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

 

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: