Gray and Pink Floral Wrap Peplum--McCall 7602

McCall 7602 is a great pattern.  It is a self lined mock wrap top with cup sizing

I was not sure what size to cut.  This is my first time making a woven top so I was a little apprehensive about the fitting. I did not have time to make a muslin so I had to figure everything out the first time around.

I started with a size 18 neckline and armhole and cut the remainder of the top a size 22.  The dart was moved down an inch

I made a huge mistake while cutting the fabric.  Somehow I cut the ruffle on the wrong side of the fabric. I didn't realize until it was time to attach the ruffle.  After freaking out, I decided to put the ruffle on the left side.  Will it make a huge different?  Only people in the sewing world will notice. I hope!  But the average Sue walking down the street will not know the difference.  So I guess I can live with it.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

 Close fitting mock wrap top has peplum and flounce options. B: Contrast right upper front, straps and lower left and back peplum. D: Contrast flounce, lower right and back peplum. Includes separate pattern pieces for A/B, C and D cup sizes.
 

Pattern Sizing:

14 to 20 and cup sizing

 

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

I made a mistake while cutting the fabric. My flounce is on the wrong side. Other than that it looks exactly the same.
 

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Most of the directions were easy to follow.  I had some trouble attaching the ruffle side of the wrap.  I managed.
 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love this pattern!  There is really nothing to dislike about this pattern.  I am not fond of the self lining. There were several occasions where I couldn't figure which side I was working on,  The peplum could be fuller.
 

Fabric Used:
Blended cotton

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

 I did not make any alterations to this pattern. Next time I will make the peplum and ruffle fuller

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

I do recommend this pattern.  I want to make This pattern again in a Challis.

 

Conclusion:

I cut a size 18 neckline and armhole and grade up to size 20 from the bust line. This is a super cut summer blouse.  I was thinking about making this view again and doubling the flounce.  I also want to make View A.  I would also like to move the zipper from the back to the side.  I want to figure out a way to make the peplum fuller.  Oh I almost forgot the armhole is huge. Next time I will select a smaller armhole.  Due to the huge armhole, I have to wear an undershirt. I was originally going to make View D but forgot to cut the front flounce so I ended up with View C.  I am happy with my top.

This is my first time working with a pattern that has cup sizing.  I moved down the bust dart about 1.5 inches.
Next time I will cut a size 18 neckline and do a full bust adjustment.  I will also have to adjust the armhole.

15 Minutes of Sewing
This blouse was my 15 minutes of sewing project.  Next up is a pair of Burda shorts. This is not from my original Summer Sewing Plan.  My son asked me to make him a pair of shorts.  I am going to make a muslin and then cut into my fashion fabric.

Progress Report:
Simplicity 8383-I made it!  Yes.  It's cute!  Until I burned it.  Stay tune for my next post.

Skirt Fit-a-long:  I am working on Week 2. My pattern is cut and muslin fabric cut. Next up is putting it together and fitting.

Tween Series:  My eldest daughter has cut out the  muslin fabric and hand basted her garment.  Unfortunately, it's too small.  So we're starting over.

Summer Sewing Plan: 8 items left on my sewing plan.  I'm almost there.  Woohoo!

Mini Me Simplicity 1451

From my previous post you already know that I was running around town looking for this fabric.  I found this pattern, Simplicity 1451, while waiting in line at the cutting counter.  

From this pattern, I made View D (the top) and View F (the shorts).  The shorts were super easy to make.  Oh my goodness!  I can't believe I'm saying this, "The shorts were super easy to make."  Woohoo!  This time last year, I was struggling to make my first pair of shorts. Now I'm saying this pair was super easy to make.  

I love the cuff hem.  I didn't finish the edge before making the cuff. From the cuff you can see that the edge was not finish.



 I will definitely do that the next time I make this pattern.

 

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

Toddlers' Easy to Sew dresses, top, cropped pants and shorts make a complete summer wardrobe for your toddler. Dresses and top can be made with trims or ruffles. Shorts and Pants have elastic waistband.

Pattern Sizing:

1/2 to 4

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?

 The instructions were super easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love this pattern especially the elastic in the back of the top.

Fabric Used:

 African Print Cotton from Joann's (top)

Cotton blend (shorts)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

 The straps are thinner than the pattern. (I was running out of fabric)

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

 Yes, I am definitely going to make this again.  Definitely make this pattern for your little one.

Conclusion: 

I cut a size 2 for the top and shorts. The took in the side seams by 3/8 of an inch.  I made the top in one afternoon and then the shorts the next day in less than 30 minutes.  For the top, I did not do a good job marking the fabric.  The first time around the straps were too far apart.  Soooo,  had to take the bodice apart and start over.

I love the fit of the shorts.  They have a cuff hem which makes them even cuter.  When we took these photos it was 93 degrees outside, but my baby girl looked cool.  She was comfortable and happy.

Breaking News:

I'm on Instagram!  I finally took the leap and joined Instagram.  Check me out at Foxxyfranny

Off the Shoulder Yellow Dress -- Simplicity 8124

When I purchase fabric I automatically purchase 2 yards.  I think I need to change my minimum to three yards.  For this fabric I found it in the African print section at Joanns.  I knew I was going to make a dress with this fabric. I just wasn't sure which Pattern to use.

The other night I was looking at my sewing pattern stash and came across this pattern.  I had already cut the size large.  As soon as saw fabric I knew it was meant to be.  So off I go to cut  the fabric and I did not have enough fabric for both sleeves. What's a girl to do? Joann's did not have anymore of this fabric. So I decided to shorten the sleeve.  That was a no go. There was only enough for a sleeve and a half.

I Went to four stores before I found the matching fabric to make the last half of the sleeve.  I wanted to ensure my sleeves matched so I cut the first sleeve in half and stitched a 3/8 seam allowance.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

Misses' peasant style mini dress, and top by Cynthia Rowley have elastic neckline and sleeve band; romper has additional elastic waist for a cool effortless look. This Cynthia Rowley pattern is Easy-to-Sew.

Pattern Sizing:

XS to XL

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

Yes for the most part except for the sleeves.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Great instructions!  This is one of Cynthia Rowley's Easy to sew patterns.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love this pattern and it is super quick to make. However, this pattern runs very large.  If I make this pattern again I am going to go down a size or two.

Fabric Used:

Cotton African Print from Joanns

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

As a result of buying only 2 yards of fabric I end up running out of fabric to make the sleeves.  I shorten the sleeve length and still ran out of fabric.

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

I  would love to make this dress again.  Definitely go out and pick up a copy of this pattern.  Keep in mind that the pattern runs big.  I can't wait to see your version.

Conclusion: 

I cut a size Large for this pattern.  This pattern was super easy to make.   This dress was made on my Serger and then went back and saw the side seams with my sewing machine.  I know that's  backwards.  I ran out of fabric.  Same on me!  Once I found it, it was smooth sailing.  This is a super cute dress and the sleeve do not look weird so mission accomplished. 

Every time I complete a project, I do a Show and Tell for my mom.  Her exact words "Oh, you made a Moo Moo." Did I make another house dress?  So I went back to my sewing machine and removed an 1 inch from the side seams.  I don't know if that helped.  It looks the same to me.

So I guess I made a super cute off the shoulder house dress.  I am still going to rock it like it's 1999!!!

Here's a sneak peak of my next blog post.  My mini me!

Progress  Report:

15 minutes of Sewing:  McCall 7602 done.  

Summer Sewing Plan:  Simplicity 1451 done

Skirt Fit-a-long:  I haven't made any progress.  I've been a little distracted 

Tween Series:  My daughter has selected a new pattern.  More about that soon.

#view3000

McCall Early Fall Collection

Finally!  McCall released their Early Fall Collection.   I'm happy with their release and hope I make some of these patterns.
First up my must have list:

McCall 7626: I want to make all 4 views!  I love View A the most! look at the belt. Yeah this is it!

McCall 7627: I want to make this pattern first!  Here comes the impulsive sewing bug.  The sleeves for View B is on fire!  

McCall 7634:  I love all 4 views.  My daughter would love View D with the cold shoulder.

McCall 7632: View D is my favorite.  

The following patterns I like them but probably won't make them:

McCall 7620:  I really like this pattern. I am not sure if this Style would look good on me.  During my next shopping trip I am going to try on a few dresses like this. If this style looks good on me, I will love this pattern to the must have list.

McCall 7617:  I only like View A and C.   I'm not fond of the collar. 

McCall 7618:cute pattern.

McCall 7635

McCall 7630:  To me this is another version of 7542 which a few more sleeve options.

McCall 7638:  I love this pattern but my husband would never wear this.  Maybe I could make View F for my son. 

I love the bomber jacket collection.  I will buy these patterns if I find the perfect fabric to make them with.
7638,7619,7637

Progress Report

15 minutes of sewing:
McCall 7602 It's almost done.  I need the clean up the inside.  My garments must look good inside and out!

I need to take photos of three completed projects. 

Confession time:
Do you remember the pledge I made two weeks ago (click here) ? Well, I failed.  I couldn't help it.  Let me explain.  I was in Joanns and there was a sale. The two patterns that I really wanted were right in front of me in the display.  So I bought them. I only bought two patterns.  Only two.

Swim Suit Coverup Butterick 4526

Happy Independence Day!

I've lived in South Florida for 12 years and I think I've been to the beach maybe four times.  The holiday weekend was the perfect time to take the kids to the beach.  There was one problem.  I didn't have a swimsuit  cover-up.  Like a mad woman I search through my sewing patterns stash.  Then I found the perfect fabric.

This was my first time making a Butterick pattern.

I bought this pattern in November 2016.  I originally wanted to make View A.  

At the time I thought that making a swimsuit would be super easy and I was going to knock it out and have a brand-new swimsuit to wear for summer 2017.  I was wrong about that after looking at a few YouTube videos about making our swimsuits I realize that this process will take a lot longer and I moved on to my next project. 

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

 Wrap laps in front and ties at back neck

Pattern Sizing:

14 to 20

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?

Great instructions and easy to follow

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love this pattern and it is super quick to make

Fabric Used:

Knit. Not sure what kind

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did not make any alterations

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

If I make a swimsuit this summer I will make this wrap again.  This is a great pattern and a quick make.

Conclusion: 

This pattern has one piece!!!  Yes one!  This was a quick make.  It took about an hour to make this project. That includes cutting of the pattern and fabric.  I shocked when I saw the darts in the back of this wrap.  I cut a size 18 straight through.  This was truly a quick and easy make. 

Have a wonderful 4th of July!

From My Family to Yours!

2nd Quarter Update

Most Worn Garment Award Goes to... McCall 6884 

Soooo, it wasn't until yesterday that I realized I did not post a Makes post for April or May.  Now it's July which makes this my 2nd quarter makes post. This is not in any particular order. 
June was a great month.

- Self-draft Handkerchief Hem Dress for my Tween (I want to try to make this dress again in a lightweight fabric

-Floral Print Jacket McCall 7441

-Animal Print Flounce Skirt McCall 7540

-Animal Print Skirt for my mom McCall 7540

-Red Velvet Zipper Back Pencil Skirt Simplicity 1283

-Tye Dye stripe shirt Kwik Sew 4207 

-McCall 7573 Floral Top

-Turquoise Slub dress Simplicity 8379

-blue print dress Simplicity 8379

-Pink funky print pillowcase for my daughter's field trip

-Gold Pillowcase (not blogged)  even before I started this sewing journey, I have always made pillowcases for my family.  It is almost a game to figure out who's going to get the next pillowcase.  And my kids love their custom made presents.

-pink mini skirts (not blogged)

-Leggings Simplicity 8304 (post coming soon)

-Dress Simplicity 8124 (post coming soon, I still need to take pictures

-Wrap Dress McCall 6884

-Simplicity 1451-mini me top

 Wow...That's 16 projects.  Not bad for three months.

Work in Progress

Tween Party Dress Pink Floral Simplicity 1382

2nd Quarter Awards

My favorite make: Self draft Handkerchief tween dress

Most difficult make: Velvet Pencil Skirt

Most worn garment: Wrap Dress McCall 6884 (I'm wearing it right now) :-)

Least worn garment: Velvet Pencil Skirt (it's super hot down here.  So, Velvet is not the best fabric to wear in 120 degree weather.  This skirt will be worn again in the fall.

Year to date:  

I've made 38 items.

13 garments for myself