The Rain Dance Dress

I made this Purple Dress (V1250 Dress) at the end of July and I have worn it 4 times.  I'm calling it the Rain Dance Dress - since, every time I wear it I get caught in the rain.  LOL!  And, no I don't think to take my umbrella when I put it on.  OMG!

Pattern Description: 

DKNY Vogue 1250, Misses Close-fitting Dress. 

Pattern Sizing:

6-20. I made the 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!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I made it, I love it! 3 pattern pieces and the finished dress is so pretty!

Fabric Used:
1 3/8 yards of Ponte Knit; purchased in a 1/2 priced bundle ($5) from Fabric Mart

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The first time I made this dress - never reviewed; I sewed a size 20 according to my measurements.  I ended up having to take it in every where to make the dress wearable.  This time I cut the size 14 and the dress fits perfectly.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes and yes.  This is an amazing dress and that's part of the reason this pattern has been reviewed so many times.

Needles Up, 
Always Audrey

Bringing Just a little more organization into my Studio.  Did I mention how much I love having a dedicated sewing space?  I purchased this sewing table (hobby table) from Joann's on Black Friday 2014 for approximately $75.  That's my sewing kit (pink and black) opened in it's place of honor and my new magnetic pin cushion.  LOVE the pin cushion!  Along with my newest addition - the thread organizer from Joann's (on sale) for $7.99.

Sewing Table

New Thread Organizer

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

The Off Grain Skirt

Although, I've heard people say that the fabric is "off grain," and in hindsight I have worked with "off grain" fabric.  I have honestly never really given it any thought.  Enter "The Off Grain Skirt".  I will look more closely at my fabric before I start cutting.

Pattern Vogue 8541 - Elastic Waist Skirt and pretty blue printed fabric that is horribly off grain.

Not much to write about this project.  I used my TNT Skirt pattern.  I have a few yards left (to make a jacket) although, I have learned the hard that that I need to cut this flat - and NOT on the fold.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Completed UFO: Jumpsuit

**Spoiler Alert: Another Pink Project**

This jumpsuit has been waiting almost 2 years for completion.  I've been at a stand still because because the instructions for the zipper used the assumption that I would already know how to insert a zipper.  The finished product isn't perfect - the zipper is a little wonky - but, I made it and I love it!

New Look 6757 - View C Jumpusit

Pattern Description: Out of Print - Misses dress in two lengths and jumpsuit.

Pattern Sizing: 8-18, I made the 18

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? Not really.  The pattern is rated easy, but I had a difficult time working through the instructions for attaching the zipper and the halter top.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the look of the finished outfit! Win.  Although, I didn't like the instructions - they could have been explained better.

Fabric Used:  2 5/8 yards of Pink Rose Polyester Suiting

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  In the chest area, I used a 1/2 inch seam allowance (to make sure it would fit), but I used 5/8 inch seam allowance everywhere else.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I would sew it again.  I wouldn't recommend this pattern to a true beginner, but if you have experience and don't need instructions to give you every step of construction and you can locate the pattern (it's out of print), then I would recommend it. I got it during a pattern swap.


Needles Up, 
Always Audrey

TNT Vogue 8541 Pink Brocade

I made this outfit (V8541 Vest & V8541 Skirt) at the end of April and wore it on Mother's Day.

Pattern Description: 
Very Easy Vogue 8541, Out of Print, Misses Jacket, Skirt and Pants. 

1) Unlined Jacket (in two lengths) has front and back darts, stand up collar, sleeves with darts, topstitching and snap closure. **I didn't have enough fabric to make the whole jacket, so I used the pattern to make a lined vest instead.**

2) Pull-on skirt C has back slit and elastic casing, length is mid-knee. I only made the skirt.

Pattern Sizing:
16-24. I made the 18 Vest and the 16 Skirt.  

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Vest - It fits like the jacket that I made, but it doesn't have a collar or sleeves. Skirt - Fits perfectly

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Vest - I didn't end up using the instructions, but the instructions are fairly easy with the exception of the jacket collar.  Skirt - Yes, the instructions are very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I made it, I love it! 

Fabric Used:
Pink Brocade 1 1/2 yards - Purchased in NYC during PR Weekend 2012.  Pink Polyester Lining 1 1/2 yards.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
After, I made the skirt, I only had about 1/2 yard of fabric left, so I decided to make a vest. Vest - I omitted sleeves and collar because I didn't have enough fabric.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Of course, I'll use this pattern again and, if you can find it yes, I recommend it to others.

Needles Up, 
Always Audrey

PR Beginner Contest - Completed Outfit

Here's my completed outfit for Pattern Review's Beginner Contest.  Of course, today is the last day to submit and I have just completed my 2 projects (that needed to be hemmed since Thursday) *don't judge me.*

Here's the Contest Entry and Review (V8815 Top & Circle Skirt):

How long have you been sewing? 
I have been sewing about 3 years.


Why did you start sewing?
I was looking for a simple black skirt.  I was so frustrated by what I saw in the stores - either it fit my waist or my hips, but sadly not both - that I said I know I could make something that actually fits.  A few months later, I bought a sewing machine and started sewing.  (I learned the basics when I was a teenager.)

Why do you consider yourself a Beginner Sewist?
Although, I have been sewing for a few years, I have mostly been sewing the same things over and over (elastic waist skirt and elastic waist pants).  The zipper that I inserted in the shirt is my very first zipper!  Win.  The FBA that I attempted (although, it was a fail) was my very first.  Win.  This was the 2nd time I used bias tape to finish a neckline/arm holes and this is the third time that I lined a skirt.  So, there are still several skills that I have yet to attempt or master.

What item did you sew?
I made Vogue 8815 Peplum Top (my first shirt) and a Circle Skirt (my first - no pattern used).

What new concept did you include? 

I used the following new concepts: 1) New Pattern - Vogue 8815; 2) Made a shirt (my first); 3) Inserted an invisible zipper (my first zipper and an invisible one at that); 4) Attempted a Full Bust Adjustment (a fail that I worked around); and, 5) Designed a double sided skirt (another fail that ended up working out). 

Did this contest help you to conquer any sewing fears?
Yes, I have been sew afraid of zippers and FBAs, so I haven't attempted to make any shirts.  I'm glad that I tried - although, I didn't get the exact look that I wanted it isn't worse than some shirts that I have bought.  Win!


Pattern Review Vogue 8815:
Pattern Description: Fitted top has raised waist/hemline variations and narrow hem. A and B: back zipper. C: pullover, wrong side shows (back hemline), back neck slit with hook/eye closing. B and C: stitched hems on sleeves. Purchase bias tape to finish necklines and armholes A.

Pattern Sizing: Size 16 with modifications

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!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love peplum tops.  And, I really love the fact that I make shirts!  Win.

Fabric Used: Black Cotton broadcloth - approximately 1 yard

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made a size 16, with an attempted full bust adjustment.  The FBA was a total fail and the shirt didn't fit.  Since, I was making the shirt as part of my Beginner Contest entry I knew I needed to find a way to "make it work."  I ended up adding a panel on the sides about 2 inches wide to accommodate my chest - and, now it fits.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will sew it again and yes, I would recommend this pattern to others.

Conclusion:  I am sew excited to have completed my first shirt and now, I'm looking forward to making others.


Pattern Review Circle Skirt:
Pattern Description: No pattern used - Circle Skirt

Pattern Sizing: Made from my waist and hip measurements

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it looks like a circle skirt.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes and no.  I was trying to follow the instructions that I found on the internet, but I got a little confused.  The skirt turned out perfect.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love peplum tops.  And, I really love the fact that I make shirts!  Win.

Fabric Used: Zebra Cotton Broadcloth - approximately 1 yard; Black Cotton broadcloth - approximately 1 yard; approximately 2 yards of Black Polyester Lining

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I was trying to make a skirt that was zebra print on top and black on the bottom, since I didn't have enough fabric.  But, I ended up cutting the zebra fabric wrong, so I made it zebra print in the front and black in the back.  I actually, love the look - it's reversible.  Win.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will sew it again and yes, I would recommend it to others - with the warning that some of the instructions the math can be confusing.  *LOL*

Conclusion:  I am sew excited to have completed my first circle skirt, I'm looking forward to making others.


Needles Up,
Always Audrey

PR Beginner Contest - Update

**Update on my progress for the PR Beginner Contest**

 Part of the Beginner Contest - includes expanding your abilities and I am challenging myself in the following ways:

1. I am making a shirt - my first one. ** I need to finish the neck, arm holes and hem to complete this project.**
2. I am using a New Pattern - Vogue 8815.  I purchased this pattern a few years ago and although I have read the instructions countless times, I have never cut the pattern or attempted to make this peplum top.
3. The pattern calls for a zipper.  Yet, another first - the last pattern I made called for a zipper, but I added an elastic casing instead. **I installed an InVISIBLE ZIPPER!  I watched this video for help and clarity: YouTube - Installing an Invisible Zipper - Toni Barsi.**
4. I will need to make a Full Bust Adjustment.  **Although, now I have a better understanding - my FBA was mostly a fail.  The shirt did fit my dress form "Mostly Me" perfectly.  But, the shirt didn't fit me at all. I really need to make the dress form match my body shape.  So, before I closed the sides of the shirt I added some extra fabric (design feature - haha!).  And, now the shirt fits.**

I am very proud of myself.  Normally, if I reach a part of the project where I haven't exactly done it right or it does not fit - I move on to something else.  But, I don't want to end up with a closet full of UFOs - so, I am working through all issues to get this shirt to work.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

PR Beginner Contest

I entered the Beginner Challenge on Pattern Review.  Although, I have been sewing since 2011 - I only sew from 1 pattern TNT Vogue 8541 (coordinates - skirt, pants & jacket).  I also make a simple pencil skirt (without a pattern).

Part of the Beginner Contest - includes expanding your abilities and I am challenging myself in the following ways:

1. I am making a shirt - my first one.
2. I am using a New Pattern - Vogue 8815.  I purchased this pattern a few years ago and although I have read the instructions countless times, I have never cut the pattern or attempted to make this peplum top.
3. The pattern calls for a zipper.  Yet, another first - the last pattern I made called for a zipper, but I added an elastic casing instead.
4. I will need to make a Full Bust Adjustment.

I am very excited to see how this project ends up.  I am expecting the best!

Needles Up, 
Always Audrey

Banquet Outfit - Vogue 7963

Vogue 7963 - Me & the Pattern

Pattern Description:
Semi-fitted, lined top, below waist has princess seams, collar, double breasted snap closing and elbow or full length sleeves. A-line or slightly flared skirt, mid-knee or full length has waistband and back zipper.

Earlier in the evening

Pattern Sizing:

EE(14-16-18-20)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?YES, it did!  I made the long sleeved jacket and the full length skirt.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, the instructions were clear - I didn't have any problems.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
 The jacket!  The parts of the jacket went together easily (this is only my 2nd jacket) - especially, since this one has a lining. 


Fabric Used:
5 yards of Polyester Crepe backed Satin ($3.99 per yard), about 3 1/2 yards of Polyester Lining ($1.50 per yard), 2 yards of 1/2 inch horsehair braid ($0.50 per yard), about 1/2 yard of No Roll Elastic and 2 black & gold shoe bows pinned to the jacket. 

Everything was purchased at Fine Fabrics in Atlanta.  Total Cost = $26.20

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Jacket: Since, I haven't mastered making a Full Bust Adjustment - I just made the biggest size jacket that would fit across my chest.  Initially, I  pinned the jacket tighter (and, it worked for the first part of the evening), but after a few hours - it became more noticeable.

Later in the evening - jacket isn't staying on my shoulders

Skirt: The skirt called for a waistband and a zipper insertion (I have only been making elastic waist skirts) - so, I made a few alterations to the top of the pattern and inserted elastic.  And, yes - the skirt was super comfortable!  Although, the pattern didn't call for it - I added a lining and trimmed the bottom of the skirt with horsehair braid.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes and yes.  I would definitely sew it again!  This was the most slippery fabric that I have used to date - so, the fabric was a little nerve racking.  But, if I can figure out the fitting issues with the jacket - I would like to make the shorter sleeved jacket and short skirt to wear to church.


Conclusion:


I needed an outfit to wear to the Pastor's Anniversary Banquet.  The lines of the combo make it a classic piece that will still be fashionable for years to come.

Needles Up,

Always Audrey