Tops, Tops, Tops, and more Tops!

When I find a pattern I love, boy do I make use of it.  I absolutely love McCall's 6752.  Every variation, this would be my third and I have another cut out and ready to be sewn up.   Not sure where I got the fabric, its a couple of years old. It is a very soft Jersey knit with a little shine to it. 

 

 

This top actually took me a little longer than it should have.  I have such a time hemming knits and I took out the hem about 3 times.  I even nicked it a couple of times and had to use some stitchery witchery to fix it.  But all in all I am pleased, and I got several compliments when I wore it to the office.  

 

 

With each garment I complete, my confidence level grows.  I am so excited about moving on to the next.

 

Happy Creating!

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh! Sewing Silks and Slinky Fabrics.

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.  And again, I say "Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

Remember that episode of the Cosby Show when Denise made Theo a designer shirt.  The infamous Gordon Cottrell (may not be spelled correctly), yep that is what envision every time I attempt to sew something silky.  

 

I am not happy right now, it’s the end of my month of sewing Tops/Blouses, and I have only completed (hemmed and wearable), three tops. Actually that is good for me considering the month that I have had and the little sewing time that I was able to take advantage of this month.   My goal was 5, so of course I want to rush and try to finish these two I have on my table.  I am OCD, so I must get them done by tomorrow or I will turn into a pumpkin.

This post is about my inability to sew a straight line and or have a decent hem on anything silky and or slinky.  I have watched the videos, read the books and practiced (boy I need more practice).  I have not yet mastered this concept.  I have a closet full of knit tops, nothing silky or slinky because I am deathly afraid of what the outcome will be once I get on the hemming end. 

I have a Janome 6600 Professional that came with a walking foot.  I use it every time I sew something silky and it still comes out wonky.    I am determined to get this even if I have to glue my butt to my chair and sew silk remnants until my freaking fingers bleed (no not really), but I let nothing conquer me. 

Help please!, LOL, “NO I MEAN IT”. 

Vogue 8907 - For the Love Ponte Roma

I'll make everything in Ponte Roma Knit if I could.  As I have mentioned before, I am a Ponte Roma addict.  So when I saw the top made by Erica Bunker, I new I had to make it in the Red and my beloved Ponte Roma.

 

I rarely take pictures in the clothing I make.  First because I don't ever have anyone too take pictures of me, and secondly I just don't like take pictures.  But I felt like my dress form did this top no justice, and I had to wear it so you could get an example of how it fell on the body.  I really am pleased with how it come out.  I do plan to make another.

 

 

Quickie Pattern Review:

Pattern:   Vogue 8907 (View A)

Sizes:     14-20 -  I cut the 14 my RTW is a 10.

Directions:   Scale of 1-10 on difficulty, I would give it a 7. 

Fabric:   Red Ponte Roma Knit.

Changes:   I didn't make any changes, but I did have to adjust a little/  For some odd reason, once my top was together, the front and back was not even.  I think my drape overlapped on my shoulders a little too much.  I didn't interface the neck and arm facings.  The fabric has enough stability I thought, and it worked out well. 

Would I make it again:  Yes, I plan too, its already cut.

Happy creating.

July - Top/Blouse Emphasis Month: Butterick 5497

I am really pleased at how this top turned out.  Its a little snug in the waist, but I plan to take it out and readjust the seams a little to make it work.  I was a little concerned with the top portion because while cutting it out it didn't seam it would fit over my "D's", but it fit just right.   The color is amazing and even prettier than I thought when I first picked it up.  I bought the fabric from a thrift store, and it was tubed, so I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it when I purchased it.  A few yards for a $1.00 I couldn't turn it down. 

 



Quickie Pattern Review:

Pattern:   Butterick 5497 (View B)

Sizes:     14-20 -  I cut the 14 my RTW is a 10.

Directions:   Super easy and straight forward, scale of 1-10 on difficulty, I would give it a 2.

Changes:   I omitted the elastic in the waist or empire seam.  After I put it on it really wasn’t needed and I think it would have just given me extra bulk in that ear. I read over the pattern before starting and I had to refer back to it a couple of times due when I got to putting in the back neck binding.  Other than that, it was pretty easy to do and straight forward.

Would I make it again:  Yes, in a couple of colors or prints, I like it enough.

Happy creating.

Vogue 8870 High Low Dress!!!

I finally made a high low skirt/dress.  I have always wanted to make one, but was not sure how it would look on me.  I wanted it to be long enough to be a Maxi, but not dragging the floor as I am short.  It really came together easy, and I love it. 

Vogue 8870

Quickie Pattern Review:

Pattern:   Vogue 8870

Sizes:     14-20 -  I cut the 14 my RTW is a 10.

Directions:   Super easy and straight forward, scale of 1-10 on difficulty, I would give it a 2.

Changes:   I made no changes.  I read over the pattern before I began sewing, and  I followed the pattern to the letter.  Didn't really have to go back to the pattern after the bodice was complete.

Would I make it again:  Yes, I can see the possibilities of this pattern and would make it in the tank top version and short skirt version as well.

Happy creating.

Maxi it is! McCalls 6700

I'm on the Maxi dress bandwagon.  I have always loved them, but I had convinced myself that my 5'1" frame was a little short and I looked dumpy in a Maxi.  I actually love the way this one fits and even more than that I love the color and how easy it was to construct.  I will be making this again, or another Maxi, as I am now officially a Maxinista!

 

McCalls 6700

 

 

Happy Sewing!

Custom Ordered Bag: Houndstooth Purse.

My client loves it . I like it, but no, I don't love it all.  I feel I rushed it, but if she likes it that's fine with me.  My felt flowers are always a big hit, because the colors are so vibrant and can be used with almost anything.  A Jacket, Purse, even on Shoes.

 

The Flowers are actually pins.