Summer Sewing

Greetings divas!

I know its been a while since my last post but I have been sewing, really I have. I will attribute my absence to a very busy summer which included a wonderful vacation to Niagara Falls and training for my first ½ marathon. Now that both young people are in their respective locations and the nest is yet again empty I can focus on sewing. With summer being officially behind us I’m getting really excited about some of the fall projects I have planned. But before I get on a tangent about my fall sewing plans let me show you what I’ve worked on since my last post.

Butterick 5601

Pattern Description: 

Close-fitting, straight, above mid-knee dresses A, B have lined yoke, bodice and back zipper. A: back self-fabric loop and button at neck. B: back straps worn twisted and buttoned on inside of yoke.  

Pattern Sizing:

(6-8-10-12)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? The bodice on both versions look like the pattern envelope but on my first version (the green print) I made modifications to the skirt. 

Were the instructions easy to follow? 

Yes they were. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 No dislikes but the bodice does run quite large.

Fabric Used:

 Cotton sateen (green print) and a linen/synthetic blend (coral solid) both from my stash.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

On my first version (green print) the skirt was modified to an eight gore fit to flare skirt with piping and a waist inset was added. On my second version (the coral solid) only the waist inset was added which was embellished with sew-on jewels

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes I do recommend it but I don't think I'll sew it again. 

Conclusion: Its a cute dress that was fun to make. I modeled the green print version at the 2013 ASG National Conference Fashion Show.

This dress is a self-drafted pattern which is a work in progress. It was almost complete until I realized the back of the dress pulls up at the center back so I'll have to do some deconstruction in the next few days and try to figure out what the problem is and find a solution. The fabric is an ITY knit so I'll have to wear it under a jacket or cardigan when it is complete. It also has short sleeves which I will attach once I resolve the issue with the back. 

Both of these skirts are self-drafted patterns. I'm not really sure if they can be called patterns considering they are literally two rectangles (front and back) sewn together at the side seams with an elasticized waistband  and a coverstitched hem. They are great wardrobe builders and truly instant sewing gratification.

Vogue 8451 (OOP)

Pattern Description: Misses tops.
Pattern Sizing: 6-8-10-12.
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.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I thought the sleeves were really cute.
Fabric Used: Ponte knit.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I embellished the neckline with iron-on studs.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is my second one. I highly recommend this pattern but I have no plans to make a third version.
Conclusion: I had trouble getting the neckline facing to fit the neckline so I placed the garment against the feed dogs and the facing piece on top of the garment and let the feed dogs do their job, easy peasy it worked like a charm. Besides the neckline issue it was a fairly simple project to make. 

Butterick 5497

Pattern Sizing:
6-8-10-12.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, it did.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, very clear instructions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I especially love the neckline and back opening. It opens a little low in the back so I wear it with a cami underneath.
Fabric Used:
Ponte knit which is super comfortable and very soft next to the skin.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I highly recommend this pattern to others and I plan to make at least one more.