I'd like to interrupt the last minute holiday shopping and preparations with a quick project! I had just recently viewed the Diane von Furstenberg Pre-Fall 2011 Collection. I loved how retro it is. It's 1970s sportswear at its finest! One of the things featured are box-pleat skirts. I've had this pattern in my stash for a few years and decided to make one.

Description: Above mid-knee or mid-calf, straight or A-line skirt has faced waistline and back zipper. A: center back pleat. B, C: side front pockets and center front pleat.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does.

Fabric: Light-weight camel wool flannel (100% wool)

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were exceptionally easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that it was just what I was looking for!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I cut view C and removed 3" from the hem. This was easier and made more sense than lengthening view B.

Conclusion: This is a simple skirt that would work in a variety of fabrications. Even though I have a definitive preference for pencil skirts, this is a great addition to my wardrobe.

In light of our recent discussion about pants, I decided to say forget dealing with all of that finicky tweaking! I decided to make a pair of fun and "un-fussy", yet trendy pair of pants!

These tailored peg-leg trousers are pared-down versions of harem pants with paper-bag waists and slouchy tailoring falling from the waist. These pants can look seriously sexy worn with boyfriend blazer and boot but with so much slouch these are not for the faint-hearted! I actually liked the harem pants, but the look was too sloppy, slouchy for me to want to leave the house in. I felt more "pulled together" wearing this look.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 20, I cut the 16.Description: Loose-fitting, tapered leg pants has front pleats, back seam detail and waistband with back notch.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Not quite as full.

Fabric: Menswear suiting (100% wool) from my stash.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were pretty 'AVERAGE' for constructing pants.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that this pattern was right on trend. Even though it is from the Donna Karan F/W 2009 Collection, the high-end RTW trend has now trickled down to regular RTW. I dislike that the pattern was drafted with an absurd amount of ease. The closer I examine the runway photos, the more I think the pattern is correct. It's me that had something else in mind.

I love the mens trouser details on the inside with the fly and the binding.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the pants by 3" and I removed 1" from EACH seam. There was A LOT more pants than I had intended.

Conclusion: These pants were fun to make, even though the binding was a little time consuming and it's a good way to try out trends.

Description: Close-fitting, lined top has front band extended into shawl collar, snap closure, front darts, side front pockets, back detailed seams, godets and topstitch trim.
Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? It does!

Fabric: Black and white houndstooth suiting fabric (65% poly/35% rayon) from Hancock Fabrics

Lining: Black poly from my stash

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy. The pattern is rated "AVERAGE", but I think an advanced beginner could handle this.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I always love making designer patterns that have been hanging in stores. The original retailed for $400 and I made mine for only a fraction of the price! From the moment I saw this pattern, I loved it. I love the edginess of the design. I love that it's more than a *basic* vest. One of the benefits of sewing your own clothes is that you CAN make the trendy and "of-the-moment" styles for only the investment of your time. And next season, it's on to the next one...

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened 1" at the waist and 2" on the bottom. I didn't really like the length of the version on the cover of the envelope. I wanted something that would be closer to the original RTW version. I decided to not make the belt and just use one I already owned.

Here are some detailed shots:



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I wouldn't sew this again. This style is very unique and a girl only needs one! I recommend this if it's your style!

My pants...

Project Details:

Pattern: Simplicity 2315

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 22, I cut the 16.

Description: Misses Slim Pants

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Well, kind of!

Fabric: Wool-blend with stretch

Were the instructions easy to follow? Extremely easy! This is one-sitting project!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I wanted a slim-fit pant to wear in lieu of leggings and this pattern fit the bill!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the pants by 3" and omitted the tabs at the waist.

This one is a winner and I'll probably make this one again!

Description: Semi-fitted, lined, partially interfaced, below waist jacket has princess seams, slightly extended shoulders, shoulder pads, in-seam pockets with pleats, side panels (no side seams), shaped hem, and long two-piece sleeves with buttoned vents. A: underlined and couture construction techniques.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Well, kind of!

Fabric: Black-Gold-Silver Brocade (54% Nylon, 30% Poly) from Jo-Anns

Lining: Ivory Charmeuse (100% Silk)

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are EXCEPTIONAL! Even if you never actually sew this pattern, if you have a desire to learn "luxurious couture construction details" it's worth purchasing. You can apply them to any jacket or coat!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? In addition to the awesome instructions and couture tips that are included, this pattern has excellent "bones".

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a small FBA and added 2 inches to the length. Yes, it was pretty short (for me)! I also used a combination of both the ready-to-wear instructions and the couture.

As I previously mentioned, I blocked fused with a nylon fusible knit interfacing. I added 3 buttons to the sleeve vent instead of 1. I used uncovered shoulder pads and sleeve heads. I added piping to my lining for a little bit of color.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is a fabulous jacket and I wouldn't be opposed to sewing it again. And I highly recommend it. It's like taking a couture class!

Description: Close-fitting, tapered, self-lined dress, below mid-knee has front drape and concealed front neck band which extends into back shoulder straps (one gathered and one concealed), princess seams with ruched detail (no pocket), and back zipper.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Exactly!

Fabric: Black Matte Jersey from my stash.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they were pretty easy. But let's not confuse EASY with QUICK. There is a lot of hand stitching for a jersey dress. It took a little longer than I thought it would, but it wasn't difficult.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I was looking for something really unique, that would be a standout look. I didn't want anything too basic or something every other woman has in her closet. I had forgotten about this pattern and (re)discovered it a couple of months ago while I was sorting my pattern stash.

I love that this is a Guy Laroche runway look for the Spring/Summer 2005 collection.

I love the gathered neckline...

The drape...
The concealed shoulder straps...

The side ruching that looks like pockets, but they aren't...

And how the seams lined up perfectly!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I only had to add 2" to the length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? If this is your style, I highly recommend it. I would love to sew this again. This is such a fabulous dress. I would love to make it in ivory, like the runway version.Conclusion: I made this for my 40th birthday dress and it didn't fail. My husband absolutely LOVES this dress on me! It was the perfect look for what I was going for!

GIRL ON THE RUN – 10 Year Anniversary