New Look 6143

Pattern Description:  Misses dress with pleated flared skirt, round bias-bound neckline, tie belt or back tie options, sleeveless, cap, or 3/4 length sleeves.  I made view A which is the sleeveless version and opted to accessorize it with a black belt.

Pattern Sizing: 10-22; I cut a 16

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? Yes.

Dress without belt

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I was drawn to the classic look of this dress and decided to sew as is without any changes.  Like a previous reviewer on PR I found the neckline was a bit wide and didn't lie flat as it should have.  Also I should have looked more closely at the pattern envelope but the pleats of the bodice and skirt did not line up.  This to me make it look unprofessional.  Thankfully most of the pleating is hidden in the floral fabric and belt but if I make this again I will change that.

Fabric Used: A satin glaze fabric in beige/black floral purchased from Fabric Mart Fabrics

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I may sew it again but I will cut the neck smaller to prevent the gaping, line up the pleats of the bodice and skirt, as well as add pockets.  I would recommend it to others if you like the style.

Conclusion: A pattern that has a lot of potential and can produce a great result.  It's just as my sewing skills are improving, issues like those noted above bother me.

Bottom Line:
Fabric: 2 1/4 yds at $5.99/yd=$13.48
Notions: Zipper $1.59 and thread from my stash=$1.59

TOTAL: $15.07

A Cape: New Look 6007

Pattern Description:  Misses Cape in two lengths with collar variations and belt.

Pattern Sizing: Available in XS-XL.  Based on the sizing I cut a Medium

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? YES!!!  I made view C and the result was beautiful.  Seriously I pranced around the house for a good 30 minutes because I was so pleased with the result.

Were the instructions easy to follow? To me the construction was pretty straight forward, so after glancing at them I went to work.  Also I knew I was going to line my cape so at some point I would stray from the instructions anyway.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I have been wanting a cape for quite some time now but couldn't find any off the rack that I liked or was willing to pay for.  I forget where I first saw this pattern, but I loved the fact that it would be belted and therefore I wouldn't get lost in the fabric.  I was also drawn to the variations and simple yet fashionable nature of the pattern.  I had to go to 5 different stores before I located the pattern but it was well work the hunt.

Fabric Used: A double faced wool that I purchased from Fabric Mart for the cape and a poly pongee for the lining.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lined the cape.  I would also like to note that I made view C with only about 2 1/4 yards of fabric and I am 5'3.  I did not shorten the pattern pieces at all.  I also opted to use sew in facing instead of fusible.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I don't think I need more than one cape in my life right now so I don't have any immediate plans to sew it again.  I highly recommend it to others.  I was able to make a beautiful garment that rivals any RTW cape out there.  It was also very easy to add a lining that only added to the beauty and quality of the cape.

Conclusion:  Solid pattern that went together with no issues at all.  I felt it was drafted well and with the variations would appeal to many.

Bottom Line:
Pattern: $3.39
Fabric:
2 1/4 yd wool @ $5.25/yd= $11.81
~2 yds pongee @ $1.00/yd=$2.00
Thread, facing, and belt from my stash

TOTAL: $17.20

new look 6939

Pattern Description: Misses tunic or top with sleeve variations.

Pattern Sizing: Available in 6-22.  Based on the finished measurements I cut a 14 as I wanted a more fitted top.

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? I glanced at them to see the order of construction and they seemed to be fine.  The illustrations were plenty to assemble this top with no problems.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Liked that it was very easy to assemble.

Fabric Used: A white jersey knit from my stash

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Although a fairly east project, I do not plan to sew this again.

Conclusion: Easy pattern to sew if you like the style.

Bottom Line:
Fabric: White jersey knit from my stash
Interfacing and thread from my stash
Pattern:$2.97

TOTAL: $2.97

New Look 6802

Pattern Description: Misses Knit Dress. That is about as detailed a New Look gets but there are 4 different views. One sleeveless, one long sleeved, and two short-one with fitted sleeves and the other some voluminous sleeves from the 80s.

I made the dress in view D and swapped the sleeves for those in view B











Pattern Sizing: 8-18. I cut a 14 up top and graded to a 16 in the hips. From past experience, New Look patterns can be off in the sizing but this one fit very well.

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



Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very clear and easy to follow particularly when it came to doing the crossover knot in the front. This dress went together very quickly and is much easier than it may look on the envelope.



















What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I did have some issues with facing the knits, as seemingly every other reviewer has as well. I was a little afraid the front gathers would look maternity but I like it. I was also concerned that the front twist design element would get lost in the print but I am very pleased with how it turned out. I will say that there seems to be some built in support in the bodice. The girls are extra perky in this dress ;-)








Fabric Used: a knit purchased online. I can't remember which site.




I am very pleased that I managed to (inadvertently) line up the print in the back so you can barely tell there is a horizontal seam.






Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I changed the sleeves because I don't need any extra height/width in that area. I didn't follow the instructions for doing the sleeves just because I didn't feel like threading my sewing machine :-) Instead of their construction, I folded the band in half, pinned it to sleeve edge, drew up the gathers to fit and then serged it together. Still a neat clean finish. It did make the band thinner than usual but I think it lets the gathers shine.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would consider sewing view A in a solid knit just because this is such a comfortable and easy sew and would make a cute and simple cool weather dress. Other than that I think the design elements are too distinctive to need more than 1 but I would recommend it to others. Most of the reviewers did the sleeveless version as it is more of a summery dress but I think you could easy wear view A into the fall/winter depending on the fabric print.


Conclusion: A very cute dress that I would certainly recommend because it was an easy and quick sew.

Bottom Line
Pattern $3.44
Fabric 2 yds @ $2.74/yd=$5.48
Notions stash (thread only)
Total $8.92

Oh Brother!

I am seriously in love with my serger! It's a Brother 1034 and I keep thinking, what took me so long to buy one? It has cut my sewing time in half for a number of garments. Def a good way to get back into the sewing groove. I love how clean the insides of my garmets look and that rolled hem has been a life saver!

I finally got around to sewing Vogue 8379 which is easy and dare I say the perfect wrap dress! I hadn't even finished one version before I stopped to cut out another! I've promised myself I will stop (temporarily) at 3 and move on to something else. I've been in such a zone that I haven't even stopped to take pictures!

So this week I had made:
NL 6823 view A-rust matte jersey
V8379 view A-blue/black floral jersey
V8379 view B-purple/blue jersey
cut V8379 view A-turquoise matte jersey
cut M5323 view A-red crepe
cut out the pattern for M5752 view C-cream/black jersey

Hopefully I can knock out the top in time for dinner on Saturday. If it starts to take to long I will just finish up the turquoise wrap dress and call it a day.

New Look 6823 view A

***Edited to include Pics ***


Pattern Description: Misses Knit Dress with 4 different views

Pattern Sizing: 8-18

I ended up cutting the entire dress as a 14, did a FBA, and made adjustments in the waist during construction.

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? I didn't really follow the instructions this go round since I had made this dress one time before. I only glanced at them for guidance on the collar. I found the instructions to be good from my first dress.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This view went together with little trouble. I really like the collar on this version and think the color I used really makes it pop.

Fabric Used: Rust colored matte jersey from Denver fabric.



Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the bodice due to how high it was on my last version. Technically I only lengthened the bust area and forgot to do the same for the collar when I was cutting it out. I had to end up going back and sewing some scraps together to get the collar length right so I could cross it over. It looks ok but you can see the seam if you are standing close to me.














I also top stitched the collar which I think makes it lie down better. I shortened the length so it would hit just below the knee, and raised the back darts as well.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I'm done sewing this pattern although I may make view B if I find a fabric I like. I would recommend this to others. It goes together fairly quickly and it a good wardrobe builder.

Conclusion: A really solid pattern that you can make for any time of year.



Inside sleeve hem














Full view of sleeve

Happy New Year

My first post of the new year! Wow 2009 is here...where does the time go? The past few weeks were busy yet filled with good times, laughter, and family.

The cruise was amazing! It was so good to get away and enjoy some sunshine and relax with the hubby. We enjoyed Cozumel the most but Grand Cayman was a close second. Jamaica not so much but that's another story.

I also needed to keep my hands busy on the cruise and I managed to finish a scarf and a hat. That was an accomplishment for me since it usually takes forever(a year) to finish a crochet project. I'll post pics eventually. I also made a hat for DH since he lost his (yet again). It was a simple black beanie but he loves it and now wants one in Cardinal Red and Steel Gray which are apparently the official colors of his alma mater MIT.

Christmas was interesting. My mom and sister spent the night and we got up around 7:30am and opened presents. Yes we are all big kids. Everyone had several gifts and were very happy with what they got. There was some fantastic surprises and I got some good pics with big ole' cheesy grins. All was quiet for a few hours and then the craziness began. There were some 25 people at our house, which included some unexpected guests. I refused to let drama invade the holiday so we kept the peace and the respective parties in separate parts of the house. I was exhausted afterwards but I got my wish-a house full of family and friends.

We hadn't really made any plans for New Year's and in the end decided to spend it at home. It may sound uneventful but it was great. Ringing in the new year in the new house was just as it should be.

We went to dinner at Ruth's Chris on Saturday for date night and it was sooo goooood. Ruth's Chris is pricey but a good place to go for atmosphere and a special occassion. There was not a single thing on my plate that was not fabulous. And dessert-OMG! They brought us the sinful chocolate cake on the house since we were celebrating my birthday late and we also ordered the apple tart cake. That thing was huge but it was so good I wanted to slap my mama. We ended up wrapping it up since we were so stuffed but finished it later that night at home.

That pretty much sums up the past few weeks for me.....

On the sewing front I am working an view A of New Look 6823 as well as view D of Mccall's 5271. After they are complete I am not sewing anything else for myself until after I finish a dress and jacket for my auntie. That should motivate me to finish something for someone else huh?

Here's to a Fantastic 2009!

New Look 6823

Pattern Description: Misses Knit Dress

Pattern Sizing: 8-18. I ended up cutting a 16 in the bust and hips and a 14 waist but took it in a bit since there is quite a bit of ease.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Absolutely!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Very. The dress is pretty straight forward. I really only looked at the directions when it came time to construct the neck/bodice.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This was a very quick sew and I always like that. It could easily be done in under three hours, althought it took me a while longer due to a rookie mistake. I did not like how the instructions left the front facing section unsecured. (Maybe I missed it but I don't think it was there) I felt they should have been stitched in with the shoulder seam. I ended up slip stitching it down at the end.

Fabric Used: A grey lightweight double knit from fashion fabric club. It took forever to arrive but it was worth the wait.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the sleeves to just above the elbow and of course shortened the length. When I make this again I will lengethen the bust/bodice about an inch. Right now it doesn't hit as low as I would like. I will also either omit the back darts depending on the print or shorten them. I didn't realize how low they were but oh well.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I do plan on sewing this again as soon as I find a knit print worthy. I don't hesitate to recommend this pattern. It is simple yet very flattering.
Conclusion: I highly recommend this pattern. I think even a beginner can sew this up with no problems. The instuctions for constructing the bodice, which was the only real part that required thought, were very detailed with the exception of securing the front facing.

Rookie Mistake

I can laugh at myself this morning but last night I was so mad at myself. I was so excited when I went to the store and picked up my pattern to start working on new look 6823. The weather is getting cool and I am finally motivated to start working on some cold weather pieces (that and I have way too many clothes already for the cruise to keep working on more). So anyway the pattern uses 5 or 6 pieces so my plan was to cut everything out, pin the darts and such and then sew it together tonight. Well I go to start pinning and realize that I didn't cut the front piece on the fold but rather on the selvage! For a hot minute I started trying to think of how to save it but I ordered the EXACT amount of fabric and there was no getting around this screw up. Then I got mad at myself, threw everything in the corner, and shut the door to my sewing room on my way out. And I never do that. Like I said, it's funny now but I was way past heated last night. Oh well it happens to us all I guess. I had planned on ordering some fabric for myself for Christmas so I'll just have to order another yard of the fabric I messed up on. Not that I need an excuse to order fabric ; )