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Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Appleton #3

I told you'd there'd be more Appleton's to come. This is number three. It's fresh off of the sewing machine. I had to get a little creative with some of the pieces as I didn't really have enough fabric. I had to piece the ties together but intentionally cut the neck and front bands on the crossgrain. I also added sleeves bands that were cut on the crossgrain as well.


The photo on the right is more the true color. This fabric is from JoAnn's and has been maturing in the stash for a while! While the fit is fabulous, I'm not loving it right now because it's really giving me a "bathrobe" vibe. Maybe hair and makeup will make me feel better about it!  Off to do Christmas gift embroidery and up after that...panties, panties, and more panties!


Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Cashmerette Appleton #2

This is Appleton #2 and Appleton #3 on on the cutting table as we speak.. I love this pattern.


My sewing time is right about 3 1/2 hours from start to finish.





This time I added 2" to the bodice while adding 1" to to both the left and right neckband. I also added a cuff to the sleeves. I love it. The ties are much more comfortable two inches lower. The cuff gives it a more finished look The only thing that could make the dress better would be to add pockets and that will be easy enough to do.

 I added thread belt loops on both sides to keep the ties in place and also added as snap at the bust crossover for modesty. The fabric is a Maggie London ITY Knit from Fabric Mart., I ordered it a couple of weeks ago when the ITY Knits were $3.50 a yard. This fabric feels so good against my skin. I could absolutely sleep in it. I was going to wear the dress with black pumps but found this forgotten shoes in my closet. I think they are a great nude color for my skintone, There will be many more Appletons in my future!


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Simplicity 1062 My New Go-to Knit Top

In 2013 my favorite go-to knit top pattern was McCall's 6566



 This year my favorite go-to is going to be Simplicity 1062.


 Pattern Description:
The description from Simplicity.com:
Learn to work with knit fabric while making these easy to wear tops featuring hi-lo hemline with or without contrast bands. Simplicity Learn to Sew Pattern Collection has easy sewing directions, perfect for beginners.
Pattern Sizing:
XXS-XXL I made the large
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?
I didn't even look at them.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that it's a super easy basis dolman pattern. While I don't usually like dolman sleeve tops because of the wad of fabric that usually gathers at the underarm, not so with this top. Not sure if it is because of the cut or the fabric but I love it and this is actually my second one.
Fabric Used:
ITY Jersey from Fabric Mart
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Although I usually make an FBA, because it is a Hi-Low design I decided against one. Although I rarely use the neckband pieces for knits but rather draft and cut my own, I used the one provided...mistake. It was too long. I had to removed it and shorten. This is actually my second top so for this version I cut the neckband 2" shorter than the pattern piece and it was perfect.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This is going to be my new go-to knit top pattern. I'm wearing it with the McCalls 6643 knit skirt pattern View C.