Burda 7872

 This was a last minute top for my mini wardrobe. I had originally planned a cardigan and was about 95% done with it when trying it on with the rest of the wardrobe items my oldest son replied I looked pregnant with it on, now after 8 pregnancies and 9 kids that was not a look I was going for so that was in trash quick fast and in a hurry. So now I was left with less than a week and one more item to complete in order to be eligible for the contest. For two days I went back and forth with what I had in my stash and what I had time for and time was quickly running out. and at first was only looking at toppers (vest, jackets, and cardigans), nothing I had in my fabric collection was working then I remembered I needed to have 6 looks not 8 and just one more top would give me that. So within hour I had a new plan and started right away I was done in only sessions.

PR review:
Pattern Description: Burda Easy Misses top or tunic with v-neck or cowl.

Pattern Sizing: 32 to 44, I used size 40

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? No I chopped off about 5 inches in length.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes very easy, at first I thought I messed up on the cowl application, the seam is on the outside but I think its suppose to be hidden by the cowl so no raw edges show when it is hanging down, but I don't like it and will try something different IF I make this again

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I don't know if I like this or dislike this but the sleeves and bodice are cut in piece so no shoulder or sleeve seam.

Fabric Used: I used a mid weight cotton knit that I got here.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I just shortened by about 5 inches.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yeah but with a lighter weight fabric and also once I figure out another way to sew the cowl. i don't like how Burda has you do it, the seam is on the outside which I understand the seam is hidden by the cowl instead of on the inside where it can show from the cowl hanging down. I would recommend to someone who wants instant gratification.

Conclusion: A nice last minute top for my wardrobe.

 This like most patterns for knits tell you to use a double needle to sew hems but I have found a stitch on my sewing machine I like to use so far no one has asked me if I made my knit tops. For this top I made the stitch as wide as I could and used it as trim sort of as you can see to the left.

Until next time, happy sewing...

Peplum Top FAIL

This is where this top ENDS, just before I put in the sleeves and hem it. I would tell more of the construction of  this top but I can't , I'm just done, through, finished with this top. I had very high hopes for this top that is why it is so disappointing. The problem is that the waist is NOT flattering at all, and its my fault, that's what I get for being lazy. I only did a tissue fit and found that it was a little small in the waist so I decided not to sew the back darts to give myself more room in the back and just eased the fullness with the peplum. Well turns out I had plenty room in the waist as a matter of fact a 42 maybe too big for me, see I'm still learning to fit myself and still have not developed my eye yet for catching these things in tissue that is why I tend to tissue fit, alter and then make a muslin. Well this top made me look like I had a spare tire in the middle forget that it made me look like I had a Mack truck spare tire in the middle. Of course I did not see this until I put the invisible in and tried it on. Taking the top apart was not an option as fragile as this fabric is it would just look tortured. So I'm taking out the zip and picking myself up and  moving along and reworking my plan. I DO plan to make this top again but not now after this disaster I need a moment alone away from this pattern, I just don't want to look at it any more right now. So on the top number two which is one that was already in my plan.

Until next time, happy sewing...

Burdastyle 8/2012 Part 2

 I am not sure what my fabric is other than its  poly and is very lightweight. I am tempted to call this top Mystique since this thing is  is very shape shifty. I was able to cut out my pieces without needing to put extra tissue paper between the fabric layers. Now on to construction, I'm still not sure what the is best for this fabric, I tried using mock french seams but that did not do well with the raveling of the fabric so then I just switched to using my serger but I don't like the heaviness of the seam so I think next time if I do another fabric like this I'll just use the real thing and do real french seams.

Also I used tailors tacks to mark my darts it was the only thing I could think of to use on this fabric. I see that I need to do more research on working with sheer and lightweight fabrics.

So this is were I am now, next on to the back and the invisible zipper.

Next Up Burdastyle 8/2012-114

 Can we just say the new BurdaStyle condensed pattern sheets are just seizure inducing. Trying to find  the pattern pieces was not easy at all, but I hope to use this pattern more than once so hopefully its worth it. I'm making the long sleeve version but I am leaving off the collar. I have read through the instructions and they seem pretty straight forward, so I don't expect the run into any problems with that. My only problem will be with my fabric, I have no idea what it is other than some sort of polyester and that is a guess. It is very lightweight and frays so I'm dealing with how to finish the inside, I'm hoping to find something in my many books, if not then winging it I will be.

I did have pictures of my fabric but for some reason I was not able to upload them. So next time I'll try to have pics of the fabric and the beginning stages.

Until next time happy sewing...

First Blouse done

 So I am finish my first top/blouse of the year/challenge and I am pleased with it. It went together pretty quickly which is something I like, quick gratification.





I already have my next variation planned but before than I have a few other things I want to make. Now the review.

Pattern Description: Misses tops with B,C,or D cup with different trims.

Pattern Sizing: I made a size 12 with D cup

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? nope see below

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes they are very easy. There really is nothing complicated about this pattern.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? There is nothing I really disliked other than not having sleeves

Fabric Used: I used a cotton satin, which I think is the same as cotton sateen but its lighter than the sateen I'm use to this is more of a blouse weight not a bottom weight.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The only thing I did was add sleeves to make it more of a blouse than a woven Tee. I also widen the upper back by 1/2 inch and lowered the bust dart by 1 inch.
Also I tried the facing technique found in High Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World's Best Designers


Conclusion: Nice easy pattern to help build your wardrobe as you can see by the 60+ reviews and best pattern of 2010 award.

The facing

Finishing this blouse took a little longer than expected due to a bad stomach virus that had me in bed all day yesterday and then today my 3 year old son and 2 year daughter decided to take a hot chili pepper and rub it in their eyes, lets just say I don't think they even want to see another chili pepper again. No amount of water was making them feel better. It took about an hour before the crying stopped.

This is a sneak peak at my next 4 items, a mini wardrobe that with some of it mixed in my SWAP.  The two on the left are cotton knits, the next is a cotton sateen and the last is a regular cotton. The Sateen is going to be the challenge as it is only 2 yards and I want to make a maxi skirt out of it.

Until next time happy sewing

First Item of My Challenge

 So I have started on my personal challenge and also SWAP with Simplicity 2599. Even though it is not a size14 it still fits me pretty good. I now know I need a swayback adjustment, I just need to know how to do it. Before I make another blouse from this pattern I plan on making the adjustment the best I can.

 For my first blouse I'm using a red and white cotton satin that I got here in Saudi Arabia. So far it washed well and pressed like a dream. I was able to get all of my pieces on two meters. I'm still getting use the meter thing here, I always have to remind myself not to say yards when I'm ordering something. Anyway I'm still debating if I want to put the ruffles on the front of this one. When I did in the muslin it just did not look right to me. I don't know if it was the bib look or something else. But when I look at them on the ones that others have done it looks so nice. Maybe its just me, I'm not use to wearing a style like that. So my pieces are cut I'm hoping this will take me no more than two sessions to get it done at the same time I am NOT going to rush it.

Until next time happy sewing...

 

The Sweetheart Tee

So I have not made this one up since I first made it but the one top I did make from it is one of my favorites. I have been meaning to use this one again but kept getting sidelined to others. So hopefully we will see more of it in 2012. As with most of my tops I'm going to need to add about 2 inches to the length, I'm really starting to see a pattern here with doing all these fitting jobs at once. But the sleeve length is perfect for me. I think for my next one I'll make another print but use plain fabric for the bindings.

Until next time happy sewing...

The Basic Tee

This was one of my original patterns New Look 6735 for my challenge but then I wanted something a little more unique and it was replaced with Jalie Sweetheart tee. But I really want a basic tee as apart of my wardrobe, I wear a lot of t-shirts so it was only natural to have a basic in my wardrobe plan. I think with a basic tee it will offer me a lot possibilities to changing it up.I mostly see myself changing the neckline up and sometimes the length bu we shall see.

Until next time happy sewing...

The Shirt

My shirt will be McCall's 5138. This has been a staple of mine ever since high school and I prefer them to be fitted without being tight. I picked this pattern because it had the fewest pieces and had the look I wanted. For this challenge I wanted to only shop my stash since I feel like I have a lot of patterns especially shirt patterns. I have not fitted yet but after fitting my Simplicity pattern I feel like I can take on anything right now. As far as my tops goes I think this one will be last. This also the pattern I plan to use for my Learn to Sew class. I already have it traced off in a size 12 so its ready and waiting for to fit it. For my SWAP I only have one planned but I know once I get the fit right I'm going to making a lot of these.

Until next time happy sewing...

Working Simplicity 2599

 So Simplicity 2614 just is not going to work out for me, the bust portion needs to be lowered and the upper back is too tight and lower back there is like a pool of fabric. Its is just too much for a top I don't think I'll make a lot of. So once again I visited Simplicity 2599, its like the third time I have gone to this pattern in the last two weeks, so far it has the best starting point being a size twelve with a D-cup. I already had a muslin sewn up and I remember that I loved the fit of it even with out any alterations even tho it clearly needs some. So all in all I think this is the best I have come across in my small pattern stash.

 Just as you can see here, the back pools on me. I don't know if this is from a swayback or large derrie  that is causing it. Also it is on the bias so I don't know if that is playing a factor in the pooling and if so how do I alter it, is it the same as something on the grain? I'm taking all of this as a learning experience but I know that this top is not one that I want to spend a lot of time on if I don't see me making it up that much.

 So back to Simplicity 2599. Since I already had a muslin of the pattern unaltered, I wore it around the house for a few hours doing house work and working with my kids and so far these are the adjustments I made, I lowered the bust dart one inch, add a half in to the upper back and add one inch to the hip area. So I'm hoping to get time this weekend and sew up the new muslin and see how it fits.

I really have to keep the goal in mind because using all of this time for just working with patterns and no clothes to show is a bit downing. But once I have a good pattern to work with there is no limit to what I can do with it, I know I may still need to alter later but I just want a good starting point. I just have to take everything as a learning experience and take it one step at a time. So my goal this weekend is to sew up my new muslin and record my findings.

Until next time happy sewing...

Simplicity 2345 with OOP 5875

 I'm surprised this pattern has only been reviewed once and is now OOP.With all the popularity of cowls right now I would think this would have gotten more air time. Anyway I'm thinking about adding this one to my collection of patterns for my challenge for next year, it really is one of my favorite top patterns.I have only made it twice but I hope to make it a lot more. Anyway here is my review.

 Pattern Description: Misses'/Miss petite jacket, pants, knit top and dress with knit bodice.

Pattern Sizing: 8-16 but I sewed a size 12

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  A little, I added a sleeve from and OOP simplicity pattern 5875

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, I had no problems putting it together and after you have done it once, its  breeze the second time around.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I had no dislikes other than just wanting sleeves, which was easier to do than I thought.

Fabric Used: a polyester knit I had gotten from fabric.com and a cotton knit I got here from Souk Owais

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: only change I made was add a sleeve from an OOP Simplicity 5875 but for I did this I asked and Nicegirl's reply was most helpful Message board question After wearing the first one for a while  I added an extra inch to the gray top since I like  y tops a little longer than it was drafted

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? yes and yes

Conclusion: I love my tops and hope to make more and I even plans to make it into a dress esp with  the popularity of Vogue 1250
I'm surprised it has only been reviewed once

Until next time happy sewing...

Simplicity 2725 3x

 I'm done, I did it, I started and finished my contest entry. Three tops in one month and also gave birth on the third day of the contest so that took off more than a week. But I did it, I DID IT!!!

 Okay now about my tops. For the first one I kept everything as is other than eliminate the back zipper. So the black top is the bare bones of the pattern,just a great way to show off a nice fabric.

For the second top which is the red and black cotton print from Joann's a few years ago, I did not add the cuff to the sleeves and instead hemmed it as is and add a drawstring to the sleeves. to control some of the fullness I made a small belt with piping and added belt loops to sides of the top. My only problem was that I made the belt a bit too small because after sewing it up, it took me two days to turn it by hand and even then I did not do all of it, by the second day I gave it to my daughter to work on but I ended up finishing it.

 For the third top I decided to add pockets to the bodice and also I added sleeve taps and also again I did another belt but this time I learned my lesson about the size of the belt. This time it didn't take me long at all to turn my belt. The fabric is a medium weight beige cotton that was purchased from fabric.com a few years ago.

 In conclusion I'm so happy that I did this contest for many reasons. For one I really enjoyed working with the blank canvas and making something totally different each time. It has given me a since of accomplishment for having completed this time around and on time at that. Also I see the true value in having TNT patterns. I don't think this will be my basic top pattern but it is one of my TNTs now and I hope to make more in the future.

Until next time Happy Sewing...