i love microfleece!

Sitting in an ice skating rink all morning will make you want to get home and sew some microfleece tops. This is what I made today. Kwik Sew 3567

Pattern Description: From the envelope: Misses' close fitting tops have raglan sleeves and side panels. View A has mock turtleneck, side panels from contrast fabric, and full length sleeves. View B has V-neckline with neckband and side panels from contrast fabric, and full length sleeves. View C has round neckline with neckband and side panels from contrast fabric, and short sleeves from contrast fabric.

Pattern Sizing:This is XS, S, M, L, XL. I made the S.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes, it looks just like the line drawings and the model photo. I chose different colors but everything else is the same.

Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes, very much so. Of course, it is pretty basic and straightforward.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I love the fit, love the contrast panels. The directions were very easy. The length is great. Usually I have to make things an inch or two longer but this was perfect out of the envelope. From cut to coverstitch, this took 2 hours and looks very RTW.

Fabric Used:I used a lime green microfleece for the main fabric and a cobalt blue microfleece for the contrast panels. Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:None, this is my muslin. My mom always goes through a store and says things like, "Oh, this is nice, I'll just have you make me one." We were in Sports Authority and she was looking at all these microfleece warm-up tops and kept saying that. I had this pattern in my head and told her we could barter. She would buy the pattern and I would make a couple shirts for her. So, fair trade. This is the muslin and now I'll make her one. She is much curvier than I am so I am making her the large with a bit of flair in the hips.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I will sew this many times. It is very comfortable in the shoulders and will be great for my active lifestyle. It looks very RTW with the side contrast panels and the nice, wide collar. I have a few yards of some Gorgeous Fabrics knit that would be awesome with some black contrast panels. Hmmmmmmm . . .

Conclusion: Love it! This is my first "real" Kwik Sew pattern. I say that because I picked up a KS pattern at Salvation Army last year. Some pieces were cut and the directions were mangled. I am impressed with the directions now that I can read them. This is also a Kwik Serge pattern that can be made with just your serger. It would be a great serger pattern. Here is the front, side panel, and back.

Butterick 4985 finished

Here she is . . .

I am getting some mightly pull lines on the back when I lift my arms. I am asking the PR gurus about it to see what they think.

I did a bang-up job de-puffing the arms. I liked the puff at the bottom so I mostly left that part alone.

The full review on PR.com:
Pattern Description: From the envelope: Tops A, B, C, D have gathered upper front, lower section with princess seams, sleeve and collar variation. A: stand-up collar and tie, two-piece sleeve. B: gathered sleeve with band and collar with collar band. C, D: gathered sleeve with band and stand-up collar. D: purchased trim. I made version B with the collar.

Pattern Sizing: This is the AA, sizes 6, 8, 10, 12. I made a size 6.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Mostly. I used a very different fabric and I'm not as curvy. And I made a couple changes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes pretty easy. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I liked the pattern lines. I like the gathered bust. Nothing that I disliked really.

Fabric Used: I used a 100% polyester something from JoAnn's. It has nice drape. I was afraid it would be a little too Miami Vice but it turned out okay.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a SBA by slicing and overlapping the front where the gathers are. I de-puff-ified the sleeves a bit. They were very puffy for my muslin. Here is the original sleeve and here it is after I folded out some ease and chopped off some of the cap.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will sew it again after I get a few alterations figured out. I have some weird lines on my bust which happens with all woven tops. I need to get that figured out. I think the lines and the arm tightness are all related. I'll have to ask the fitting gurus here on the boards. For the rest of you, here are the lines and the pulling (pulling #2) pictures. Again, I don't think this is a pattern thing. I think it is a me thing.

Conclusion: Cute tops! Although I'm not sure about view D, lace on the really puffy sleeves??

kwik sew patterns i actually LIKE . . .

I don't know if I'll really buy any of these patterns but it is the first time that KS has come out with something that I like. I think it is the real model as opposed to those yucky line drawings. These are some much better. And how much do you love the orange???? Very vintage-y don't you think?






And, I've been wanting to try my hand at a few bras. How much would it rock if you could make your own comfortable bras??

Jalie 2679

I made these coats a month ago or so and figured it was time to review them.

Pattern Description: Full front-zip hip-length fleece jacket with long raglan sleeves, self-fabric cuff, two zippered pockets at front and optional decorative stripe at sleeve.

Pattern Sizing: This is Jalie so it is everything from size toddler 2 to Women's 22. I made a size Q (b: 32", w: 26.5", h: 34.5")

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very easy. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I love the style of this jacket and how RTW it looks. People are always complimenting me on it. They can't believe it came out of an envelope. If you are going to topstitch, like the pattern calls for, it takes a while. I topstitched one and not the other.

Fabric Used: For my first one, I used a Baum Textiles reversible fleece. It is brown on one side and camel colored on the other. I made some parts brown and some camel and I like the effect. Here is the front and back of that coat. I topstiched this one and really like it. The second one is the Polartec 300 Windbloc fabric. I was debating changing this pattern and making is for the knock-off contest but decided not to. I would have knocked off this coat in purple. I have the same color fabric as the purple too.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: No pockets on the brown one, it was my muslin. On the brown/camel version the hip section is a little snug so I used very small seam allowances when I sewed up the green one. Other than those, no other alterations. Oh, and I didn't topstitch the green one because I didn't want to punch holes in the windproof membrane.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I love this coat. I would definitely recommend it. It is easy and perfect for the serger.

Conclusion: I love this coat. It will become a staple up here in the frozen arctic. I will be making one for each of my girls.

Butterick 4985 Sleeve

So I love this pattern and made it up in a muslin. But, yikes, the sleeves a little too froo-froo for me. A titch fluffy. I am working on de-fluff-ifying them. Kitty at I Want To Frock and Roll All Night made the shirt and changed the sleeves. I decided that I would try to modify them too. Here is the sleeve pattern piece.

I learned on this website to slash vertically and overlap the pieces. I am planning on doing the opposite of number two below. This is a diagram showing how to make a sleeve puffy. I don't mind keeping a little fluff in my sleeve but these were like the Mitchellen man was on my shoulders.

My mom is here for the weekend so I may not make any progress on it this weekend. :( I'll keep you posted (pun intended).

I just uploaded a bunch of pictures to PatternReview.com!

I've been busy! Microfleece Jalie top, Jalie 2000 Pants, and Jalie top again!

Vogue 2091

So, I'm working on this Vogue pattern. I'm not in love with it but it is okay. I have temporarily misplaced the sleeves so that dress is on hold right now. I have no idea why I am always drawn to dresses when it is so damn cold up here. Maybe that's why. I never wear them so I want to sew them?? Who knows. When I get a picture for the dress I'll post it. Here is a link to the Vogue website. I am making the boatneck dress.

I had a very unproductive weekend as far as sewing goes too. I kept getting side tracked by 13,000 different projects. I did manage to trace all of my patterns out. I didn't cut anything but maybe tonight or tomorrow.

Jalie 2000

Pattern Description: From the envelope: Choice of Pants. Whew. From me: Pants with faced waist, back zipper, and choice of bootcut, capri, or stovepipe legs. Stretch material is recommended.

Pattern Sizing: All in one, baby. I made a size T (w: 26 1/4, h: 35 7/8"). Since it has the smaller sizes, I am pondering making it in knit for my almost 2YO girls. It may be a cute pull-on pant for them. Hmmmm. More on that later. I am also pondering using a non-stretch woven like garbardine and going up two sizes. I love this fit, it is super easy, and takes only a yard of 60" fabric.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes, except the material is diferent. I made the bootcut version. I know bootcut pants are on their way out of fashion, probably already gone, but I refuse to make tapered pants. It was a bad look in the 80's and it is a bad look now. Who does it flatter???

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very but these were very easy to make. There was only front leg, back leg, front facing, and back facing. I used the Fashion Incubator tutorial for my centered back zipper and it was super easy and looks great.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that it fits and that it was so easy. Right now, I just want to say to Jalie, "I love your patterns!!" I think I will use smaller inseams next time on the thigh/butt area. It fits but I won't be wearing these to work. They would be great party pants. Just a little too, um, tight/clingy/showy for work. I think that I will move the zipper to the side seam next time too. Nothing like a zipper to point out your curvy areas.

Fabric Used: This was a sale-priced stretch denim from JoAnn's.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did do a few things differently. I used the Fashion Incubator tutorial for the zipper and edge-finished the bottom of my facing pieces to make it look more finished. I plan to make a few more changes on the next go around. Maybe add faux pockets? These pants would be great for embroidery or applique or other embellishments.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yup and yup.

Conclusion: Great, easy pants. Perfect party pants when you want to look hot with heels. I almost forgot to add the other pictures! Here is the front, back with the top showing, and front with the top showing. I should also add I have not hemmed yet. That always takes me a couple days because I like to try the pants on with a couple different pairs of shoes and hem them to that length. Is that weird? Do other people hem for their shoes?

Happy sewing!

My Plan for the Weekend

So, I got all those new knits from Gorgeous fabrics but haven't done anything with them. I am finishing up a snowsuit for my son. You can see a review that I did here. That snowsuit is a size 4 but I lined it so it ended up smaller. He is 3.5 YO but that snowsuit is too short for him. I am almost done with the size 6. All I have to do is add the cuffs, hem the legs, add elastic, make gloves loops, and attach then and I'm be done.
Next on the to-do list is to hash out the shirt for Butterick 5147. I made a drastic SBA but I think it was too much. I made my own facings and want to attach them before I make up my mind about the SBA I need to FBA.
After that, I am making a light jacket for my Grandpa-in-law. I have to find a lightweight zipper that is long enough and that is proving to be difficult.
Here is a dream list for this weekend:

1. Finish all outstanding projects.
2. Trace out the sheath dress for the Butterick pattern. Cut muslin.
3. Finish making light jackets for my daughters. They are cut out but not sewn.

I am guessing I'll get to change a lot of dirty diapers and do a lot of laundry but a girl can dream.

More Wristlets

So, I couldn't resist making a couple of these wristlets for myself. The green one is my favorite. It was inherited from my husband's grandmother. It is a tweedy green, brown, yellow fabric.Here is a close-up of the fabric and here is the bag itself. I also made a red one. The red one is more of a finger-let since my wrist does not fit in it. I didn't have enough fabric for the strap.
These little wristlets are perfect for a cellphone, keys, money, and chapstick. I got these from splityarn with this tutorial.

Vintage Vogue and the Pear

I made 2077. I messed up on the back of the dress. Here is my review from patternreview.com

Pattern Description: Dress, in evening or street length, is slightly gathered to high-waist inset band. Scoop neckline. Pockets in side seams. Full length sleeves gathered into cuffs, short sleeves or sleeveless. Optional purchased trim. I think it is a mid-60s pattern. There is no date on it though. Here is the front of the envelope.

Pattern Sizing: Size 10, Bust 32.5", Hip 34.5"

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, but mine looked less defined. Here is the front and back.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, although I did not interline it.What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I'm not sure it is the best look for me. I love the fashion drawings but the end result is like screaming, "Hello! I'm a PEAR!!!" and I'm not sure I like that.

Fabric Used: A flowing suiting material. Black with white flowers on it. Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:I took out a few of the gathers on the top bodice but left the rest alone. I did not underline it like the pattern suggested. Instead, I used two layers of bodice material to line the bodice. Here is the inside front and inside back. You can see I had no idea what I was doing with that invisible zipper and the back seam. I'll know better next time.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'm not sure I will sew it again. I think I need something that shows off my waist. The most fitted part of this dress is the band right under my chest. If I had more (or any for that matter) chest, I think it would look better. I do recommend it to others. It is a cute pattern and super easy.

Conclusion: Cute, but maybe not for me?

Vintage Vogue

I love these two patterns. Both of them call for full linings, well, interlinings. So I think I can just baste the two layers together and treat them as one unit. I'll have to do some research on that. The thing that got me on the 2077 was the high neckline and empire waist. My favorite is the black dress. The 2054 was the detail on the little tabs. The 2054 is a size too big so I would have to make some changes in order for it to fit. It is a princess seam so a SBA should be pretty straight forward (though I've never ACTUALLY done one). The other 2077 is just gathered so that should be really easy to SBA-ify.

Little Doll for a Little Girl

Here is my latest craft-y sewing projects. I saw these dolls on One Red Robin and thought they were the cutest little dolls I had seen in quite a while. So, of course, I HAD to make one. Two, actually. But they are fast and easy so it is fun to get a fast project done. I finished this one yesterday and am working on a new one tonight. This is my first try with embroidery and you can tell if you look closely. The eyes are very different but they look okay. I just made sure the hair was *just* so to cover most of the mistake. If you haven't checke dout One Red Robin. You should. Cute stuff.

The girl is my sick, snotty, congested little one. She really likes the fleece scarf on the doll.

Some of my Christmas Gifts

So, I don't really start making Christmas gifts until after the holidays. I hate being stressed out so I wait. It is not really all just procrastination. I am not talking about ALL gifts. My kids and husband get gifts on-time. But others, like in-laws and my family, get gifts after Christmas. And, no, I'm not just being cheap and sending out Christmas sale items. I usually make my gifts. With all that, here are a few gifts I have made recently. The three below are gifts for my girlfriend Kate. She is a nurse in the AF. I got these ideas from Sew, Mama, Sew. This is the link for the The Ultimate Handmade Holidays Master List. They have great stuff.

This is for one of my buddies at work. All of these are made of left-over stretch velveteen with some decorative topstitching. I love the purple/green/white button. It is one my husband gave to me a while back.

I also just received a bundle of fabric from Gorgeous Fabrics. They are all knit and super fun. I need to work on getting SOLID colors and working iwth something not quite so bright and busy. I like bright and busy but you can only wear so much of it at one time. Yikes. Here are some that I bought.