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Thursday, October 23, 2014

Pattern Review 6841



Pattern Description: 
Loose-fitting, pullover tops have draped front and back collar.
Pattern Sizing:
XS-XXL/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? The instructions were easy albeit a little tricky to wrap your mind around.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the styling of the finished garment and that I didn't have to do my usual FBA. I don't necessarily like how low the front hangs and how low the neck opening is.. I made view C and it fits like a tunic.


Fabric Used: I used a very drapey ITY like knit that was gifted to me from Carolyn Norman of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic. It feels absolutely fabulous against my skin. I sewed almost entirely on the serger in less than an hour. The picture on the dressform is more true to the actual color.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added 1" to the side seams and I'm glad I did. I also sewed the center front an additional 3".
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'll certainly sew this again as soon as I find another suitable fabric.
Conclusion: This top would great for camouflaging your midsection.



Tuesday, October 14, 2014

The Devil Made Me Do It



Just dropping in to say I just visited Fabric Mart to get a single cut of fabric for a coat. Needless to say not only did I get the coat fabric but ITY knits are 40% off. I couldn't help myself...The devil made me do it!

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Pattern Review McCalls 7018

Keeping with my utilitarian sewing, I've made another top to wear. It's McCalls 7018. 


Try as I might I couldn't get a decent inside photo so I had to muster the ambition to drag my dressform to the backyard!

Pattern Description: Loose-fitting tops and tunic have front button closure, back yoke, sleeve, pocket and collar variations, and narrow hem. Designed for medium weight moderate stretch knit fabrics
Pattern Sizing: 8-22 I sewed 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? I didn't really use the instructions. The pattern is rated Easy. Easy doesn't necessarily mean easy, it mostly refers to the pattern not having many pieces. Translated that means there are not a lot of fit opportunities in the pattern. You must have the knowledge to go it alone
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the idea of collar, stand, and button-up sewn in a knit fabric

Fabric Used: ITY faux lace fabric along with faux leather
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I sewed View E with the collar from View B. I made an erect back adjustment on the back yoke and added a horizontal dart at the side seam. I also changed the sleeve to 3/4 length and added the cuff. The underside of my yoke, collar and stand are made from the fashion fabric and not the faux leather.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'm sure I'll sew this pattern again and would highly recommend to others. Be warned that the front of View E is not as long as you might think. This top ends right at the top of my crotch. If not for the high-low profile I would have had to make it either longer or shorter
Conclusion: Winner, winner, chicken dinner!



Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Has it been that long?

It's been over a month since I last posted. Wow! I've been slipping. Since we last "spoke" I celebrated my 57th birthday and my 5th wedding anniversary! Yippee! The golf season is basically over and the bowling season is in full bloom. The sewing I've been doing has been for Barbie of course and mostly utilitarian for myself. I'm working on bras, panties, knit tops and skirts for bowling. My most recent top is
McCalls 6963


I especially like the drape neck. I didn't read the instructions. The top went together very easily. I made my usual FBA sewing view B with sleeves from view C. I used Slinky from Fashion Fabrics. It's been in my stash for quite a while and was absolutely perfect for this top


I shortened if a couple of inches as it was quite long and not to my liking. 

On another note I've had something of a health scare. I was experiencing quite a bit of shortness of breath. I had to make a trip to Urgent Care and was ultimately diagnosed with asthma. WTH. Who gets asthma at 57? I guess I do. Unfortunately all of this happened last weekend and I was unable to attend the American Sewing Expo and my health is more important. There's always next year!