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