Monday, March 26, 2012

New Summer McCall's & a Walk Down Memory Lane

I usually don't get too excited about McCall's patterns, but the new summer collection has some great patterns. Easy-to-wear summer dresses and cute tops are on the top of my must-buy list. Here are the patterns I will be picking up at the next McCall's pattern sale:

M6551

M6551. I like the version in the orange and white print. I could see making a couple of these. It could be dressed up for work, or add some sandals and a denim jacket to dress it down for the weekend.

M6563

M6563. I like the version the model is wearing, and also the view in white, with the sleeve tabs. I can see these done up in light weight charmuse (silk or poly) or voile or lawn.

M6562

I love this pattern for cute tops. I really like the fact that this pattern (and the previous one) are not for knits. So many or the cute top patterns are for knits, and I struggle to get my knit garments to look professional. I much prefer working with wovens. These would be just as eady to wear as a t-shirt, but so much dressier.

M6564

M66564. I think this tie blouse looks so polished. I like wearing blouses for work, because they give me a pulled-together look with one piece. I think this would be nice in a rayon challis in a pretty print.

M6534

M6534. Another cute dress that can be dressed up or down.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if only I had the time/energy/money to make all the patterns I love, my wardrobe would be HUGE! But it is fun to dream and look at patterns anyway.

If you haven't been to the fabric store lately, and are looking for a little spring pick-me-up, you should go. I love browsing the aisles of spring fabrics- the seersuckers, the pretty, delicate cotton prints, all the spring colors.

It takes me back to my childhood, going to the fabric store with my mom to pick out pattern and fabric for my Easter dress every year. We would look at the new fabrics, then study every pattern book until we found just the right one. Then, back to the fabric to find the perfect fabric for the pattern. A stop at the notions department to buy matching thread, zipper, and lace or ribbon trim. Leaving the store with all these things in a bag, knowing that my mom would transform them into a beautiful dress just for me was such a great feeling. Not to mention the time my mom and I spent together.

My mom isn't able to fabric shop with me anymore, but if she could magically have a day in which she was physically able to go anywhere and do anything, I would love to go to the fabric store with her again, We would spend hours looking a fabric, sitting at the pattern table looking at patterns, and choosing new things to make for spring. Then as we walked out of the store we would say what we would always say when leaving the fabric store- "We better get home, and get sewing!"

Blessings-
Lisa

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

New Set of Crocheted Dishcloths

How many dishcloths does one person need? This is the question I am sure many of my friends and family ask themselves every time they see me making more of these. I can’t help it. Making these quick and easy projects is just so addicting. And the colors? The colors of the yarn are so fun, I want to buy a skein of each color!
Here is the latest set I made, in a springy, bright coral color, along with a matching variegated one, and one in white.  My next set is going to be in earth colors, brown and sage and ecru. It is a custom order for a customer.
Blessings-
Lisa

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Simplicity 2942

Photo

Pattern Description: Juniors/Juniors Plus dress, mini dress, and tunic with sleeve variations. I made the tunic.
Pattern Sizing: Size AA (5/6-15/16)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very good.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like how the front facing and back facing were done. It gives a very finished look to the top.

Fabric Used: I think it is a cotton. I found it in the bargin bin at JoAnn's. It is a bright pink color, which I think fits in with the "bright colors" trend this spring. It has a silver thread running through the stripes.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: It called for a casing at the waist with a drawstring. I omitted this and just sewed some 1/4" elastic there instead.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I probably won't sew it again, but I would recommend it. It is a cute top.

I was able to spend some time in my sewing room this weekend, and last, and this top was easily completed in just a couple hours. It went together very easily. I was nervous about the fit because it is a juniors pattern, but it fits well, and doesn't have all the extra ease you find in most misses patterns from the Big 4.

I am also working on a cathedral window pillow like this one from Moda Bake Shop. I just need to add the borders and sew it to he backing.

Blessings,
Lisa