Anniversary Dress Simplicity 7926

Good day sewing family,

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Yesterday was my anniversary.   15 years with the best man in the world.  He knows how to drive my bonkers.  But he also knows the key to my heart.  You all know that I needed a dress for my anniversary since I wore Vogue 8825 to my son's Valentine's Day Dance.  I had 7 days to make a masterpiece.

When I purchased this pattern, I opened the pattern envelope to find a great surprise.  For some reason, it did not  click that I purchased a Create it pattern.
I made a video about the Create It Process.  Enjoy.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:
Knit dresses are fully lined and very close-fitting through bust with either pencil or circle skirt. Asymmetrical bodice features one-shoulder, strap, sleeve and cut-out variations; pencil skirt has either stitched hem or shaped hem with band and slit. Create your own design with mix and match pattern pieces.

Pattern Sizing:
this time around I cute a size 18 all the way through.   The fabric does not have a lot of stress ak I should have cut a size bigger.

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

Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I struggled with the line drawing for attaching the lining.

Fabric Used:
Red Ponte purchased at Joann's.  I am not impressed with the feel of this fabric.  The fabric does not have as much stress and it's not as soft as I would have liked.

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

Absolutely

When I started this dress I was super excited  until....

Until I realized that I missed a step. I did not cut the lining.  No biggie right? Wrong I had less than 3/4 of fabric left.  

No problem I squeezed the pattern pieces to fit the fabric and then continued the process.

The night before my anniversary I attached the skirt to the bodice and tried on my new dress.

I could not get the dress over my head. The lining was too small because I did not cut in according to the grain line.  After making some last minute changes I was able to wear this beautiful dress.

My husband loves the dress and we had an amazing night.   

Unfortunately I didn't take pictures wearing the dress.  I will definitely take pictures and post later.

I hope you have a wonderful  Valentine's day!!! 

Foxxy

Vogue 8825 Valentine's Dance Dress

Good day all

Why does Vogue Patterns intimidate me?  Something about the name Vogue makes me admire the cover of the pattern for hours at a time but never build up the courage to make them.

After staring at the pattern cover I was determined to make it for my anniversary. I buckled down and read the instructions before cutting into the fabric.  (Just in case I chickened out! Lol) Thank goodness there's Very Easy Vogue Patterns.   Once I read the instructions I felt a little at ease .

A few years I purchased this pattern with the intent of making it.  I'm glad that I waited so long.  This dress came out beautifully.

This pattern made me fall in love with sewing all over again.  Vogue 8825 was exactly what I needed to get my sewing mojo back.

Sewing Pattern Review

This pattern was easy to make.

I cut a size 20 all the way through and the had to remove about an inch from bodice and 2.5 inches from the width of the skirt.

Sleeve band-the sleeve cuff needed some adjusting.  I removed an inch from the width and 3/4 inch from the length.
Check out the picture below. The sleeve on the left side is the sleeve before making adjustments.  The sleeve on the right side is the final product after adjustments.

Sewing patterns are a guide; so take the time to adjust the pattern to your body.  That's the great thing about sewing your own garments.

Fabric is a Teal, Hot Pink, Dark Chartreuse, Yellow Poly Ikat Lyrca knit purchased a few years ago from Fabric Mart.

This pattern requires 3 1/4 yards of fabric.  I only had 3 yards of fabric so I had to shorten the belt.

I originally made this dress for my anniversary.  My son insisted that I wear to his son Valentine's day dance.  I couldn't disappoint my prince so Mommy wore the new dress to the dance.  My husband loves the dress so I killed 2 birds with one stone.

I'm back to the drawing board and in need of a dress pattern for my anniversary.

Vogue Pattern thank you for an amazing pattern!

That's all for today.  Have a great weekend.

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

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

Feeling backwards--Vogue 8898

Last year I bought Vogue pattern 8898.  I made this pattern around August of last year. dress together.  During the construction, I was having issues.  First the armhole was too large.  Check out what I went through last year with this dress.  Then I had to figure why the front bodice looked frumpy.  Keep in mind, I made this dress before I knew what a full bust adjustments was.  Without that valuable piece of knowledge, I was lost.

The other day, I was getting ready for church and I couldn't figure out what to wear.  I wanted to wear something that I have not worn to church before.  Hanging there, sad, in my closet, was Vogue 8898. I had to figure out how to make my dress Look Ready to Wear-ish.  When in doubt wear a belt.  Shoot how bad can it be.

Unfortunately, I do not have any clothing tags, which makes getting dressed a little confusing.  I looked in the Mirror and stood there in shock. My dress didn't look bad after all.  Why was I so worried.? Then it hit me!  My dress is on Backwards! Rofl!!!!

I decided to wear it was backwards and it looked gorgeous.  I'm not sure how to correct the Bodice issue without buying more fabric, doing a FBA on the pattern piece and then cutting out a new front piece.

It's not perfect but what do you think.

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

Loose-fitting, pullover dress has right shoulder pleats forming drape, and narrow hem. B: Shoulder tie. B, C: Self-belt, right side opening C

Pattern Sizing: 

16 to 26

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?

This was my first dress. For me, a beginner, everything is difficult. 


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

This pattern is rated easy.  It was pretty easy to follow. There was nothing to dislike

Fabric Used:

Burgundy Ponte Knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

No alterations made.

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

Yes.  I have to get this dress right.  Definitely recommend this pattern.  I have seen some beautiful versions of this dress. I wanted to have some options for this dress, so I made the shoulder tie and the self belt.  

Conclusion:

Stay toned for the second version of this dress, with a FBA.  I cut a size 20 for my bust and had to remove 4 inches from the waist.  it is still big and I have an issue with the armhole.  Next time I will cut size 16 and do a FBA.