Simplicity 3503

I am so loving this dress by Simplicity. There are so many halter looks out there until one would simply go crazy trying to find the right look, fit, and mostly, the right price. Here are a couple of hits:

Max and Cleo Beaded Halter Gown $168.00

Chiffon Beaded-Waist Gown $1025.00

Can you see where I am going with this? There are others that I didn’t want to take the time to find that are under $100. I made my dress for less than $12.00 and it’s Purple and it fits and it …it’s mine!
This is the pattern in reference:

My sister and I made this dress together. We made second row middle dress. You can say we had a private sew-a-long around the Easter holiday. We had a ball until we didn’t even take photos of the process and the mishaps and good goings. I can tell you there were sunflower seeds and Pepsi flying everywhere. I enjoyed myself. (Psst. Hey, Ev, when we gonna do the sewing thing again?!)
As soon as she posts her dress, I am going to link to her site. Edited to say: The pics are posted! Yay! Oh yeah, while you are reading why don’t ya go ahead and follow her and pass along the sewing bug. She’s already got the symptoms.
Here are my photos. I need a good camera that will yield me some great results. But, anyhow, here’s to you Halter dress:
I love the gathers in the middle.
 
  Dang, photographer, you could have told me that my clothes were twisted in the waist.
  I am not liking this side view at all. But here it is folks.
    I think I am looking like Oompa in this shot.        
                                   Shoe shot.
Here's the review:

Pattern Description:

Misses special occasion dresses. From day to evening.

Pattern Sizing:
Ummm, I'm not sure what the combinations are but I cut the 14.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, they were the typical instructions to understand.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the look - hands down! You can't go wrong with a halter.

There are no dislikes except I need the proper 'underpinning'. Well, let me take that back, the straps seem to be a bit bulky to me. Next time I will try something different for that part.

Fabric Used:
I finally used my Lycra Lux from Fabric.com I love this fabric. I WANT MORE!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't measure but I know I cut off about 2 inches and done a 1 inch hem. The dress is long. I think it's made for a 5'6" woman. I am only 5'3". I have on (I think 3" heels.) And the dress is still long.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I am going to sew it again. I don't know when but I am going to. I like the shorter version, too. This pattern is recommended over and over.

Conclusion:
Awesome dress! I love it!

Until later, Schey

B3344 and V8603

Gray and Lavender for Sunday, May 15, 2011.
I got my calendar for our church choir two weeks before this date. Last Sunday, we were to wear Black and Silver. It was my intentions to make a hybrid between two different patterns. Due to time and lack of ambition, I wore a pair of store bought Black pants with my free Vogue pattern that I made a few months back.
Today we had to wear gray and Lavender. Thank goodness for TNTs! I made V8603 and B3344 again. This is the previous Vogue skirt:
  This one is a bit too tight but it is wearable. Just as long as I don’t eat before and have to bend after. I still like it and still wear it.     
                                                 Here's the new skirt:
                                                      This version is much better – it’s made with a fabric that has a little stretch. (I need to work on my signature stance because this one is NOT working!)

The top is Butterick 3344.

My version was the Purple one. I have made this top, I believe 2 times before. I really needed a twist to the top and decided to change the neckline.

Version 1:

 Notice the neck line.

Version 2:…
…got swiped. It was made in a stripe, too, Gray and white. Made the same way.

Version 3:
  Notice this neck line. The necklace is crazy looking because I was trying to move it out of the way for the neckline shot.

(Whoah! I need some Neutrogena…This picture is just plain ole ugly. I shoulda put it through Picnik first.) lol

Same pattern I just put a piece of packing packing paper under the original pattern to get this shape. I should have taken a photo of it but the camera wasn’t around then.

Here is the review for the skirt:

Pattern Description: MISSES' SKIRT: Lined, straight skirts A, B, C, D, E, F in two lengths have princess seams, back zipper and waistline facing. A, B: gathered side front, side back and lower back. C: button trim. C, E, F: topstitching. E: contrast side front and side back. C, D, E, F: back slit. A, C, D: length is mid-knee. B, E, F: length is mid-calf.
I made version A again.

Pattern Sizing: The Combinations are: AA(6-8-10-12), EE(14-16-18-20)
I cut the size 12

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, I do believe so, like the gray one.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use the instructions this time. I remembered how to put the skirt together from before. So, they must be quite easy, for them to be a Vogue. Now that's good business. Oh, yeah it does say Easy Options. It lives up to the title.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the shape this pattern yields. It is very sexy and chic. At least that's how I feel when I am wearing it. No dislikes at all.

Fabric Used: I used a stretched suiting. I love this fabric and want more!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
First of all, due to time constraints, I did not line the skirt this time.
#2: I added 1 inch to the center front - and forgot to add it to the facing piece!
#3: 1/2 inch to the center back - and forgot to...you guessed it. lol
#4: I only put in an inch hem. I believe the pattern calls for 2 inches.
Nothing further. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I will sew it again but I do not know when. I will keep this one for future uses. It is totally recommended.

Conclusion: Great skirt!

More pictures:

Until later, Schey.

Sewing In April

I bet you all thought I haven't been sewing, huh? Well, I have. I hadn't had the time to review and post anything due to my schooling. But I have a little time for right now to post a little bit...I am actually taking a break from studying for my finals I have tomorrow. (I will be so glad when I am done :/)

The first item I want to show you is McCall's 6118.

This was a very easy top to make and I see more of these in the future. Here is my review.

Pattern Description:
MISSES' TUNICS AND SASH: Above, mid-knee length, one shouldered tunics A, B, C gathered into band; sleeveless tunic A has bow tie; tunics B, C have flared sleeves; tunic B has purchased jewels; tunic C has sash; purchased leggings.

I made version C with out the sash. I have not decided if I want it or not. After I wear it a day, then I can make a better informed decision. (I do like my tops a bit more cinched in the waist. I just didn't want to take away the flow of the fabric.)

Pattern Sizing:
Combinations: AX5(4-6-8-10-12), DD(12-14-16-18) I cut the 12, but I forgot which pack - the AX5 or the DD.
I really didn't know how to choose my size for this pattern. The only description they give for measurements are the width of the lower edge and the back length from the base of the neck. What I was looking for was the size of the opening for the cross way of the band. But since it wasn't there, I took an educated guess that I am loosing weight (slowly but I'm loosing) and the fact that the top is meant to be loose I went from a 14 to a 12. It fits so far. Yes!

Update: After wearing the top for a day - to an Easter gathering at my sister's church in NC - I should have cut the diagonal trim midways the 10 and 12 and the body a straight 10. And since I do plan on making another one that is what I will do.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Of course! I love the print, too. The fabric was originally meant to be for another top but I came across this pattern first while looking for the other and am glad I did.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I scanned them only to see if I would find some off the wall mistake or crazy instruction. Nope- none. Other than that I didn't use them. Not to mention, I talked my sister through them while she made her top just like it. Cute huh? The pieces are pretty much straight forward, too. (Make sure you mark the front and back band pieces.) A good way to tell if you have the right pieces is to look CLOSELY at the mid section of the pattern pieces. The front band has a slight curve up to give a bit of modest fit for the breast.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the asymmetricness (Word?) of the shoulders. It would look great with a pair of tights or skinnies with heels. So far there are no dislikes. I guess because the model have NO curves and real women have real curves, I may want to make the sash, because if I don't then I will continue to look like a blimp. (The wind was blowing too.) So, I really need to take in the sides a bit and next time make sure I make in the adjustments mentioned before.

Fabric Used:
I used a charmeuse print with big sparse flowers in purple, turquoise and silver that I've had for a while. (I've had most of my fabrics for a while come to think about it.)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Umm, well I forgot what the hem allowance was but I only done a serge and turned up that end and then again another 3/8ths and stitched there. I did the same with the sleeves only I done 5/8ths here.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I want to sew it again and may sew it again if I find a fabric that screams out to me so I can do my adjustments (because I do see more of these if fabric permits). Other than that I will let it sit in the done pile until that fabric comes along. Yes, I recommend and especially if you are into the look.

Conclusion:
Great modern tunic pattern. Get it. Sew it. Love it.

Updated to add:
1. I went to hang up my beautiful tunic and wondered hth (not heart to heart) was I going to get that baby on the hanger! If you plan to make this top don't forget to do a hanger strap. I am going to add one out of a thin ribbon. I don't want to use my clear elastic.

2. I need a belt to cinch or I will take in the sides a little bit. I look as if I am pregnant.

3. For the busty gals - no need for a FBA with this one.

Since, I don't have a photographer right now. (And may not have a good one for a hot minute, I had to swipe these goofy day photos from my sister's page.) Swiper no swiping! They are the best but I was having a LOT of fun. Don't mind the bra strap. I thought it was tacky but my Sis said it was ok.

See the wind have me looking like a Good year blimp.
 
What you think? lol

Where did that spot come from? My sewing table! I do believe that was from the crafts my two year old was playing with while I was sewing. But that is NOT going to stop me from wearing it.

Sorry, Evoni,I HAD to get this one. I need to hit the gym! Well, since I can't afford that, guess I'll bench press my 2-year old thunder thighs.

That's all for right now everyone. Hopefully, I will be able to get in some photos today.

I have to post Simplicity 5234 that my Sis and I had sewn together for our oldest daughters.

This one I made for my baby girl.

 Okay, since my baby wore her dress to church Easter Sunday in NC, I thought it would be no harm in letting her wear it again this Sunday, well yesterday it's 1:11 am Monday morning, in SC. Why do I always get the same kind of pictures from her?! I actually wanted to get photos than her usual stubborn ones like this one:
Too through!
Sorry but this is the only photo I can get worth posting:

Another, "I am too through" shot. I quit! lol

But here is my review anyways:

Pattern Description:

Child's dress and bag. I am doing dress A because I want a type of sleeve on the dress. I may also still put the ribbon detail at the bottom if I can find some to match the peach dots in the dress. I will even take a darker peach.

Update: No ribbon so I left off that detail, but I think the dres is still very pretty and less is more, anyways.

Pattern Sizing:
Sizes 3 through 8. I will start at the size 4 because my baby is a thunder thigh baby. It is funny how the hip size for a 3 is - and the hip size for the 4 is 24. lol Why couldn't it be a 23 for the size 3? Besides what child has hips at that age anyways? I just read the finished length for the 4 is 24 inches...I may just have to leave it as-is. I think a little longer would be quite cute anyways.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes. I also lined the dress in a peach poly satin. I wanted a regular lining fabric but could not find the right color I wanted for nothing! I ended up going to Hobby Lobby and found the poly.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I finished a quick scan through and the only thing I see is a slight jump around but that is only because Simplicity clustered the similar steps to each dress as one. They seperated the steps that are different in the two dresses. Pretty easy if you take your time and just circle what you need. Other than that, they are a breeze.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
So far, just by looking at the pack, I like that it is simple and no too fussy for a two year old. Yeah, I said two....and I am going to start at a size 4. :/

The only dislike I see is a personal problem. On the picture, dress A, there is ribbon for the sleeve trim. I have had terrible problems with using ribbon for trim. They do something bad to the fabric. AND THEY DON'T GIVE FOR NOTHING! So if you think you will need even just the tiniest stretch in the arm, I do not recommend using ribbon unless it is stretch.

Update: I should have lengthened the hem part of the sleeve. I had to do a tiny turn under and stitch. I can not stand those tuck and stitch and you have like 1/4 of a seam and the fabric slips and you can't keep a straight line. I am glad I done that in the clear thread! I will go back and redo the sleeves because why have a beautiful dress and a pair of jacked up sleeves?

Other than my pet peeves, I love this pattern and I want to do another in a light demin for everyday play.

Fabric Used:
I am going to use a taffeta. I believe it was described as Peach Flocked Polka Dot Tafetta from ...you know... Fabric.com. I plan on lining the whole dress even though it only says to line the bodice. I am still trying to find my cream poly lining in the stash. I don't plan on buying anything unless it's a zipper or button or something. But I may have those things already, too.

Update: I never found the cream lining and ended up buying some peach poly as stated earlier.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I have not started on the dress yet, but I know from the start I will have to storten the hem because my baby is only two and not quite at the size 4 height. But she's not that far from it either. :/

As stated earlier, I plan on doing the sleeved version with the ribbon trim on the bottom of the dress. I am NOT doing the ribbon on the arm.

Update: No ribbon trim on the bottom.

I lined the whole dress instead of just the bodice. I had to go back in and rework it because I put in the lining and slip stitched the bodice lining to the waist before I put in the zipper.

I added a little cut and fold 'flower' with 3 'pearls' in the middle to break up the color.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
So far, as I am looking I might sew it again in a spring everyday dress - I choose denim with maybe a yellow or turquoise accent color. Yes, I recommend.

Conclusion:
We'll see how things go.

Update: It took me over three weeks to finish dress. With life and school I had to work it around my schedule and do a little here and a little there. I even went to NC for Spring Break and worked on it there while doing other sewing with my sister. I finished it on Good Friday. I am really loving this dress.

I hope my baby will at least let the dress last until we get back home....Yay, it lasted! Did I mention she is also a tomboy? Or at least she seems just a little bit rougher than the usual girly girl?


I especially want to post Simplicity 3503.

                                    My Sis and I had a ball making this one. I must say, I want her dress more than I want mine. lol *sheepish eye*. "You betta watch" in my Tyler Perry voice. 

So, until later, (and a photographer), Schey.

You can see the post to this dress right here.

New Drink….

I am thinking (and I really should not be doing that) that I need to do something different.

I have LOTS of patterns waiting for me to make into gorgeous garments. Some I have had for YEARS. Come on, don’t act like you don’t know what I am talking about. You got some patterns just sitting around too ‘cause you don’t know what fabric to use or you bought the pattern thinking it was just your style then you realize that you don’t even like the pattern at all. Guilty!

PROBLEM? :

Too many patterns – bought, downloaded, acquired and else how.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS? :

1. Give them away. Nope. But I would certainly consider that on any duplicates I may have.

2. Take them back to the store for a store credit (at full price). Now that would not be morally right now would it? Although I have thought about it because if I hadn’t I wouldn’t said, huh?

3. Trade them off.  But then I may still end up with patterns waiting for the double edge sword to come along and cut them up.

4. Let them sit there and hope they magically turn themselves into a work of art with wondrous details? I don’t thin that will happen either.

So the only possible solution I could come up with is this.

1. Cut and make something from each and every pattern I have!

Yes! I have been cured.

Ok, so I PLAN (Read: yeah right) to take a pattern from the stash, pick a garment, choose stash fabric and sew. I PLAN (Read: Yeah right) to start from the left side of the many, many rows and work my way to the right side. I chose the left because Vogue and Burda are on the right side. lol Oh, and some of those Lekala’s that have directions that are worse than trying to read the lips of a mime. Yeap, mimes don’t move their lips and it’s a bit hard to figure what going on. Mind you, I can do it, I just want to do the easy stuff first – like Simplicity.

I think I should have started this on the first of the year. January 1, 2011. Then by the end of the year, I‘d still NOT be done. I have to take into consideration life and it’s many detours. Maybe if I do that, then I will be done, umm next year December 31, 2012. lol I am not lying I have just that many patterns and cannot seem to refrain from purchasing more. Like my most recent purchases were:

I moved this one to the top because I have it cut out and ready to be sewn up. I just haven’t touched it because I am not really liking the color. I did at first but now I don’t. Just goes to show that my mind changes like the weather. (When it feels like it.) But I am woman, I am unpredictable.

The green one is the skirt in reference. They look like a twist on the Tulip skirt. Well, I have three projects going at once so when things are done, I’ll post. 

  

I love the Burgundy and the Green belts. I can do the two middle ones too.

This one reminds me of a dress I made to attend a wedding in the past. Here's the dress.

Yet, another pattern is

 

Yummy! I can’t wait to get some 5% spandex denim for this bad baby!

After reading this review: by 3kids1036, I went out and bought the pattern and the white knit! It is so cute. And I may not have paid it any mind because at first the neck looked a little alien to me. Then I saw it again and I was taken aback. I really do like it.

Well, I can go on with how many patterns I have bought (all on sale) in the past month. The count could easily get into the double digits. So, I’ll stop now and get some other things done, but I will be back.

Until, I get other things done, Schey.

2011 Project: Finish It!

I came up with this title because I am tired of looking at the UFOs that have collected in the sewing hut. This could be the reason why I just can’t seem to get comfortable in my own sewing space! So, either I finish them or get rid of them. I have decided to finish them – or attempt to do thereof. Those that aren’t so successful. I may not miss them anyhow. I mean, after all, why are they just sitting there anyway, again? So, as I finish them I will post them. (Note: I have tried this in the past and did not succeed.) 

I believe there are two purses, a pair of panties, two dresses, a top, and a dress that was for my Mom four years ago. …Oh, I have the Coffee Date Dress (with two altered bodices). I’m pretty sure there are more but that’s all I can recall for right now.

I really want to finish this dress:

It was for my Mom and she has been waiting for it for a long time. I think she may even forgotten about it. No, it’s not going to be in the Orange. Only in the White. My Mom would be very sassy in it. So, I think it may be worked on first.

   This tote will be next. If I don’t tell you, you may not realize that I cut the fabric the wrong way. So, an EXPENSIVE prototype… I’ll keep this one for me, though.

Only two at a time. So, as these two are done I’ll continue with this blog. In the mean time please enjoy my other posts.

Update: (3/15/2011) Ok, so I am guilty. I have no mojo to finish the other projects. BUT! I did manage to get photos of a denim jumper that I’d done back in December.

AND! I finished its twin in eyelet that has been cut out since December but never finished it. Well, to be honest, all I did was cut out and left it. Sord of like the “fix it and forget it” commercial. Only it wasn’t quite fixed. Anyhow, I really like this pattern and it so simple and easy. I mean easy! Did I mention  - Easy?! And as you will see, you can doodle it up anyway you like. It’s a like a blank canvas and you are the artist. Oh! Before I forget, let me say that I am SO VERY proud of that zipper. I don’t know what to do with myself! So, I want to show you that picture first. I hope it’s seeable because the flash is stuck on on the camera and I can’t get it off. Here is the zipper:

Oh, the pattern does not call for a zipper. It’s a seam more than half way up the back and then there is a button at the top for the closure.

Ok, now here it is:

Sorry, I had to make it big. Here is the inside of the zipper and seam: (I tried to get a better shot but I tilted my screen until I got a better look.) Go ahead, try it.

I don’t know how this happened but the bodice lining – facing – what ever it is right now, is uneven. Oh well, I saw it before hand but was not going to redo it because Mama was on a roll and wanted to get done.

The front of the jumper should have been first, well, but not this time. Here’s the front:

Hem and its close-up:

The trim is actually ribbon (on top) and a lace (on the bottom).

Next up: This is the front and back of the stretch denim with kitty cats. Got this fabric for 99. a yard! Now I need to find out what to do with the rest of it with out being called the kitty cat lady!

 

No zipper or button anything here. It’s stretchy and it stretches right over my 2-year-old-wannabe-22-year-old-gonna-get-knocked-out-toddler’s head. (wow, did I just put that?)

Here is the bodice facing:  

Ok, so I have one stone laid to rest. Next.

Until later, Schey