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Pattern Review: M7573+ Romantic casual off the shoulder flutter top
I’m channeling my inner Texan with the mix of boots and denim. I love this light weight gauze and it the pattern is so feminine. I was concerned that all the layers on this top would be heavy and hot, but it was nice and cool. I’m very proud of myself for getting some the new spring patterns sewn up, the problem is the fall patterns are sitting untouched. I can’t help if I get distracted by the new patterns, I guess I can get back to the jeans I’m making or should I work on one of the summer dresses I picked up? Hummm, decisions… On to the review:…
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Pattern Review: M7566 + the cape dress
I got the bright idea to try a pattern before the gurus at Pattern Review get a hold to it. What was I thinking? It has been cold her in the Carolina’s, well everywhere actually, it was winter then spring, now it’s winter again! I want to wear a sundress!!! OK, tantrum over, but really, why is it so cold? I’m trying to stay consistent with my sewing and actually make stuff that I will wear. So I’m wearing this dress around the house with my white sandals, because its 50 degrees outside. I think this dress will get lots of wear, I’m not in love with the dress, but…
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Top of the Morning! M720+ Emerald green top
I believe the holidays, seasons, etc are good times to make things specific to that time. I used to bake cookies or make traditional meals during the “holiday” but now, I like to sew something that is representative or captures the spirit of the day. I don’t have much green in my closet so, this was the perfect time to sew something up. I didn’t have anything in the que to sew for St. Patrick’s day but while I was at a big box store I saw all the St. Patty’s day stuff out so a light bulb when off. I wanted to try another view of M7020 so I…
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Pattern Review: M7261 + Activewear
Alright, I made workout gear for the first time! It wasn’t as hard as I thought but worth the experience. Workout clothes are pretty cheap at Walmart and Old Navy, but I can make the colors I want with the right fit. I used some super awesome compression fabric and funky color blocking, I really like my makes! The compression fabric is super heavy, like scuba fabric so I couldn’t wear this during the dead of summer, but hey, it’s winter and a little chilly out. I will make the pants again because they are awesome and the top too, if I can find some lightweight moisture wicking fabric. And…
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Another Bomber Jacket- M7100 + Kente Print
This is my second time making this bomber jacket and well, I’m not sure it will be my last. There are so many patterns I only make once, and for me that seems like such a waste. I like simple patterns I can reused again and again. I have over 300 patterns and well, I think I can probably get rid of half of them (gasp) I know, but if I were truthful, I think I could and should purge the pattern stash. I belong to a number of sewing groups on Facebook and like book clubs, they help me to try different things and stay on track. I also…
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Pattern Review: M7061 + Fleece hooded dress.
Here’s another gift I sewed up. This went together easy and I really like it. Pattern Description: Close-fitting tops and dresses have long sleeve bands. A, D: Cowl and hem band. B: Stitched hem on hood (wrong side shows). B, C: Shaped hemline. B, C, D: Kangaroo pockets. D: Purchased drawstring. Fitted shorts and pants have waistband. E: Side slits. F: Leg bands. B, C, E: Narrow hem. Slippers have insets and sole; available in sizes X-Small(83/4“), Small(91/4“), Medium(93/4“), Large(101/4“), X-Large(103/4“). I made view B Pattern Sizing: XS-XXL, I cut a Large Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes Were the…
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Pattern Review: M7100 + the Bomber Jacket
I had the bright idea to make my mother a gift for her birthday. I wanted to make a bomber jacket, and she wanted one, so I figured, I’ll do some more unselfish sewing. This is a wearable muslin as this is my first time making it and there’s tons of errors that I learned from. My jacket will go much smoother! Here’s a link to the McCall’s sew along here. 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. I made view A. Pattern Sizing: L-XXL …
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Pattern Review: M7195 + the perfect fit.
I have worked out the kinks in this top and I really like the fit. I guess I like tunics, because I want to make this longer. I was getting worried, because I couldn’t get the neckline right but I’m happy I stuck with it. I’ve already reviewed M7195 but these are the changes I made to this version: I did a 1 inch cheater FBA, I graded from between XL and XXL to normal size 24 at bust, waist and hem. I did a small round back adjustment to get a better shoulder fit and I eased the fullness into the neckband and that didn’t work, I had to…
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Pattern Review: M7505 + 2nd times a charm
This is the final product after I worked out all the bugs of the wearable muslin. I really like the fit of this dress. I adjusted the waist as it was a little too loose on my body type and I didn’t account for the increase to the sleeve in the flounce so it’s a little tight, but I still love it. The hem is not straight, sort of wavy and the polyester didn’t press as good as I liked, but overall I’m very happy with this sew. Pattern Description: Semi-fitted through the bust dresses have back zipper, French darts and long trumpet sleeves. B: Lace overlay. I made…
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Pattern Review: M7020 + the knit oversized tunic
I pretty late on sewing this pattern. I think there should be a list out there of the top 10 things to sew or some sort of checklist so I don’t miss these tried and true patterns. I find myself going back to the “best of” by year on the Sewing Pattern Review site. As a newer sewer, it’s helpful to look at those patterns, because most of the “bugs” have been worked out and there are usually tutorials, sew a longs or reviews to help. I’m learning what alterations I need to make and how to work those into tissue fittings, but that’s still hit or miss with me.…