it like this:  Close-fitting bodice of knit dress has racer-back styling, waistline and gathered skirt.  Loose-fitting jacket or vest has many patch pockets, some with flaps, ties and loops, and a placket on the elbow-length sleeves. 

Pattern Sizing:
I made a size 14.  It is just the right amount of boxiness: not too much nor too little. 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, I think my jacket resembles the pattern photo.  I made a few minor modifications that I will highlight below. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Very easy, although it has been quite some time since I have done a straight up placket and it took more than one attempt to figure it out.  I do have to say, it turned out really well and I have to give a lot of credit to steam-a-seam for that! 




What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the style!  How adorable is this jacket? 
Despite having so many pieces for the jacket (16 for the view I made), it went together easily.  All the notches matched up well. 
I do like the placket on the sleeve.  It is a very nice touch. 
I also love the fit. 
Dislikes: None really. 



Fabric Used:
I used a lovely linen from Treadle Yard Goods in Minneapolis.  The buttons are coconut from the same shop.  I used interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply and it worked so well, I will never buy another interfacing, ever. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1.  I had these coconut buttons that I purchased to use with the linen.  I simply left off the ties and kept the loops to go around the buttons. 
2.  I accidentally sewed the flaps with a 5/8" seam rather than a 3/8" so I they were too small for the bottom patch pockets.  They fit the top ones, so I moved them up there. 
3.  This isn't a alteration or design change, but it worked so well for me, I had to share!  On the placket edges, you have to press the edges under 1/4".  In order to get this as close to perfect as I could, I used steam-a-seam on the edges.  It worked beautifully! 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Oh yes.  I will keep this pattern close at hand, even though it is pretty distinct.  I think it will look quite different in a variety of fabrics. 
I do highly recommend it to others.  This was a favorite pattern of 2011 and now I know why.  Not sure why I waited so long to make this, as it is super cute. 

Conclusion:
I love this jacket.  I feel like a million bucks wearing it! 

Thanks for reading!
Sue

Summer Linen: Very Easy Vogue 8870

Pattern Description:

This is a very easy vogue dress: Pullover dress has loose-fitting, blouson, bodice variations, elasticized (seamed) waist, side pockets and narrow hem.  Wrong side shows on back hemline.  A: Mock wrap, front pleated bodice, and two-piece sleeves. Note: No provisions provided for above waist adjustment.  B: Elasticized upper back. 

Pattern Sizing:
This pattern comes in the options of Y(XS to M) or ZZ(Large to XXL).  I made a medium. 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, my dress looks like the drawing.  Pretty ugly envelope but the photo on Vogue pattern website is pretty cute. 
 

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Oh yes, super easy instructions that were not only easy to read and understand but also follow visually.  Nothing frivolous.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes:
A variation of a classic mock wrap dress
High/low hemline is fun!
Dislikes:
I think the upper back is a little snugger than I expected.  If I sew this again, I will add a 1/2" to that area, however I am afraid that if I do that the front wrap will gap!
This is really low cut!  I have to wear a cami underneath, but I never mind wearing one, so all is good.  I do think if you are average or small busted you won't have an issue with it being so low cut. 
The waist line is HUGE!!!  If I make this in a similar type of fabric again, I will taper the waist about 3 inches on each side.  Right now, I feel like it makes me look every curvier than I already am and I do my best to minimize that look, after all, I don't want to look too matronly.

. 
Fabric Used:
I used this black linen I picked up at SR Harris in Minneapolis.  It shrunk about 9 inches after I washed and dried it and it wrinkles like crazy!   I pressed it right before modeling it and it wrinkled as I pulled it over my head!
I barely had enough fabric to make this dress.  After I washed and dried it, I had 1 3/4 yards, not 2 yards like the pattern calls for.  I really wanted to make the more dramatic hemline, but didn't have enough for that. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Other reviewers mentioned that the center back seam on the skirt was unnecessary.  I cut that piece out on the fold but took off the seam allowance. 
I didn't even make my usual 1/2" swayback adjustment since the top was blousy. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I do think this is a nice dress.  If I make it again, I will use a lighter weight fabric so it flows more. 

Conclusion:
This dress whips up fast!  I think it needs a much lighter fabric that what I used.  I do like it and DH gave his stamp of approval. 

Thanks for reading!
Sue

Pattern Description:
This is a jumpsuit and booties for a little one.  Jumpsuits have raglan sleeves, front snap closure, and neckbands, sleeve cuffs, and leg cuffs with ribbing.  View A has full-length sleeves, zipper at inside leg and optional applique.  View B has short sleeves, snap tape at inside leg, and pockets with rick rack and optional applique.  Booties have ribbed cuffs and applique. 








Pattern Sizing:
One really nice thing about quick sew patterns is that all sizes are included in one envelope.  Small or 0 to 3 months to XL or 12 to 18 months.  I made a medium for 3 to 6 months. 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, my finished garment looks like the line drawing, except my fabric is cuter!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Instructions were so easy!  I glanced at them and put them away.  Wording and visuals are usually excellent with Kwik Sew. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes:
Zipper opening at the legs for quick access to diaper needs
Raglan sleeves and the shaped ribbing for the neckband
Ample tummy room
Dislikes:
Nothing! 

Fabric Used:
I used a rather cheap but adorable cotton ITY from Joanns.  I just couldn't help purchasing it with this pattern in mind.  It just sort of jumped out from the shelf and into my cart! 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
It has been so many years since I have sewn for infants that I couldn't find my snap gun anymore so I converted the snaps down the placket to small buttons.  Yes, I know buttons are a possible choking hazard, but I sewed them on well and put fray check (aka superglue) on them. 
I plan on purchasing a good quality snap gun/pliers.  Any suggestions?  I seem to remember having a Dritz brand before and was disappointed in its performance. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Oh yes, I will make quite a few of these.  Super fast and easy.  I highly recommend this pattern to others. 

Conclusion:
I can't wait to snuggle with my little grandson while he wears this colorful outfit!  I must try the dinosaur applique and booties next.  They are too cute!

Thanks for reading!
Sue