Mad About Plaid - Butterick 5218

I've been sewing up a storm. Haven't been blogging about it but take my word for it...but believe me, it's happening. I made two more pairs of Jalie Eleanore jeans, another Appleton dress and McCall's 7195. I need some casual tops to go with my new jeans. I chose Butterick 5218 and a Homespun cotton fabric from my stash.

Pattern Description: Rated Easy. Loose-fitting, pullover tops have collar variations, front button closure with front pleats, back gathers, dropped shoulders and sleeve variations.
Pattern Sizing:
9-22 I made the size 20
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?
Super. The instructions for the front pleat were spot-on.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the relaxed fit
Fabric Used:
100% Cotton Homespun from JoAnn Fabrics
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't make any alterations but should have made a cheater FBA by adding 2" additional length to the center front. Luckily the high-low look is in style so it's not that big of a deal. Although I sewed View B, I added the pockets from View C and used the garment length and sleeves from View A. I cut bot the sleeves and the the pockets on the bias as I didn't want to have to worry about matching this uneven plaid.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I'll sew it again. I'd love to make it in a white linen blend. I'd recommend it to others if you don't mind the relaxed fit. Unfortunately it is out of print!
Conclusion:

The hardest part of the garment was finding a button that matched. I'll use the one button you see. Currently it's just stuck on. I like how the color blends and will be making the buttonholes later this evening.

Next up is Simplicity 1062

Jalie Eleonore

I've seen these pants many times of Pattern Review but none of the sewers look like me. It seemed that only smaller sized were being sewn but the sometimes I do hop on the "bandwagon" and what everybody else is doing. I purchased the pattern from Pattern Review and it arrived soon after.

In case you didn't know I am mostly a Big 4 sewer. I know the adjustments I need to make but pants are always particularly problematic. I've got a butt and it's not going anywhere! I also hate tracing patterns. Seeing the lines sometimes presents a problem but mostly it because I just don't like doing it. So what an old broad supposed to do? I traced the pattern doing an episode of Project Runway. There's only seven pattern pieces and went very smoothly.

The pattern is described as Pull-On Jeans. Of course my first thought was "Mom Jeans" but the pattern goes on to say they are "stretch pull-on jeans (long or cropped) with wide waistband. Yoke, faux fly in the front, patch pockets in the back. Fitted fitted through waist and hips, straight from the knee down. Very easy to turn into skinny jeans. While I'm a 16 in RTW, someone wearing a size 20 in a pattern should never describe their jeans as "skinny." But I digress.

I chose a lightweight denim from my stash. After comparing to pattern to a pair of denim leggings-like pull-on RTW pants, I decided to add a 3" wedge underneath the back pocket and a 3/4" wedge to the crotch in the front. From their I followed the sewing directions. I will add this is my first Jalie pattern and I don't necessarily like that the directions are printed on the same single page as the pattern pieces.

The directions and illustrations are very good. An experienced sewer probably doesn't need them but I liked having them handy. Everything was straightforward. I used the size BB pattern and was skeptical about them fitting. Even when I got them to the "try-on" stage I was still skeptical. When I finally sewed on the waistband and had a "try-on" with shoes, I was pleasantly surprised. The pants were a wonderful fit. I've got some wrinkles in the back but they don't bother me at all. I love the shape of the legs and am really impressed that I didn't need to add length. Although I was also skeptical of the 3/8" seam allowance not allow room for alterations...I didn't need any. No I know what all the fuss is about. I LOVE YOU ELEONORE! I do have one minor alteration to make. The front waist is pull to the back as the front pattern piece is wider than the back. I'm going to shave that amount off the front and add it to the back. Then I'll use my front waistband for the back and vice versa. I can't even describe how comfortable these are. They feel like pajamas. No kidding! I might add front pockets but not sure I will. If you've been on the fence about this pattern, take the plunge, you won't be sorry.

Here's so not so good photos. My dog kept photobombing me and the sun is in the wrong position. No hair or makeup and I didn't want you'll to think I had on a Halloween mask. LOL. I'm going to take better pictures later but I just couldn't wait to spew how much I like this pattern. Don't judge me for the back picture. I don't know why I have the jeans hiked up like that. They really do look and feel good on me. This is also the only top I could find that almost matched. I'm pretty sure I won't wear them together.