simplicity 1716

Pattern Description:  Misses knit mini-dress, tunic, or top that can be made with a front twist or draped neckline with five different sleeve variations.  I made view E which is the short sleeved draped neck top and I also added the ruching at the sides.

Pattern Sizing: 8-24, I cut a 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? Yes, I glanced at them before construction and referred to them quickly when doing the pleating at the shoulders.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like drape neck tops as they flatter me and this one was very easy to construct.  It went together quickly and with this pattern you can create a number of looks.  I didn't have any dislikes.

Fabric Used: A white mystery knit from my stash

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added the ruching at the sides but that was it

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I will probably sew this again in a darker color as it is a great wardrobe builder.

Conclusion: A very easy and well drafted pattern that went together quickly with no fuss.

Bottom Line:
Fabric: mystery knit from my stash that I don't remember buying.
Notions: Thread and elastic from my stash
TOTAL: $0

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

Speed Racer-Butterick 5248

I called this pattern speed racer because it went together in about an hour-if that. 

I apologize now for the not so great self portraits taken in the bathroom.  I wore this piece during a 5 hour flight to Las Vegas and remembered somewhere over Kentucky that I hadn't posted a review.

Pattern Description: Butterick 5248 Misses mid-thigh length tunic with mock wrap fronts

Pattern Sizing: I cut a medium

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes and no but that's because I made some modifications.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Can't say that I followed the instructions but I'm sure they are fine.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Very easy and quick project.  No dislikes.

Fabric Used: a very lightweight knit

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: my sleeves are 3/4 length and I shorted the tunic (or at least I thought I did). I'm only 5'3 and I wanted to this to look like a top and not a dress.  The first time I wore it as a top but the second time as a dress and I like it much better that way so I am glad I didn't cut too much off.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? If I need some instant gratification I may whip this out again but I can't say for sure. I do recommend this to others as it went together in no time

Conclusion: Simple easy pattern that made it quick to add another piece to my wardrobe

Bottom Line:
Fabric: 2 yds @ $2.99/yd
Notions: Thread and facing from my stash
Total:$5.98

I'm a little bit country.....a wadder

Simplicity 2601
I can't say I had high hopes for this pattern.  Why?  Well I went back and forth over whether to buy it in the first place but when I caught some cotton gauze on clearance I figured why not?  It took a more time than I would have liked made worse by the fact that I do not to like the end result...at least not on me.  I'm sure someone at Goodwill will be more than glad to have it.

Pattern Description:   Simplicity didn't provide a very detailed description but this pattern is a misses blouse with 5 different views with sleeve and collar variations.  I made view A which has a ruffled collar and fitted sleeves with tie ends.

 
Pattern Sizing:  Available in 6-22.  I cut a 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  For the most part, the one big difference is my sleeves and that I left the tie ends off the sleeves. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes.   

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  The fit seems to be a little off on this pattern.  I didn't do any alterations yet it gapes a little at the bust and also it is very low cut so I have to wear a cami underneath.


Fabric Used:  A lightweight brown cotton gauze with a raised floral print.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  My choice of fabirc (although suggested on the envelope) wasn't the best choice for a number of elements on this top.  The sleeve ties or button loops were definitely problematic.  After seeing how stiff the fabric became after adding facing to the midriff, I decided to leave the sleeves free flowing as I knew it was likely to be a headache if I tried otherwise.  Also when I tried to make the button loops, the fabric was just too thick for the loops so instead I used corded elastic.  And finally the cute ruffles on the bodice are super floppy because of the material.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I won't sew it again just because I didn't like how the top looked on me.  Further confirmation such a fluttery top doesn't work well with my Mother Africa Fro, lol. 

Conclusion: Has the potential to be a very cute top depending on the fabric choice.  A few minor fit issues that can be fixed with a little work.  Overall it didn't work out for me but it still good enough to donate to a local shelter.

Bottom Line:
Pattern:. 99
Fabric: $5.20
Notions: bias tape .70, corded elastic .60, thread and facing from my stash
Total: $7.49

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!

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

A Great Tip

At some point I plan to make a friend of mine this top from McCall's 6034 pattern.










Well I honestly don't want to buy 4 spools of thread to use with my serger since I won't likely sew anything else in this color.

Thankfully a quick search on PR turned up this very useful tip:

https://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/review/readreview.pl?ID=1589

I'm calculating I've just saved about $7 in thread on this top alone. Woo hoo!

February to do

Yay me for meeting my sewing goals for the month of January! So what's up for February?

First up is simplicity 2633. I am loving some of the version that I have seen so I want to see what I can do with it. I plan on doing the view with pleated sleeves and the neck band with flaps.

I want to make a pants suit as my BIG project for the month but we will see how that goes. Since I said I was going to make a pair of pants this year anyway and I am going to go ahead and try simplicity 2700. I am pretty confident after reading the reviews on PR that this is a good pants pattern to start with. For the jacket I am still looking at simplicity 2810. I am still undecided but I am leaning towards doing the view with the shawl collar and welt pockets.

To round out the month is B5248. I threw that in there in case I need to step away from the pants and/or jacket to keep my sanity, lol.

I would really love to finish V8480 but I am not banking on it. It's about 75% done but these sleeves are giving me a fit! (Clearly sleeves are my trouble spot right about now.)

Oh and to meet my goals for last month, I sat down and cut out all the projects over one or two nights. I did a little pinning between cutting so that when I was ready for construction I could essentially sit down and stitch away. It really help me stay focused and meet my goals knowing that I didn't have to do everything at once. I also didn't skip around between projects, which I am notorious for doing. It was made a little easier since I needed different color thread for each one. Hey whatever works right?

Butterick 5328

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted wrap tops with inside ties and tie ends, front gathers into bands, back darts and yoke, collar and sleeve variations.

Pattern Sizing: (8-22) I cut a 16

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


Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were fine.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the wrap style of the top. It is a great way to add a stylish top to my work wardrobe. That being said, this shirt took me what seemed like forever to finish. The collar still isn't like I want but that could just be me being picky. Most of my dislikes had to do with getting things lined up. Just make sure to take your time and mark everything particularly on the collar.

Fabric Used: a winter white cotton sateen

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I raised/widened the front bands so the top wasn't as low cut as other reviewers have noted it tended to be. I used french seams throughout since I couldn't track down any additional white thread for my serger and had to make do with the lone spool I had in my stash. While I like how clean the inside looks, this did give me some headache as there were times when I was stitching through 6 layers of fabric. I also opted to use ribbon for the inside ties as the fabric was too bulky and looked like I had something growing out of my side. Lastly I shortened the top by about 1/2 an inch.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I have a number of other projects I want to do but I can definitely see myself making this top again, perhaps in a print. I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion: I can see how some sewers had to fiddle to make this top work and thanks to other reviews I had a heads up on things to expect. Like I said just be sure to mark everything and you should be ok. Depending on the thickness of your fabric you may have to use ribbon for the inside ties. This definitely isn't an instant gratification project but I am pleased with the finished result.


Bottom Line:
2yds @ $1.95/yd=$3.90

Butterick 5101

Pattern Description: Butterick Lifestyle Wardrobe Pattern with wrap front top, all-in-one sleeve, pleated collar extending into front neckline, side tie, sleeve length and hem variations.

front view

Pattern Sizing: XS-XL. I cut a L

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? As noted in previous review there are some errors in the instructions but if you follow the pattern pieces then you will be fine.

side view of loop and ties

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved how quickly this top went together. I think maybe 3 hours from start to finish including cutting.

Fabric Used: A thin sweater knit that I picked up from Fabric Depot over the summer

back view

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: My sleeve length in somewhere between the long and short sleeve but other than that I did not make any changes.

sleeve

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I do plan to sew this again and soon! I recommend this pattern.

Conclusion: Very simple pattern that went together with ease. I love that it is a wrap top and is not low cut. I will still need to wear a cami underneath but that is because the material is on the thin side.

close up of bodice

Bottom Line:
Pattern: .99
Fabric: 1 1/2 yds @ 5.99/yd
Notions: stash (thread)

Total: $12.97

Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plans

I have started to shift towards planning my fall/winter wardrobe. I know I am late but hey....
Anyway, I have laid out a plan to meet my goal of making 50% of my wardrobe for the upcoming seasons. Part of that it to make simple wardrobe staples likes pants and skirts and interchangeable tops. I have already planned out one set revolving around a lightweight grey suiting that I picked up recently. It will be fairly easy to change out tops for different looks. Here is what I have so far:


Most, if not all of the focal pieces, will be in the grey suiting. I already have a white dress shirt as well as some basic knit tops to add to the mix.

I have a similar plan with a medium-weight navy twill:

There are a couple of other sportswear jackets and tunics that I have my eye on but no concrete plans yet.
Currently I am beginning work on B4657 for a wedding that is in mid September. I have already cut it out in a deep burgundy georgette. There are only a couple of reviews on PR that say it is time consuming and takes a great deal of patience. I already have a fall back plan in V8574 in this print:



When I purchased the fabric I was going to make view B which is the longer version but I decided to go with the shorter version and use the remaining fabric to make a top.