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Thursday, April 22, 2010

I'm still here and a pattern review

I've been a very bad blogger lately. I've been sewing but have been too lazy to post anything. Sorry to have worried any of my internet sewing buds. With my health issure, it was insensitive of me not to post something.

If you're wondering about the big smile it's because one week ago tomorrow marks one year since my lumpectomy for breast cancer. I am officially a survivor! It's been an interesting year but I remember like it was yesterday being told about the cancer. I think I took it as well as I could at the time but little did I know that the surgery was the easy part. I wouldn't wish radiation therapy on my worst enemy. I was not prepared to the side effects. Gaining 25lbs, losing some of my fingernails, some memory loss and all kinds of joint pain and muscle weakness that no one warned me about. Most recently I've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Seems the radiation zapped my thyroid! Tomorrow I go for the second time to have the fluid drained off of my breast. Seems the cavity that was left after the lumpectomy continues to fill up with fluid as well as causing some lymphedema in my right hand and arm. So what do I have to smile about...I'm still here...that's what! I've still been sewing and of late have become addicted to scrapbooking. So I spend my free time between the two. Below is a review of my latest project.

McCalls 5630




Pattern Description:

Misses' blouses: Close-fitting blouse with front band collar band with or without collar, sleeve and cuff variations and shaped hem
Pattern Sizing:
8-22. I cut a size 18 through the neck and armholes and a 22 at the side seams which I pin-fit to my taste
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?
This a Palmer/Pletsch pattern and as with all their their patterns, the instructions are excellent and offer tips to guarantee success
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
What I like about the pattern is the classic fit of this side seam and front and back darts for additional fit opportunities. I liked the classic styling and the shaped hem along with the collar and stand. What I disliked about his pattern is that the marking for the front darts could easily discourage an inexperienced sewer. They are absolutely crazy. It took a while for me to wrap my mind around how they were to actually be marked and sewing. All the dart sizes seemed to overlap and intersect in a very haphazard way. Add that to the markings for the FBA, and lenghtening and shortening lines and it was absolutely crazy. If you should venture to sew this pattern I would suggest trying to mark your size with some kind of colored marker first.
Fabric Used:
Polyester Crepe
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Where do I begin? I made about an 1 1/4" FBA, a 1" WBA (wide back adustment), shortened the back armhole length, changed the shape of the front armhole and removed about 1" from the sleeve cap.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I'm sure I'll sew it again now that I've made all the adustments I need. About recommending it to others...the jury is still out.

26 comments:

  1. Nice blouse, and great to see that smile!

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  2. Happy anniversary and I'm glad you're doing well!

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  3. Glad to see you and glad you are doing well. Love the blouse! You look beautiful as usual!!

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  4. So happy for you, and glad you are doing fine...That is a lovely blouse

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  5. Pretty top! I am happy to hear that you are doing good now! God bless you always!

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  6. ....and it's a Beautiful smile indeed! I can't imagine your struggle but I'm glad for all you've overcame and your positive attitude!!!

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  7. I'm sure the last year has been a trying one. But, hey congratulations on getting through it, one day at a time. Having been sick, you know how precious life is, and to celebrate every day. Celebrating with your sewing, and your handsome husband--what could be better? I like your new blouse. I love PP patterns and have many of them. Sew on, girl, sew on!

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  8. You are so adorable. Congratulations for your 1 year survivor badge of courage!! Gorgeous top too, as usual. :)

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  9. Beautiful blouse and congratulations on your one year anniversary, you are such an inspiration.

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  10. Nice top!... Glad to see that you are hanging in there.

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  11. Congratulations - one year - survivor!! God Bless...

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  12. Lovely blouse, looks great on you! All the best, so glad to hear it's been a year and all's fine.

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  13. A gorgeous smile for an amazing reason! This anniversary is a great milestone.

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  14. Congratulations!! You have a beautiful smile and a gorgeous new top!

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  15. Congratulations! You are living life and enjoying all that you can enjoy with scrapping and sewing, etc. That's absolutely wonderful.

    Keep smiling. More people are watching you than you probably know. You're a great inspiration. God bless, Eve

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  16. Congratulations. You are a survivor and a fabulously dressed one too! That blouse is gorgeous and you look totally beautiful in it.

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  17. Yes, you're still here and we are damn glad about it!!!! I love the blouse. It looks great with the pants - just what I would have chosen. lol

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  18. Congratulations! It's wonderful to hear you are doing well. Your blouse looks beautiful.

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  19. I'm glad you are looking so happy and healthy. I'm just sorry that you have had to go through all of this heartache and pain. I'm glad you are posting on your blog again. I've been wondering about you and hoping that you were ok.

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  20. Awesome milestone and your beautiful smile shows it.

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  21. What can you do but smile? Glad that you are still sewing and telling us about it.

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  22. Beautiful blouse, and congratulations on your anniversary!! What a great milestone.

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  23. Look at you! You are the picture of grace and vitality, and an inspiration. Happy anniversary!

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  24. You have a beautiful smile! Happy anniversary. You have much to be grateful for so just keep on smiling:) I can't wait to see some of your scrapbook work and the cards you are making.

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  25. Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary. may you have many more. I have that same smile (10 year survivor). It's a life altering experience.........

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