Bibs for me! Simplicity 8641

I have been checking out all these cute bibs everyone is making and finally decided to give the skirted version a try.  Here's the pattern I used: 

How cute is this?  I was worried that (A): I am too old to pull this off and (B): How much will I have to adjust this in the bust area to get it to fit?  

I made a ton of flat pattern measurements using Designer Joi's methods that I learned about last summer.  During the fitting process, I realized that as long as the bib portion sat where it needed to, this would fit fine.  I even made sure I had enough fabric to cut another bib section, if needed.

  

This is an easy to put together and well drafted pattern.  I made view A and found the length to be perfect!!!  Straps were easy to sew--although a note on those!  I did widen them on the portion that attaches to the bib.  They got super skinny and I found that difficult to turn.  For me it was easier to widen the strap and adjust the area on the bib where they attach.  

I really love this fabric I used.  It is a twill weave suiting from Fabric Mart.  It drapes beautifully, is so comfortable and easy to work with.  There's a bit of stretch on the cross grain so of course it doesn't bind at all when wearing.  

I did decide to line the pockets with a fun dinosaur print from my stash.  Why not?  

I recommend this pattern and now that I feel like I can pull it off, I am going to create the pants version that everyone is rocking these days!

Thanks for reading!  I love hearing your comments about what you are sewing!

Sue 

Jalie's new Eleonore Jean! Oh, it's love!

I wore my brand new jeans from Jalie today and the pattern is the Eleonore and it's love for me!


This is a new, hot off the press pattern that I scooped up as soon as I saw Cabin Baby

 

                                                               and Deepika's


versions on SPR...they are SO CUTE!!!

I had to make a pair of my own and here is mine!  

Normally I don't like full-on butt shots, but I wanted you to see how they fit.  The crotch curve is just perfect and the back yoke and pockets are very jean like styling. 

The floral stretch woven is from Hancock's...I had planned on making a summer dress with it but quickly changed my mind...

One very important piece of making this pattern work is to check the amount of stretch in your fabric. Too little and these won't fit, too much and they will be a baggy mess.  Your fabric must be a light or medium weight stretch twill or denim with at least 20% stretch on the cross grain.  Use the guide to check...

Determining your size is rather straight forward.  You need your hip and waist measurements.  I made a straight up size V for a 40" hips and I think the fit is spot on!  I made ZERO alterations to this pattern fit wise and am over the moon about this pattern!

I know it's hard to see the details with the busy print I used but they are pretty much put together like a regular pair of jeans although the fly is an illusion and there is an elastic waistband, not a zipper or button and no belt loops.

The directions for these are VERY GOOD and COMPLETE!  I wanted to follow them exactly and did!  I should get a gold star for that, since I am such a sewing rebel and want to do things my own way!

Sorry about the wrinkles, I wore these all morning and out to lunch.  They aren't pulling at all, so it is simply annoying wrinkles in the fabric.

I LOVE my new Eleonore's and already have another pair waiting to be cut out.  Sewing is fast and simple.  I am predicting this pattern will be a favorite among seamstresses everywhere!  What are you waiting for?  Purchase this pattern and go forth and make pants!

Thanks for reading!
Sue

The final Fabricista Challenge!

First of all, let me say that I can't believe I made it to the final three!  I am thrilled and so thankful for those of you that voted for me!  This has been such a pleasure to participate in and I am very proud of my creations, especially this one!  

The final challenge's instructions were to create a garment based on art, an art movement, art period, etc.  Basically sort of wide open, no?  While I don't think of myself as an artist, I do love looking at and admiring art.  My favorite period?  That's hard to pin down but I really love the art deco period and how that depicts clothing styles for men and women.

More specifically, the art deco period reminds me of pop art and the bold, bright colors, clean lines and classy clothing.

Are you familiar with pop art? How about Lichenstein?  See what I mean by bright, bold colors and classy clothing?




A reoccurring theme kept popping up for me and that was a yellow trench coat, just like Dick Tracy wore.  I h-a-d to have one!

And how awesome is that coat?  

For my trench, I used the Sewaholic Robson Trench pattern for this challenge.  

Isn't it just gorgeous?  All the details are perfect for creating your own trench coat, especially one with the elegance of the art deco period. I just wish I could have found bright yellow wool to create my jacket in.

I couldn't just make it as is so I added the black piping on the storm flaps, both front and back.  The black buttons also set it off.

Constructing this coat in a short time period was quite an undertaking!  I didn't start on it until Saturday and I had another idea in mind but my daughter said to me, "Mom, you are in the top three. It is time to put up or shut up."  Well said!  So, I decided to go for the trench.

This pattern is designed for pear-shaped women, of which I am not so some alterations were necessary.  I cut the bodice my regular size and graded the waist line and hips two sizes smaller.  This was the fit I needed.

I love the details of this coat.  

Here are some close ups:

Look at how smooth that sleeve cap is!

I left the lengths alone and they were perfect for my 5'7".  This coat doesn't call for a lining, but I added one as it is much easier to get a lined coat on and off.  I used a soft gray for the body and white lining for the sleeves.  

The pockets are nice and roomy and the placement is just right!

I love my coat and can't wait to wear it!

Thanks for reading and if you like my coat, please vote for me!
Here is the link: Vote Here!