High Waist Ruffles

A morph between Simplicity 2724 ruffled bodice and New Look 6912 short high-waist skirt.

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For some reason I saw a noticeable difference between the skirts when I first bought the patterns. I wanted the pink ruffle bodice and the shorter skirt of New Look. But after I had cut out both patterns (well after - because you see I have had this cut out since April) I realized that they were very much closely alike. Oh well. So, I decided to get another UFO out of the way.

The Simplicity is a Project Runway pattern. The New Look is a Design Your Look patter.

I cut size 14 in both patterns. I should have done the 16 or changed the allowance to probably 3/8. As sewn now, I can not have ANYTHING to eat prior to wear! I mean, if I pass the pass (as my niece says) (pass gas) it will rip right on up the seam!

Considering the morph, yes, each piece looks like the drawing or photo.

The instructions to the top was very clear. Note for beginners: You may want to look at the diagrams when applying the ruffles to get a clearer understanding. For the skirt – it’s a skirt.

I loved the ruffles of the bodice and the shape of the skirt. There is nothing to dislike.

I used a HOT AZZ polyester for the bodice. And I am not talking about hot as in hawt.com; I mean hot as in “Dang, did I put on enough deo?'” For the skirt I used something that was shiny on one side and matte and kind of textured on the other. Looks like a shantung but I doubt it. Both were from the stash.

Alterations for the bodice? None. Alterations for the skirt? I added and extra split to the left side of the skirt. The belt loop (carriers) were supposed to be 2 inches long I doubled them to accommodate my belt that has been sitting waiting for something to look fabulous with. (I really need to invest in an invisible zipper foot!) Nothing else follows.

Yes, I may sew them again. With their perspective patterns though. I like the deep V-neck of the Simplicity and would like to try a couple of the bodice views from the New Look. Sure, I would recommend both parts I made….

My conclusion: Very cute. I think this will be a dinner date dress. The next one I make unless I loose a pound or two for this one.

 

Until Later, Schey.

Color Blocking Is It:

Will you get color blocked?
From looking at the fashion icons, one can tell that color blocking is a wanted look. But do you have the guts to do it?
Picture taken from www.makeupandbeauty.com

Photo taken from www.thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com

Or do you think the clown in you will finally show up?
 Taken from www.clownsforhire.com

Well, color-blocking does not require a degree nor does it take any deep thinking. Just do what I done and search sites and other sewers. In my case, I happen to just traipse along in blog city and ran into Erica B. (Well, really I just about live on her site waiting for the next great item she’ll post.)
So, I used what I had (read: stash) to make what I wanted. I had Simplicity 2315 for a long time and used it for the bottom color in which I made hot pink.

 Description: Misses’ petite skirt in two lengths and slim pants. Originally I was supposed to make the pants but I made the shorter of the skirts. 
Sizes: Comes in 6 to 22. I made the 16.
Did it look like the photo or drawing once done? Yes, except for my omissions.
Were the instructions easy to follow? No instructions needed. I have gotten to the point where the basic items have basic construction and if you have made one then you’ve pretty much made the rest.
What did you like or dislike about the pattern? I don’t quite remember if I have ever made a lapped vented skirt but I like it. There are really no dislikes but if it’s made again, I’ll probably line it.
Fabric used? Again, this came from the stash and I am not sure if it was the linen blend or the twill. It is not as light as linen nor is it as some twill. If I had to choose, maybe I’d say medium weight twill. If there is such a thing. I ran into at Hancock a while back for $1.49 a yard.
Alterations or design changes? 1. I left of the tabs or ties. 2. Instead of the lapped zipper, I put in a regular zip. I just couldn’t get to to lap right. So, that’s another try for another project. For right now, I was going for quick and easy. I ripped it once, put in a regular zip and kept it moving.
Would I sew again? or recommend? Yes, I may and yes, I do.
 
For the top I used McCall’s 5661. I made it in orange.
Description: A Palmer Pletsch Perfect Fit Misses’ Top and Belt. I made the pink top, view B.
Sizes: 8 to 24. I made the 14 but could have made 12. I wanted to be safe because my fabric had just slight of stretch being it is a crinkle.
Did it look like the photo or drawing once done? Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, if you have sewn a PP pattern before. Once you get past the fitting tips (which I ignored because again, I was going for quick), everything was ok. But then again, I really only used them for the facing pieces.
What I liked and disliked about this pattern? Well, I am still not sure if I like it or not. I bought the pattern on a whim because of the green view. After I got it home I realized: 1. It’s not a stretch, and 2. There are buttons in the back. **blink, blink**. So, I decided to go ahead and give it a try since I had spent money on it and it was just sitting collecting dust. I can tell you now, if you are not at all double jointed or some circus limbo, please have a third and fourth hand nearby to help you in and out of this thing. I like the fitting tips and IF it is decided it’s worth sewing again I would take the time to use them. The back is awfully long for me and I need to taper that part to my sway.
Fabric used? I used a crinkle (possibly poly/cotton) also from Hancock’s. It was originally $3 something, it was on sale for $1.49 (or at least that’s what the sticker said), went to have it cut and found out it cheaper than that. I paid .49 a yard for it. “Good give me five yards.” Now I can get my niece’s sundress made and send it to her before the Oklahoma weather starts to change.
Any alterations? Nope, none.
Would I sew it again? (And this said with slow hesitation between each word) I don’t know. Do I recommend? At this point I can not recommend anything I am unsure of.

Top in and out- black belt.      
Change of accessories- green belt.    



The note about the pink and orange earrings: My 12 year old son was the photographer. When he saw the earrings up close, do you know he had nerve to ask me what kind of earrings I had on. “Ma, they look like fish bait.” Could you say back back 50 feet because boy you 'bout to get it!

  The earrings.

The fish bait (lures).
Taken from www.sandiegojack.com.

…
Well, I guess he was right. :/ I found these while googling for feather fish bait photos.
  Taken from www.lulusoso.com

Until later everyone, Schey.

Easy McCall’s 6204

Pattern Description:

Misses’ and Women’s Tunic: Loose fitting, pull over tunics. (Mine is not quite loose – my preference). Extended shoulders, stitched hem. I made view A that has short sleeve on right side left side drapes, angled hem and optional jewels. (Wrong side of fabric will show.)

Pattern Sizing: Comes in Misses’ (8 through 16) and Women’s (18W through 24W.) I made size 10.

Did it look like the photo or drawing once done sewing with it? Well, yes. It was just a bit more fitted. Like I wanted it.

I don’t think it’s working with the plaid pants – but I like it.

I like it with the jeans and open toes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Well, to be honest I didn’t look at the instructions one bit, so I am not sure if they were or were not.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like asymmetrical sleeves and drapes. The only thing I dislike is that the underarms are VERY LOW. I sewn a whopping 3.5 inches to close the abundance of exposure. ***If you make the top as is be sure to shave and keep your hands at waist level.*** 

Fabric used? I used a slub knit from the stash purchased from Fabric.com a while ago.

                      

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made. Well, 1. This view comes with only three pieces. I used one. “How?” You might say. Well, there is a front and a back. They are identical except the neckline for the front is just lower than the back. 2. I cut both front and back using the back pattern piece on doubled fabric. When it came to the neckline I cut the back as is and cut the front lower. 3. There is also a neckband piece. I didn’t want to fool with it because I was doing quick and easy. I omitted that and just roll-folded the neck seam and topstitched. 

                     

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Well, I do like it and want to make another but I doubt it will soon. I’m keeping it just in case. Yes, I recommend.

Conclusion. A woman MUST have a red top and I have mine.

Until Later, Schey.

Vogue 1249–Mark & James (Badgley Mischka) Jumpsuit

 

Pattern Description: Misses’ Jumpsuit: Close-fitting (through bustline), partially interfaced, lined jumpsuit has back invisible zipper.

Rating: Average.

Pattern Sizing: This pattern comes I combinations AA(6-8-10-12) and EE(14-16-18-20). I cut on the 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does! The color is the same too.

Excuse the tan lines:

I am getting better and better with Vogue patterns. There was a point where I would just throw the whole project away because I was not happy with the final results.

On Aloe:

Were the instructions easy to follow? First of all, let me say that I was totally surprised with the instructions. A. They are VERY EASY to follow and, B. They are only a page and one column long. I was looking for the instructions to be three pages. Also, there are only seven pattern pieces.

***I would like to add that for pattern pieces 2, 3, and 4 you need to make three sets for each and interface two of the three sets. For pattern piece 1 cut three and interface only two. You can go ahead and sew all three sets the same in one sitting. The instructions have you to sew the lining later in the game.***

***Concerning the boning: Be sure to cut the ends just shorter than the length of the seams. If you cut them THE size of the seams you will NOT have a great looking garment. I had to go back in and trim the boning more because they hindered the lining from turning to the inside decently.***

Not quite right:Test still not quite right: 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it was a jumpsuit. Hands down, I bought the pattern. And after seeing them made up by Erica B., I made up my mind to do this before the end of the summer. Then I saw Andrea post hers. I thought I’d better get moving. I also liked that it included boning insertions (something I have done only once and needed a little practice on). There is nothing to dislike. Mischka is a great designer!

It’s fully lined.

I actually prepared a waist-stay (that I recently learned about)but I didn’t put it in because this jumper is so stable it doesn’t need it. I might go back and put it in just for practice. I also was supposed to put in grosgrain ribbon as Erica B. had done, but I left it off too until I sew the next one. (Couldn’t figure when to attach it). I got all kind of different outcomes. I don’t have photos of those.

Fabric Used: Surprisingly, I used a slightly off white cotton shirting with just a bit of stretch. I could have used something with a little bit more stretch but I used what was in the stash. Erica recommends using a stretch and I must say however, I do know had I made the jumpsuit in a more stretchy fabric, it would be more confortable. (Not that it is not now) The lining is the same cotton shirting. I bought 6 yards of this for $1 at Hancock. Great find!

Love it with the black belt.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the pant legs because I am not 5’6” instead I’m 5’3”. I made the ruffle on fold because…well, that’s what I wanted. Also, I had to take in the area just under the arms because the first…and second… time around I had so much space the bodice stood at least two to three inches from my chest. I went in the first time and took out 3/8 inch on each side and put it back together. It was still too big – even after I had pinned it out :/ I went BACK in and sewed a wedge (kind of like the gaposis fix) an inch wide on each side. That did it. It’s better but not perfect.

Back: won’t turn proper if boning isn’t shorter than the seam. Zipper pinned for fit.

Inches away!

Wedge:

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I want to sew it again. I will surely get more practice on the invisible zipper and boning. My zipper isn’t all that invisible but it’s getting better each time I sew one. 

Zipper slipped stitched to lining.

I do have a stretch suiting somewhere in the stash and would like to use that and make it without the ruffle and wear it with a bolero. Yes, I recommend this pattern to anyone who likes it and can pull this look off.

Back:

Side:

My new shoes: $39.95

Conclusion: I love my jumper and although my legs feel lost in the huge pant legs, I know it will quickly become a favorite of mine.
Necklace and earrings from Avon. Belt and bracelet from It’s Fashion.

Until Later, Schey.

Horrible Results–B5608

This top has been made for some time now and worn but I just didn’t feel all that thrilled to review it. I said I would when I saw Claverie post her review. So, here it is:
Pattern Description:
From the website back of pattern: MISSES' TOP: Pullover, hip length tops A, B, C, D. A, B: over-the-shoulder bias cut drape is stitched in front and back darts. B: elasticized at lower edge. C, D: pleated at front neckline, darted in back, with or without gathered cap sleeves. I am reviewing version A.

Pattern Sizing:
The size cominations are: Combinations: BB(8-10-12-14), FF(16-18-20-22) Mine is cut on the 10 but I meant to cut the 12.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes... it did. But not on me. Not even on Aloe. But it can be a decent top once modified.
    

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The arm hole and facing part were NOT easy. The pictures were half helpful but when I referenced them to the written instructions I made myself even more confused! What I did was pinned it the way it was supposed to look then sewed it in bits and pieces from there.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the neck line of this top. Now that I am done with it I still like the lines but it just doesn't work. The confusing construction of the facing slash bodice slash shoulders slash etc...

Fabric Used:
I used a polyester knit with "wicking capabilities". I believe my fabric choice and the fact that I cut a size smaller are the contributing factors to my discontentment with this pattern - which is why I will yield the right to redo it and just pass this one to my Mom.
   
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I added... I believe, 2 or 3 inches to the hem. I made the hem 1 inch too.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I plan to sew it again to make right my sizing and fabric mistakes. I recommend it only if you make mind that a tight knit may NOT be your best choice.

Conclusion:                                                                                      I think the color is the only thing going for this top. I wore the top several times to see if I can get used to it. I did to a point but realized I could not go on being this unhappy. I'm passing it along....
So, therefore you will only see one photo of me in it. I took several and they were all ill-fitted. I was trying to get used to it. That never happened.
Before leaving for Chili’s:
Note where the bust are and where the point stops. Yes, I really need to do the 12...or a good bra!
One more picture - after Chili’s.
Until later, Schey.