Simplicity 2896

Pattern Description:
Misses & Miss Petite Dress, Jacket, Pants, Shorts and Tie Belt

I made the jacket in view C

Pattern Sizing:
5-24. I cut a 16.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Very much so! Even down to my choice of fabric.


Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes! Easy pattern to construct that went together fairly quickly. My only hangup was that it took a little bit of time to get the sleeves in like I wanted. I'm not sure what I did on the right sleeve but I had a time getting it in right. I seriously spent about 4 hours on the one sleeve alone! Good thing was that the jacket was nearly complete so once I got the sleeve right I was done.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I had no dislikes about this pattern. I previously made the dress in view A and had great results with that as well.

Fabric Used:
An embroidered ivory eyelet for the jacket and I lined it with an ivory broadcloth. Both were purchased from fabric.com. I love the clean finish on the inside from lining it. I was worried about how that would look when using the eyelet but I think using my serger helped.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I shorted the jacket but that was it. I am happy with the length but if/when I make it again, I will add an inch or so back to it. I went back and forth over whether or not to add buttons. In the end I decided that since I wasn't likely to actually fully button (snap) the jacket closed that I would just add two buttons at the top for asthetetics and snap them closed. I only had black snaps when I made the jacket (don't judge me, lol) so I won't show them.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I am seriously thinking of making this again but not anytime soon. I would sew it in a solid pink linen. I would certainly recommend this pattern to others. I think by the time I am done, I will have made every view from this pattern!

Conclusion:
A fantastic pattern that is well drafted and easy to sew. I highly recommend it!

Bottom Line:

Fabric:
1.5 yd of embroidered eyelet @ $4.98/yd=$7.47
1.5 yd of ivory broadcloth @ $3.48/yd=$5.22

Notions:
Button, Thread, and facing from stash

Total: $12.69

One of my more expensive projects, lol, but I am very happy with the result so it's all good.

It wasn't intentional

Apparently my Husband pays more attention to my sewing than I realized. The other day when I was taking photos for this post he decided to wander into my studio. He looked at what I was doing and asked me if I intentionally bought the same fabric that is on the pattern envelope. I looked again and realized that sure enough my fabric selections for McCall's 6024, Butterick 5332, and almost for Simplicity 2732 were the same as one of the views on the envelope. I promise it wasn't on purpose but kudos to the Hubby for noticing.

What's Black White and Red all over?

Pattern Description: Simplicity 2732-Misses' Blouses in two lengths with cup sizes B, C, and D

front view

Pattern Sizing: Available in 6-24.

I made view C with a D 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? Very.

bodice closeup

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked not having to do a FBA since the pattern includes pieces for B, C, and D cup. This pattern took about 3-4 hours to construct which was a definite like. The darts and sleeve pleats were a little time consuming but help give a nice fitted shape. The cuffs fit me just right but you may need to make an adjustment if you have small or large biceps. The shirt ended up being shorter than I had anticipated. I'm not sure how that happened but if/when I do make this again I will add at least 2 inches to the hem.

back view

Fabric Used: a black and white polka dot cotton

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't make any.

french seams on sleeve

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will likely sew this again in a solid color. I do recommend this to others.

Conclusion: Great blouse that is a quick sew and produces and a great piece.

Bottom Line:
Pattern: $1.99
Notions: thread and facing from stash; buttons
Fabric: 2 yds @ $2.85/yd= $5.570



Oh yeah and here's the red part....my shoes!

Kelly & Katie Whitney $20 at DSW

What's Jaymee up to now?

My mojo is back and in full effect and Denver Fabrics recently had a 50% off sale. So that means I am no longer thinking about winter clothes but ready to crank out some pieces for spring. Here is what I will be up to for the next few weeks:

I've already cut out simplicity 2732 and 2401. The top is already in progress and I should have a review up in the next few days. I decided to be funky and wear the jumpsuit to the wedding instead of the dress so that will be next and while the black thread is still in the serger. The last three will fall in place but I'm thinking jacket, dress, then top.

Come on spring and stay!

Carolina on My Mind.....

Clearly that wasn't the song playing when I was making this, but after seeing the dress on Caroline (my dress form) that was the first thing that came to mind. Anyway I'm sure this pattern is available in misses but it caught my eye and I didn't feel like searching around for it in a different pattern size.

Pattern Description: Simplicity 2947 Plus Size & Plus Size Petite Knit Dress, Tunic, Pants and Knit or Woven Shrug Khaliah Ali Collection

I made view A which is the full length dress with halter bodice

Front view paired with my crocheted caplet

Pattern Sizing: 18W-32W

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

full length view

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern took about 2 hours to finish which is a definite like. I didn't like how they have you encase the elastic in the bodice back but other than that it was a winner in my book.

Fabric Used: a light blue knit

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I altered the pattern a bit to fit me and I also moved the straps closer to the middle so it's more of a bandeau top than a halter. This actually help provide more support for the girls.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I won't sew this version again although I love the result. I would consider doing view C but since there is no variation in the bodice it isn't likely to get made. Still I do recommend this to others as it was a quick sew.

back view paired with crocheted caplet

Conclusion: Solid pattern that went together in to time.

Bottom Line:
Pattern .99
Notions: thread and elastic from stash
Fabric: 3 yds @ $1.95/yd=$5.85

Total: $6.84

Mama I want to Sing

Well actually I want to sew and boy have I been sewing up a storm. Normally I try to squeeze in an hour of sewing between dinner and my work out, or at least while dinner is cooking. Well lately it's been workout, dinner, and then sewing. I was stitching away the other night and realized I'd been at it for over 2 hours. If I didn't have to go to work the next day I probably would have kept right on going, lol.

Growing Pains

Last month was a roller coaster for me and my sewing but I definitely realize that it is all about quality and not quantity. I was nowhere near meeting my sewing goals for last month but the projects I did knock out were well done and I can really see that my skills are improving. While I was only motivated/inspired to sew a little here and there, I was able to crank out a couple of quality pieces.

I am a self taught seamstress and I will be the first to say I have come a loooooong way, lol. Everything from fabric choices to technique have improved over the past 2 1/2 years and I no longer feel guilty when I splurge on fabric.

Some of you may be wondering about the titles of my posts as of late. I've started to have music playing in the background while I am sewing. I just pick a station and let it go. Inevitably there is a song that sticks in my head and so that song becomes the title of the post once I am finished sewing. It's a bit random but it makes me giggle.

Anyway I plan to continue working on a few things here and there this month-namely my jacket. I'm also planning to make simplicity 2801 or 2947. Either will be appropriate for the evening wedding we are attending later this month. Maybe I will finally get to wear that caplet I made last year.

I'll Be Seeing You

When I was hunting around for a new blog layout, I kept coming back to the one I am currently using. I couldn't figure out why I was drawn to it. While packing my lunch the other day I actually looked down at my bag at it finally clicked


See what I mean?

If I ruled the world-Simplicity 2633

Pattern Description: Misses Shirts & Vests Project Runway Collection. I made the shirt with the neckband and collar and the pleated sleeves


Pattern Sizing: Available in 4-22. I cut somewhere between a 14 and 16. Next time I will cut a straight 14.

Back view

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? You know it! You know I must be pleased with the overall results as I am actually showing the inside of a garment for the first time!

inside view from bust up of french seams and collar

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Like all project runway patterns you have to make sure you are following the instructions for the element you are including in your garment but the instructions were clear and the diagrams very helpful.

the top on Caroline

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really love the unique yet classy look of the top I was able to make. The pleated sleeves are by far my favorite! The pattern was very well drafted and I love the result. It was very easy to make this top look RTW which I love.

Fabric Used: A lightweight navy twill

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made french seams throughout including on the sleeves but other than that I sewed as instructed.

full view of inside of the inside

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would love to sew from this pattern again but I'm not sure which one. While this top did take the better part of a day to make, the results made it well worth it. I do recommend this pattern to others. It is only the second project runway pattern I have used but it was very easy to follow and produced a great top.

close up of collar and stand

Conclusion: Very solid pattern that you should definitely consider if you haven't already.

Bottom Line:
Pattern $.99
Fabric 2 yds @ 1.95/yd=$3.90
Notions: buttons $.62 and thread and facing from my stash
Total: $5.51