Where has the time gone?

I didn't stop sewing I just wasn't taking the time to write about it. I'm going to give blogging another try. I hope you'll stay with me.I can't believe that it has been almost three years since my last post. Even prior to that my postings were somewhat sporadic. What can I say? Life got in the way. At one point I even had three blogs going. Man was that tiring. I think I'm going to combine all three. Sew my blog will now include not only my sewing but also my machine knitting (which I intend to start back doing), my doll clothes making and my paper crafting. It's my party and I can do what I want...LOL

I recently had a rather significant weight-loss and there is a down side to it. I really don't have anything to wear! That includes bras and panties. Oh I have a few smaller things that I didn't get rid of but that was purely by accident. I even have tunics and leggings that are too large. While I did alter a few things, I absolutely hate alterations and decided this is a prime opportunity to revamp my wardrobe and SWAP. There are several sewing challenges I plan to enter but I've also started my own.

2015

2018

First up is a three piece wardrobe I just finished, black, that I want to build around for the entire year. My plan is to use mostly fabrics from my stash. I'm really excited because for once I have a clear direction I want (need) to go in my sewing. One good thing about the weight-loss is that I am back to my 2010 size...mostly. This time my waist is slightly bigger and butt and thighs are smaller. Previously altered patterns now only need minor adjustments. Stay tuned!

Metropolitan Urban Gypsy Blouse

White parties are all the rage in the Summer here in Michigan. I wanted something more than just plain old white and wanted something that would make a statement as well. My internet sewing pal Faye or at Faye's Sewing Adventure suggested the Hot Patterns Metropolitan Urban Gypsy Blouse. Thanks quite a mouthful for a garment name! While I'm not usually an independent pattern company fan, but I have had success with the Jalie Eleanore pant and with Cashmerette Appleton Dress. The Hot Pattern envelope describes it as

When you're in the mood to wear something pretty with a cool-girl vibe, reach for one of these beauties, perfect for light to medium-weight crisp or fluid fabrics, like crepe, voile, chambray, shirting, gauze, charmeuse or rayon: these also work gorgeously iin knits like silk(y) jersey, rayon, linen or modal. Loose-fit, pull-on, off-the-shoulder blouses have a neckband that fitted at the front and elasticated around the sides and back; the bodice has a gentle A-line cut with bust darts. Choose your favorite raglan sleeve length; 3/4 with a tied cuff, or just above the elbow with a deep elasticated cuff. Blouses finish with a narrow shirt-tail hem at the upper thigh with a narrow shirt-tail hem at the upper thigh, Chest patch pockets are optional; we've also included an optional internal stretch shelf bra as well as halter straps for easy wearing. You'll be amazed at how wearable these stunning blouses really are...tuck them into a high-waist tailored skirt or pant, wear them untucked over a skinny, flared or palazzo pant, or try them runway-style worn loose over a matching midi-length A-line skirt.

I don't totally agree with the description of how you could wear it, but to each his own.

I started out by tracing the pattern pieces onto Examination Table Paper which I get from my doctor's office. I usually ask for a roll about once a year. Tracing patterns is one of my least favorite things to do so one roll a year is more than enough.

I traced the size 20 which is the same size for the Big 4. I didn't want to take any chances with hiking up in the front so I made a cheater FBA by adding 1" to the length at center front. The pattern does have a slight hi-low design.

From there I followed the directions which were well written and although I did question the separate front band without elastic, I continued. That was a major mistake. Any seasoned sewer would know that adding a band with 1 1/2" wide elastic to only a portion of the band would create an obvious difference. HATED IT (in a sing songy voice). It screamed, "BECKY HOMECKY." By no stretch of the imagination did it look good. Luckily I had enough leftover fabric to cut one continuous band, insert elastic through the entire channel, attach to the blouse and voila'.

I used Confetti Dot fabric in my stash from Fabric Mart in silver and used JoAnn Fabrics Jet Set lining (only the front, back and band). The Confetti Dot was easy to cut but it did gum up the needle a little. As soon as I sewed the last stitch I chucked the needle in the garbage. I love the fit, the length and the comfort. I paired it with McCalls 6173 leggings. BTW I am wearing a strapless bra. The pattern called for 2 3/4 yards of fabric. I'm not sure I agree with that. I'll have to make it again to be sure. I highly recommend this top if you like or want to try the of-the-shoulder look.

A post...Finally

Yes. It's me. You've probably wondered what was going on with me. I'm still here but just haven't wanted to blog. Even though I haven't been blogging I'm still sewing up a storm and all is well in my neck of the woods.

One project I've worked on this summer is a shirtdress. I wanted a well-fitting dress with style I chose McCalls 7380.

It was not until I downloaded this picture that I realize how out of proportion the skirt is relative to the bodice. That was the problem I had in sewing mine. I finally took 8" out of the skirt and got the fit I wanted. Below are pictures and my full review.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I particularly like the shaped hem. What I disliked is that there was so much fullness in the skirt. I cut off at least 8 inches in the side seam. I nearly scrapped this whole project and chalk it up as a wadder. In the end I'm glad I stuck it out.
Fabric Used:
Seersucker
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
First I made a 1" FBA adding it as a vertical waist dart. I added width to the back at the waist and added 1" to the length of the bodice and 2" to the skirt length. I omitted the fly button closure because I wanted my buttons to show. I added pockets to get it to the look I envisioned. Next time I won't add to the bodice length because it was hitting me at an odd spot although it did line up with my natural waist. I was able to sew a deeper waist seam to correct it.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
After all the work I did on the pattern I will sew it again. I can picture it in denim with the sleeves.
Conclusion:
Was a total pain in my neck but I love it especially with the pockets.

My dog can't help photobombing me!