Inspiration from St John

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from Cato

I love, love, love this lace jacket!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

The Day Dress: S1885



This Print cotton fabric is absolutely beautiful (purchased at Metro Textiles during PR Weekend NYC).  I bought this fabric specifically for this Simplicity Pattern 1885.  I received the pattern for free during the Simplicity tour (part of PR Weekend NYC).

This is the perfect summer day dress!  I wore it last weekend while I was visiting my mom in Miami --> it was 88 degrees and I was so comfortable. Before, I start the review I want to mention that I didn't have any experience working with collars when I received this pattern.  There was only 1 review on Pattern Review, so there wasn't an abundance of information on what to do.  Also, I lost about 10 inches off of my body from the time I cut this dress (June 2012) and when I finished this dress (December 2012), see I Finished What I Started: Update 1/3/2013

The Day Dress: S1885

Pattern Description:

Simplicity 1885, Misses and Plus Size Sportswear.   Misses' & Plus size pullover dress or tunic, jacket and pants.  I only made the dress.  **I received this pattern for free during the Simplicity tour, PR Weekend NYC.**

Pattern Sizing:

10 - 18. I made the 18. I haven't learned how to do a FBA, so I cut the pattern per my upper chest measurement. I initially cut this pattern out in June - with the intention of wearing it during the summer, but I ran into problems creating the collar and I didn't finish the dress until December.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it?

Yes, except my collar doesn't lay flat....

And, no I'm not sure what I didn't do right. 

And, yes - I wore it anyway! 

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes and no.  The instructions for the dress were very easy and simple to follow.  I was so totally confused on the instructions for the collar.  I ended up working on a different project that had a collar and just doing this collar the same way.

 

You can see how the collar isn't laying flat.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Major Likes:  I received this pattern for free!  The dress is super easy and comfortable to wear.  The cotton fabric folded well (and, didn't need major ironing when I traveled). 

Dislike: Collar instructions. 

Fabric Used:
Black, White & Green printed cotton fabric purchased at Metro Textiles during PR Weekend NYC.  It was $6 per yard and I bought 2 yards.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:When I started this project, I was closer to a size 18.  When I finished this project, I was closer to a size 14.  I'm not comfortable making a lot of alterations - so, I took up about 6 inches in the collar.  I did this by adding 4 additional gathers around the neckline before I attached the collar.  The dress is still a little big (baggier than I normally wear my clothes), but it doesn't look bad.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don't plan on using this pattern again - although, I haven't gotten rid of it.  I walked away from this project about 3 times because of issues with assembling the collar.  Perhaps when I have more experience sewing, it won't pose the same problem.




Needles Up,

Always Audrey

Needles Up, Always Audrey

Inspiration from St John

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from St. John

This jacket reminds me of the jacket that Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) just recently finished. 

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Still haven't sewed, but I do have updates.....

On MLK Day, my Grandma B turned 80!
There was a huge family celebration at her house in South Carolina and I was so happy to join everyone.   I can't believe the entire weekend - the only pictures that I have are of me wearing things that I made (on second thought - I CAN BELIEVE THAT).  You know I need pictures for my blog.

Really, that's my lead in - because it's the 23rd day of January and I still haven't turned on my sewing machine..... OMG!  I had so many great plans that I just haven't had the opportunity to get started on.  I did get a chance yesterday to pre-treat some fabric and on Monday night my mom and I worked through the fitting issues on two of my current projects.....

Although, I have some pending commitments for the next few weekends - I'm also looking to get back to my regular work schedule, so I'm sure I'll have more time going forward to get some sewing done.  So, here are my *New Sewing Plans*...

To Be Completed
Write a review - S1885 - When I finished this dress, I never wrote a review for the pattern.  I like writing reviews and having 1 central location where I can see all of the patterns that I have tried.

Fabric Samples - I need to organize my fabric samples and post on it...
Projects in Progress
V8541 - When I get back sewing - this project is on the top of the list.  I want to get this pink skirt (and, hopefully a jacket) finished before the weather changes for good.

V1250 Dress - I've been able to get this dress fitted to my shape and now I can finally finish it!  I've taken out a total of 3 inches from each side and now the dress fits perfectly (well, it only basted) when I try it on.

NL6757 - I was able to pin up the halter pants on my mom to get an idea of the fit.  I may decide to get a different zipper - I was going to use black for me, but I'll try to find a pink zipper that matches the fabric for mommie.  I need to read / watch you tube on inserting zippers. 

Brand Spanking New Projects
NL6130 - I want to make the sleeveless peplum top (View C) and the zippered skirt.  I have a few different cuts of cotton fabric and now, I just need to decide which colors I want to work with to achieve my desired look.  I will be making the shirt in February - depending on my time and progress before the 1st.  I will start by making the skirt.

V7975 - Jacket using the pink and white fabric.  Originally, this is something that I wanted to have completed by now, but my life has gotten in the way. 

Infinity Scarf - I don't have a pattern for this, but I saw a great tutorial.  Once, I'm able to get to this - I'll be sure to post a review of the tutorial and I'll show some pictures.

Hopefully, now that I've finished year end close at work and I'm back home from visiting with family - I can get to my sewing plans

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from St. John

Needles Up,
Always Audrey