McCall's 6920 - A Wardrobe Builder!

 I chose to style the dress with natural and yellow accessories.

Pattern Description: MISSES'/MISS PETITE/WOMEN'S/WOMEN'S PETITE DRESSES: Dresses (close-fitting through bust) have neckline variations, princess seams and back zipper. B: self-lined sleeves. A and D: fitted through hips, back hemline slit. Designed for medium weight woven fabrics. SUGGESTED FABRICS: Cotton Blends, Poplin, Linen and Gabardine.

Pattern Sizing: B5 (8-10-12-14-16) RR (18W-20W-22W-24W) - I cut and make the size 12, but had to take it in a little in the side of the bodice. I will probably make the 10 the next time around

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I chose to make View B; and Yes the dress I made looked very much like the photo on the pattern envelop.

Were the instructions easy to follow?The instructions were very easy to follow; though after reading over them initially, I just glanced at them a couple of time. The pieces are simple and come together easily.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? There is nothing that I particularly disliked about the pattern. I think that this is a great wardrobe builder. The dress could be paired with a sweater/cardigan or a jacket.

Fabric Used:I used a Ponte Knit purchased about a year ago from Fabricmart.com. I have decided to sew my stash this summer.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did make the petite adjustments for the bodice area. I did not make a muslin and believe the fit came out fine; I will fine tune the fit though. I found that I could have make about 1/2 inch adjustment in the should length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I do plan to make it again. I have an the Ponte Knit in an electric blue and plan to make View A in that color.

Conclusion: I love this dress. It is fun and easy to make, but has a classic appeal. Another reason that I like it, is that instead of princess seams, which I really need to work on, it has the seams from the shoulder to the hem. This is really easy sewing at it's best. I recommend this patter highly. 

McCalls 6884 Pattern Review - C'est La Vie!

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESSES: Close-fitting, pullover, mock wrap dresses have right front variations, tie ends and narrow hems. C and D: gathered right front. Pattern Sizing:Combinations: A5(6-8-10-12-14),E5(14-16-18-20-22); I made size 12. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes, my dress looks very much like the photo on the pattern envelop! Were the instructions easy to follow?The instructions were very easy to follow. I rated the pattern as Highly Recommended, but would consider it easy for beginners! What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?. Overall, there was nothing that I disliked, I just had to make petite adjustments. Fabric Used:Soft Beige/Black Striped ITY Knit 60W from Fabricmart.com. Striped ITY Knit. Vertical Stripes. Black Stripe: 1.25" W, Soft Beige Stripe: 1.125" W. Lightweight. Fine gauge knit. Very soft texture. Fluid drape. Semi-Opaque. Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:I had to make adjustments for petite sizing. The neckline is low, and I had to make adjustments to raise it a bit. Other than that, no other adjustments were made? Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes. Conclusion: Great pattern, love the ease of making and wearing. Great dress for all occasions! See additional pictures at http://justso-sewmany.blogspot.com.

Inspired by Stripes!

It's been a while since I have posted to this blog. Just as the title of my blog implies, there are "Just So Many" hours to devote to the things that I love, that I have not "Sewn Many"! I am truly blessed to have so many things that I love take up my time - teaching graduate school, working as a high school counselor, trying to keep up with 2 blogs (this one and one for school counselors), and spending time being the best wife, mother, sister, friend...

Yet, I have been inspired by Stripes and found these two inspiration pieces on the web!

I chose McCalls 6884, View C. Here are my results!

Pattern  review and the outfit of the day to be posted tomorrow as I get ready for brunch with a few friends!

C'est La Vie!
Dr.Donna

Two thousand thirteen.... The year of renewing my passion for sewing!

Finding inspiration in Michael Kors Fall 2013 Collection!

Meets Simplicity 2345

 

Now to locate the fabric... 

The cutest pair of shorts... for under $10!

Have you ever visited Kings Street in downtown Charleston, SC?

Let me tell you that there are some unique shops there, but items can be a little on the "pricey" side. About a month ago, while strolling and window shopping with my daughter, we happened to stop in a little shop that had the cutest pairs of shorts in bright floral colors. We could not resist oohing and awing over what we saw there. .. But the cost, if my memory serves me well was above $50 per pair. OUCH! REALLY! For a pair of shorts!

So here is my version of what I saw in that little specialty shop!

I lined the pockets and the waistband in a contrasting yet complimentary fabric.

I used Simplicity 1879 and the pocket design from Kwik Sew 3614. I made a muslin to ensure the style and fit was what my daughter would be happy with. After the 1st fit, she did not like the tucks made in the front of the shorts that the Simplicity pattern and instructions called for; instead I turned them into darts. This gave the shorts a flatter fit in the front. There is an invisible zipper on the left side and the waistband is secured with a hook and eye for closure.

Aren’t they cute! Now that I have her design and fit, there are more to come in other cute colors and prints. I may just make some for me.



Graduation Celebration in Charleston (What I Wore - Butterick 4343)

What an exciting day! We enjoyed having family in town to celebration my daughter's graduation from the College of Charleston.

I am so proud of her! Now on to graduate school in Speech Pathology and Audiology.

I am on the hunt for a pattern that I can look to as my TNT sheath pattern. I have tried 2 patterns that have turned into wadders (Vogue 8491 an Butterick 5706) but with this one, I think I have a winner!

Here are the front and back views on my dress form.

A up close look with the dress on. I just love the floral print! It is so Charleston!

Here I am with my graduate and my marine! What wonderful gifts for Mother's Day weekend!

How I fashioned my "Something Old Becomes New Again" Dress?

I am so glad I did not give this dress away! I received comments all day. It really made me feel good. As promised, here are some pictures.

I must do better than using my Blackberry to take pictures. My next goal... "How to use the timer on one of the many cameras in the house :)!

"Baby Girl" Graduating from the College of Charleston - May 12, 2012

I am a proud Momma!

Something Old Becomes New Again!

I have had this dress for over 10 years, and probably only wear it once a year. For Lent this year, I decided to give away 40 items from my closet; and not to buy any new clothing items for 40 days!

Yes, I was successful! I actually gave up over 100 items from my closet, including shoes! In the process I can across items that I still loved, but felt were outdated, so I decided to keep a few to refashion and to make "new" again.

Here is one of my projects!

I decided to remake this dress into a sleeveless sheath with a squared neckline.

I also decided to make the dress more form fitting and took it in about 3/4" on each side.

I used bias tape for the neckline and sleeve facings.

My finish refashioned dress!

I plan to wear it with a summer bright colored cardigan for work! Hope to post pictures when I do!

Estate Sale - 10 Patterns for $8!

One of my favorite things to do is attend estate sales. Prior to getting back into sewing, I would hunt for antique furniture; now I look for sewing supplies and patterns. I was able to purchase a basket of sewing supplies, such as binding tape, zippers, scissors, and an ironing board for under $20 total and that included the 10 patterns listed below. If you haven't tried going to estate sales, try them, you'll never no what you will find!

Vogue 1723 (1986) - Flared skirt and slighlty flared pants. The skirt has side pockets and pocket opening. The pants had front pleats, slanted pockets and pocket opening. I love both looks!

Simplicity 9113 (1979) - Front wrap skirt in two lengths. I like both lengths, but will probably not make the long version unless there is some formal event I need to attend.

Simplicity 5014 (1972) - I can see this is the maxi for the summer!

Simplicity 7139 (1967) - "A collarless pantdress" is the phase used on the back of the pattern envelop; I like both lengths of this jumpsuit and can't wait to try both!

Butterick 5180 (no date on the envelop) - One-piece dress and coat; I picked this one out for the coat; something I have yet to try, but is on my list for the fall.

McCall's 9213 (1968) - Dress or Jumper and Pantdress/Pantjumper and Blouse. I love the simple dress!

Simplicity 8786 (1978) - Dress in three lenghts and pants; I like View 2.

Simplicity 7118 (1967) - Collarless and sleeveless A-Line dress with loop and button sholder closing. I love the simplicity of this dess, only 7 pieces too!

McCall's 3544 (1973) - Princess dress with a front zipper; I like View C, the sleeveless version.

This one I could not resist! Simplicity 1979 - Body suits, mini-front wrap skirt and bag. I wore body suits all throughout high school and would love to add them back into my woredrobe!

"Starting at the Top" - Top #4

Top #4 - Butterick 5496

I am looking forward to wearing this one on an evening out with my Dear Hubby! I plan to wear it with a black or white cami and black or white slacks. I love the graduating polka dots and made a scarf with the leftover fabric and can be worn with this top or with other garments.

The patter calls for elastic at the waistline, but I am not sure if I will add it, I like the easy, breezy flow of this top! I can't wait to share pictures of when I wear it!