Tween Episodes Part 1

McCall rolled a contest to motivate kids to learn the art of sewing.  Contest Rules here As soon as my 11 year saw the announcement she was super excited and ready to start.

This contest is perfect!  At the beginning of the summer, my daughter made a list of things she wanted to accomplish this summer.  The third item on her list "Learn to Sew."

We started this adventure with browsing the McCall for "Fun to Learn to Sew" patterns.  She narrowed down her options to 5 patterns.
1) McCall 7589

2)McCall 7345

3)7111

4)7129

5)7462

 

The Winner is:

McCall #7462!!!

She took her measurements and determined the size to cut and how much fabric we needed to purchase.  Now we're on our way to Joann's. 

Happy Sewing!

The Beginning of an Addiction--McCall 6884

Oh my goodness gracious golly day!  Why haven't I made this pattern before ? Maybe it was because I was afraid of knits.  Now that I'm trying to conquer that fear I guess I am enjoying all of the patterns that I can.

I absolutely love wrap dresses.  I was hoping to find a sewing pattern for a REAL wrap dress but I guess I have to settle for a mock wrap..  I still love this dress because it is super cute.  I want to make all four views.  This time around, I made View B.  Hopefully I will have time to make this pattern in the near future.

When working with knits  I learned a way to avoid a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA).  (Especially since I don't know how to do one with knit fabric. Or at least a pattern intended for knit fabrics.). For this pattern I cut a size 18 neckline and armhole and a size 22 bust and then back down to a size 18 for the remainder of the dress.  Next time, I am going to cut a size 16 instead of a size 18. I am using a printed fabric that I bought at Joann's not too long ago.

Like the maniac I am,  I sewed the side seams together and did not attach the wrap.  So my lovely seam ripper and I spent some time with this dress.  After that this was an easy make.  I spend so much time with my seam ripper that I think I should name it.

I think I did this backwards because  I serged this dress and then I ran it through the sewing machine.  Oh did I mentioned that I used a Serger.   Yesssss I used a Serger.  Thanks to my mom for being patient with me and answering my 345,778 questions.  Love you Mommy!!!!

This dress was quick to make with only eight steps.  I took my time with this project and enjoyed the process.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

 Close-fitting, pullover, mock-wrap dresses have right front variations, tie ends and narrow hems.

 

Pattern Sizing:

14 to 22

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?

The pattern was super easy to follow there's only about eight steps with great illustrations. Kudos  to the instruction writer

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the pattern. I just wish this was a real wrap dress

Fabric Used:

Folk Tile Blue Brushed ITY I picked up at Joanns

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None. 

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

I will definitely make this pattern again most likely a different view that has the gathering on the right front side.  I definitely recommend this pattern to everyone. I mean who doesn't like a wrap dress

Conclusion: 

Since I am using a knit fabric, I cut a size 18 neckline scaled up to a size 22 in the past and then scaled back down to a size 18 for the remainder of the dress.  Now that I'm getting a little bit comfortable with knit fabric I plunged right into this project it was a quick and easy make with only  five pattern pieces.  Next time I will use stay tape for the shoulder seams. 

 In the middle of my excitement I sewed the side seams together and forgot to attach the front wrap.   Once again I had to take out my seam ripper.  

I'm planning on making View D next. I have an idea of what color fabric I want to use. I just haven't found it yet but I absolutely love love love love love this dress!!!1

My 11 year decided to make the entire family matching bracelets.  Super power bracelet huddle!!!

15 minutes of sewing:

Simplicity 8124- I am working on the sleeves and then I need to install the elastic.  It is going to be a super cute summer dress.

Simpliciy 8379---Round #2

😊
The first time I made this pattern I was not happy with the results.  I did not choose the right fabric and I didn't have enough knowledge for working with knits.  I've done a lot of result and picked a few tips for working with knits.  Now I have a dress as a reward for all of my hard work.

I love this dress!  I have a cute summer dress!  Watch out now!!! 

My Cute summer dress has wings!

Bias Binding neckline!  Oooo maybe next time I will make my own.  This is going to be good.

This time around I used a serger to make this dress.   I love you Serger! (But I absolutely hate threading you!) Hehehe!

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

 This knit dress has only one main pattern piece making it super easy to sew and perfect for beginners. The pull-on dress is sleeveless with a round neckline. Use a knit fabric with a lot of drape to complement the side-draping detail on this dress.

Pattern Sizing:

XXS 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?

The instructions were super easy and explains how to sew with knits.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love everything about this pattern.  There's nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used:

ITY I picked up at Wal-Mart!  Yes Wal-Mart.  Isn't it cute.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I lengthen the dress by an inch.  That didn't make much of a different.  I should have added 3 or more inches. 

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

I have made this pattern twice.  I probably won't make this dress again.  Unless, I find a super adorable floral print fabric. 

Conclusion: 

I cut a size Large for the neckline and armhole, Extra Large for the bust, and the remainder of the dress I cut a size Medium.  This time around I used a serger to make this dress.   II made this dress with store bought bias binding to finish the neckline.  It is super cute.  The fabric I used is not as drapery as the slub knit.  I love it just the same.

The armhole binding is so pretty.  Yeaaaa Me!!

Progress Report

15-minutes of sewing:

Simplicity 8124 --> I've cut out the fabric and realized I do not have enough fabric.  I cut out one sleeve and half of the other.  I found the fabric needed to make the second sleeve.

Work in Progress:

Simplicity 1382 --> Waistband interfaced

 Vogue 1531-I am going to Muslin the skirt and tweak the bodice Muslin. And THEN!!!  I can cut into my fashion fabric.  Oh yeah!!!!  I can't wait to wear this baby!

In the sewing basket:  These patterns have been cut and/or fabric cut and ready to become garments. 

Sewing Basket/Summer Sewing Plan

I also need to work on McCall 7542 for my beautiful mommy!  I guess this is my sewing plan.  It is not official.  It is subject to change.  Because for some odd reason I'm an impulsive sewing.:-)

McCall 6884--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut

Simplicity 1451--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut.

Vogue 8898--> I want to try this pattern out again

McCall 7543--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut

See & Sew 5908--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut

Simplicity 8383-->Pattern Cut

McCall 7542-->  I do not have enough Fabric

McCall 7589--> Need to cut pattern

New Look 6522--> Pattern Cut

McCall 7602-->  I lost my pattern.  I have to pick up another one!

Sewing Skills

Working with Knits  In between working on projects, I have been working on my skills.  Especially with knits. 

Other stuff:

I am working on week #2 of the Skirt Fit-a-long

I've started a Fall Sewing Plan draft:

-Vogue 1550
-a bomber jacket
-a jacket for my 6 year old
-slippers (that should be fun)
-a Birthday outfit

Skirt Fit-A-Long--Week One

Before I begin, I need to make a pledge. I, Foxxy, will not purchase any Pre-Fall 2017 sewing patterns until I have completed 75% of the remaining items on my summer plan. That shouldn't be to hard to accomplish.  I have 14 items left to make.  75% of 14 is 10.5.  That's not too bad.  I can do it.  I just have stay focused.  Wish me luck!

Skirt Fit-a-long

Andrea from Sew-to-Fit, is hosting a Skirt Fit-A-Long for the month of June.  I'm obsessed with skirts.  It would be great to have a perfectly fitted pencil skirt.  They're already on week 3, but I am going to start working on my skirt this week.

I noticed a few more fit-a-longs that I would like to participate in,at my own pace of course.  Oh but she is going to do a Swimsuit Fit-A-Long next which I definitely want to follow along.

First things first, I need to select a pencil skirt pattern from my ridiculously large Pattern Stash. Check out her video here.

I can't really see the difference in the patterns.  I guess when I look at the pattern pieces, I will probably figure it out.

Have a terrific Sunday.  Happy Sewing

House Dress Simplicity 8379

This was my first time working with slub knit, I was not fond of it.  So this dress has became a wearable muslin/house dress.

I am starting to see some cute versions of this dress in the sewing world.  I was determined to make a cute version for myself.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

 This knit dress has only one main pattern piece making it super easy to sew and perfect for beginners. The pull-on dress is sleeveless with a round neckline. Use a knit fabric with a lot of drape to complement the side-draping detail on this dress.

Pattern Sizing:

XXS 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?

The instructions were super easy and thoroughly explain the steps to sew with knits.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love everything about this pattern.  There's nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used:

I used a knit “slub” which was just a mess.  This fabric is very fluid and hangs beautifully.  It was horrible sewing.  I need to figure out how to sew knit fabrics.  I guess that’s my focus for the next few months.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

No alterations.  I was concerned about the length of the dress.  When I made the knit dress in the slub fabric I only had 2 yards instead of the 2.25 suggested on the pattern envelope.  So, I didn't have enough fabric to lengthen. . 

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

I am definitely going to make this pattern again.  I need a cute summer dress!  I definitely recommend this pattern.  It is a quick and easy pattern. 

Conclusion: 

I was not confident about which size to cut.  For the neckline, shoulders, and armhole I cut a size Large.  I scaled up to an XL for the bust area and then cut the remainder of the dress in a size Large. I used a zig zag Stitch as instructed in the pattern.  The fabric pulled and I mean really pulled when I ran it through my sewing machine.  My armhole binding separated from the armhole. After reinstalling the armhole binding, it still looked like it was going to separate.  I realized at that moment, that I need to research tips to sew with knits

15 Minutes of Sewing

Simplicity 8124—I'm done with the side seam.  Still need fabric for the second sleeve.

Vogue 1531-I am going to Muslin the skirt and tweak the bodice Muslin. And THEN!!!  I can cut into my fashion fabric.  Oh yeah!!!!  I can't wait to wear this baby!

In the sewing basket:  These patterns have been cut and/or fabric cut and ready to become garments. 

I also need to work on McCall 7542 for my beautiful mommy!  I guess this is my sewing plan.  It is not official.  It is subject to change.  Because for some odd reason I'm an impulsive sewing.:-)

Progress Report:

Simplicity 1382 --> Waistband interfaced 
McCall 6884--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut
Simplicity 1451--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut.  

Sewing Basket/Summer Sewing Plan 

Vogue 8898--> I want to try this pattern out again
McCall 7543--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut 
See & Sew 5908--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut 
Simplicity 8383-->Pattern Cut 
McCall 7542-->  I do not have enough Fabric
McCall 7589--> Need to cut pattern
New Look 6522--> Pattern Cut

Sewing Skills: Working with Knits

 

Simplicity Pre-Fall Pattern Release 2017

Happy Second Day of Summer!

I hope you're having a great week!  I am sitting hear listening to Mozart and winding down for the night.  I just wanted to put in my two cents about the Simplicity's Pre-Fall Pattern release.   

8416 Cute back detail

8418 I think I am going to try to make one.

8419 Cute.  My mom would love this

Simplicity #8429 I am going to make a jacket for my girls!  Woohoo!

 First on my list is Simplicity #8448 which is an adorable 1950s inspired pattern.  Would I wear this dress and lined jacket?  Probably not. 

 

 #8437 and #8436 are on the top of my list.  I am definitely going to make some bras. 

#8427 is a much needed men's shirt.  Once I get a little comfortable with buttonup shirts I will make a few shirts.

 

#8414 and #8415 would be cute for my preteen.  8414 View B would be cute in a light pink fabric.

That's all she wrote. 


Updates

15 Minutes of Sewing

Simplicity 8124 --> I've cut out the fabric and realized I do not have enough fabric.  I cut out on sleeve and half of the other.  I am going on a fabric hunt.  Joann's here I come.

Progress Report

Simplicity 8379 --> Done.  Photos coming soon!

Simplicity 1382 --> Waistband interfaced

Vogue 1531 --> I still need to modify neckline and cut out the skirt muslin.

Sewing Basket/Summer Sewing Plan

Vogue 8898--> I want to try this pattern out again

McCall 7543--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut

See & Sew 5908--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut

McCall 6884--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut

Simplicity 8383-->Pattern Cut

Simplicity 1451--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut

McCall 7542-->  I do not have enough Fabric

McCall 7589--> Need to cut pattern

New Look 6522--> Pattern Cut

Sewing Skills

Working with Knits


Which Simplicity Patterns do you like?  Until next time.  Happy Sewing!!!



 

Sewalong McCall 7573 ViewB

Happy Tuesday!!!

What are you up to?

I had a busy weekend.  I got some sewing done and celebrated my baby's birthday.

I am finally done with McCall 7573.  This blouse was my 15-minutes of sewing project. 

I decided to make this blouse with a sheer lightweight fabric.  Isn't it beautiful.

To avoid the fussiness of working with this fabric, I interfaced the seam allowance area.

Then I had to decide what to do with the inside.   "Garments should be beautiful inside and out."  I decided to do a faux French seam.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:
Loose Fitting pullover tops have sleeve and yoke options. C: Contrast yokes.

Pattern Sizing:
14 to 22. I cut a size 18 all the way through.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Kind of.  I decided not to include the sleeves.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy to follow with great illustrations.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I am not fond of the sleeves so I decided to follow View A instructions for the armhole,

Fabric Used:
Sheer, lightweight fabric

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Like I mentioned earlier, I did not include the sleeves.  I am not too fond of the sleeves in view B.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes probably view C

Conclusion:
I decided to make View B.  I selected a sheer fabric and had to figure out how I was going to finish the seams.  I think the French Seams finish is the best option.  Since I am working with sheer fabric I knew the fabric would be tricky to work with.  Online there's a suggestion to interface the seam allowance to minimize the fussiness of working with sheer lightweight fabric.  Instead of 15 minutes, it felt like an eternity.  Cutting the small strips of interfacing made me want to scream.   With the interfacing in the seam allowance area, my fabric sews beautifully. 
I absolutely love this blouse.  I might make view C.  Let's see.  It's a perfect summer blouse. I would like to make this blouse again in a solid.  This blouse was super big around the shoulders.  I shorten the shoulders by 3/4 of an inch on each side. I made View B however I followed the directions for the Armholes for view A.  I was a little confused.  I used store bought bias binding to finish the armholes.

After wearing this blouse, I realized that I had a major bra issue.  So I think I am going to figure out a way to add a bra shelf and add a lining since my fabric is sheer.

15-minutes of sewing:

My new 15-minutes of sewing is Simplicity 8124.

 

Work in Progress:

Simplicity 3182

The waistband!  Why can't I seem to move on to the next step?

Vogue 1531

In the sewing basket: 

These patterns have been cut and/or fabric cut and ready to become garments. 

Coming Soon: