Sunday, May 31, 2015

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

4 comments:

  1. they turned out really nice, I've been sewing for year but still find myself learning new things

    Helen

    ReplyDelete