What I've been up to.....

This is my first blog post since I joined the Sew Your Own Wardrobe For a Year Challenge. Although I got off to a slow start with this challenge I have completed several projects ;-) I just haven't taken the time to post reviews ;-(
Without further ado here's some of the projects I've completed since joining this challenge:

New Look 6097

Pattern Description: Workroom from Project Runway, misses' belted knit dress with neckline and sleeve variations. New Look Just 4 Knits sewing pattern

Pattern Sizing: 10-22

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? I did not follow the instructions very closely I used my own method of construction but they are fairly straight forward.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I love the cross over bodice, sleeve tabs, and the pockets although I don’t put anything into the pockets but a few coins due to the light weight of the fabric.

Fabric Used: An ITY Jersey purchased at JoAnn’s several years ago.Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:I added 1-1/2 inches to the bodice and 3/8 inches to the back shoulder seam. Also, I lengthened the sleeves by 1-1/2 inches and the skirt by 2 inches.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes, I plan to make a third version (view A with the collar) in a ponte knit for the winter but for now I will give this pattern a rest.

Conclusion: 

I love the shape and style of this dress and will make one more version of it before I retire this pattern. I used an ITY jersey which can be tricky to work with at times. I made the fabric more manageable by spraying it with heavy starch and allowing the starch to dry which made the fabric stiff and easier to work with. I used this method on the areas that needed top stitching.

Simplicity 1613

Pattern Description: Misses' close-fitting knit tops with three sleeve options or sleeveless and a twist detail at the neckline for views A, B, and C. View D is worn off the shoulders with ¾ length sleeves or sleeveless.

Pattern Sizing: Pattern envelope sizes 4-12.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, I believe it looks exactly like view A, which is the one I made.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were good. This is one of the few times that I had to “play by the rules” and follow the pattern instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes:
I love, love, love a shaped tee, most tee shirts are shapeless and unflattering. I consider this shirt a “fancy” tee shirt because of the shaping and the twist detail at the neckline. I really do love this pattern and plan to make each view.
Dislikes:
The twist detail is a little bulky and the construction for the twist detail is a little cumbersome so on my next version I will make modifications for to the twist detail.

Fabric Used:
Ponte knit purchased at JoAnn’s a few years ago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I added 1-1/2 inches to the length and 3/8 inches to the back shoulder seam. Also, I lengthened the sleeves by 1-1/2 inches. These are my usual length adjustments to accommodate my long torso and arms. The sleeves they fall just below the elbow bend which is a little bothersome for me so on my next version I will add 3-1/2 inches to the sleeves.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely, I can't wait to make the other tops. The directions are straight forward and I love the style of all of the tops. This is an easy pattern even for a “newbie” with knits.

Conclusion:
I love this top it can be worn effortlessly with skirts, slacks, and jeans.

Simplicity 1613 is worn with Burda 8213 (made a few years ago)

Burda 8213

Pattern Description: A knee or ankle length 8 gore flared skirt.

Pattern Sizing: 10-24 (36-50).

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? I only glanced at the instructions briefly.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the fit and flare shape of this skirt.

Fabric Used: Cotton twill which was a little too stiff for this particular pattern.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I cut a size 12 but had to remove about 1-1/2 inches from the waist. Also, I did not have enough fabric so I had to shorten the skirt (view B) by about 3 inches.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I plan to make this pattern again but with a more suitable fabric for this design.

Conclusion: An easy pattern for instant gratification.