Mommy's Hat Vogue 7464

My mother loves accessories: hats, watches, purses, and more. If it is sparkly it is a winner. She recently found a video on YouTube about the Art of making hats. I figured since she loves hatsso much that I would make one for her.

My journey began with finding the right pattern.  Vogue has a beautiful selection of hat patterns.  I hope they release more more hat patterns soon.  I decided to try my hand at Vogue 7464.

Any time I use a Vogue pattern, I have to cross my eyes to read the instructions. Shockingly this one wasn't so bad.

It was pretty easy to make. I had a tough time finding interfacing for felt!!  There has to be a guide on interfacing for different fabric type.  If you have something like that please share it with me.

 When I originally read the notions section I overlooked "elastic."  When it was time to install the elastic I realized I did not have black eleastic.  The fact that the elastic was white drove me crazy.  First thing the following morning, I drove to my neighborhood Wal-Mart and bought black elastic.

I made view E which was extremely easy.  Next time I would love to try the larger hat (View A) or the green hat (View B) above it.  Isn't the green hat (View B) marvelous!!!

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:
Package includes patterns and instructions for five hats based on styles from the 1930s and 1940s. A:Contrast ribbon details. B: Contrast side. C. D: Self-fabric flowers. E. All hats are one size fits most.



Pattern Sizing: 

One size fits all

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

It does look like the photo.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Very easy for a Vogue pattern. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I'm not too fond of the elastic used in this design. I understand that this pattern is designed to fit every head size, but the elastic takes away from the elegance.  When I make this hat again I will need to figure how to omit the elastic.

Fabric Used:

Wool felt

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None.

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

Yes. My mother loves hats so I will make a few more in different colors.

Conclusion:

Vogue 7464 View E was an easy pattern to follow. Like I mentioned above I was not fond of the elastic.  You can't see the elastic in the back but I know it is there. Despite that minor detail I love the graphics and I know my mommy does too. I will definitely make this pattern again.

Florida..a winter wonder land? New Look 6129 Modified

 

Growing up in the Northeast, I hated cold weather.  Anything below 50 degrees I considered freezing.  Now I live in Southern Florida and the weather is the complete opposite.  There is something wrong with warm weather year round!  I know I know!  How can I say that?

 

It's the truth.

I can't believe I'm saying this but I miss winter and fall.  I miss the color of leaves changing in the fall, sweaters, scarves, gloves, coats and especially boots.

On my way home from work today, I decided to take the scenic route, along the beach.

It was 58 degrees, which is winter weather for Floridians.  Northeastern birds (tourists) wore shorts and t-shirts.  True Floridians wore coats with scarves and snow boarding boots.  I couldn't stop  laughing.

Once I calmed down, I remembered a skirt that I bought when I was a teenager.  I wish I could remember  where I bought it.  But I loved that skirt.  It was made of a fleece material with a drawstring.  In an effort to recreate that skirt I looked through my pattern. I found New Look

I cut a size 18 but it was enormous on me.  I am still working on mastering the art of pattern sizing.  More on that later.  I removed 2 inches from the width. This skirt has an elastic waistband and a drawstring.

Pattern Review 

Pattern Description:
Misses' easy pull-on skirt in four lengths with drawstring front and elastic back waist and optional pockets. Maxi length has deep side slit. 


Pattern Sizing: 

8 to 18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, for the most part.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy pattern to follow

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

There's  nothing to dislike about the pattern.

Fabric Used:

Fleece.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I followed the pattern instructions. Instead of side pockets I made a front pocket. It came out extra cute. 

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

Yes.  I will probably make one this summer in a like cotton. I might make it with side pockets or even with the front pocket like this one. 

Conclusion: 

I Wanted to recreate a skirt I owned when I was a teenager. Mission accomplished!!! The fleece made for a great skirt in 50 degree weather (which is freezing for South Florida.  If it gets cold again. I might wear this skirt with a pair of boots and a leather jacket. This skirt offers a lot of options. I absolutely love it!

Oh my sleeves McCall 7441

Well well well.  Oh sleeves. They scare me so much that I avoided this project for two weeks like seriously I started the project did the shoulders seams and the side seams and then when it came down to doing the narrow hem and installing the sleeves I panicked. So I set aside Mccall 7441 and started my Holiday Party dress, Vogue 1520.

After this jacket sat in a ziplock bag for so long,  I decided to take a crack at it.  The first sleeve fit the armhole perfectly.  The secons sleeve was too big.  How do I fix the sleeve without taking of the sleeve the sleeve?

What do I do?

I gave my seam ripper a motivational speech and then removed the sleeve.  What else was I to do?

I

Narrow Hem
The easiest way that I've found to do a narrow hem is sew a stitch 5/8" from the edge.  Then fold in the edge to the stitch line.  While folding the edge in press the fabric with an iron.

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

Loose-fitting unlined jackets and vest have front opening variations, shaped narrow hems, and draped back. Wrong side of fabric will show. B: Hood and pockets.

Pattern Sizing: Large to 2X Large


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

Yes.  Thank goodness!  When I looked at the pattern pieces I was worried.  The pieces looked morphed.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy pattern to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

They're nothing to dislike about the pattern.

Fabric Used:

Jersey

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None.

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

Yes.  I will probably make one in mustard yellow.

Conclusion: 

I got a chance to practice narrow hemming.  The draping in the back is absolutely gorgeous.  This pattern was an easy sew.  I will definitely sew it again.

Baby It's Cold Outside See & Sew 6364

It's not cold anymore so why did I make a fleece baby bunting?

Unfortunatly, I had a death in the family that required a trip to Suitland, Maryland.  So with the weather being in the 40s this week a baby bunting is a necessity .

After making Joyful Bear with fleece I thought I would be a pro!  Working with Fleece is not easy at all.  

Fleece does not move well on the feed dogs.  In an attempt to get the fleece to move along the feed dogs I used a 3 stitch length.  

I threaded a sewing needle and made two stitches and then placed the bunting on the sewing machine.  I pulled at the sewing needle to help move the fleece along the feed dogs.  

 Zip installation:  every step of this project was hand basted.  I hand basted the zipper before it was machine sewn.  The pattern instructions did an awesome job explaining how to install a zipper.  I got it right the first time.  WOOHOO!  I'm still patting myself on the back.

Besides the zipper, installing the collar was tricky.  I didn't want it to look crooked.  I think I did a good job.  What do you think?

All in all I am happy with the final results.

Pattern Description:
Infants' Hoodie, Pull-On Pants, Bunting and Beanie
Unlined jacket has partially elasticized hood, wrong side shows. A: Pockets, stitched hem. Pants have elastic waist. Sleeve hem A and B: Narrow hem, longer than regular length, rolled-up, wrong side shows. Bunting has tab and snap. C: Collar, sleeves and cuffs. A, C: Front zipper. Self-lined hat.

Pattern Sizing:
NB-S-M-L-XL
I cut the XL.  My daughter will grow into it.

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?
Super easy to follow.  The person who wrote the directions did an awesome job!  Especially explaining how to install a zipper.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the pattern.  The final product looks store bought (RTW).

Fabric Used:
Polar Fleece

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Definitely recommend this pattern.  I will probably sew View B.

Conclusion: 
All in all I am happy with the final results.  This project too about  an afternoon to put together.  I started laughed at myself when it was time to sew the cuffs to the sleeves. How in the world do I sew tiny cuffs on a sewing machine???!!!??? I never figured that out.  The cuffs were hand sewn to the sleeves.   This project was my second time working with a zipper.  The instructions were clear which was great.  The collar scared me but the instructions put me at ease.  The instructions were top of the line.

Baby Pink Gingham

Oh isn't she adorable!

During my 2016 year end review I mentioned my first pattern.  Now that I look back at that moment, I knew I had to post a review.

Pattern Description:  It's so easy Simplicity 1188
An infant top, pants, and panties set

Pattern Sizing:
XS to XXL

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

yes it does!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes.  I decided to make this pattern at the beginning of my sewing adventure.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

There's nothing to dislike about this pattern.

Fabric Used:

Pink Gingham

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Instead of using ribbon, I made a drawstring with some leftover fabric.

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

Yes, probably next summer.

Conclusion:

The sizes run from Xsmall to Xxl.  I made an extr small for my new born.  At  the time, my daughter was only 2 months old.  I made the Extra Small but it was enormous on her.  Now my little one is 6 months only and it fits her perfectly.  The pattern instructs you to use ribbon as a drawstring.  I thought it would be cuter to make the drawstrings with gingham fabric instead. 

Vogue spring patterns 2017

Check out my favorite patterns from the Vogue Spring 2017 collection.

January Sewing Plan

It's already the 5th and I have not figured out my sewing plan for the month.  I have some ideas but this is not cut in stone.

I'm starting the month with a Project for my Beautiful Mommy.  Simplicity 1249 is a beautiful dress.  this pattern focuses on fitting and getting the right fit.  For a newbie, it makes me look carefully at the seams.

Next I will work on a project for my son.  I really wanted to make him a jacket but I found this Burda hoodie pattern instead.

We found this awesome fabric from my local fabric store.  When I saw this fabric in the store I thought of military fatigue but now I think of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles


Then I will work on See & Sew 5908.  I bought this pattern at the very beginning of my sewing adventure.

For 2017 I have challenged myself to complete one UFO a month.  My UFO this month is McCall 7441.  I started it last year but was a little hesitant about the sleeves.  My goal this month is to complete it and rock it like it's never been rocked before.

My last project for January is a pair of pj pants for my son.  In 2016, I did not make much for my superhero son.  So figured I would make two items this month .