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

I have a new favorite cardigan pattern!  Have you seen this one?  It is the Helene Shaw Collar Cardigan by Jalie.  I love everything about this!

The pockets on this are so clever and just the right size for your phone, extra kleenex, etc.  

I used a cotton/Lycra knit from Stof.  I wish you could feel how AMAZING this fabric is!  I really love the color as well.  

Oh, I made the dress as well!  It is also from Stof.  And, it is equally as amazing as the blue!  The dress is an old reliable Simplicity Cynthia Rowley.  I've made this one numerous times!  I only had a yard of the print, not sure what made me decide on only a yard, but it was a great length for a tunic!  

When I wore this for reals, I wore it with Navy blue leggings.  I received quite a few compliments and it is as comfortable as can be outfit!

I really love this fabric maker and I LOVE Jalie patterns!

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Orange, white, and Butterick 6376

How many new sewing patterns have you picked up recently?  This is one of the new Butterick's that I thought was cute and unique.

Actually, I've purchased several blouse patterns and chose this one to complete first as we are still having some beautiful weather.  You might smirk as you read that statement but we've had plenty of snow in year's past on October 1st.  

I made my usual size 14 based on my high bust measurement of 36.  

 The big 4 patterns have quite a bit of ease and it is recommended by many pros to use your high bust measurement when choosing a size.

This top is my wearable muslin.  The orange stretch gingham is from Marcy Tilton and I couldn't resist it as orange is one of my favorite colors to wear.  

I made my usual FBA and I think it would have worked better had I made darts.  See, there are some drag lines.  Just to make this a bit different, I doubled up the buttons down the front.  

 

I love how the back fits.  I made my usual swayback adjustment along with a sloping shoulder adjustment.  

I am pretty happy with my new top!  

Thanks for reading

Sue 

McCall's 6992 A New Favorite Pattern

This is such a simple, easy to assemble, fashionable pattern from McCall's dated 2014.  I know it isn't exactly brand new, but it is new to me and so there you go!

I decided to construct this after seeing a fellow reviewer make more than 3 of these that were SO CUTE and when that happens, I must make my own!



Here is the description from the back of the pattern envelope: Misses' tops: Fitted pullover tops have neck and sleeve bands and hemline variations.  A, B, D: Lower band.  C, E (Cut on crosswise grain): Overlay variations.  D, E, F: Shaped hemline, wrong side may show, narrow hem.  F: Purchased trim and beads.  I love patterns that give you many options so this is a WINNER!!!

I made a size 14, my usual in the big 4.  I made a swayback adjustment and an FBA.  I also had fun with my fabrics!  The animal print is the only little bit of scrap I had from a recent wadder so I was glad I was able to use it for something that I really like!  It is made from a sweater knit.

The black is a cotton-Lycra blend that I purchased the entire bolt of earlier this fall.  It behaves so beautifully!  I wish I had two more bolts of it as I can see an entire wardrobe of staples made from it!  

This pattern is well drafted and all the notches and marks line up beautifully.  The neckband was super easy to apply!  I used my serger for 90% of the construction with my regular machine for the topstitching at the neckline and my coverstitch for the hemline.  I opted to leave the lower band off to give it a less casual look--if that makes any sense at all!

I can't wait to make more of these!  Such a fun and easy make!  Fabric recommendations include fleece, sweater knits, double knit, cotton knit, and lace.  You can also use rib knit for the bands.

I will be making more of these so get ready to see more variations!  How cute are the tops with lace?

Thanks for reading!
Sue