Vogue 1534 Review

My youngest daughter is currently on a cruise with friends.  She wanted a dress to wear to the Captain's dinner and of course turned to her mom(ME).  I was thrilled as usual because I love to sew for her.  She is a little demanding because she knows exactly what she wants and how she wants it to fit.  I have no problem with that but sometimes we bump heads, all in all it always seems to turn out right and everyone is happy, including (ME).

She chose Vogue 1534, which I thought was a very beautiful dress that would look great on her frame.  I had some lace printed fabric in my stash and purchased some taffeta for the bottom portion of the dress.

Here is my review.

Pattern Description:  Vogue 1534, Halter neck pleated floor length dress.  Close-fitting through the bodice, lined dress has halter neckline, full skirt and contrast bodice.
Pattern Sizing: 6-22

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? I actually did not follow the instructions as they were not in the pattern that I purchased. The dress was simple enough for me to figure out without instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the pattern as it was straightforward, no twists and turns.

Fabric used: for the bodice and waist I used a lace printed fabric I had in my stash and the skirt was made from a taffeta purchased from JoAnn's Fabrics.  I used a lining that was already in my stash as well.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did not have to do any alterations, the only thing I changed was on the bodice I left the top portion unlined as my daughter wanted a sweetheart neckline to show through the lace.

Would you sew it again? I may sew the skirt portion again.  Would you recommend it to others? Yes, it is a quick and easy pattern.

Conclusion: Very satisfied with how this turned out.  

This is the only pic sent to me by my daughter. She looks very beautiful in the dress and was very pleased.

As always, Happy Sewing!

My Mini Me

Today's post is about my youngest daughter.  I moved a year ago to live with her and it has taken a great deal of adjustment but in the end I love it.  She is smart, sweet, caring and a very hard worker.  She is consistent and the best friend to all of her friends.  We are not best friends because from my vantage point, parent's should not be your best friend. I am extremely happy to be her and her siblings mother.  I would not have it any other way.

I love to sew for her and she wears what I make her so well.  It is also a plus that she stands 5'9 in her bare feet and has long arms and legs.  I have  been a little busy sewing over the last two weeks, will be busy again starting tomorrow.

Here is the skirt I made and she is wearing it so nicely. I love the combination of the tulle and Ankara print that she combined for her look. The skirt was self drafted based upon her waist measurements and finished length.  The tulle underskirt was made the same way minus the back zipper and pockets.

As always, Happy Sewing

McCalls 7100 Review

I have had this pattern since it came out but had not made it.  I actually have many patterns that were purchased as soon as they were released just sitting in my stash.  But this pattern in particular has been on trend over a year maybe longer and is still holding pretty steady.  It is the infamous bomber jacket that has been made up in various fabrics.  I finally made mine and am very happy with it. Here is my review.

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, unlined jackets have collar, side-front seams, bands, side-front pockets, exposed front zipper contrast panels and sleeves with shoulder dart. A, B, C: Welt pockets. D: Kangaroo pocket. Collar & Bands: For moderate stretch knits only.

Pattern Sizing: XSSM-LXLXXL, I made the Large

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very simple to follow. If you are a newbie, the instructions to add the knit band around the bottom may be a little confusing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I needed to make something rather quickly and this fit the bill for me.

Fabric used: I used Ankara wax print for the front and back pieces, a sweatshirt knit for the sleeves and ribbed knit for the collar and bands.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make any changes this time but for future makes I will add a lining.

Would you sew it again? Definitely making this again. Would you recommend it to others? Highly recommend it to others.

Conclusion: This jacket was quick and easy and true to size.

Summers Over Looking forward to Fall

I cannot believe I have not been posting to my blog. I have been sewing and posting to my Instagram.  I had great intentions of making great posts but that fell by the wayside.  Hopefully I can make up for the lack of posts before the year is done.

Here is one of my latest makes.  I saw this particular cape on a friend at church over a year ago and knew I wanted one in my wardrobe. I begin making the strips necessary for the cape and that was as far as I got.  Balled them up and placed them in a plastic bag and forgot about.

A year later and I am working on another project and I decided to pull out the bag with my strips and decided I needed to get her done.  Well it took me a day to put all of the strips together, to make sure the cape draped around my shoulders and fell exactly where I wanted it and VOLA....finished.

I can't tell you how pleased I am that it is completed and I have already begin another one.  But it is very time consuming to get it just right.

Check out the pics below and see what I am talking about.  Happy Sewing during this National Sewing Month!

Sewing but not posting

I have been sewing up a storm over here and have had not time to post. Been making lots of things for my loving daughters and myself as well. I suppose my goal is to never purchase another garment for myself. I really enjoy creating garments for myself when I have free time. These days I am usually sewing for someone other than myself. Below are a number of items made recently. I am not going to search for all the pics of items made since I last posted. I am trying to revamp my thinking and strategy regarding this blog. It is time for a new design and I am not that good in choosing which one looks best. I am going to have my oldest daughter help me with the blog redesign. More to come on that later.

Enjoy the pics and as always, Happy Sewing.

January 2017

Today would have been my mom's 86th birthday instead she passed 13 years ago.  It does not feel as if it has been that long.  Time just keeps on moving and if we are wise we will too as long as we have breath in our bodies.  My mom was my first introduction to this world of sewing.  She was an excellent seamstress and I always looked up to her.  When I began to sew because of her influence, she was the bar to which I always tried to reach. If my sewing teacher in school said my project was an A, I did not rest until I took it home and my mother critiqued it.  If she said it was good, then it was good. I certainly do miss her but I know she is as rest.

Happy 86th birthday Mom.  You are loved and missed dearly.