The reason I ask is because it's starting to feel more like a chore. As you know, I try to post very detailed reviews. I usually take quite a few pictures and the whole process can take a day sometimes. It's really easy to just post a pic and say, "Look at what I made this week!" Or to just say, "Yep, I liked it." Or "It's a great pattern, you should sew it too." Awww... the vague reviews are my absolute favorites.

I guess what I'm trying to figure out is whether or not it's beneficial for me, as a blogger, to take the time to post on my site and add a duplicate post to PR?

Your thoughts?

Description: Strapless sweetheart neckline with center banding; fitted through bust maxi dress.

Pattern Sizing: 3/4 - 15/16 (junior sizing). According to my measurements, I cut the 15/16.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yep... just on an adult body, LOL.

Fabric Used: I used a poly/lycra knit. I was unsure about the poly, but it was so lightweight and it draped so beautifully when I unrolled the bolt, that I had to have it. Plus, it was on the clearance table and you know I'm a sucker for a sale!

Were the instructions easy to follow? I only used them for the bodice/lining piece. The lower section was pretty self-explanatory.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The good: I am so hooked on maxi dresses right now and I wanted a strapless one. I just happened to have been flipping through the Simplicity book during the last .99 cent sale and saw this one. I had never attempted to make a junior sized pattern before, so I was leery of the sizing.

The bad: The bodice piece was cut so narrow. I didn't make a muslin (I'm going to learn one of these days)... I *attempted* a 1" FBA. It failed miserably. I didn't find this out until I had sewn it to the bottom and tried it on. The empire waist seam landed across the center of my bust. It looked horrendous! It looked like ill-fitting RTW. This dress almost became a wadder as I balled it up and threw it at my cutting table.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: After a couple of hours and a glass of wine (LOL), I tried it back on to see exactly where I went wrong. I saw that I only needed to add 2" to the front and back pattern pieces and re-cut. Good thing I ALWAYS buy extra fabric. Here is what the pattern pieces looked like after I altered them: FRONT, BACK & LINING. I also lengthened the bottom pieces by three inches.

Instead of using tricot, I wanted something that would offer the same amount of stretch as the fabric. I used a nude colored swimsuit lining knit.

ETA: I did NOT follow the instructions for the required amount of elastic. Instead, I just measured the elastic around me until I felt it was tight enough, and cut there. It was significantly less than what the pattern said to cut. This is important because I'm sure you would want to feel secure, especially in a strapless dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Nope... I will not sew this again... it's just to many other patterns I want to sew. But I do recommend. Also, if you're more than a B cup, be sure to watch the size of the bodice.

This is a really great pattern that I've had in my collection for a while now. I had intentions on making these last year, but I never got around to it. I was going through my fabric scrap and saw that I had some nice pieces around 1 yd. It was just enough for these projects.

I didn't have to make any alterations. It's so much fun being able to sew something straight out of the envelope and having it fit. The only modification I made was to view F. Since I used denim, I did denim-style topstitching and added rivets. I didn't really use the instructions. Once you've made pants, you know what to do. I only used them for the tab placements on the shorts. I also used Sandra Betzina's method for the zipper.

Since I made this one twice this past weekend, I will not be making this again. It's out of print now, but if you have this pattern and a little, I highly recommend it.

Description: Close fitting, halter tops A, B, C with front lining, front neckline variations and elasticized back.

Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Kinda sorta, LOL.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use them. I had my own plan.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? While browsing the shops in the mall, we strolled into Arden B. and I saw this cute ruffle top. It reminded me of a pattern that I had seen. When I got home, I searched and found this one. It was a perfect starting point for my inspiration top.

Fabric Used: I used silk crepe that I ran across a few weeks ago on the clearance table at Hancock. It was on sale for 50% off! It was worth it because it sewed like a dream.


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened at the waist by 2" and made a 1" FBA with a horizontal dart. I added 3 1/2" to the bottom in order to create a shirred bottom. Instead of using the straps to create a halter top, I criss crossed them and tacked them down. I also eliminated the lining. I cut bias strips from the fabric and bound the armhole.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will probably not sew this version, but I definitely will be making one of the other halters. It's a very simple patter and yes, I highly recommend this!

Pattern: Simplicity 3503, View E
Fabric: Rayon/lycra jersey

Pattern Description: Misses' knit dress in two lengths with bodice variations.

Pattern Sizing: 6-22. I cut the size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Sure did, minus the suggested embellished neckline.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes... I only read over them initially. A beginner could easily make this.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love everything about this pattern. I bought this pattern last year with the intent of making a maxi dress and never got around to it. I was determined this year to make one.

Fabric Used: A rayon/lycra blend that I picked up last Summer from Metro Textiles in NYC.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't do a FBA, but I did however add 2 inches of length to the front and back bodice pieces. I also added around 3 inches to the length. In my opinion, a maxi dress should be floor length, even though I see so many RTW dresses that hit at the ankle. Those are not for me. Also, the pattern suggested that the bodice, neckband and midriff should be lined with tricot. I lined with the same fabric as the dress. Also, I omitted the pockets.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will probably not sew this version, but I definitely will be making the halter view. And yes, I highly recommend this!


Conclusion: Since the mercury has risen here, maxi dresses have been all the rage. I've looked in the stores and have yet to find one that is to my liking. I absolutely love this pattern and recommend it to anyone that likes this style of dress!

So... what's really the deal with these contestants on "The Fashion Show"? I've watched the first two episodes and you know what? I am not impressed... AT ALL!

See the above picture. Can you BELIEVE that someone actually sent that crap down the runway?! Yes, you are seeing correctly. Those are indeed safety pins. This get up was "constructed" (snicker, snicker) by Johnny. Isaac was completely flabbergasted that he would send his garment down the runway with safety pins in the center front. Kelly wanted to know "why" and Fern simply thought it was "a mess". Johnny's "reasoning" behind this was that he is not a very good sewer and when he came on the show, he thought it was going to be about design. He stated that he is NOT a seamstress and he didn't think the show was going to be "America's Next Best Seamstress"! ROFL Fern Mallis said that if he wants to be a designer, he's going to have to learn the craft! Isaac made the analogy that you can't write recipes if you don't know how to cook!

That said it all!

And no, he was not sent home.

See here at around 7:05:



I've seen people that have design aspirations and they make lovely, lovely sketches. BUT, if you don't actually know how clothing is constructed and how to sew, can you be a great designer?

Are you watching the show? If so, what do you think?

Pattern description: Unlined, fitted, above hip length top has wide neckline, collar and lapel, patch pockets and flaps, flat fell princess seams, yoke extending into turn back sleeves, front extensions forming side pockets, topstitch and button trim.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does!

Were the instructions easy to follow? For this design, they were surprisingly easy.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved this pattern from the moment I saw it. I love garments with great details and this one has plenty! The lines of this jacket are incredible. It's finished completely with flat-felled seams and topstitching. This design was plucked straight off of the runway.

Fabric Used: I wanted it to be very Spring-like, so I choose a fuchsia stretch linen.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None. That does NOT happen often. With this pattern, I don't think it's even possible to make any alterations. Since the fabric contained lycra, I didn't need a FBA.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? No, I only need one of these. I would recommend this to more advanced sewers.

Conclusion: This is a great, stylish jacket. It took a lot longer than I thought it would with all of the seam finishing and topstitching. I was tired after working on this for a few days and my topstitching was not the greatest. Good thing my thread matched my fabric perfectly!

Pattern: Jalie 2908
Fabric: Stretch denim
Notions: 7" brass zipper, jean button and rivets

Pattern Description: Women's flattering stretch jeans with slim fit through the hips and thigh and a flared leg, back and side front pockets, zip fly with button closure. View A has a low rise (2-3 inches below the navel) and View B has a regular rise (at the navel). I made the low rise.

Pattern Sizing: 2T - 22. I made the size Y.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Basically. I made a few minor alterations.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use them. I've made pants and jeans many, many times.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern! The cut of these jeans are as close to RTW as you'll find in a pattern... IMHO.

Fabric Used: I used stretch denim from Fabric.com.



Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I lengthened (as usual) to produce a 37" inseam so that I can wear these with heels.
I created my own back pocket design.I added darts to the yoke to prevent gaposis.
I added the 5th pocket... the coin pocket. Hey, they just aren't jeans without it.
And I used a stretch poplin for the pocket lining.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Definitely!!!

Conclusion: This is the BEST jean pattern I've ever used! It's now my TNT for jeans and I'll be making these again and again and again!

The only thing I can tell people is everyone is DIFFERENT. Prices vary! You could be a Target, Wal-Mart, TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Belk, Macys, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, etc... type of shopper. You may be a person that only buys fabric from the $1 table or you may be the type to buy the most expensive fabric you can afford. Sewing is as expensive as YOU make it. I can't tell you if YOU are going to save money from sewing.

As far as me, on some things I do and some things I don't. For me, it's not about trying to save money. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to sew. It's about the enjoyment of the art.

JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts is opening one of its "Superstores" in the former Marshalls space (I'm still kind of mad that they closed this location, but TJ Maxx is right down the street) at the Riverchase Promenade shopping center. The new store is slated to open in September. The great thing about this is that this location is only 3 minutes and 1.09 miles from me and in the same shopping center as Hancock. I'm curious to see what type of impact this will have on Hancock. I'm sure they will have to step their game up. (BTW, they just remodeled this store last Summer.) For those of you that live in an area that have both stores, which do you prefer and why?

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