Simplicity 2603 - Cardi-Wrap

I'm kind of late coming to the cardi-wrap party, as this pattern has been popular for a year of so already. Better late than never, right? This pattern has a cardigan in two different lengths, and the longer one can be wrapped and tied many different ways. I was going to make that one, but decided the length would overwhelm my small frame. Also, I just didn't see myself wearing it in all the different ways. So, I decided to make the shorter version, along with the matching shell to wear under it.

The fabric I used is a rayon slub knit from fabric.com. It is a pretty dusty rose color. This fabric is very drapey, perfect for this project.

I was a little perplexed as to how to neatly finish the edges of the cardigan. Others who have made it have left the edges raw, since a knit won't ravel. But this just felt too, well, unfinished to me. So I tried serging the edges and then turning them under and topstiching them. Well, that did not look good at all. So, in the end, I just serged the edges, and left them like that. This gives the top a more casual feel, but I am ok with that. Here is the other wearing option for this length. But to be honest, I doubt I'll wear it like that.

The shell in this pattern is really a great design, and I can see myself making one or two of them for summer. I like the wide neckband.

I look forward to wearing this twin set this spring. Since the fabric is lightweight, it will be more of a transitional peice, to be worn in the spring or fall months. Or possibly in the summer to combat the frigid air conditioning the office.

I am also calling this my first jacket of the year for the Jacket a Month sew along over at Stitcher Guild. I will explain that more next time. Until then....

Blessings- Lisa

McCall's 6203

One area my wardrobe is especially lacking is casual weekend clothes. I have work clothes/office wear, and I have a few grubby sweatshirts an jeans- nothing in between. I have been working on filling in the gap, and started with this tunic pattern from McCalls:

I made view B (like the orange one). I used a Rayon knit from Fabric.com in a charcoal gray color. I really like this fabric- it has a nice drape to it. It is thinner than what I had in mind for this top, but it worked fine. The neck edge on this one is unique. It has a double layer of fabric, and the edges are left unfinished. With this drapy knit, the neck band endedu p standing out from the top a little, almost cowl-like. I like how that turned out.

I wanted to add some detail to this top, since it was pretty plain, but I wasn't too crazy about the extra-large flower that came with this pattern. So, I choose one from another pattern in my stash to make the flowers. They were really easy to make, and I think they add a nice detail to this top.

I also like the sleeve band. I think it just give a nice finish to the three-quarter length sleeves:

I really like this pattern. I would like to try it again with a heavier knit, maybe even a sweatshirt knit. If you're looking for a quick, easy project I would highly recommend this one!

I am almost finished with my next project, a cardi wrap and matching shell. This will be my first "jacket" for the Jacket a Month Sew Along over at Stichers Guild, which will be the topic of my next post.

Blessings- Lisa

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Butterck 5284- Ruffled White Blouse

My wardrobe is lacking white blouses, so I intend to make a few in the nest coming months. First up was Butterick 5284. i love the ruffled front, and the elbow length sleeves with a turned up cuff.

I used a cotton/ lycra blend from Fabric.com. That little bit of lycra makes for a comfortable blouse since it has a little give. Which is nice when you're sitting at a computer all day. Fitted blouses without stretch can get a little uncomfortable around the armscye after sitting all day with hands on the keyboard.

Here is a close up of the ruffle. I like the technique they give you in the pattern instructions to finish the edges of the ruffles. You fold over 1/4" and stitch close to the folded edge. Trim close to the stitching, then turn under again and stitch again. This makes for a very neat ruffled edge.

Detail of the cuffs: (please excuse the wrinkles, I took these pics after wearing the blouse one day!)

At first I was afraid the cuffs would be a little too large (and pointy), but I ended up liking them. Sometimes I think I am afraid of details like this putting a garment "over the top", but I have come to learn that it is these types of details that make a garment less "Becky Home-Eccy" and more fashion-forward.

I did have trouble setting the sleeves in this blouse. I get so frustrated with pattern companies putting entirely too much ease in sleeve caps. Setting sleeves is my least favorite thing to do. Other than that, this pattern went together quite easily.

I had some time on Saturday to do some more sewing, and finished a knit top. I will review that in my next post. Up next, I cut out a cardi-wrap and matching shell today. The fabric is a pretty dusty pink color. I don't know about any of you, but I am sooooo ready for some spring color, even if it is only in fabric form!

Blessings- Lisa

Butterick 5249

 

Pattern Description: MISSES SKIRT AND BELT: Skirts A, B, C, D have princess seams, back zipper and high waist. A, C: carriers and self-belt with purchased buckle. B, D: side front pleats and pockets. C, D: self-ruffle. A, B, C, D: mid-knee length. I made view B

Pattern Sizing: AA Sizes 6-12. I cut a 10, but should have cut a 12.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they were.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the pleat deatil on the pockets. This skirt reminds me of something you could find at Anthropologie. A classic style, but with extra detailing with the pleats.

Fabric Used: A worsted wool siuting I found in the bargain section of Hancock's. Sometime you can find some hidden gems in there. This fabric is a black and navy plaid, and it has a beautiful drape and hand.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I had to let out the side seams and back side seams in order for it to fit. I found this pattern ran a tad small.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I wouldn't sew this exact style again, but would possibly make another one of the views. I highly recomend it.

Conclusion: I love this skirt! I think it is classic, yet has a little something extra to make it very current and on-trend.

Detail of the pockets and pleats. Hard to photograph because of the dark color, but my chalk lines do show! Will have to remove those before I wear this skirt.

The plaid soesn't show up as strongly in person, otherwise I would have paid more attention to matching it.

I have shown this skirt with blouse Butterick 5284. I'm not sure I will wear the two together, as the ruffles and pleats may be a little too much if worn together. I will review this blouse in my next post.

Pine Tree Table Runner

Last month I made one of these table runners for my mom-in-law for her birthday. Since it's a scrap quilt (which meant I had to drag out all my tubs-o-scraps) I decided I may as well make two of these at once. This time of year it is always nice to have an extra gitft hanging around for those "Oops, I forgot to get a gift for so-and-so" moments.

After seeing the one I made for Linda, hubby's dear aunt Joanne asked if I have any table runners in my stash that I was willing to sell. Lucky for me, I had made two of these at once!

I took this picture outside, and all that white stuff you see in the background is the 8 or so inches of snow we got last night.

This pattern is from Kim Schaefer's book "A Cozy Quilted Christmas". There are lots of nice projects in this book. The fabric is mostly Thimbleberries from my scrap stash.

The trees are applied using Heat and Bond Lite, and then blanket stitched around the edges with black thread.

This is how I like to give table runners: rolled up with a small roll of crumpled tissue in the center (so as not to create any creases), and tied with a pretty ribbon.

Right now I am finishing up a quilting job for my sister. Once that is finished, I will be completing some UFOs that have been hanging around for a while: a skirt and a dress. Both just need hems.