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Saturday, July 23, 2011

McCall’s 6326

I had this top on my list to sew for a while. Actually, I grabbed it as soon as the local Hancock’s had their pattern sale. I coveted this top since it came out.

M6326

So, why am I not the great runway wearer? The only size that was left started at 14. I grabbed it hoping to remember that I had recently loss weight and needed to grade down. Guess what – I didn’t. I made it a size too big.

Pattern Description:

On the front it says ‘Easy’ and ‘Knits’. Misses’ tops: Close-fitting tops, B: purchased buckle, D: strap with elastic shoulder casing. I made View D.

M6326 - 1

Pattern Sizing:

It comes in sizes AX5(4-6-8-10-12), and EE(14-16-18-20) I made size 14 and should have made the 12 or possibly the 10.

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

Yes, it does! Only I made a print using stash fabric that I bought from my favorite online shop. Fabric.com.

DSCF2826    Front

Were the instructions easy to follow?

First of all, DO NOT make this mistake: Piece 11 is cut on fold. Do not try to economize your fabric and fold it in half because the piece is symmetrical! Make sure it's cut like this on fold:

DSCF2822
and NOT like this on fold (trying to save fabric):

DSCF2823 
So you can get this:

DSCF2824
and NOT this:

DSCF2825

Other then those user errors - Super easy! Even though it looks like there are only about 3 maybe 4 pieces, it is really 6 and one, the bottom back is a ‘cut two’ piece, it is still SUPER EASY.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

The lines are sassy and feminine. The one shoulder is right down my ally. It actually shapes to your body right from the pattern. There is nothing to dislike. Although, I am not too fond of the top stitching on the shoulder strap. Next time I will make the strap with a self lining, turn through, and iron.

DSCF2828     Back

Fabric Used:

I used a thick knit that I thought was a double knit but as usual, it was from the stash with no label.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None what so ever! I made it right out of the bag. Oh, I left the bottom hem only surged because I am not sure how my sister likes her top hems. Yeap, this one goes to my sister because it is big for me in the chest area and I didn’t want to go back in and alter. Good thing I do have more of this fabric because I really liked it.

DSCF2827    Sides   DSCF2829

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

Yes, of course I am going to make another one because, now I have to make mine! lol Oh yes, it very recommended if you want something that scream, “I am a laaady”.

DSCF2830

Conclusion:

Great top! I love it! 

Well, I am kissing this one goodbye! Sad smile

Until,

I make mine…. Smile

Friday, July 22, 2011

McCall’s 5851

This blouse was the easiest I could ever make! After seeing the many reviews from PatternReview.com I remembered I had this pattern and dug it out and made it…twice.

What's next 

Pattern Description: MISSES' TUNIC: Tunics A, B, C have front and back upper gathers, neck binding, lower elastic casing and raglan sleeve variations. A: sleeves with elastic casing. B: three-quarter length flared sleeves. C: gathered sleeves and sleeve binding.

I initially wanted to make View C but with the material I was using, I thought it wiser to sew up View A.

Notions: Elastic and of course the thread.

Pattern Sizing: This pattern comes in combinations: B5(8-10-12-14-16), GG(18-20-22-24).

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?    Yes, indeed! What do you think?

DSCF2831           DSCF2832

Where the instructions easy to follow? I am sad but happy to say that I did not use the instructions. However, the pieces are straight forward and so simple you can probably sew this with your eyes closed.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it is casual, classy, and chic all in one. It can be dressed up, down, or not all. The only dislike that I have is not that of the pattern. It’s me. Why hadn’t I sewed it earlier?

DSCF2810You can also make the sleeves with or without the elastic. If you choose elastic make sure you make it long enough so that the sleeve is not too tight.

DSCF2813 

Fabric Used: Even though the pattern calls for two-way stretch knits ONLY, I used a woven. Actually, it is a crinkled polyester. I figured that with the width of the neckline, who NEEDS it to be a knit?

Fabric for V8581 (2)

From Fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added 1 1/2 inches to the hem. I at first wanted to see how I would like it if left without the elastic so I could wear it with a belt. I didn’t like it, so I put in the elastic. According to the pattern photo, there is a neck trim. I did not use the neck trim piece. I put the top together then made a casing for the elastic and slid the elastic through. That cut out the gathering by hand and made the neckline altogether!

DSCF2812 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Uh hum. I have already made it again. That review will be added later. I need pictures. YES, YES, YES, I recommend this pattern. If you like the combination of boat-neck-peasant blouse look go for it. I love it.

DSCF2811 The back needs a fixin.

Conclusion: What a top. I love it. I see other versions come this Autumn. DSCF2814             DSCF2815

Until later, Schey.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Simplicity 2907

Description: Toddlers pants or shorts and dress, shirt or vest.

S2907

I made the girls dress, View C in denim and the red and white contrast is a cotton shirting.

DSCF2765

 

This pattern comes in sizes A(1/2 to 4). I made size 3 for my two year old.

What I liked most about this pattern is that it can be a blank slate for whatever idea you have in mind for it. The pieces are straight to the point. The front, sleeves, collar, and bottom flounce are ‘cut 2’ pieces, the back is a ‘cut on fold’ piece, and the pocket is optional. There is really nothing that I dislike on this pattern.

NOTE: Remember that in the directions, it states for you to prepare and make the facing(s). It only states to do one side. I said that to say this: BE SURE TO DO THE OPPOSITE SIDE AS WELL.

Or you will end up with something like this:

Front  forgot one side Front no sleeves

One side will be done and the other will not be done. (And you will think it’s time to move on…yeah right.)

At this point I had to decide what kind of buttons I wanted to use. The pattern called for 4 1/2 inch buttons. Since this was supposed to be for the 4th of July, I wanted to keep up with the theme. I had some red stars…well, I thought I still had red stars but all I found was 2. So, I chose from either red stars, of which I did not have enough, white buttons, red snaps or white snaps. As I contemplated on what I really wanted to use I put on the collar. Ultimately, I opted for red snaps.

Which button white snaps or red statrs

Red Star buttons closerWhite snaps

Red Stars                    White Snaps

I bought the snaps from Sew Baby…I think…. But when I opened my package it said that I had to put the snaps on with their special doohicki tool. Instead, I used my own doohickie tool that I‘ve had for years. I didn’t know it would work but it did. I had cover the snap (colored) part with tissue so that the doohickie didn’t scar or dent the snaps too much.

Doohickie Tool                         My doohickie too.  

My alterations for this dress was the pocket and the collar. For the pocket, I ’lined’ it with the stripe fabric, right sides together, stitched at an inch and a half, and flipped the red to the back to form the top trim.

My alteration for the collar was because of my mistake. I cut the wrong size and didn’t notice until it was too late. I was not redoing a thing! Ultimately, that left me with a too little collar where I could not properly turn and stitch the upper collar. What did I do? I put the whole thing together, upper and lower collar and the stitched front and back pieces, and just sewed them together. This is what I got:

S2907 Front neck S2907 back neck

I want to sew it again, but I am not sure when I will. Hopefully soon, but we all know how that one goes.

I don’t have any photos with my daughter in this one. She was totally on strike! So, I do have a finished picture of it on the kitchen floor.

S2907 Front

Yes, I know this version has a vintage feel of a baby car hop or candy striper but hey, she likes it and if I had more stars maybe it would look more 4th of July festive.

Until later, Schey

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

McCall’s 6318 Done!

OH – MY – GOODNESS I am done! This dress has been a long time coming. Here is the start of things! (And I do recommend you start there) This is what happened in between time and no time at all.

I started to hand finish the side fronts – that has princess seams. But instead, every time I have time to do it, it turns that I had no time really. So, anxiously trying to get this bad baby RTW, I stitched in the ditch it with the sewing making sure sure I caught only an edge of the lining inside. Here is how it looks:

Inside out with made facing and semi lining     Bodice closer of inside

Remember, I had ran out of lining (actually I messed up and had no more. And the kiddy got hold of some. Of course that one was a total loss.)So, I got stuck making a facing out of the fashion fabric and it turned out really well. I still have to finish off the seams for the straps. I plan on doing a blind stitch by hand. That won’t take no time at all. Excuse the response but I can do that ‘in the bathroom’ Winking smile. lol

Closer of facing and need finishing

The finished product…minus the hem…is so cute.

Front with lining and no hem

Pattern Description:
Labeled: Easy. Also: Misses' lined dresses; close-fitting, straight dress has side seam pockets. I worked View A.
Pattern Sizing:
AA (6-12) and D5 (12-20). I made the 14.

Close bodice shot

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It started looking like the photo early on in the construction. Had I made view C, it would have been darn near exact!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
So far the instructions are very easy. I am writing this review as I go because I tend to forget my victories and struggles once I am done and am enjoying the results.
The instructions were pretty easy for a someone who has been sewing. It's even labeled easy. If you are a beginner just be sure to read thorough and look at the diagrams well.

I was so ready to get done with this dress and now I can’t decide on shoes! I have my most favorite black pair with the bow in the back. My husband says they make me look like granny. He said the same thing about the yellow pair. Ok, me personally, I like a cute red pair. He said, “Wth!?'” lol  But, of course from the male perspective who thinks blue workpants and steel toe boots is all the rage, what do I expect? lol

What do you all think? Which pair? 

Black:Black shoe     Lovely.

Yellow:Yellow Shoe  Cute.

White:White shoe  Too busy for the pattern.

Red:Red shoe Maybe in a classic red.

                                  But I like it!

PooPoo Green:PooPoo green shoe I love this one!

Here is a shot from the back and semi-back.

Back                Semi back

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the lines of the front bodice. So far there is nothing to dislike. Well, I take that back. There is a pleat right at the pivot point of the side-front bodice and the front skirt pieces. That took a hot minute to get it right and it's still not perfect but it's good enough.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
So far, I left off the pockets.
I used a regular zipper rather the invisible zipper that was called for. I inserted it like it was an invisible and this is the result: (zipper) - I need to fix the bottom of it.
I had mishaps of the lining and could not line it totally. Well, I could had - in another color, but I felt I would not like that as much. I made a facing for the center front because the lack of lining fabric. Even the pattern calls for the whole dress to be lined I only lined the back, side-back, side, and side front sections. Back - hand stitched. It's pretty cool. Nothing else was changed.
NOTE: The under arm is wide and you should take caution if you decide to make this dress because all kinds of flesh is showing. I am going to go back and take the underarms in a bit. Also, I am short and if I bend over (even just by a little bit) one may be able to see how many cavities I have! I will also either close up the split a little or all the way. That depends on if I can drop my keys and bend lady like and pick them back up without having to cover that area at the same time because I am thinking my ham is hanging out of the bag. So, that test is to come.

Here is the view of the hideous side view that will be cured with a tube. I am not going back in and reshaping this. I just need to pull the bodice and the straps in towards each other. So, if I do this number again I’ll make that adjustment on the pattern.

Side view with shoe

Oh, this was in my what shall I wear with this phase when my husband said I looked like Granny Goo Goo! lol I still don’t see it. But that is too much flesh and looking at this picture, yeah, I’m going back in and redoing this. ASAP!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would like to sew it in a solid because the lines are loss in the print. Yes, I recommend this pattern. When I first saw it, I thought of Brides Maids in June weddings -in the pretty solid colors. 

Conclusion:
I love this dress despite the closures that will take place.

Until the next greatest creation, Schey.

New Look 6961

I enjoyed making these outfits for the girls!

NL6961

They had fun, too. And the photo shoot was hilarious. Here’s the PatternReview:

I think first there needs to be a Pattern Type as "girls" and "children" on the Pattern Review site since not all patterns fit both boys and girls and may not necessarily fit the junior category. So therefore, I marked it Easy to Sew - because it really is.

Pattern Description:
Childs separates. Knit capris, top, and dress.
I made the top and capris for my 2 year old and the top only (twice) for my 7 year old.

Pattern Sizing:
Sizes 3 through 8.
I’d sewn the 3 for my two year old and the 8 for my 7 year old. Although the 8 kind of fits the baby like a dress.

Hold your head up..But not that far

It’s just a tad big in the neck. Here she is trying one on mid construction.

Nii trying the half done top

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, they all do. What do you think?

Top fit like dress on Nii

Yeah, one is going one way and the other the other way. It was done on purpose because you have to cut the front and back in one layer and since I was making more than one, I was willing to sacrifice one going the opposite than it was meant. So, I cut the fabric double layer.

 
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I skimmed over the directions and done my own thing because I made these on the 'assembly line'. I didn't find anything out of place but like I said 'skimmed' and that wasn't the written directions either. I skimmed the diagrams.

 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the asymmetrical lines. I love that you can make this as girly as you want it. I hope to do this (for the 7 year old) in ruffle lace. But I am not sure just yet. There are no dislikes except for the facing pieces for the sleeves. To me it kind of made the arms a bit thick. You have to fold the facing in half wrong sides together and turn in that with the sleeve and the bodice – stitch. For my girls they need less fabric as possible in the summer months because they sweat on the drop of a dime. All is well other than that.


Fabric Used:
For the front and back pieces I used a small pique knit. It is really thin and a bit see through. For the sleeves and ruffles I used cotton.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made the outfits per my way. I didn't change anything but I did leave the appliques off. Oh, I did not hem the sleeves like the directions read. (I did see that part of the directions.) I only serged the hem and turned that part under and stitched. Same way for the ruffle hems too. That is about all other than the change mentioned above already. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I have sewn it three times and for right now, I have no plans for a while. It is fun and easy but I'm moving on...
YES, I recommend this pattern to anyone who wants a fun, quick and girly garment.

 
Conclusion:
I didn't see too many reviews for this pattern, so maybe it's not too popular. But I say Go Get It or Pull It Out Of Your Stash and sew this up. I love it.

Here are extra photos of the girlies.

Flower sleeveFlower sleeve.

Stripe sleeveStriped sleeve.

Put your hands on your hip and let your back slipReminds me of the cheer, “Put your hands on your hip let your back bone slip….

Shake it to the east...The baby is trying to see how big Sis does it…

PurtyAnn’s Vogue shot.

Green set                      Green set backSet on bed

Love it!

Until another great creation, Schey.