Poncho for Autumn, Simplicity 8428

I am really behind on my posts.  There's quite a few projects that I need to update you on. 


A few months ago, I will looking for a pattern to make for my 3 year old.  I came across this poncho pattern and knew I had to make it.  I decided to use a fleece fabric.  I've worked with Fleece before, so this was an easy project.  Check out my previous fleece projects here.   This is my first time making a Poncho and definitely

I decided to make View A without the ruffles.  The butterfly applique was purchased at Wal-Mart.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

This adorable Child's poncho is featured in two lengths with or without a hood and pockets.

Pattern Sizing:

S-M-L

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 very easy to make.  The instructions included tips for working with fleece.  Most of the tips in the instructions mirrored my Fleece tips from my previous post ( link post here)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

There's nothing to dislike about this pattern.

Fabric Used:

Fleece 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I decided not to add the ruffles.  If I make this pattern again, I will make it with the ruffles .  I would also add ruffles to the good.

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

I would love to sew this pattern again but I have quite a few items on my sewing plan.  

Conclusion: 

This poncho was very easy to make.   I took my time making this project and enjoyed the sewing process.  My sewing machine struggled with the thickness of the fleece fabric.  I will avoid using fleece for a while.  

This was my first time hand pick.  So it took me some time to wrap my head and hands around it.  Lol! If anything I would say this is a perfect for a beginner.  

My favorite part of this poncho is the neckline and the butterfly applique..

Fall Sewing Plan

27 more projects in 57 days

5 tops

2 skirts

1 pair of pants or a jumpsuit (first time for everything 

7 dresses

1 cape

2 tops for my tween

2 shorts for my son

1 romper for my 3 year old

1 dress for my 3 year old 

Add on----> Poncho for my 3 year old!  I will make changes to my sewing plan later.

2 dresses for my 6 year old 

2 rompers for my toddler

1 dress for my mom

And something for DH--> Done. Check out my post here

Mermaid Birthday! Simplicity 8275

 This adventure begins under the sea!

My daughter just celebrated her seventh birthday.  Now my 7 year old is obsessed with my sewing adventure.  She is always finding new projects for me to work on.  She loves being part of the planning process.  When she laid her eyes on Simplicity 8275, she knew she had to have it.  I was more than happy to make this pattern for her.

(Watching The Little Mermaid while wearing her mermaid tail)

This project was made with Anti-pill fleece fabric.I had some trouble with tracing the appliqués from the pattern piece to the fabric.  I purchased some carbon paper to use with my tracing wheel, but was unsuccessful.  After numerous tries, I gave up on trying to trace on the fleece fabric.  If you know of a better way to transfer over markings on a fleece fabric leave a comment below. 

Since I was having trouble transferring the marks, I stitched the appliques around the perimeter.  This step added an extra 45 minutes to this project.


The final product is beautiful!!! My cutie pie is in love with her mermaid!  Now all of my girls want their own mermaid tails and my son wants a shark tail (View B).  I have a lot scheduled for the next month so I need to figure out how to carve out some time in order to satisfy my little Bambinos

Second, attaching the front of the mermaid tail to the back pattern piece was tricky.   Keep in mind, fleece is a thick fabric.  So attaching the four layers of fleece was no simple task.  Once I sandwiched the piece together I pinned them together and then hand basted them before sewing on the machine.

It was neat to see this project come together.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

Cozy novelty blankets

Pattern Sizing:

Adult, Child, and Doll

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?

Super easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Love this pattern.

Fabric Used:

Fleece and Felt

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None made.

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

I have a few more to make.  I definitely recommend this pattern to others

Conclusion: 

 

This project was made with Anti-pill fleece fabric.I had some trouble with tracing the appliqués from the pattern piece to the fabric.  I purchased some carbon paper to use with my tracing wheel, but was unsuccessful.  After numerous tries, I gave up on trying to trace on the fleece fabric.  If you know of a better way to transfer over markings on a fleece fabric leave a comment below. 

Since I was having trouble transferring the marks, I stitched the appliques around the perimeter.  This step added an extra 45 minutes to this project.


The final product is beautiful!!! My cutie pie is in love with her mermaid!  Now all of my girls want their own mermaid tails and my son wants a shark tail (View B).  I have a lot scheduled for the next month so I need to figure out how to carve out some time in order to satisfy my little Bambinos

Working with Eyelet Simplicity 1451

I broke a needle.  Yes I did!  Another dangerous fabric crossed off my sewing bucket list.  I didn't realize eyelet fabric could be so dangerous. Eyelet is such a beautiful fabric.  I especially love it in the summer.  I decided to make my toddler a cute top using Simplicity 1451. This was my second time working with this pattern.  It was easier to make this pattern the second time around.  Kinda.  Let's just say the pattern was easier but the fabric is dangerous!

The needle of my sewing machine broke as it was going over the heavily embroidered part of the fabric.

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 

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love this pattern.  There is nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used:

 Eyelet

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

This time around I did not make and changes.

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

 I might make this pattern one more time.

Conclusion: 

I have made this pattern before.  I had a super cute Eyelet fabric  in my stash that I think I bought at Joann's.  Anywho, this was my first time working with Eyelet.  While sewing over a heavily embroidered section my needle broke.  I did not realize how dangerous Eyelet could be.  After breaking a needle, I knew I had to slow done.  I hand turned my sewing needle over the heavily embroidered areas of the fabric.  The bodice is lined  with Cotton voile.  I cut a size 2 which is large on my toddler.  I love this pattern and will definitely make it again.  My daughter wore this top with a pair of leggings I made using Simplicity 8304.

PROGRESS REPORT

Coming Soon:

• Simplicity 8383
• McCall 7436
• Pencil Skirt
• Tween Skirt

15 Minutes of Sewing

McCall 7543-Step 8 narrow hemming the sleeves. 

Summer Sewing Plan: 6 more...

Simplicity 3182-Almost done!
Vogue 1531-Muslin stage
New Look 6434-pattern cut
Simplicity 8304-done. Photos coming soon
See & Sew 5908-pattern and fabric cut
Vogue 8898- need to select fabric

Sewing Basket
Kwik Sew Mom Top

Fall Sewing Plan:  There's 30 items on my list.  That's not realistic.  My head is spinning just thinking about it.  I am going start over.  I might make a capsule.  Oh that's a great idea.

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

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

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

 

Zipper Back Pencil Skirt

😐

After making my Company Holiday Party Dress, I had a little over a yard and a half of fabric left. I do not believe in wasting fabric and I use my resources wisely (I am a Girl Scout).

 

 I do not own a pencil skirt that hugs my figure.  For some odd reason I can never find a decent pencil skirt.  If you find a RTW plus size pencil size that will flatter my figure please let me know!

 

I could not find a simple pencil skirt pattern for stretch fabrics.  I achieved this look with Mimi G's Simplicity pattern #1283.  I cut the skirt back and the lining front to make this skirt.  Yes, that's what I said, the lining front.  I had to refer back to my tips for working with Velvet.  Thank goodness for taking good notes.

 

This skirt was less than a yard to make. I knew it would be hella cute with a zipper back.  

Front Dart woohoo!!!!

 

The hem of my skirt is actually the salvage of my fashion fabric.  I love the salvage so much that I wanted to show it.  And there it is!

 

 

The hardest part was the zipper. After three tries, I was finally able to install the zipper without the fabric bunching up.  I am in love with this skirt.  It is not a perfect fit .  This pattern still needs some tweaking.  But, I am happy with the end result and will definitely make another pencil skirt.

I am losing weight Yeah!!!!  Woohoo! Unfortunately, I am losing my butt boooooo! 

 

Next on the cutting board:

Simplicity 1382
We're approaching the end of the school year and my oldest daughter has a few events coming up.  I  ordered two dresses online but, I decided that I should make her a dress as well.   Before diving into this pattern I had a figure out some things first.  This pattern stops at a size 16.  My daughter is a size 18.  I figured that I would grade this pattern up to a size 20.  I don't remember where I heard this, but you can only grade a pattern two sizes up before the sizing gets distorted.

Then I made a muslin.  I hate making muslins but this dress needs to fit perfectly.

 

 

This is the front bodice which should be cut on the fold but like an idiot I was not paying attention and I cut two.  Follow directions!!!

I had to sew my the bodice in the center.  That's definitely going to screw up my front bodice. 

I have lost my mind.  This is my first time grading up a pattern.  I've made a mistake some where.  My front and back side seams do not line up.  I am going crazy! 

Pretty baby flowers Simplicity 8304

Hello world!!!

This fabric of pretty baby flowers is now an adorable dress for my 9 month old daughter.  I envision making many different dresses with this pattern. Let me start by saying my daughter is very tall for her age; so I decided to cut a size large. I figured if the dress was too big on her that she would grow into it. Man was I wrong. The size Large bodice fit just right and the skirt is super long.

Did I mention that there's also a headband?

Pattern Description:
Create cute and unique sportswear for babies! Pattern includes dress with heart shape elbow patches, top, leggings, headbands and stylish bibs.
Pattern Sizing:

I cut the size Large

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

It looks like the photo

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

There is nothing to dislike about this pattern.  It's truly an easy make.

Fabric Used:

Blended cotton

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did not make any changes to this pattern. Maybe next time.

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

 Yes. I am thinking about making one in denim.

Conclusion: 

The instructions was superb. I was a little worried how to sew the bias tape around the neckline but the instructions and photos were detailed. Thumbs up to the writer.

I am planning to make a few more dresses like this one.  Next time I will add a half of an inch around the bodice and shorten the skirt by 2 inches.

Bibbing It Simplicity 8110

Happy Monday!!! Soooo what did you do this weekend?  I had the weekend off Ooo Yea! (And the crowd goes wild)!  Lol! I had time to get some stuff done around the house.  Plussssss some sewing.  Now I didn't get to cross off much from my sewing plan, but it's better than nothing.











My weekend started with Girl Scouts Thinking Day!  We had an awesome time!  For Thinking Day every troop selects a country to represent.  Our troop selected India. 

Aren't my girls cute!

Did you know mango is India's national fruit?  There's hundreds of types of mangos. 

Mouthwatering,  Sorry for drooling.

We sampled food from different around the world England, Italy, Haiti, Jamaica, and many more.  After stuffing our faces, we headed over to Joann's.


Babies
What's the one thing that babies have to have, other than formula and diapers?  bibs.  My eight month old has a new love, baby food!!!  Without a bib, every outfit in my daughter,s closet would be ruined.
All of the bibs I purchase have suffer from baby food attacks.  The only bib that's withstood the baby food battles is the one that I made last year.  You can find it here.  Since I had some more PUL fabric left over, I decided to make Two more.

This fabric is very easy to clean.  I am tempted to buy more.  We will see!!!

Bias Binding

Modifications:  I made the front pocket bigger.  I'm not sure if I like the pocket's bigger.

Other Modifications:  No front pocket.  I was running out of fabric and I didn't want any scraps so I made a second bib without a front pocket.  Aren't they cute!!!

Simplicity does not explain how to close the tips of the drawstrings.  In another post, I will show the steps I took to close the tips of the drawstrings.