Pattern Review- McCall's 5819

And that's all folks... this is my final entry into the Pattern Stash Contest at Pattern Review, bringing the grand total to 18 garments in two months. I have enjoyed participating in this contest but am glad to put it behind me. Now I can start working on some newer patterns that didn't qualify for the contest! I have a few garments that I will be finishing that I had cut out before the contest began but didn't finish. You'll be seeing those soon!

In October, there will be a new contest for creating a little black dress (LBD) that can be worn for either day or evening. One of my hancock today purchases was fabric for my LBD!



Pattern Description: This is a pattern for loungewear/activewear separates. There's the short sleeved top, a jacket, a long sleeved top, shorts, and pants with different variations. This is a "diy style" pattern. IMO, it's McCalls version of the Project Runway patterns from Simplicity. Throughout the instructions the pattern gives you different design ideas so that you can make it unique.

Pattern Sizing: This is available in sizes 4-18... I made a 14.

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? Very easy. I didn't have any difficulty putting this together.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the neckline of the top- it has a drawstring that gathers the neckline. I also like the kagaroo pockets- they are cute. I have the pants cut out and will update this when I have made them too. I liked this pattern to make a velour loungewear outfit to wear around the house.

I dislike how puffy the sleeves are. I'm all for girly details- but they go a little too far IMO.

Fabric Used: Velour from Denver Fabrics. .

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did not add the ribbed knit to the sleeve hem. Instead, I folded up the hem and stitched in place. Other than that, I went down one size from what the pattern recommened according to my measurements.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Hmm... I don't know if I will use this one again. If I like how the pants comes out, I will probably make more pairs for wearing around the house.

Conclusion: Cute top. In velour, it is very comfortable to wear. Can't wait until I have the matching pants.



This photo is lightened up quite a bit so you can see the details:


~Byrdie

Pattern Review- Burda 05/2009 Shirt 112

So this is the shirt that I had to run out and get a zipper for. I initially purchased a 22 inch zipper because I didn't believe what the pattern said- it called for a 28 inch zipper. I thought this was way too long. Save yourself the time and get the right zipper!

BTW, I have an illness. I went to Hancocks for a zipper. I walked out with a zipper, two new patterns, and five pieces of material.

Pattern Description: From the magazine: Soak up the sun and let your soul run free- it's particularly easy in this relaxed shirt jacket. An inverted box pleat in the back and a two way front zip with leather pull tabs add cool details.

Pattern Sizing: This pattern is available in sizes 36-44. I made a 40, like a RTW size 10.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, very much so.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Well, they are Burda instructions after all. This one actually wasn't too hard to follow. I didn't have any trouble until it came to inserting the zipper. I've never done a separating zipper that's sandwiched in between the facing and body of the garment. But after reading and rereading the instructions, I managed. It's not perfect, but not bad at all.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the plaid trend and was drawn to this pattern because I liked how it looked in plaid. The horizontal band going across the midriff it really cute, and I like the pleating details. I really don't have any dislikes.

Fabric Used: I used a plaid seersucker from Denver Fabrics. I spent a little over $15 for the fabric and purchased a separating zipper.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make any changes to this one.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I probably won't sew this one again but I do recommend it.

Conclusion: I think this is really cute and fun to wear. I love how the plaid looks. I did an alright job at lining it up- it's not perfect, but that's ok!

It's really windy and icky outside so I took these photos inside. Not as great of quality but you get the idea...




~Byrdie

Pattern Review- McCall's 5803

Today is the last day of the Pattern Stash Contest at Pattern Review. I have this skirt and a top that I have finished and will be reviewing today. I have a third garment- a top that is almost finished but I realized I don't have the correct zipper. So I will be running to Hancocks or Joann Fabrics today to get the zipper and hopefully finish that last garment. So I should secure my third place position. I have really enjoyed participating in this contest- it's really beefed up my production. However, there has been a greater incidence of Goodwill donations as with this skirt...

Pattern Description: This is a "Hilary Duff" pattern for a skirt with hem variations and a button up top with collar variations. I made view C, which is a basic full skirt.

Pattern Sizing: This pattern is available is sizes 4-18, I made a 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Sort of, I made some mistakes, I mean design changes... see below.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions are fine if you follow them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I had initially intended on using this fabric for a long maxi dress. It has sort of a native american print and looks ethnic- very cool for a maxi dress. Sadly, I didn't have quite enough material. So instead I opted for this full skirt. I actually really like this pattern for the ruffled blouse, but I have yet to make it. The skirt is fine- nothing unique about it, but full skirts are always flattering and fun to wear.

Fabric Used: A polyester blend from Joann Fabrics.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Note to self: do not sip wine while sewing. This is supposed to be a pleated skirt. I couldn't get the pleats to come out correctly, probably because of my wine fog, and ended up gathering the skirt to the waistband. I also really goofed up the waistband some how and didn't leave a little tab in the back for closure. I rigged it so that it does close but it just doesn't fit quite right.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Without the wine, this probably would have been a lovely, pleated, full skirt. It is wearable but just doesn't look quite the way it should. I might give this another whirl at another time but most likely will used the pattern to make the blouse.

Conclusion: I know me, I won't ever where this one out so into the Goodwill pile it goes. And a valuable lesson learned on the dangers of drinking while sewing.



~Byrdie

Pattern Review: Simplicity 2850 Blouse

This is my 15th entry into the Pattern Stash Contest at Pattern Review.

Pattern Description: Misses'/Miss petite knit mini dress or top and hat.

I made view D which is the short sleeved top.

Pattern Sizing: This pattern is available in sizes 4-18. I made a 14.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? I thought that the instructions were fine. I did not find any errors or have difficulty with the instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I was drawn to this top because I liked the look of the neck band- it looks like it is elasticized but it really isn't- it's just gathered. I also like the elasticized sleeves.

Dislike- I do not like how the gathered neck band is made. The neckband is a separate piece with another separate "drape" that goes over it. The drape is gathered at both the concave and convex curves to give it that elasticized look. Then the drape is stitched to the neckband and attached to the body of the shirt. The end product is kind of wonky. I don't know how else to describe it but the concave gathers do not match the convex gathers. In other words, the gathers are not parallel. This probably does not make any since until you go to make it. Luckily the print of my fabric disguises the wonkiness.

Fabric Used: ITY jersey from Denver Fabrics. . I just purchases about half a dozen pieces of ITY jersey- I really like how it feels to wear.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I went down one size from what the pattern recommended for my measurements. I also omitted the tie belt and made the petite adjustments in length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't think I will sew this view again. As much as I liked looking at it, it's kind of boring to wear and I don't like the wonkiness of the neck band. But I think I will try the mini jumper. It has a different neckband. And it would look totally cute with tights and boots for Fall.

Conclusion: Blouse is ok, good to wear under jackets and good basic... nothing special.




~Byrdie

Pattern Review: Simplicity 3503

This dress is my 14th entry into the Pattern Stash Contest at Pattern Review. I made this dress in only two hours- it is so fast and easy!

Pattern Description: This pattern is for knit dresses in two lengths with bodice variations. It's one of Simplicity's "day to evening" patterns with casual dresses and more formal options.

I made view B, which is a shorter length with cap sleeves and a low v-neck in the front and back.

Pattern Sizing: This pattern comes in sizes 6-22. I made a 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, very much so.

Were the instructions easy to follow? There were a few errors, but the dress is very easy to put together. First of all, in the cutting layout section, the pattern does not tell you to cut a lining piece for the waistband sections- you will need this. It appears to omit this step for just the view A and B parts. So cut two of both the front and back waistband sections.

Second of all, the instructions never tell you how to cross the center front and center back together, in order to sew them to the waistband. All you have to do is match the two center fronts together (they will cross) and baste or pin in place. Then do the same with the center back. Then attach the waistband.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I initially got this pattern for the maxi halter dress which is very popular right now. However, view B caught by attention with the low v neck in front and back. I like the gathering detail in the bust and waistline. I think it's a dress that can be worn casual or dressed up.

Fabric Used:I used an ITY jersey from Denver Fabrics. It's hard to see the print in the photos but it's almost an animal print with shades of black, green, and turquoise. I really love the feel of this fabric, it's very soft and flowy. I spent about $13 to make this dress- not bad at all!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made one size smaller than the pattern recommended for my measurements. I also took about two inches off of the length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will probably use this pattern for one of the other views. And yes, I would recommend this one to others- it's so fast and easy to put together.

Conclusion: Great lines for this knit dress. BTW, I am wearing a black camisole underneath since the neckline is so low.





~Byrdie

Pattern Review: BWOF 04/2008 Dress 101

This is my 13th entry for the Pattern Stash Contest at Pattern Review.

Pattern Description: According to BWOF: a swingy hem flounce keeps this knee-length dress in motion. A self-fabric waist drawstring replaces a belt, and the front is fastened with tie-strings laced through metal eyelets. Fashionistas will wear a leopard-print bikini-top underneath and allow glimpses between the buttons!

Pattern Sizing: This pattern comes in sizes 34-40 (U.S. RTW size of 2/4-10). I made a 40.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, I think so.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I wouldn't say they are easy to follow... but I figured out my way around. This dress is basically put together like a button up blouse, which I have made before so this helped. The hardest part for me to follow was how to put on the placket for the front... but after staring at the instructions for a long while, it came to me. This dress is rated "intermediate difficulty, for advanced learners" by BWOF.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I have loved this dress ever since I saw it. I ordered this issue from ebay to see if I would like the magazine before subscribing to it. Well I did, and I did subscribe. I like the safari look, but with the femininity of the flounce hem and lace up closure.

I was very intimidated to make this dress because of the instructions and that's why I put off making it for so long. But with the Pattern Stash Contest going right now, it motivated me to give it a shot.

Fabric Used: I used a blue cotton poplin from Denver Fabrics. I think I spent about $20 to make this dress.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I omitted the shoulder tabs- I didn't feel that they added anything.

I love the look of the welt pockets in front but I didn't want to a) make them, or b) have the extra bulkiness that they add. So I thought about it and thought about it and it finally came to me- make faux welt pockets. So all I did was make the strip of fabric that goes on the front of the dress- the welt part- and sewed this on the front to give it the look of the pocket without actually having to make real welt pockets.

The third change I made was to the lace up front. Instead of using metal eyelets, I made small buttonholes for the drawstring to fit through. I also widened the drawstring to make it easier to sew together. Instead of sewing the drawstring into a tube and turning it, I folded the drawstring in half length-wise and pressed. Then I opened it up and folded both long edges to meet the middle press mark and pressed again. Finally, I folded the entire thing in half and edgestitched around it- does this make sense? It's very easy.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? No, I probably won't sew this one again but I do recommend others to make it at least once.

Conclusion: I love this dress! It's my first successful BWOF creation. It gave me the confidence to tackle other BWOF patterns! By the way, I wore a lace trimmed camisole underneath- not a leopard print bikini top- HA!

I thought about doing a tutorial on the shirt placket, or the faux welt pockets but don't want to spend the time and effort if no one is interested. Let me know if this would help you, and I will do one.






~Byrdie

Pattern Review- Butterick 5357, Peasant Top

This is my twelfth entry into the Pattern Stash Contest at Pattern Review.

Pattern Description: Loose-fitting pullover tops A, B, C, D, E have elastic casing at upper edge. B, C, E: self-fabric ties. C, D, E: sleeves have elastic casing. D: shoulder straps.

I made view A with short flutter sleeves.

Pattern Sizing: This pattern is available in XS to XXL, which is a size 4-26. I made a medium (12-14).

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, the instructions were super easy. This pattern would be great for a beginner- it went together in no time.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I'm a sucker for peasant blouses in the warmer seasons. I've made tons of them. I like this one for the sleeve variations- I usually make the kind with elastic in the sleeve so this one was a little different. I also like how you can wear it on or off shoulder. I don't have any dislikes.


Fabric Used: I used a cotton voile from Denver Fabrics. I spent about $10 to make this.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: My envelope had sizes Lrg- Xxl. I needed a medium so I sized it down. All I did was measure the difference in size between the large and x-large, and drew this in under the large. Very easy to do for this pattern. I also took about two inches off of the length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'll probably uses this pattern again to make another view- maybe the one with elbow length sleeves. Like I said, this one would be great for beginners.

Conclusion: Easy, breezy peasant top!




~Byrdie

Pattern Review- Butterick 5331, Ruffled Collar Jacket

After making a couple of duds I am so excited for my new hot pink jacket! This is garment #11 for the Pattern Stash Contest at Pattern Review. If you check out the contest report, you'll notice that I'm in fourth place at the moment. The ladies in first and second place have more than twice as many items sewn. That's ok though, this contest has motivated me to kick it up a notch and start sewing instead of just collecting patterns.

I loved this pattern ever since I first saw it for the view that I made. I love the ruffled collar- of course ruffles are all the rage right now. And I'm always a sucker for puffed sleeves- love the feminine details!

I really wanted a fabric that would make a statement so I opted for hot pink linen from Denver Fabrics. I also got buttons to cover- I think covered buttons give the jacket a more tailored and expensive look. I spent about $20 to make this one.

I made a size 14-one size smaller than the pattern recommends for my measurements. WORD OF WARNING: if you don't have pencil arms, you will need to re-size the sleeve band. Even if I had gone with a 16-those sleeve bands would have been way to small. I didn't notice this until after I had sewn up one sleeve (I should have been prepared for this because I've had problems with sleeve bands before). Luckily, before I had sewn the sleeves into the jacket, I slipped the sleeve over my arm and noticed how small the band was. I didn't have enough fabric to do a different sleeve and band. Instead, I cut new bands- about 1 inch extra in length. Then I sewed them to the existing sleeves but didn't gather as much as the pattern called for. This solution worked great, and the sleeves are fine now. I would recommend measuring your arm circumference and comparing this to the length of the band while you are cutting out the pattern.

Other than this small speed bump, the garment went together smoothly. It's rated an "easy" pattern and I really didn't have any trouble with the instructions. There is one error in the instructions that was pretty obvious to me but might not be to a beginner. In step 20, when you are sewing the collar to the collar facing, it does not tell you to stitch it before trimming and turning it to the right side. A minor error.

The jacket fits great and I love the color! I usually go for neutrals and blues... so this is a pleasant change for me. It looks great with jeans. I can also wear it with a cute skirt or slacks.

I have two more garments finished- more on those in the next couple of days.

~Byrdie