McCalls 6519 x2

1: Cheesy happy face

2: IDK why I bought these patent pumps. I pretty much hate them.

(they were the only black shoes nearby and I was actively running away from the cat lest he rub against my new black pants. Probably adding the shoes to the donation pile)

 

Pattern Description:

Pullover top has purchased bias tape to finish neckline and armholes.

Pattern Sizing:

6-14, 14-22. I cut a size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

They were, although it's a simple one :)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the fit. I really should grade it at the hips. I've said that before, I have yet to do it. Oops! You can see it gets hung up on the butt; but is so cute tucked in:

Fabric Used:

Rayon challis I black/white print from FM.
Rayon challis from SR Harris.

So, when I bought this way back when, they had it labeled as "sandwashed rayon" and I was smitten. Well now that I'm finally sewing with it, it felt no different than all of the other printed rayon challis' that I've used! Hmmph! :)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I left off the pocket. And because I get all antsy having to trim after applying bias tape, I just went to the edge on the sleeve hems. So they're a bit longer than intended.

The pattern suggests purchased bias tape but I made my own. Super fast with the Clover tape makers.

I used my stock labels as I figured the others would be too bulky on the challis. The b/w one that is still in my wardrobe from 2013 has the weird tiny pocket, so I can tell front from back. On these, I kept having to hold them up by the shoulder seams to distinguish, so this is a perfect use!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

This is a TNT for me so probably so. Especially if I give myself the hip butt room that I need :) I don't like the colorful print on me as much as I did as flat fabric, but that's okay. It'll work for summer.

If you've been around awhile, you've probably come to recognize smug satisfaction face. :-D I was worried that there was enough variation in the "stripe" that it wouldn't really match well...but it did!

 

 

 

These are the same pants as the red pair, from LOFT in their (curvy) Julie fit. They showed up today and I was all giddy and then I took these pics (of the top), but then made my friends look at this one because OHMYGOSH these pants make my butt look so good! I'll be watching these to collect other colors, for sure.

 

I am totally going to adjust the pattern and add some more hip room before I put it away!! And while I may not be crazy about the print, I just love the fit on this pattern.

 

Because veering off course is kind of what I do...I sewed up M7465 and just need to add a neck binding. I washed up that sateen for the 2/2013 Burda dress and it's just bright and fun and pretty; it may be this year's birthday work-dress! Stay tuned!

Friday Miscellany and Vogue 1392

I am on a spending ban for the month of June. I went to HomeGoods though (bad idea). I wanted this cute little tray for all of my post earrings and fashion rings!!! But I just admired it and didn't buy it.

I did buy these earrings today for $2.25 :)  

(wearing one of my many versions of B5760)

Hey; these were purchased in May! :-p

The grey print is a cotton pique knit. I *swear* it said 4-way stretch. But this fabric is 100% cotton (no Lycra-wah) and only stretches crosswise. Plus, the pique is too heavy for a summer top. Into the stash it goes. The 'eggshell' Nettie will happen!

I got new black sandals (also in May!! lol!) 

Soooo V1392...

You have to understand that by the time I decide to blog that something isn't working, it's not on a whim. I don't think the dress is terrible or awful. It looks fine on me. But I'm just not feeling it. Not even that "it's okay but doesn't make me super excited!", it feels bland and blah. I don't know if it feels too fall-like? And not necessary because of the color choices, I think it just doesn't make me think "summer" and clearly, with my current pattern picks, I am full steam ahead into sewing for summer!

On Monday I got it assembled to try on and as mentioned on Wednesday, felt meh about it. Since Monday, I haven't gone back in the sewing room. 

Not that I haven't worked on it, or haven't sewn...I walk past and see it on the dressform and keep walking! I haven't been *IN* the room! 

I'm not wadding it; I'll put it in the basket to revisit later. 

I sewed a size 16 with 14 neckline. I removed a 3/8" wedge from the upper back. I initially added 1.5" to the hemline and went back and removed 1 3/4". I did a 5/8" swayback adjustment. 

I removed some of the hip curvature:

I intended to do an all-in-one facing but missed tracing off the lower part of the armhole! hahaha! I was just going to make armhole facings and maybe I will when the time comes.

I kicked BUTT on matching the seam. 

As you can see, it resulted in my upper edge being slightly off. I went back and trimmed it to match. I insert the first side, mark the seam on the other side of the zipper and then I sew about 1" or so on either side of the marking and check to see if it matches. I got it right the first time here! yay! But if it doesn't match, you're ripping out a very small section vs the entire side of a zipper.

Wilson the cat is inspecting the photo area

The facing is just sewn on; not under stitched or pressed, that's why the neckline is lumpy

Cute but gives me a serious case of the blahhhhhhhhs

Nice fit through the back waist. I don't know about the upper back and how it's supposed to fit because Vogue has that ridiculous and useless cover photo!

So, not a fail but not "it". And I've moved on! I'm not revisiting this anytime soon! lol!!! Maybe this fall...

I've cut out and sewn both versions of the M6519 top. Still need to make some bias tape and finish 'em up. I have a super busy Saturday planned but should get some time on Sunday to sew. 

May Wrap-Up

IT'S JUNE!!! Time, it flies.

This month it felt like I sewed a ton of stuff.

• Nettie bodysuit in a teal jacquard knit
• Vogue 1501 skirt in a printed poly woven
• McCalls 7542 top in a floral cotton (likely lawn)
• Simplicity 1280 top in a navy and white printed poly crepe
• Vogue 1392 dress in navy textured double knit and taupe ponte

Favorite: I have to say the Vogue skirt! I am practically jumping for joy at a yellow one.

FAILS: No project fails this month - yay! But I swear I thought I traced the scoop on the Nettie. I briefly considered removing the neckbinding and 'fixing' it but...HA! Plus there was the serging through both the Vogue skirt and McCalls top.

Accomplishments: I can't say that I stretched myself on anything this month, but I guess I'll give myself some props on growing a little bit. I'm a technical person. Process-oriented things come easily. So that side of sewing is my jam. The creative side? ehhhhh. Part of the reason for this:

...is my inability to look past what's presented. Adding/changing/modifying details requires a sort of brain path that I don't naturally possess. So whenever I do ANYTHING outside of what's presented on the pattern envelope I'm pretty stoked. With all that said, it totally isn't a stretch for most people to say, oh I like this dress, let me remove the bodice and ta-da! skirt! But I thought it was pretty genius on my part. LMAO!

Fabric: I have two fabric orders enroute from this month. I bought two cuts from FabricMart for more Nettie bodysuits; a gray cotton-lycra print and an off-white lightweight ponte. And as mentioned before, from Fashion Fabrics Club, a bright yellow poly crepe for another V1501 and a printed cotton sateen for the Burda dress.


June Plans:

Here I talked a bit about upcoming sewing plans. I've sewn 2 of the 4 tops mentioned and the last 2 are from the same pattern AND I've made them before. So hopefully no snags there. I almost bought 2 tops today from JC Penney and as I stood there knowing I'd need a large for my bust but that the armholes would gape (they were sleeveless), I put them back. But I want more bright! colorful! lightweight! tops for summer. Onward!

V1392 is ready for it's facing (it's intended to be lined but I'm just going to do an all-in-one facing). I love the pleats

but am otherwise a bit meh on it. I added length because so many people added length. I am going to be removing all 1.5" that I added, plus a touch more. Maybe I'll like it better at a shorter length.

I've also decided I want to make this dress from Burda 6/2017

Yes, yes I should make more things with sleeves, especially since I had to turn my heat back on yesterday. Sigh. But actual summer has to show it's face eventually.

So some combination of:
M6519 x2
Nettie x2
Burda 2/2013
Burda 6/2017
V1501 skirt
B5760 skirt

I can't do things for the month of June because my kids are *so.expensive!!* and I need to just sit in my house and stare at the walls...or sew. Sewing it is!

Top-a-Palooza! McCall's 7542 and Simplicity 1280

McCall's 7542

Me admiring my sleeves <3

Pattern Description:

Semi-fitted tops have sleeve variations. Includes separate pattern pieces for A/B, C, and D cups.

Pattern Sizing:

6-14 and 14-22. Gotta love a pattern with cup sizing! I used a 14-C cup

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

YES!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

For the overall top, yes, and for my sleeve view.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Like allll the versions floating around, I love the options. I like little boxy tops sometimes and the sleeves sold me on this one. I really love the fit, even the cropped length. Though that makes this not a work top. I'll have to add another 1.5" or so. I don't like the longer length, I feel it's too long for the shape of the top.

Me, demonstrating the non-work appropriateness

I did not like how long it took me to do those pleats. GRRRRR!!!! So long. So. So. Long. Mark, press, baste. I baste by hand most of the time. I prefer the control.

Every time I sat the sleeve down, it did this

Which I found hilarious. LOL! 

Complications:

I had the sleeves ready to set and went to serge the seam between sleeve and pleat. And this happened:

I serged right through the sleeve. Twice in what, 2 weeks? I think I've done this twice in EVER before now. WAH! I was ready to call this whole project a loss because I was thinking I would have to redo the pleats. Well no, I just had to cut a new sleeve. And after trying the top on with one sleeve, I knew I had to finish it.

But I didn't have enough fabric. I tried every which way and couldn't make that sleeve fit so I sacrificed my Style Arc Cara. I've only worn it once and donated the other one -- my shoulders are just too narrow and my posture too poor for this style I think.

But YAY! I saved my top!

Fabric Used:

Cotton (lawn?) from Fabric Mart.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Cup sizing so no FBA! 5/8" swayback adjustment, 3/4" bicep adjustment (not enough), turned up 5/8" and hemmed. I also used a loop and button for the closure.

That tag! :-D

Speaking of closure...I totally ignored the marking on the pattern for the slit and ended up eyeballing it while sewing the back seam. My giant head *just barely* fits through the opening!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others

Definitely!! I love all the views but would try the bubble sleeve next.

I LOVE the fit and the fabric (and these have become my my most favorite sandals ever)!

I need another 1/2" or so in the sleeve. It isn't restrictive but it's juuuuust barely enough ease.

So cute and almost dainty :-D

Simplicity 1280

Pattern Description:

Misses' top pattern includes loose fitting top with short sleeves, or faux wrap top with long sleeves and elastic waist. 

Pattern Sizing:

XS - XL. I sewed a medium

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yep!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

It's a very simple top and is intuitive to put together, butt the instructions are fine.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

It's a cute top and is current in RTW as well. I love the neckline.

Fabric Used:

Poly woven from Fabric Mart. If you have this (was one of the pre-cut fabrics), it wrinkles so easily!! But it takes a press okay.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I'd made this when it first came out and the sleeves were so tight! I did a bicep adjustment but chalked it up to the french seams I used on that version. I made it again for my mom recently and they were still so tight! So I added another inch. Sheesh. Sewed the side seams at 3/8".

I lost the neck binding piece and just made bias tape with my Clover bias tape maker. It works just fine!

I also used 1/2" elastic instead of 1/4",

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes and yes. Well I'm not sure how many of these I need but it's a cute top on me so you never know! Plus I want to make view E at some point.

The extra sleeve width was perfect! And that neckline fits me so well!!

The blue and white print works really well with lots of close items!

These red pants from LOFT are so fantastic! 

When I put these on to photograph with the top, I totally went back and ordered them in black and navy. They fit me perfectly! It's their Julie fit and the essential skinny ankle pant FYI.

I chose to spend the holiday weekend as a homebody. Cleaning, organizing and sewing. <3 Current WIP: V1329

 I've also got the back assembled...I'll insert the zipper and check for fit. I almost always baste side seams and lots of reviews mentioned lots of extra fabric in the upper back, so I may need to tweak there.

Friday Miscellany aka Sewing Plans

June is the Sewing with Lace contest and I am thinking of finally using my navy blue cotton lace to make a skirt. What pattern? Oh, what else but B5760 (now OOP - boooo!). I was doing some closet change over and pulled them all together:

 

 

All of these have been such fantastic additions to my wardrobe and I can't wait to sew the lace one! I have no hope of winning; it's a straight skirt...but sometimes it's nice to get that little push of a contest to get something done.

 

Speaking of skirts...I am head over heels in love with that V1501 as a skirt (as if you couldn't tell). While cleaning and arranging stuff to donate, I came across this really bright yellow pleated skirt that I'd bought a long time ago. It was a size 10 which totally should have fit at the time but didn't. I could never quite fit it and didn't return it because I would "totally get into it eventually!!". Well, that was probably 15-20 pounds ago! :-p It was time to let it go. But I never stopped believing I needed a bright yellow skirt because it was gorgeous.

 

Then I landed a really amazing ponte and made a skirt from M6654...

 

But then it got ruined in the wash :/

 

So I finished that V1501 and thought, wouldn't it be AMAZING in bright yellow?! Yes, right??

(nod your head yes) 

So this crepe is on it's way to me!

 

 

 

And May's Dress-a-Palooza did not get started but Top-a-Palooza somehow took it's place.

 

 



It all started the other day, when I pulled out this top, which was sewn in 2013, 3 months into my sewing journey! I told myself to stop fighting my inclination towards b/w prints and blue - those are my colors! 

Do you SEE that look of smug satisfaction!? hahaha!

 

It's such a nice cut on me and rayon challis makes it perfect for warmer temps. The black and white challis on the end and the colorful sandwashed rayon will become M6519 tops.

 

Then I couldn't stop thinking about the S1280 that I made for mom, so I pulled that out.

 

And I know that by now, you've seen ALL the versions of M7542 and I want mine! And lo and behold...I had already cut the pattern out and made all the adjustments to it! YAY! It is currently awaiting sleeves and a hem!

 

Dress-a-Palooza is still on and remember, it is a long term project ;-) If you look back at the photo of the 3 top patterns, you'll see V1329 peeking out.

That will be happening along with Burda 2/2013, in this cotton sateen.

 

 

A very good friend passes Vogue fabrics daily on her commute and got me a few yards of 2" Petersham. I feel the silhouette of the dress is otherwise a bit formal for my casual workplace (which I do NOT dress casually for because I don't dress casually for work...). I felt a fun color or print would remedy that.

I feel like this would make an AMAZING wedding guest dress but alas..

no weddings to attend this year for me.

 

And, OHEMGEE! I bought 8 (10?) yards of lining fabric at one point. I lost them. I found them when I moved last year. I lost them again!

 

I was searching for a lamp shade (RANDOM) and I FOUND THEM AGAIN! Score!!!! This time, I put them with the lining fabrics! (sheesh...)

 

I was going to review the new Sew Sew Def Magazine today but this post stretched on (Have you met me? Not yet? I blog like I speak. Hahahaha!) so I'll do that separately!