*Updated Simplicity 2927

Pattern Description:  Project Runway Inspired Misses Dress or Tunic.  I made the sleeveless tunic version.

Front view

Pattern Sizing:  Available in 4-20.  I originally cut a 14 but had to go back and add room in the hips so I'm not really sure what size it ended up being.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  I think so with the exception of my side panel.

Pocket

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes.  Very straight forward.  This pattern wasn't really complicated but the instructions don't jump around between views like some project runway patterns can.  It was easy to identify which view they were providing instructions for.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  No dislikes really.  I selected this pattern because I felt the neckline would compliment my broad shoulders.  I think I was right : )

Fabric Used:  A light blue/purple fabric from fabric dot com.  They described as chateau cotton poplin

Closeup of neckline

 Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  As previously stated I had to go back and add a side panel to provide more room in the hips.

You can see in the pic below that I certainly needed some wiggle room.

Here you can see where I added a panel on either side to give the tunic a little flared shape that accommodate my hips.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I won't sew it again but I would recommend it to others.  It didn't take very long to construct and the end result was great.  I only wish I had made this earlier in the summer to get a few more wears out of it before the weather starts to cool off.

Conclusion:  Cute tunic from the Project Runway collection that produced a great result. 

I don't know why but I thought of Judy Jetson when I took this picture.

Bottom Line:

Pattern .99

Fabric-roughly 1 3/4/yds at $2.49/yd ~$4.35

Notions: thread, facing, hook and eye, and one button from my stash

                14" zipper-$1.39

Total: $6.73

Throwback...Simplicity 2401

* I made this pattern back in May to wear for Girls Night Out aka the Bachelorette Party.  I never scheduled it to post but here it is.

Pattern Description: Misses' dress and jumpsuits designed for day or evening.  I opted to make the jumpsuit in a black knit fabric so I suppose that makes it the evening view, lol.

Full length view on Caroline

Side note: I never realized how difficult it would be to put anything other than a skirt, jacket, or blouse on my dressform.  I almost lost an eye and put a dent in the wall fighting to get this jumpsuit on Caroline.

Pattern Sizing:  Available in 6-22.  I cut a 14 and then graded up to a 16 in the thighs.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?  I thought so.  Nothing too complicated about this pattern.

Close up of the bodice and pleats

 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  Very easy to construct and a fashionable retro pattern which was a bonus.  I of course loved that it had pockets.

Pocket along with the fabulous butterfly belt my BFF gave me

Fabric Used:  Interestingly enough this fabric is described as Solid Dark Navy Shimmer Jersey Knit.  Do you see any navy?  Me either, lol 

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  Graded up a size for my thighs.  I also ended up adding back darts because it was too big/elastic wasn't tight enough

Close up of back details.  Love the elastic just wish it was more fitted on me.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I don't plan to sew this again but it was fun and I would recommend it to others.

Conclusion:  Fairly quick sew as I think the longest part was the elastic on the back.  Good directions and a fun outfit as the end result.

Bottom Line: 

Fabric was around 2 yds at $2.45/yd=$4.90

Pattern: .99

Notions: elastic, zipper, and thread from my stash

Total: $5.89

The lone pic of me wearing the jumpsuit that isn't blurry (The night was still young)

Bad Blogger but a Better Me

I know I have been a bad blogger but I want to thank my readers for sticking with me.  Life has been incredibly hectic and I haven't had much time for ME. I had reached a point where I was automatically saying YES everytime someone asked something of me and I was beginning to neglect everything in my life that really mattered. I had to sit down and make a list of everything going on in my life that I had committed myself to in some way, shape, or form.  Once finished I went back and crossed off about half of those things and said that I could not longer be involved because :

1) my committment was mainly on paper but I still felt an obligation to be involved which didn't make sense
or
2) I said I would help because I was worried I disappoint someone by not being invloved
 or
3)I couldn't remember why I said yes in the first place

I felt 20 times better and didn't have a single regret about the things I crossed off.  I then took 2 days off from work and went to the beach with my Mommy and Sister and had an awesome time.  I didn't get sunburned but I did managed to get a very incomfortable heat rash on my abdomen.  The perks of wearing a bikini for the first time in 20 years, lol. 

Since I recommitted to focusing on myself and my family I have felt a lot better, my regular workouts have returned, and I am being there for those who I know it matters most to. 

I am blessed to say that I was there for my Mother when she needed something and didn't hestitate to give her my 2008 Altima when her car put her down (I upgraded to a 2010) and the Husband and I are jetting off to Puerto Rico in 83 days!

Oh and I even started working on simplicity 2927.  After getting some work done on it, I realized that it will way too snug in the hips and of course I don't have enough fabric to recut the whole thing.  I'm pondering adding a side panel to either side to give the extra room that I will need.  I think it will work but all I can do is try.  I will post pics this weekend whether it works or not.

Happy Friday!

Cardigan Pattern

I forgot to mention the crochet pattern that I am using for the cardigan.  The pattern is called Chevron Lace and I found it on ravelry.  If you are interested the pdf file is here.

In progress-Crochet Cardi

While I was going through my sewing funk/losing the battle with technology, I decided to pick up my hook and crochet something.  Well actually start to finish something.  Before I started my new job in March, I had found a fairly easy, functional, and cute cardigan pattern on ravelry that I decided to try out.  My crochet skills still need some work so I didn't use a high quality yarn for this project.  Before life took over I managed to get the yoke done but now that I am 2/3 done, I wish I had used better yarn.  Oh well, it's such an easy pattern that I plan to make another one in the future.

Here's what I managed to get done while vegging out on the couch. 

Pic of the clasp I plan to use once the cardigan is done.

Butterick 5332 Take 2

Pattern Description: Loose-fitting, unlined jackets A, B, C, D, slightly below waist length has collar, front variations, single or double-breasted front button closures and stitched hems. A, C: short sleeves with button and button loop closures. B, D: elbow length sleeves. D: stitched pleats in sleeves.

This time around I made view C.  See my review of view B here.

Pattern Sizing:  Available in 8-22.  I cut a 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes!  I think making this jacket is what I needed to get me back in the sewing game. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very.  Since I used this pattern before I was familiar with the construction.  I did read through them once just to refresh my memory.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love how simple yet great this pattern is.  It is not time consuming and produces a great result. 

Fabric Used:  A light blue pique purchased online.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  In my previous review I mentioned how I used my serger to finish off some of the inside edges.  This time I opted to used french seams for the sides.  You could also use bias tape as some other reviewers have done.  I opted to omit the buttons and button loop closure on the sleeves.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I won't sew this again but only because I have already made it twice.  I do recommend this pattern.

Conclusion: Solid pattern that I've made twice now with great results both times.  Highly recommend it.

Bottom Line: 
2 yards @ $2.75/yd = $5.50
2 buttons =$.78
Notions: thread: $1.50; facing from stash

Total: $7.78

Since I purchased this cut of fabric online, I was able to search back through my email to find details for the bottom line.