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

Skirt Fit-A-Long--Week One

Before I begin, I need to make a pledge. I, Foxxy, will not purchase any Pre-Fall 2017 sewing patterns until I have completed 75% of the remaining items on my summer plan. That shouldn't be to hard to accomplish.  I have 14 items left to make.  75% of 14 is 10.5.  That's not too bad.  I can do it.  I just have stay focused.  Wish me luck!

Skirt Fit-a-long

Andrea from Sew-to-Fit, is hosting a Skirt Fit-A-Long for the month of June.  I'm obsessed with skirts.  It would be great to have a perfectly fitted pencil skirt.  They're already on week 3, but I am going to start working on my skirt this week.

I noticed a few more fit-a-longs that I would like to participate in,at my own pace of course.  Oh but she is going to do a Swimsuit Fit-A-Long next which I definitely want to follow along.

First things first, I need to select a pencil skirt pattern from my ridiculously large Pattern Stash. Check out her video here.

I can't really see the difference in the patterns.  I guess when I look at the pattern pieces, I will probably figure it out.

Have a terrific Sunday.  Happy Sewing

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

 

Simplicity Pre-Fall Pattern Release 2017

Happy Second Day of Summer!

I hope you're having a great week!  I am sitting hear listening to Mozart and winding down for the night.  I just wanted to put in my two cents about the Simplicity's Pre-Fall Pattern release.   

8416 Cute back detail

8418 I think I am going to try to make one.

8419 Cute.  My mom would love this

Simplicity #8429 I am going to make a jacket for my girls!  Woohoo!

 First on my list is Simplicity #8448 which is an adorable 1950s inspired pattern.  Would I wear this dress and lined jacket?  Probably not. 

 

 #8437 and #8436 are on the top of my list.  I am definitely going to make some bras. 

#8427 is a much needed men's shirt.  Once I get a little comfortable with buttonup shirts I will make a few shirts.

 

#8414 and #8415 would be cute for my preteen.  8414 View B would be cute in a light pink fabric.

That's all she wrote. 


Updates

15 Minutes of Sewing

Simplicity 8124 --> I've cut out the fabric and realized I do not have enough fabric.  I cut out on sleeve and half of the other.  I am going on a fabric hunt.  Joann's here I come.

Progress Report

Simplicity 8379 --> Done.  Photos coming soon!

Simplicity 1382 --> Waistband interfaced

Vogue 1531 --> I still need to modify neckline and cut out the skirt muslin.

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

McCall 6884--> Pattern Cut and Fabric Cut

Simplicity 8383-->Pattern Cut

Simplicity 1451--> Pattern Cut and Fabric 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


Which Simplicity Patterns do you like?  Until next time.  Happy Sewing!!!



 

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:

No Sewing

I was off yesterday!  You're thinking that's great!  It wasn't.  Usually on my days off, I get one project done and make progress on my month long project.  I started off with Simplicity 1382. I haven't made much progress on it and I wanted to complete the bodice. 5 minutes in my infant started crying.  I tried to calm her down and return to my sewing machine. She was not having that! She made me fall asleep with her.  Yes she MADE me fall asleep.  With force!  Hehehe. She must of known that I was exhausted so instead of me calming her down she calmed me down.
By the time we woke up it was time to pick up the kids from school.  After that, I spent the rest of the night running around.  I guest it wasn't meant to be.

Last night I attended Museum Night at my kids school. They were docents and presented their projects. #ProudMom.

I decided to wear my MimiG flutter top with a self-draft skirt I made last year.

I love wearing this outfit.  It makes me feel so girly.

 

Review

Pattern Description:

Knit Pencil Skirt

 

Pattern Sizing:

I took my hip and waist measurements and divided measurement by two.  I cut the length 23 inches long.  The finish length measurement is 21 inches

 

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

This is a self-draft skirt

 

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I did not have any instructions to follow.  I looked at some of my Ready to Wear (RTW) skirts to kind of guide me with the process.

 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Nothing to dislike.

 

Fabric Used:

Floral print ITY found at my local fabric store.

 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None

 

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

I will sew this pattern again because it came out cuter than I thought it would.

 

Conclusion:

I made this skirt in the beginning of my sewing adventure.  I found it in my closet the other day and knew it would look cute with my Mimi G Flutter top.  I will make this top again.  Maybe in a solid fabric.

Tye Dye Stripe Top Kwik Sew 4207

Happy Thursday!
I have a lot going on this week.  I was frustrated with Simplicity 1382 and need a quick project to bring up my spirits.

 

 

I'm not sure why this is picture is upside down.   

 

 

At least you can see my fashion fabric.

I had to figure out how to cut out all of the pieces with only one yard of fabric and manage to match stripes. 😂

What's a girl to do but to figure out a way to make this top with ONE yard of fabric

I had to remove about an inch from the sleeves.  I ran out of fabric. 

Joann's was running a sale on Remnants.  I plan less than $1.25 !  Woohoo!

I knew that this fabric would make an adorable top.   It wasn't until I made it home that I realized this patter yards of fabric for my size

 

Since this is a knit top but I decided not to do a full bust adjustment  but instead cut a size large neckline shoulder seam and armhole and grade it up to a size extra large from my bust area all the way down.

After daydreaming about this topic for at least two days I'm glad that I finally have it. This project did not take long to make I was able to cut it and have it completely song and I am about 2 1/2 hours I'm I did have some trouble with the neckline with the neck binding

 So I cut a size large for the neckline the alarm hole in the shoulders and cut and extra-large for the bar area and then graded back down to an edge to a large for the remainder of my top now that I have this beautiful top the next time I make this pattern I need to at least 3 inches maybe 4 inches to the length of it and also then

My first time sewing with twin needles.  I thought it would be cute to sew with white and blue thread.  Now I'm thinking that was not a great idea.  But it's different!  I have to admit, the twin needles makes this top look professionally done.

***Next time***

 Add about 2 to 4 inches to the length of my top and when I will next time I will come see you about grading down a little bit more this top is intended to be fit it in my top is not faded at all I'm which is good and bad there's some areas where I don't want fitted but yeah there's some areas that I do I still love my top and it now but this was definitely an opportunity I realize that I need to continue to practice installing the neck finding that actually drove me crazy I did I had to remove the neck binding and reinstalled again and And then the second time I installed it it's the little wonky but it's good will I wear this top of course I will

Sewing Pattern Review

 

Pattern Description:
Close-fitting, pullover tops have scoop neckline with neck binding and stitched hems. A: Patch pocket. B: Cold shoulder sleeve.
 

Pattern Sizing:
XS to XL
 

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 directions were very easy to follow.  I love how the pattern goes into detail about the steps to take with knit fabrics. 
 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
There's nothing to dislike.
 

Fabric Used:
Tye Dye Knit
 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I shorten the sleeve by an inch (I ran out of fabric).  I am glad I shorten it by an inch because it would have been way to long.  Everything happens for a reason.
 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes! Yes! Yes!  This pattern has two sleeve options.  You can make a classic shirt with standard sleeves, which will never go out of style.  Or you can make the cold shoulder sleeve which is in this season.  If you haven't made this top yet what are you waiting for.
 

Conclusion:
I am going to make one more top in a solid color and then one for my oldest daughter.  When I made this top I cut the neckline and armhole in a Large, a bust in a Extra Large, and the waistline in a Large.
 

 

The Game is On

 Do you remember my last post about McCall 7573? This afternoon, I picked up another copy of that pattern.  Yessssss!  The game is on!!!

 

This is the fabric I am going to use for this pattern.  It is sheer and I think I might have the perfect fabric to use under.

 

While in Joann's I picked up this beautiful yard of fabric. I am not sure what I am going to make with it. If you have any suggestions please comment below.

 

15-minutes of Sewing

 

Today I am going to cut out McCall 7573 again and tomorrow I will work on cutting out my fashion fabric.  Have a terrific day!!!

 

What is going on?????

Virus!  Yes, I said it.  That's what's going on.  A stupid virus and kicked me out of commission.  It all started when my son came home with the sniffles about a week ago.  this past Friday, I woke up with a splitting headache.  I still have a headache. Does this virus understand that I have a lot going on this week???  Why doesn't it understand. 

Work in Progress (WIP)

I was working on a few projects before this stupid virus hit me.

I was so excited when this pattern came out that I new I had to find the perfect fabric to make Simplicity 8379.  I picked up a turquoise slub.  Man was that a mistake. I had the worse time trying to finish the armholes.  I will upload photos (hopefully) later on this week.

 McCall 7573-my 15 minutes of sewing.  Is a bust!!!!  I lost the pattern.  I went to Joann's weekend sewing pattern sale to pick another copy and they didn't have my size.  I guess it's not meant to be.   SMH

Kwik Sew 4207-  Stay toned for pattern review

 

Simplicity 1382-next up is the waist band and skirt and buttons

 

I have a lot going on this week because it is the last week of school.

 

I thinks that all for my updates.