Monday, December 28, 2015

Very Easy Vogue V9063

I wanted a quick pattern and having just sewn this top I knew it would be simple.  The fabric is not something I would normally wear so I had to make sure I picked the right pattern  or it would look very old lady.


I really love this pattern and I am very happy with this top.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Vintage Patterns and Casual Sweet Clothes

What a wonderful Christmas!  On Christmas Eve my family and I traveled to my parents house in rural Minnesota.  I can't remember when the last time was we were together on Christmas Eve.  My brother, sister and their lovely families we all there.  My Mother, an excellent cook, prepared a fabulous feast, it was a great evening!!


But outside in the machine shed, for nearly 20 years, my father found these fabulous, vintage patterns.  Vogue, McCalls, Advance and Superior patterns that remained rodent and insect free.  Well preserved indeed.

Although there are not many I would sew with they are beautiful to look at.


Then on Christmas morning I received this beautiful book.  Casual Sweet Clothes by Noriko Sasa  with 18 patterns.  I really love the simple styles that look so lovely.  With the right fabric choice these patterns become gorgeous garments!


A few of my favorite pieces that I can't wait to make include this v-neck shift with ruffled cuffs.


Jewel-neck jacket with bow.


Round-neck coat with turn-out cuffs.


Denim jacket with braided detail, gorgeous! 


A few vintage pattern pictures.


Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Under Armour skirt and top


This fabric is so comfortable you feel like your wearing your pjs.  I found this licensed Under Armour fabric at my local fabric warehouse, the same fabric I used for my jumpsuit.  
I used this pattern for the top, view D.  I love the shoulder seams.  It is such a lovely detail.

For the skirt I used McCall's 6343, I have used this pattern many times before.  I really love this pattern.  It is simple but looks great.
Unfortunately for me, I ended up giving this set to my sister.  I have made the skirt again for myself and plan to make the top too.  Lucky sister!

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Alterations

I have been reworking projects that have been stored away and making them fresh and new.  I have a terrible habit of making clothes that are too big.  I obviously think I am much bigger than I am.  I am only 5'2 but make clothes for someone 6 ft tall.  I have learned a lot about fit issues from the internet blogs and from looking at my own photos of finished projects.
For example this simple shit dress I made a few years ago.  The fabric is a lovely wool/silk blend.

I used this simple McCall's M6465 pattern and as you can see from my original photo my project was frumpy and my styling is horrible.  I am embarrassed to even put this photo on the internet.


I decided to cut 3-4 inches off and add some trim to the underside but after trying it on I decided it was still too long.  I removed the trim, cut another 4 inches off and added  a 1 inch hem.  This time I decided to add the trim to the outside of the fabric.  
I really like the trim on the outside.  My frumpy dress has become a top I enjoy wearing.  Sorry for the lint on my leggings.


Wednesday, December 2, 2015

New Look 6343

I wasn't very original with this pattern.  I duplicated the pattern envelope top B.

My plan was to make this top for my sister but I ended up keeping it for myself.


I really like the shoulder detail and overall it was an easy pattern to sew.
Since I used mesh on my sleeves I used French Seams for a nice, clean finish.  I am very happy with how this top turned out.