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

The Bela by Gina Renee Designs

Happy summer all!  Today, I have for you a new to me pattern company.  Here's a pic of the dress and a link to the pattern: 

Gina Renee Bela Dress

How adorable is this dress?  One of the most fun things about the on-line sewing community is that you get introduced to new designs, new ideas, and new pattern companies.  One of my favorite IG sewing buddies is birdy sew obsessed.  She makes the most beautiful things and I find myself copying her makes.  

She made this dress is an off-white silk crepe with black silk accents.  I knew I wanted something far more casual as when I return to work on August 1st, I will be in classrooms more often than I have been the past two years.  There's nothing worse than a three year old wiping his/her nose (insert  other bodily cavity here) on your hemline, neckline, or sleeve.  I needed something washable. Know what I mean?

I found this Telio stretch poplin at Fabric.com.  I so love Telio!  It is such nice quality for not a hefty price tag.  I thought this print was so perfect for summer.

I made this pattern as is meaning I didn't adjust for sizing.  It needs to slip on and off over your head.  For the next version, I will raise the back slit so it's a little more bra friendly.  I may also go down a size as while this is generous, I think I could go down one size and be fine.

How cute are those sleeve details?  The entire neckline and sleeves are edged in bias tape.  This bright blue is from my stash.  Several years ago, I purchased a rather sizeable amount of antique bias tapes, rick-rack, etc.  I am still reaping the rewards of that purchase.  Luckily it matched perfectly.

I really like this dress.  It's very comfortable and casual, plus it's washable.

Thanks for the inspiration birdy!

Happy sewing!

Sue

SA's Scarlett Top

Another StyleArc review today.

  

This is the Scarlett Top.  

The description is this: Use your design skills to create your individual look.  Scarlett can be made in a mix and match fabric combination or leave it plain.  This square shaped tunic style has a dropped shoulder line finished off with a very cute sleeve.  The hem bands wrap from front to back to complete this interesting look.  

I would wholeheartedly agree with the description.  My fabric choices are two remnants from my stash.

I love this bright orange linen.  The print is a ditsy floral that's a quilting cotton.  It's really high quality cotton.  I love using quilting cottons for garments.  They work so well as they wash, dry, and press beautifully.

I am still not sure this style is totally the most flattering, but I wore it and several people stopped me and commented on how cute they thought this was and where did I get it?  Isn't that one of the best compliments ever?

I made one small change and that was to fold the neckbind to the outside instead of the inside.  I think it helps tie everything together.

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