Polka Dots Anyone! McCall’s Stitch and Save 9021

You can never have too many tops. Sad to say, I don’t know if this top is for me.  Don’t get me wrong. I made this top but I am not happy with the final product.  It is cute and I love cowlneck tops but this top is not flattering on me.

I have looked high and low for a cowlneck top sewing pattern.  Unfortunately, I will have to continue my search.

This is view A of McCall’s Easy Stitch  N Save 9021 which is Also McCall’s 6563.
I cut a size large all around and a size XXL bust.

My Likes:  It’s cowlneck and I love cowlneck tips.  The fabric is

My Dislikes: There's some pulling in the bust area.  The pulling in the bust region looks weird.  the neckline is too big.  Maybe I should have cut a size Medium for the neckline.

The fabric I used is pink and black polka dot ITY knit from Fabric Mart.

I made this top as part of my Fall sewing plan.  I have quite a few projects left to post.  Stay tuned for that.

I’ve also made some progress on my goal for this month.  I can’t wait for you see what I have been working on.  What have you been up to?  Do you have a goal for the month of January?  Feel free to leave comments below.

Happy Sewing!

Happy birthday Mummy! McCall 7630

My mother just celebrated a milestone birthday-the big 60.  My kummy looks great for hr age and I hope I look just as good as she does when I hit 60.  Mummy’s falls the day after New Year.  Even in the womb my mother was brilliant. She was smart enough to ensure her birthday did not fall on a major holiday.

Unfortunately it rained all day and we didn’t do much.  She did not want to go outside and I don’t blame her.  So this weekend we will celebrate.  I decided to make her a top as one of the many presents I gave her for her big day.  A few months ago I purchased this gorgeous fabric from Fabric Mart.  This fabric is a black/Ivory Floral Print 100% Polyester Crinkle Charmeuse 52W and it was super easy to sew.

My mom is but I told her that she could not have it.  I knew I was going to make something for her with this fabric. I just couldn’t figure out what to make.  Then I found this pattern, McCall 7630, in my stash.  My mom loves large sleeves so I decided to make View D.  Plus View D of this pattern would show off this beautiful fabric.

This pattern did not take long to make.  From pattern cutting to final hemming only took a few hours.

After making this pattern for my mom I know I have to make one for myself.

Sleeve—isn’t this gorgeous!

Too Cute!

Modification:  I made some modifications to the pattern. I decided to add a back slit and a cute button in the back.  

BUTTON DETAIL:  Have to love a cute button.

This was a great make. My mummy has not worn this top yet so I will try to post a photo of her wearing it. Next on my list... UFO items and some more of my Fall makes.

Happy Sewing!

Last Minute Sewing Kwik Sew 3497

Well I am here!  I am sorry that I have not posted any of my recent projects. It has been a crazy 3 weeks.  I transferred to a new property and I have had to adjust to the change.  The first two days I thought I had made the wrong decision to transfer there.  But now I realized that I am here for a reason and my goal is to improve my department. So I am going to give this property 200%.  Change is never easy but it is worth it.

I’ve relied on my family and sewing to calm my nerves.  Now if I can find time to take pictures we will be on the right foot.

Yesterday I woke up and decided to make a top to wear to work.  I chose Easy Stitch -n- save McCall 9144 which is also Kwik Sew 3497.  This top was made with sleeves.  I decided to use the sleeves from Kwik Sew 4207.

For Kwik Sew 3497/Easy Stitch -n- save 9144 was cut in a size medium neckline, Extra Large bust, and the remainder of the top in a size Large.  I made a mistake with cutting the back piece.  I forgot to cut the neckline.  So I made me own neckline instead of using the pattern piece.  So the back neckline is a little lower than the pattern piece.  Then I cut the size Large sleeves from Kwik Sew 4207.  This is a great top to wear under blazers and cardigans.

The fabric I used was purchased at Joann’s in May.  It was a 1 yard remnant and I was determined to make a shell with this fabric.

This was a very quick sew.  I used my serger to make most of this top and finish the neckline, sleeves, and hem with my sewing machine.

I have a few more remnants in my stash that I would like to use as tops.  I will probably use this pattern a few more times before I retire it.

If you have this pattern definitely make it.

Chef Gear McCall 2233 and McCall Holiday Release

Good afternoon all,

I am in love with this pattern!

My DH is a chef and can never have enough uniforms.  I found this awesome pattern by McCall and decided to give it a try.  I think this version is a wearable muslin.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

Double-breasted jacket with mandarin collar has two-piece long sleeves and single front patch pocket; short sleeved shirt with collar has single front patch pocket; apron with utility pockets has back waist ties and adjustable neck strap; pull-on pants with two rows of elastic and drawstring cord at waistline have side seam pockets and single back patch pocket; chef’s hat has VELCRO® closure; neckerchief is also included.

View of Inside:  I marked the wrong side of the fabric with chalk.

 

Pardon the wrinkles

 

 

Pattern Sizing:

Large--Each size sold separately

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?

This pattern was extremely easy to follow

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love everything about this pattern.

Fabric Used:

Black Sateen Fabric from Joanns and Flannel for the pockets
 

Flannel for the pockets

 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None needed.

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

I will definitely make this pattern again.  This is a perfect pattern for a chef who loves to stand out.  I am currently looking for fabric with cartoon characters on it.  This fabric must be suitable to make pants.

Conclusion: 

This was not a hard pattern to make.  Since my DH is a chef, I purchased Flame Retardant spray.   treated the fabric before sewing this pattern together.  My next version will be made with two pockets instead of one. And I would like the pockets larger.  

 

 

 

 

McCall's Holiday Release

McCall released some great patterns for this holiday season.  There is a few that caught my eye.

 McCall 7682:  I love, love, love view D.    I have some striped fabric in my stash.  Hopefully it is enough to recreate this look.

 McCall 7683:  Create it pattern.  There is no many different options.  This pattern might be the key to a great holiday party dress.

 McCall 7684:  I love View C and D.   This pattern has sparked my creativity.

 McCall 7685:  This gown is beautiful!  Hands down.

 McCall 7686:  I love this pattern but I don't know if I will by it.  View B is my favorite.

  McCall 7687:  U love view F.  It's simple but I love the opening in the front.

 McCall 7688:  I love every view.  Especially View C and D.

McCall 7702:
After making the mermaid blanket for my 7 year old, I can't wait to get my hands on this pattern.

I should have some more photos soon.  Have a great weekend.

Pink Cheetah McCall 7634

A few weeks ago I purchased some fabric from Mood fabric online Mood fabric is the fabric supplier for Project Runway and Project Runway Junior.   Some day I will visit the store in New York.

I bought some really great pieces on this website.  My tween fell in love with a pink cheetah print jersey fabric .  I knew I had to make her something that was cute but a little edgy because she's a preteen.  After looking through my pattern stash I found McCall 7634.

I purchased this pattern for her to make in a sweatshirt fabric.  I decided to use this jersey print fabric and make some modifications to the pattern.

Modifications
Number one I removed the center front placket that will have the grommets instead I folded the fabric in half  and cut it on the center front in a straight line.

Number two instead of cutting the long sleeves I cut the sleeves about 6 inches long and omitted the ribbed cuff and omitted the rib edge of the dress.

Number three I lengthen the skirt by 2 1/2 inches .

Number four instead of cutting the back on the fold I cut it so that I would have a central back  seam.

This project was completed in one night it took about four hours with all of the modifications from cut of pattern pieces to hem of the dress.
. My daughter wore this dress the very next morning.  Unfortunately, II forgot to take pictures of my daughter wearing this dress.  I will have to take photos the next time she wears it.

I absolutely love this dress and how it looks on my daughter I'm not sure if I'm going to make this pattern again maybe next time I'll make it the way it is intended with the front placket and the grommets.

 Mood fabric
This was my first time ordering from Mood Fabric.  I am very happy with my purchase.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

Misses' Knit Tops, Dresses, Shorts, and Pants
Loose fitting tops and dresses have pocket, length and hem variations. A, C, D: Rib knit cuffs and bands. Fitted pull on shorts and pants have rib knit waistband.
 

Pattern Sizing:

I cut a size 14
 

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

Not exactly because I made him some out of Modifications to the pattern
 

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The pattern instructions were pretty easy to follow us get quite a few stops because I made some modifications.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

there's nothing to this like about this pattern.
 

Fabric Used:

Knit from Mood Fabric.
 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Please see conclusion.
 

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

I will definitely make this pattern again probably in a sweater or sweatshirt fabric for the winter which is typically kind a like fall weather but it sounds Florida and with the Romans as originally intended for this pattern
 

Conclusion: 

 When I made this pattern my daughter and I had plans to go out the following day.  I wanted to make something really quick.  This dress took about four hours to make but I made quite a few modifications.   I folded the front of the dress I cut the front of the dress on the fold and omitted the steps for the Grommets.  I knew that skipping the grommets would shave an hour or two half.

The following day when she worked she looked great in the dress I do kind of wish that I had made this dress with grommets.  

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!

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.

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:

Floral Jacket McCall 7440

This is my first time working with Georgette fabric.  I had this fabric in my stash since last year.  Actually this is the first piece of fabric I purchased from Joann's.

 

 

Georgette fabric is not easy to cut.  The fabric constantly moves.  Finally, I weighted my fabric down with cans of corn. Lol. Yes you read correctly corn.

Needle: 70/10
Pins: Extra Fine Sharp pins
Cutting tool:  I used scissors but next time I will try a rotary cutter
Ironing: Test a scrap piece before ironing.  I put my iron on the lowest setting

I've never sewn darts in a sleeve before. Interesting look. I don't think I own any RTW with sleeve darts.  From this picture you can't see the dart in this picture but it's there.

The Georgette fabric is sheer so I decided to make French seams to add a nice tough.

First times:

• Sewing Raglan sleeves
• Sewing darts into sleeves
• Sewing French Seams

Modifications:
I omitted the back piece and used the overlay as the back.

Next time I will use a jersey fabric. Maybe with a contrasting overlay in a floral print.  I am so in love with this print that I wanted my entire jacket made of this print. As a result, my sleeves were kind of tight and my big "muscles" pulled at the seams.

My sleeves were too small

 

 

 

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

Loose-fitting unlined jackets have raglan sleeves, bands, narrow hem, and gathered back variations. A, B, D: Shaped hemline. A, B: Wrong side of fabric will show. B, C: Back overlay with narrow hem. D: Contrast bands and sleeves.
 

Pattern Sizing:

I cute a size XL for the shoulder area, scaled out to a size XXL for the bust, and then scaled back down to a XL for the remainder of the pattern.
 

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

Yes it did!
 

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 the pattern especially the darts in the sleeves.  It added a nice touch.
 

Fabric Used:

Georgette
 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I made this pattern with a non stretch fabric instead of a fabric with stretch
 

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

I definitely want to make this project again.  Next time I want to make this jacket the right way.
 

Conclusion:

What drew me to this pattern was the ruffle detail and the triangular shaped hemline in the back.

 

The first time around my sleeves were too tight .  So I removed the French seams for both sleeves which did not help.  Since I didn't use the recommended fabric for the sleeves, my sleeves were too tight. 

#sewingwithgeorgette