Finally! A FO - Vogue 1291

Finally!!!  It is finished!  Let me just clarify - it didn't take much sewing time, just took time for me to *get* to the sewing machine!!

V1291 Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina - Front 

Pattern Description: From the Vogue Website:  MISSES' TOP: Loose-fitting, pullover top has bias neck band, front sleeve overlapping back sleeve forming shoulder opening, no shoulder seams and narrow hems.

Pattern Sizing: A-J (32" - 55" bust)  I made size D (38" bust)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, I believe it does, if I do say so myself.

V1291 Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina - www.voguepatterns.com

Were the instructions easy to follow?   Yes - Sandra takes great care to detail the pattern directions very clearly.  She also offers video instruction at her website - www.powersewing.com.  You have to purchase a membership to view the video (either a one use fee or an annual membership), but I highly recommend it.  She has over 125 videos/classes to watch!

The sleeve treatment is a bit tricky to put together - it's not your average sleeve!  The video walks you through it, but so do the pattern instructions.

V1291 Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina - Sleeve

I also found the neckband a bit piddly with my knit curling a bit while I was trying to sew it on, but I like the finished look of the narrow band.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love how unique this top is.  I have worn it already, and my version is a great backdrop for a spectacular necklace.  It is also very comfortable.  One thing to note - I talk a lot with my hands (waving them around) and I would highly recommend wearing a tank top/camisole underneath to prevent from showing the world your undergarments through the wide sleeve openings.

Fabric Used: a white very lightweight jersey knit with sheer burnout sections (unfortunately I don't know the fabric composition) Purchased during Summer 2013 at Fabricland (our local chain fabric store here in Ontario)

V1291 Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina - Side view 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None - I made this as is out of the envelope.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I will likely sew it again.  On her video, Sandra shows a few adaptations of this top.  Despite it looking like it would be very distinctive due to the sleeve treatment, you can make it look very different depending on your fabric choice.  I'm thinking of one in plain black lightweight jersey for a top that could very easily be worn for either day or evening, depending on your jewelry choices, and what you chose to wear with it (i.e. black velveteen jeans, black stretch pencil skirt, dress pants or jeans).

Conclusion:  A great top that is very comfortable to wear, and that would suit a variety of occasions.

V1291 Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina - Back 

I sewed!!

I went home for lunch today with high expectations (my office is only about 10 km from my house).  Though by the time I got dinner in the crockpot and lunch packed up to take back to the office with me, I only had about 10 minutes to sit at the sewing machine.  BUT I SEWED!!!

I've been dying to get to the sewing machine for weeks now, but busy-ness at work (stress with potential changes which left me exhausted at night, trying to finish up a course for work, along with trips to London, ON and Chicago, IL) and busy-ness with family (Thanksgiving and another trip to London, ON) have just preempted this.

I'm *still* working on my sheer knit white top from Sandra Betzina's Today's Fit Vogue 1291.  I managed to get two very short seams done, and pinned the neckband to the neck of the top.  But, People, I sewed!  Tonight will be a dedicated sewing night after a quick dinner (throwing dinner in the slow cooker at lunchtime, that's forward thinking!!)- Tonight I'm spending time at my machine!!!

I've just checked my sewing goals for October.  It is now October 17th. I'm still working on the first item, slow seam by slow seam. I must have been on some serious allergy medication when I wrote that last post.  Or maybe just overly optimistic.  BWAHAHAHAHAHA..

My goal tonight is to finish the white top to wear tomorrow.  If I have time, I'll cut out the cream skirt.  I'm thinking of Vogue 7607, view B.  The fabric has been sitting on my dining table for about a week now.




I have HUGE incentive - I have just gotten a pair of gorgeous tan boots to wear with it.

Harley Davidson Payton Boot in Tan

LOVE!! <3

Anybody else sew to coordinate with their accessories??

Starts and Stops

Hello there readers (if there are any of you left!)  I've been super busy with work, which involves a lot of travel.  And time I *do* spend in the office has been stressful due to rumours of reorganization and various other things, so when I've been getting home from work, I'm just exhausted. So...despite my desire and best intentions to get to the sewing machine, I only have been walking past it daily (it's on the way to the patio doors to let the dog out in the backyard).

I've been working on this top (and I use the term "working" loosely):

V1291 Sandra Betzina, Today's Fit

It's been teasing me, as it is half finished on the dress form where I also see it many times a day.  I'm making it out of a white and sheer knit (similar to a burnout), and I'm really enjoying sewing this!  It is a relatively quick top, but you have to pay attention to the markings to match up the right seams.  I can't wait to finish it and hopefully get to wear it soon!

It's been a while since I've made any goals, or even checked up on what I last planned!  So...without further ado, here's a check-in:

Knitting Goals for August (!! It has been a while!!)

1.  Finish the body on the Effortless Cardigan I am currently working on. Um...no.  I' still have 3" of ribbing left.
2.  Keep working on my current sock project  Score!  I finished the socks (at least I think it was the same pair I was working on, maybe I finished two pairs since then?!) and have cast on for a pair for someone's Christmas present!
3.  Plan Christmas knitting  Score again!  I've got it all planned out.  I'm thinking that perhaps "Sweaters for Everyone" is a goal I shouldn't make for myself at this point, so I've downsized to socks, cowls and mittens for special people in my life. Now if only I can stay on task...

Sewing Goal for August:

1.  Finish the dark blue denim skinny pants Wow...score again!  I've finished them, and have worn them a number of times.
2.  Plan Fall/Winter wardrobe and sewing Yup...planned it, and pulled the fabric and patterns.  More to come on this when I get back from my business trip next week.
3.  Plan Christmas sewing Sort of...I haven't written it down, but I've done some pondering, and came across my TNT pj pant pattern (which WAS lost in my disaster of a sewing area) to make flannels for everyone.  

Knitting Goals for October:

1. Finish Christmas sock pair #1
2. Cast on Christmas sock pair #2
3. Make a hat for baby present (very close deadline for this one!)

Sewing Goals for October:

1. Finish white V1291 Sandra Betzina top
2. Cut out and sew red shirt, pattern to yet be determined.
3. Cut out and sew cream crepe full skirt, V???? (will have to edit to determine pattern number - it's at home on my disaster of a staging area, aka coffee table in the rec room with fabric piled up to just about the tipping point)
4. Cut out and sew beige pleather/snakeskin jacket, M????
5. Cut out and sew red RPL pencil skirt

I could go on with the sewing goals, but let's keep it realistic, shall we?!

FO and Pattern Review: Butterick 5495

I LOVE this top.  Like I mentioned in my last post, I LOVE animal print.  I made this top from a deep stash animal print slinky that I've been *cherishing* and couldn't figure out what was "worthy" of sewing.  That my friends is a mistake.  There will always be more fabric to sew...the only thing I regret about this top is why I've waited so long to stitch it up.

Photo credit:  butterick.mccall.com

Pattern Review:  Butterick 5495

Pattern Description: According to the Butterick website:  MISSES' TOP: Loose-fitting tops A, B, C, D with front drape gathered into loop, dropped shoulder, seam details and stitched hems. A, B: sleeveless. C, D: short or long kimono type sleeves.  I made view C.

Photo credit:  butterick.mccall.com

Pattern Sizing: 8-14, 16-22

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.  I had to closely pay attention to which way I was pinning the front pieces together, but other than that, it was easy.  I have to give Kudos to Palmer/Pletsch as the instructions are very detailed.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  This is a very flattering pattern for most figure types.  It didn't take me long to stitch up and I really like the results.

Fabric Used: animal print poly/lycra slinky fabric from deep stash. So deep, I don't even know where I got it or when!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I didn't make any pattern alterations.  The amount of gathering at the bust along with my fabric choice accommodates my D cup bust without any difficulty.

I also used Steam-a-Seam to hem the bottom edge, the sleeve area as well as the self-facing at the centre front.  Slinky is notorious for slip-sliding away, and stretching out.  The Steam-a-Seam made hemming a breeze.

I used a very narrow zig-zag stitch (length 3.0, width 1.5) for the seams before finishing them with the serger (differential feed set at 2 for any seams, and 1.5 for any single edges).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I may sew it again, but I'm not sure if I need more than one of these at a time in my wardrobe.  Similarly to the other tops I've recently sewn, it has very distinctive lines.  I may sew one in black, or maybe lengthen it to dress length for a little black dress (LBD).

Conclusion:  This is another great top for my wardrobe.  Being the big fan of animal print that I am, how could I go wrong?  ;)

Barely Living on the Wild Side!

Those who know me, know I love sparkly and shiny things and especially love animal prints.  This review features a restrained animal print, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the finished object.

Pattern Review:  McCalls 6513

Photo credit:  Mccallpattern.mccall.com

Pattern Description: According to McCall's website: MISSES' TOPS: Close-fitting, pullover tops have gathered front and narrow hem. B,C sleeves and C,D back collar: elasticized.Designed for lightweight to medium weight moderate stretch knits.

This is a Palmer/Pletsch pattern, which includes a special section in the instructions for fitting.  The pattern pieces also have details on it for the various fitting lines (i.e. the full bust adjustment is already marked for you to use without having to draft it yourself.)

I made view C.

Photo credit:  Mccallpattern.mccall.com

Pattern Sizing:  6-14, 14-22

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were very detailed.  I quickly reviewed the fitting instructions, but didn't really use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the fit of this pattern.  I also really liked the detailed fitting instructions and the adjustment lines on the pattern pieces.  I also like that I can wear this wrap top without a camisole underneath.  I have already worn this top to work and there was no need for adjustment at the bust area due to "wardrobe malfunction." 

The shirring at the sleeves is a pretty, feminine detail.

Fabric Used:  I used a lightweight jersey of unknown content (likely a rayon/poly blend) that is currently available at Fabricland (Fall 2013).  The zebra stripes are almost sheer.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made a full bust adjustment to accommodate my D cup bust.  I also did a sway back adjustment of about 1" at the waistline of the centre back.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will be making this top again.  The wrap is very flattering to my figure type, and it feels SO cozy to me.  I already have a fabric picked out. 

Conclusion:  This is a GREAT wrap top pattern.  It is very flattering and there is no need for any type of adjusting during the day, and you don't have to wear a camisole underneath as required by so many wrap tops.  

FO and Pattern Review: Butterick 5497

Last week in my sewing frenzy, I finished another top, this one from Butterick 5497.  As it turns out, I think I'm in love with this top - I've worn it twice already and plan to wear it again tomorrow.  I'm travelling this week, and it makes a fantastic travel top.  The print makes any "dirt" or spills very difficult to see (and I'm a bit of a klutz at times so this is perfect for me!) and the fabric is fantastic - no wrinkling and very easy care.

On with the review!  Butterick 5497

Photo credit:  Butterick.mccall.com

Pattern Description:  According to the Butterick website:  MISSES' TOP: Tops A, B, C, loose-fitting at bust, have short or long dolman sleeves, gathered upper section, shoulder casings with elastic and stitched hems. A, B: lapped upper back sections have neck binding. C: upper front and back cut on crossgrain, shading may occur.  I made view A.

Pattern Sizing: 6-12, 14-20

Photo credit:  Butterick.mccall.com

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

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

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like the detail with the self-fabric binding at the back neck.  It is a neat fashion detail but it also is functional to hold the front and back v-neck style to keep from sliding off your shoulders.

Fabric Used:  A graphic pattern ITY medium weight knit.  I *think* I purchased this at my local Fabricland last summer (summer 2012).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made this directly out of the envelope:  I have a D cup bust and decided not to make any alterations to the front bust.  With the amount of gathers that were both on the upper shoulder and under the bust I had enough fabric to allow for the D cup.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  This is again a pretty distinctive pattern and I'm not really sure I need another one just like this with all the other cool patterns out there.  That being said, I think I may sew the long sleeve version as it is both easy and comfortable.  The jewel neckline would make a fabulous backdrop for some of the gorgeous chunky jewelry that I often wear.

Conclusion:  Another great top pattern!

FO and Pattern Review: Simplicity 2153

Another FO!  Just in time for our 30*+ weather we've had today.  The humidex makes it feel like 40*+.  This after a week of temperatures falling below 10* at night.  I don't know what's up with Mother Nature, but I'm loving the last shot at summer!

Anyways...enough of the weather update.  I'm sure what you are really looking for is a sewing update.  And, as luck would have it, I have one!

Pattern Review:  Simplicity 2153

I *LOVE* this jacket.  

Sorry...tilty picture.  Need to sort out the tripod/camera issue.  The sooner the better, apparently!!

Pattern Description:  According to Simplicity's website:  Misses' anorak with sleeve and collar variations.  I would also add that the jackets are unlined, and that there are pocket variations as well. There is also a back yoke and the shoulder seam is dropped forward on to the jacket front.  I made View E, which has the cinched collar and pocket variations, and used the sleeves from view D, with elastic casings at the hems.

Pattern Sizing: 6-14, and 16-24.  I made size 14, which is the size I normally wear.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, I would say it does.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, I would say they were.  I didn't often refer to them though - the jacket was pretty straight forward to sew.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I really like the collar and the pocket variations on this view.  This jacket is unlined, I wish I had taken the time to draft and sew the lining.  Next time I will do that. 

Fabric used:  A crinkled polyester cross-dyed taffeta

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:   I made this right out of the envelope.  Like I said above, next time I will take the time to include a lining.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I am thinking of sewing this again, maybe in a lightweight faux suede or lightweight mini-wale corduroy for fall.

  

Conclusion:  A great jacket pattern.  Though I didn't include the lining (and since this is the third time that I have mentioned that I didn't include it, I must be disappointed with that fact!!), it makes a really nice lightweight windbreaker type jacket. The fit is nice, not too boxy, particularly because of the casing at the waist.  

I also used elastic cording for the cinched areas (collar, waist and pockets), which I'm not 100% certain I like - it's a bit stiff.  Or as my friend says, "Elastic erection."  Next time I'll use a polyester cording or some type of ribbon or something, but this is what I had on hand while I was sewing (and I didn't have to run to the fabric store...).

Despite the no-lining issue, I really really like this jacket.  I've already worn it a few times and I really feel good in it.