What I'm working on...Vogue 8904

I've spend the last couple of days working on my own version of Vogue 8904.

The starving waif shown on the pattern envelope above certainly didn't inspire me but there are sewing bloggers that did.

After making an FBA, it was clear that adjusting each and every piece was going to be way more work than I wanted, so I just used the pattern as inspiration. After all the work I've done, I decided that my version would have a back with only vertical stripes. I don't want to have to rip out any more hair trying to figure it out. I'm also going to add short sleeves to transition into fall. So far I'm liking it a lot.

McCalls 6752

This will surely be one of the best patterns of 2013 and I just had to try it.

Pattern Description:
Misses' pullover tops and dresses have neckline variations and elasticized (seamed) waist.
Pattern Sizing:
6-22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I think so
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I didn't use the instructions
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the simple styling. I didn't like the fullness in the bodice
Fabric Used:
ITY knit gifted to me from Sheila at Sheilaz- CTK
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I started with a 1" FBA which I really didn't need because of the ease already added to the pattern. I raised the underarm about 3/4" of an inch and it is still a little low for my taste. In my opinion the skirt is super short so I added 4".
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
When I first made and wore this dress I hated it. It was headed for the trash. I had forgone the elasticized waist but decided to add it before I tossed it into File 13. I'm glad I did. The elastic made all the difference in the world. I sewed clear elastic into the waist seam.
Conclusion:
This is bound to be one of the best patterns of 2013 so jump on the bandwagon before it's gone.

Just for the Fun of It

Using left over fabric from this dress

I made this using the Queen Bra Elite having converted it to a partial band bra.

Not the best fit but fun to make.

Oops! I did it again

I couldn't help myself. Another Simplicity 1667.  Haven't decided how I'll finish the neckline. This time I did read the instructions and added a piece of 1" elastic for the front ruching. Hate it! I"ll be taking it out and adding the clear elastic.

I was explaining to my husband how to take better pictures and he commented that he likes this design, but thinks it makes me look big! WTF. He's welcome to his opinion but I think I look fabulous in it big or small. What do you think?

Shoes Make the Difference

We all know that the right shoes can make or break an outfit.  From flip-flops to some really skankified  shooties, my Simplicity 1667 can be worn with either!

 

I was able to talk the husband into snapping a few photos though it was starting to rain. He thinks his camera skills are improving but its really just the camera!

Simplicity 1667

I'm still in the throes of summer sewing. Having been out of my sewing room for six weeks, I feel like I've missed out on summer sewing.

I just finished my second version of Simplicity 1667.

Probably would have made them sooner but I was busy digging through my stash for a McCalls pattern. Guess my photographic memory is starting to fade! The pattern is super easy, stylish and comfortable. While I'd say the McCalls 6559 is my summer uniform, this will now be my backup uniform. I'll wear them with leggings and dress them either up or down with shoes and accessories.

Pattern Description:
Misses' pants and top
Pattern Sizing:
4-26
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Exactly

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I didn't ever look at them.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the styling. Easy and stylish. What more could you ask for?
Fabric Used:
Not sure. It's either Chiffon or Georgette
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The only alteration I made was to add 4" to the length and an additional 2" to the center front in lieu of an FBA. I also added foldover elastic to the neck and shoulders and finished all edges with a rolled hem. For the center front ruching I used clear elastic.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I've already sewn it twice and am sure I sew it several more time. Like I said, this is going to be my backup summer uniform to McCalls 6559.
Conclusion:
If you don't already have it, you don't know what you're missing.

BTW here's a quick video I made showing how to use a rolled hem foot. Please excuse the phone ringing in the background!

Two Dollar and Fifty Cent Dress

Did you read my blog post yesterday? Well if you didn't, go back and read it. The panty party is over. I think I even spy a pair of newly sewn panties on the floor! WTH happened there?

I also wondered if I could sew a new dress before work. It happened. It came out exactly like I envisioned. Do you like it?

I'm really starting to embrace the vintage inspired shift/and or tent dresses. This is my own concoction. I think I might be able to audition for Project Runway. I started this dress at 1 p.m. and was getting into the shower at 2:30 p.m. I started out with what is going to be my TNT (shift/tent dress) pattern with Butterick 5522. I added 3" width at the side seam from the hem gradually going back to the original side seam at the bust area. I added an inverted pleat to the center front and sewed it down to the top of the bust. Of course I've added a side seam bust dart. Finally, I morphed the upper back portion of McCalls 6559 (faux racerback).

I sewed the entire dress on the machine. I didn't use facings but instead serged the neck and arm, turned under and finished with double needle stitching.

The hems were also machine-stitched.

I love this dress and all of this fabulousness only cost $2.50! My favorite Salvation Army almost always has fabric and I've gotten some wonderful "vintage" fabrics. This is a lighter weight Polly and Esther fabric and I love it.

This is a side view showing the slight high-low hemline.

I carried this vintage handbag I found at a garage sale a few years ago for .50! I had to have it. I'm glad I remembered it and was able to pair it with my new dress. The pearls are the finishing touch. I just love it when a garment comes together.

I'm having a panty party!

I really am having a panty party but you'll be happy to know I'm the only one invited. I will let you in via my description. I wanted to add some now panties to my collection. From the time my hubby ran to McDonald's to pick up breakfast, I was able to totally finish one pair. For some reason I always make my panties in "3's." So where does the "party" come in at? Imagine me in an oversized tee shirt wearing a newly sewn pair of panties. I'm also soaking off my gel nail polish. So add to the tee, me with foil wrapped around each finger tip, hair going every-which-way rocking out to the sounds of Michael Jackson's Invincible and practicing a bunch of old school dances. Of course I'm looking at myself in the mirror. That's right. I'm bringing back the robot! If you're not laughing at the visual the above description evokes...something is wrong with you because I am LMAO!

The animal print pair of panties is from the last batch I made. They are the same size but have been washed repeatedly. Just need to throw the new ones in the wash so that the elastic will shrink into place.

I didn't have any cotton knit fabric for the crotch but President Obama and Martin Luther King were kind enough to lend me the sleeves from the tee shirt I retrieved from the donation pile. I'm pretty sure this shirt will provide me with lots of crotch lining.

See the current state of my cutting table? I have to be at work at 4. Right now it's almost noon. I'm contemplating a new dress. Do you think I have time?