Sewing, fashion, handcrafting

Well, maybe it is and maybe it isn’t.

The pattern instructions called for topstitching, but I wanted to use some kind trim (a narrow, flat braid or ribbon). I am using the leftover fabric in Hot Patterns Deco Vibe Flippy Skirt and would like them to coordinate. I am having a hard time finding just the trim so I topstitched it and am not too thrilled with the results. It is a little more casual looking than I would like, but I guess it will do for now because I really want to move on!

Once again I did not make a muslin. There are some minor fitting issues, but I can live with them. It’s a teeny bit large through the shoulder. (I remember now having that problem through the neck and shoulders with McCall’s patterns in general.) The back waist length is also a tad long as I am a little bit short-waisted). If I decide to make the ruffly view A, I will adjust for these issues.

The instructions were well written and illustrated, no surprises there. It is not a difficult pattern to assemble as there are not too many pieces or seams. I like the styling of this jacket. I was especially drawn to the wide lapels, I think it gives the jacket a bit of a 1940s vibe. The full gathered sleeves are a nice feminine twist. The silk tweed blend unraveled pretty easily so I fused all the pieces with a very lightweight weft insertion interfacing. That also helped with the wrinkle factor, but still left the fabric nice and soft. I think I will do the same with the skirt, it should keep the tweed from sagging or distorting, yes?

I’m currently working on this jacket: McCalls M5527. I took a trip into the city and splurged on a silk/blend tweed from Paron’s. It’s a pretty simple jacket and I’m happy so far with the way it’s coming together. I hadn’t set in a sleeve for a while and I think it looks pretty good. Excuse the blurry pictures but it was three in the morning (did I mention I’m obsessed with sewing again?)

I have held back on posting this review because i still don’t know what I am doing as far as posting, but I guess the only way to learn is JUST DO IT!

This pattern is for a very classic sleeveless, fully-lined sheath dress wth princess seaming detail, curved front pockets, and boat neckline. Very Audrey Hepburn/Jackie O!

Going by the size/measurement chart on the envelope, I cut between sizes 14 and 16 for the bodice, blending to a 20(!) at the widest part of my hips. This style of dress has minimal ease and probably a sheath dress dress isn’t the best choice for such a pronounced pear shape as mine, but what the hay. The chic, sleek, and slinky illustration on the cover beckoned to me…
Wild and crazy girl that I am, I did not bother to make a muslin (or even stop to try it on) and found the finished dress to fit very nicely as well as being quite comfortable.

The instructions were very detailed and very well illustrated. I didn’t have any trouble following them, although (like another sewer on PR) I had to read the pocket instructions a couple of times. I loved all the high end RTW tips like staying the edges of the pocket and which side faces up and which side faces the feed dogs when sewing the curved seams.
I also liked that the the instruction sheets and pattern tissue paper are printed just like the large pattern companies. Mostly though, I loved how well drafted the pattern was and how well it all fit together.

The inexpensive synthetic brocade from Jo-Ann’s was a pain in the neck to work with as it was a bit stiff and the edges frayed very easily, but this was the first garment I have made in quite a few years and I didn’t want to make a big investment in case I messed it up! The only change I made to the pattern was adding two inches in length as I am tall and have a horror of showing my fat knees to the world.

I received lots of compliments on this dress and would definitely recommend it to experienced sewers. It is not a pattern for beginners due to all the curved seams, invisible zipper and a good amount of hand finishing.

I love this pattern and plan to sew it again in the fall. The next incarnation will be in a black wool crepe (or dupioni maybe?), probably lowering the neckline a tad (an inch or so). This is absolutely the perfect LBD (little black dress) pattern, the kind of dress you can wear forever!

I can’t wait for more patterns from this company! The only other pattern in their line at the moment is a caplet. If it had been a cropped jacket with ¾ length sleeves, I would have been all over it! I am very grateful to Go Patterns for the smooth sewing experience. It has given me the confidence boost I needed to start sewing again!

This is the first dress I’ve made in years! I saw this pattern in Threads an issue or two ago and had to have it! (Go Patterns 4001) I made it up in an inexpensive brocade from Jo-Anns’s so I wouldn’t feel too bad if I messed up! Review and picture to come…

I’ve recently rediscovered my love of sewing and have decided to start this sewing blog to document my projects and share what I learn along the way. I was inspired to start sewing again after discovering all the wonderful sewing sites out on the internet, especially those by Erica Bunker and Laura Lo. (I’ll write more on these and other wonderful blogs at another time.)

Welcome to sewinggeek!