Simplicity 8084

So it's been almost a year since I posted. I didn't really sew for myself for 9+ months. I had a baby. I thought I would make maternity clothes, but since she should be our caboose, I didn't bother. 

Now that my body is a little bit stabilized I've been sewing for me again. I've made a few tshirt dresses but thought I'd post this first. 

Like lots of other sewists I've been getting on the shirtdress train this season. I chose to start with Simplicity 8084. I liked the details.

Fabric: I used a poly something that I picked up at Hancock's. So sad they're going out of business as they were one of my favorite local stores. I'm a bit obsessed with florals.

Fit: I added 3" to the bottom of the skirt. I'm tall and wanted to make sure this was a long enough maxi. I moved the casing down an inch. I could have used an adjustment to the back/shoulder because it's a bit tight for me.

Lyon Dress

Have you heard of the Sew What Club? It's a sewing pattern club with children's and ladies patterns. You can sign up for either option or both (me).

The Lyon dress was the second girls pattern to be released this month. I sewed it up right away... late into the evening when I should have been sleeping. I used a quilting cotton that was a gift from a mini quilt swap I participated in.

I used single fold bias tape instead of double and hid it on the inside of the neckline and arm openings. I really liked my fabric and didn't want to break it up so I overlapped the top and bodice pieces by 3/8" and then traced onto my tissue. I also cut the 5/6. 

There are several things I'll change for my next one. The head opening is a bit small for my girl, and length is a bit short. I think we could go with the 7/8 for her. She's almost 6 but she's tall and a bit big for her age... which is OK. Her dad and I are tall... it's to be expected.  I think the 7/8 would be a better length. I also plan on altering where I put the elastic. It hits my girl right on the roundest part of her belly, which she finds uncomfortable, and she dresses for comfort first and cuteness second. I think it would be better above, she wants it to go below so that's probably what we'll do.

All in all it's a fast and cute make with several options. She enjoyed wearing this one so much. Also she's been giving me more "serious model face" lately in these kinds of photos. I don't know why. She's kind of shy but I think she also feels a bit special and sassy.
 

Dressed for a Wedding

A few weeks ago the husband and I headed out to Alaska for a few days. My husband's older brother married the sweetest girl that I can now call sister. It was a beautiful wedding, in a beautiful location. Of course I needed a new dress.

This was my inspiration dress.

And here's how I did it.

I drafted a bodice by laying the bodice/top patterns of McCalls 6744 and Simplicity 2599 on top of each other and tracing out new pieces.Then I drafted an A-line skirt and made sure the top of the skirt was as wide as the bottom of the bodice. I encased the waist elastic in the seam and used french seams throughout. Also to make binding the neckline and hemming easier I used lots of steam a seam. I might ruche up the shoulders some more later but for now I like the sleeve.

I used a chiffon that I found at JoAnn's in the red tag section and I ended up using close to 4 yards of fabric.

For a slip I made a knit dress in ivory using this Easy Cap Sleeve Tee and extended the length to be knee length. I chose to make a slip so the dress would still have a light and airy feel and be a bit diaphanous. 

My pics are a bit bright and washed out so the colors on the dress don't look as rich as they are. In real life they're bold, bright and rich.

Crossover Tunic and Dress

Well I've been sewing up a storm. My job didn't work out and then the husband got a night job. So I've been sewing while the kids are napping and while he's at work. Somehow I still have tons of fabric ;) Here's one of the items I made last week.

Pattern:  Jocole - Crossover Tunic or Dress   
Textiles Used:  I think it's a lycra knit that I got locally, at Nuttal's if you're in Utah.
Sizing: The sizing on the top seems accurate and the skirt is very roomy. I cut a small in the bodice and then cut a small in the top of the skirt and graded out to a medium.  
The Good: A very flattering pattern with two sleeve options and it sews together rather quickly.
The Bad: My neckline was a bit wonky. I turned over my neckline and stitched because I like the finish that way. I stabilized the hems with steam a seam but they were still a bit wavy. I think next time I would make a full lining for the front pieces and that might fix the problem... also it could just be that my fabric was a really light weight knit.
Changes Made:  I made a maxi as opposed to the knee length or tunic length the pattern is made in. Also I sewed my neckline down to the dress... didn't want things opening up on me, or to have to wear an undershirt. 
Changes For Next Time:  I think I would line the front pieces of the bodice. Conclusion: Highly recommend this pattern!  So cute and comes together quickly. 

How I styled it. I've been thinking of doing outfit posts with things that I make so you can see how I actually style my hand made items. Here is how I wore this dress yesterday.

I wore it with lots of black... sky high black wedges, a black blazer and black tassel earrings. I loved this. The blazer broke things up for me and was great for the cooler spring days. I made the earrings. My husband said they look like something that came out of the upholstery section... haha they did ;) My daughter was really hoping I'd wear leopard shoes with this dress... I wasn't sure if it was too much pattern mixing... maybe next time.

Risa

the REESE dress

A little update. I got a part time job. I'll have less time to sew for myself. So whatever I make has to count. It's got to be special. This is my year of quality over quantity and trying new things. I was telling my mom today that I want to sew a coat, swimsuit, button down blouse and pants this year. She says pants are easy and I'll be hooked making my own. How's that for encouraging!

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I was asked to test the Reese pattern a couple weeks ago and it's been released this week. It sewed up quickly and has so many cute details. I love the button tabs and asymmetrical back closure.
So let's get into the review.

Pattern: Modkid - Reese Party Dress PDF Pattern
Textiles Used:  Cotton print from the Michael Miller Glitz collection. When I was asked to test this pattern I knew I wanted to use this fabric. This will be my daughter's Easter dress. I think I have enough to make a tie or bow tie for my son... you know because matching kids are super cute ;)
Sizing: Right on. I made a 4T for my girl and it fits great. I can cinch in the waist with the ties so there's room in the waist and it's not tight in the chest.
The Good: Super cute pattern. Thorough instructions. Sews together rather quickly. Love the details.
The Bad: I still have a hard time getting V-necks to look super clean and pointy. Something I need to work on. The most difficult sewing aspect is sewing in button holes, but other than that it's an easy pattern. Also, you could always do snaps if you're terrified of button holes. I used to be scared but find that if I sewed a practice hole into scrap fabric I was ready to sew into my garment.
Changes Made:  I added pockets. I'll be sharing more about that soon.
Changes For Next Time: I think I'd still add pockets since my daughter is really into them right now. And I'd like to try some tulle peeking out under the skirt.
Conclusion: Highly recommend this pattern!  So cute and comes together quickly. 

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Sneak Peek Saturday

Can I just say thank you to all that have stopped by and left comments in the last couple days. THANK YOU! 

Can Sneak Peek Saturday be a thing? A once in a while thing? A too excited to wait to properly blog thing? I hope so... because I'm doing it.

Ok, I pattern tested another little dress for my daughter. The pattern hasn't been released yet, I need to photograph it on my daughter, and then I'll properly blog this little number... but I couldn't resist sharing a couple pics.

If the Shoe Fits

I am a big fan of Project Sewn. If you're not following the competition you should be. It's so fun to see what everyone comes up with, and so great to see the ladies personalities come through in what they make. I love that sewing is so customizable to individual style. Anyway each week there is a theme and you can sew along and link up your creation. This week I'm participating. It was so great to have a goal and theme for my me sewing this week.

This weeks theme is "If the Shoe Fits." I have a great pair of shoes my husband bought me several years ago after seeing me oogle them while window shopping. He snuck into my closet to figure out my shoe size. Then he bought them and surprised me with them. I guess I'm a bit sentimental about them. Anyway they're black and white with a bit of a fun graphic pattern. So I shopped my stash and found some graphic black and white/cream fabric. Also these shoes are real leather, even the sole, so fancy... so I used that to inspire my leather look sleeves.

I used V8670 and extended the hem to be a dress. I cut size 10, which is the size I've used before to make 3 unblogged versions of this top... got to get on that. All my previous versions use a heavier knit but this sweater knit has a bit more drape and stretch so I ended up taking it in quite a bit. In the end I had a 2 inch seam allowance to get it this fitted, but normally the size I cut is just perfect.

I found this fabric in Nov/Dec at Joann's down in Arizona. I am probably at Joann's once a week and had never seen it before and I bought what was left on the bolt, which was just enough to get the bodice of this dress. The sleeves are a stretch faux leather that I found at a local fabric store, Nuttal's if you're in Utah, I have a lot of this still and might make another skirt out of it. I hemmed the sleeves with hem tape and used a pressing cloth, which is my fancy way of saying a bit of scrap cotton ;)

Tuileries Dress

I have been so sick for a week. Every day I feel like I might be getting better but have a few hours where I just want to go lay down. I had signed up to test the Tuileries Dress before I got sick and was able to sew it up yesterday.

It sews up in a couple hours and my daughter loves it and the in-seam pockets. See all the other tester versions here.

Updated to add: I used the last bit of anchor fabric I had from this dress. It's up-cycled fabric and a bit sheer so I wish I had lined the skirt also. This pattern fits true to size for my gal (currently a 4T). Not much room to grow and not too small, but it's comfy. She wanted to wear it all day, even to nap in... I said no. I didn't make any variations to the pattern except I cut up the center back of the skirt and made a seam in which to help strengthen and attach my zip. Speaking of zips this is probably the best invisible zip I've done and I was a sewing zombie that day.

Endless Dress

I tested the Endless Dress pattern for Jocole a few weeks ago. I had the thought to use a great velvet but the store was out by the time I went shopping so I used some fabrics in my stash. These fabrics at one point were bed sheets and curtains, now look at them! I love that there is a hint of peachy pink under the lace and my little one just loves the dress period!

It's called the Endless Dress because you can make SO many variations of the dress. Check out this Jocole blog post to see just what I mean! And check out this inspirational album to see what others have done. I myself want to make a chevron version and one out of a gold polka dot print for spring/summer.

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Pattern Description: Endless Dress from Jocole. A classic style dress with a peter pan collar, empire length or waist length bodice. 3 sleeve length options, and tunic or knee length skirting.

Pattern Sizing: I made the 4T and it was a good fit but in the future I'll add a sash or ties in the side seams to bring in the bodice sides just a bit.
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? They were. And she has great illustrations to go with. On the 4t I would add another button close to the waist seam but otherwise it's a great pattern, and definitely a great place to start and let your imagination run wild... might make an Annie dress for my daughter for Halloween.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The pattern is great and there are so many variations that I want to sew it again and again. The collar itself came together really easily and other testers commented on how much they liked the collar instructions. Also there are snap instructions if you prefer snaps to buttons (for back closure)... so really it's just so great.

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Striped Dress

I've loved this dress for a while:

When I was first checking out girlcharlee.com I saw this fabric and she had suggested making this dress with it. Um, yes! So eventually I bought the fabric to make the dress.

Here's my version:

I used a new favorite pattern and my TNT S2599 combined with a self drafted A-line skirt. I used the Seafarer Top pattern from Sew Much Ado. I made a shirt using this pattern too but I keep wearing it and not photographing it. Anyway I love the pattern and plan on making 2 more for fall in the next couple weeks.

I used the Seafarer Top pattern for the neckline and sleeves. Then I laid my S2599 over it and used it to make the bodice wide enough and know where to cut for my elastic casing.

I matched up my stripes using my pattern matching trick! I love it... I'm blowing through my steam a seam now because I keep sewing up stripes!

For the skirt I just made sure to cut the waist the same width as the bottom of the top and then I went out from there.  Also I always curve the hem a little at the side seams so they don't get too pointy. I might have to draw a pic of that sometime because I'm not sure I'm describing it very well.

I pair this with a belt when I'm wearing it out and about. I love how the dress turned out and might have to make another next summer. Next time I plan on turning the neckline under... for some reason my banded neckline seemed a bit small this time.

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Royal Blue Maxi Dress using M6744

So I just sewed up my last summer item last night. I won't be sewing any more for the warm weather. Which feels kind of good. I have made so many things and realized I only have a few more weeks to wear them... or a couple months. It's time to start working on fall/winter so I don't get caught with my pants down. 

Speaking of pants I bought two cuts of stretch corduroy and plan on making some pants soon... I'm nervous but excited at the same time.

My last pieces that I made were 2 dresses and a shirt. Here's one of those dresses. 

I saw a dress a friend had made using this pattern and really wanted to try it. Hers was lovely and she used a great print... which I plan on doing next summer. This time though I used this royal blue solid and love it. I don't have anything this color. It's so easy to just throw on a maxi dress and head out the door and feel more put together. Plus the hubs loved this look so it was a win all around.

Pattern Description: McCall's 6744 Pullover dresses have bodice variations, elasticized (seamed) waist, and narrow hem.  Mock wrap, very loose-fitting bodice with elasticized shoulders.

Pattern Sizing: I cut the medium. I think next time I'll cut a small in the top and a medium for the skirt.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes, but I used bodice C and skirt B.

 

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes they were really easy and the elastic in the sleeves came together quickly.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like the ease of wearing a dress like this. And the pattern was so easy to follow and put together. Also, I was able to make this with only 2 yards of fabric... it was close and I had to play with my fabric like a puzzle but I got it.