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