Simplicity 5813- Baptism Outfit for my Godson

Pattern Description: Baby christening outfits. I made the boys romper and matching jacket.


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

Pattern Envelope:



Were the instructions easy to follow? These instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern was very well drafted. It went together with no problems at all. I liked that the sleeves on the jacket easy to ease in. Usually pattern companies put too much ease in the sleeve cap. That was not the case with this pattern. I also liked that the jacket was lined. It made for a nice finish on the front edges, bottom, and neck. No turning under and stitching.

Fabric Used: Cotton sateen from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used a small pom-pom type trim instead of the middy braid the pattern called for. I think if I were to make this pattern again, I would line the bodice of the romper to give it a more finished look.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I highly recomend this pattern.

Conclusion: This outfit lokked adorable on my Godson. It is a very cute outfit for a baby boy's baptism day.



Were the instructions easy to follow? These instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern was very well drafted. It went together with no problems at all. I liked that the sleeves on the jacket easy to ease in. Usually pattern companies put too much ease in the sleeve cap. That was not the case with this pattern. I also liked that the jacket was lined. It made for a nice finish on the front edges, bottom, and neck. No turning under and stitching.

Fabric Used: Cotton sateen from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used a small pom-pom type trim instead of the middy braid the pattern called for. I think if I were to make this pattern again, I would line the bodice of the romper to give it a more finished look.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I highly recomend this pattern.

Conclusion: This outfit lokked adorable on my Godson. It is a very cute outfit for a baby boy's baptism day.
I love the pale blue trim and the cute little buttons!

New Look 6407 and Simplicity 2211


This is a white blouse to replace one in my closet that had seen better days. This pattern has an open neck, and three quarter length sleeves. It was just what I was looking for to replace my other blouse. I was quite happy with how it turned out, and the pattern was very well drafted. It went together like a dream. I am, however, a bit dissapointed with the fit. It seems to be too big from the bust up, but the waist fits fine. If I make this again, I think I will cut a size smaller through the bust and shoulders, tapering out at the waist and hip.

It does fit me better than it does my dressform, Lizzie. Excuse all the wrinkles. I wore it already, and washed it, and let's just say, ironing is not my forte`. Also, it fits Lizzie wierd, so lots of the wrinkling is because of that.

Also, on the dress form, the facings show through the blouse quite obviously. But when I am wearing it they don't show. All in all, this turned out to be a great white blouse. I would like to make view D in a lightweight catton lawn for summer. I am still looking for the right fabric for that.

Up next was Simplicity 2211. This is one of the patterns I blogged about last time from Simplicity's "Lissette" collection. The fabric is from Joanns, and is made from the same Lissette line, so you can literally make the designs to look just like the pattern envelope. I also bought fabric at Joanns to make the matching skirt, in a navy blue cotton stretch satteen:

Here is the finished blouse. This pattern had me nervous, because the neck is not very open at all. The placket in the front is a "mock" placket, so this shirt pulls over the head. There was no way this thing was going to fit over my head, and I don't have a big mellon at all! But, I kept the faith, and contimued with the pattern. Once the neck facing was sewn on and turned to the inside, I was able to get it over my head. So keep that in mind if you are going to try this pattern, and you have a bigger than average head!

This is a nice pattern, well drafted, and it went together very quickly. I can see myself making more of these. You could make it casual or dressy, depending on the fabric you use.

Up next, I was going to start on the skirt right away, but now am thinking about making pants instead. I have some fabric to make a muslin first, and if the pattern doesn't work for me, I will continue as planned with the skirt.

I am also working on some quilted items to list in my Etsy shop. I have some crocheted items listed currently, but would like to start selling quilted items instead, or in addition to, my crocheted items. I am excited about the prospect of making( and selling) quilts again. It has been a couple years since I have done a lot of quilting. There are so many great fabrics on the market, each prettier than the next. I am anxious to dive in and get to work!

Blessings-
Lisa

Oh, Simplicity, how I love thee!

I have always been a fan of Simplicity patterns. Ther are typically on-trend, current, and I find most to be well drafted and easy to use. They recently relased their new spring pattern line, and I am swooning (yes, SWOONING) over some of the offerings. If only I had more time/money/energy to sew all the patterns I love, what a wardrobe I would have! (I am sure fellow sewers can relate). So here are my top picks from the Simplicity Spring 2011 collection:

I love the jacket in this pattern. The top would also be cute done up in an eyelet. Lots of designers are using eyelet this year, and I am very happy about that. I have always liked eyelet. It says spring to me.



This skirt pattern is cute, and is a beginner, Learn-To-Sew pattern. I'm glad to see Simpicity is trying to spark an interest in the next generation or would-be sewers. I love seeing new sewers become obseessed  interested in sewing like I am.



Simplicity has a new line of patterns designed by Suade, who apparently was a contestant on Project Runway, but I don't remember him. The patterns are cute. My favorite is this one, not the romper but the dress in the line drawing on the left. I can see this made up in a chambray.


I saved the best for last. I absolutely love, love, love the new Lisette patterns. So much so, that I picked up all 4 at the last Simplicity pattern sale at Hancock's. Hey, at $1.00 a piece, why not? I am planning a 5 piece mini-wardrobe around these patterns. A pair of cropped pants, a skirt, two tops to match both, and a spring jacket. The only thing stopping me is the whole time/money/energy issue I mentioned above. But what a nice boost it would be to my work wardrobe!

Skirt and blouse:



Cropped pants:


Jacket:


And a bonus piece (I guess that makes a 6 piece wardrobe, but who's counting?). I love this shirt dress, and am planning to make it in a chambray:



And to add to my excitement over these new patterns, Joann's will be carrying the fabric used for these Lisette patterns this spring. I can't wait to check them out!

Right now I am working on a new white blouse. There's something so satisfying about sewing a new, crisp, white blouse. Pictures coming soon!

Blessings-
Lisa

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.