YES.WE.DID!
It doesn't matter who you vote for, just get out and exercise your right to VOTE!
Simplicity 2724 is their gorgeous rendition of the blouse + skirt = dress trend. Black Halo has been working this trend for a season or two. What I like most about this is that it offers a pencil skirt and a fuller skirt with bodice variations. The possibilities with this one is endless!
Simplicity 2728 immediately grabbed my attention! This is almost a knockoff of the Nanette Lepore's jackets with the bow detail collar.I didn't get a good luck at the full collection, but flipping through the new catalog, these are the ones that caught my eye!
(it was soooo cold out yesterday, that I had a tear rolling down my face! LOL)Project Details:
Pattern: Vogue 8413, view D
Fabric: Nanette Lepore Black & White Texture (55% Silk / 25% Cotton / 20% Viscose)
Lining: China Silk
Notions: 22" invisible zipper; hook and eyes
Description: Close-fitting dress have bodice and sleeve variations and roll neck collar, princess seams, straight skirt with front pleats, back darts, zipper and vent.
Sheath dresses have been so prevalent in fashion lately and I've really been wanting to jump on the bandwagon. I recalled that I had this pattern in my stash for some while now. I remembered that the collar gave the dress a very retro, 1960's feel to it... a la Jackie. Even my 11 year old commented that all was missing was one of those "little hats" (a pillbox hat), LOL.
Sheath dresses have been so prevalent in fashion lately and I've really been wanting to jump on the bandwagon. I recalled that I had this pattern in my stash for some while now. I remembered that the collar gave the dress a very retro, 1960's feel to it... a la Jackie. Even my 11 year old commented that all was missing was one of those "little hats" (a pillbox hat), LOL.
I had to make several initial alterations. According to my high bust measurement, I cut the bodice in a size 14. I then made a one inch FBA for armhole princess seams. Next, I lengthened the entire bodice by an inch. I cut the skirt portion in the size 16 and lengthened it 5 inches.
My favorite part of the dress is the collar. It's cut on the bias. After I attached, I didn't press it down. I wanted to insure that it would be an authentic "rolled neck".
My favorite part of the dress is the collar. It's cut on the bias. After I attached, I didn't press it down. I wanted to insure that it would be an authentic "rolled neck".
The dress also has a 22" inch zipper... I used an invisible and the skirt is vented. The pattern did not suggest a lining (which I don't understand when wovens are recommend), so I lined it. Here is the lining attached at the neckline, the sleeves and the skirt vent.
Overall, this is a great pattern and a great style. I recommend this one!
Overall, this is a great pattern and a great style. I recommend this one!
Project Details
Pattern: Butterick 5247, view D
Fabric: sweater knit
Description: Semi-fitted, above mid-knee dresses with cowl-like collar and long dolman sleeves.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Considering that I used practically the same color, I think it looks a lot like it!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were like half a page. They were not needed. They could have just stuck the pattern in the envelope and said, "Go for it!"
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
No complaints! I loved everything. I especially loved the style. It is very of the moment and I was looking for quick, easy and trendy pieces to add to my Fall wardrobe.
Fabric Used:
A sweater knit I picked up at Hancock's.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't have to change a thing. I made this straight out of the envelope.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don't know if I'll sew this again, but it's a good chance. I really like cow neck sweaters, so it's possible that I may do the tunic/top. Yes, I recommend this to others!
Conclusion:
This is a great, fun piece to have in your closet. It lives up to it's claim as a "1 Hour Pattern". That's about how long it took to make this!
Pattern: McCall's 5394, view C
Fabric: Nylon lycra
Description: Lose fitting, below waist, proportionate-sized leggings have elastic waist and two length variations
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?
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
What I loved about this pattern is that it is proportioned for petite, average or tall. Clearly I picked the tall.
Fabric Used:
A nylon lycra knit I picked up at Hancock's.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I cut the medium and added an inch so that they would be extra long.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will probably sew these again and again!
Conclusion:
Leggings are a practical and on-trend way to work dresses and tunics this Fall. The comparable RTW leggings that I found were way more than I was willing to pay. And the one's in my price range weren't long enough. I'm so glad that I discovered this pattern!
We have 17 down and 58 more to go!
Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8455, view B
Fabric: lightweight wool flannel
Notions: 7" Zipper, Hooks and Eyes
This was another reason to use leftover fabric.
Pattern Description: Mock wrap, straight skirt, mid-knee length, has contour waistband, pleated front and back zipper.
Pattern Sizing: This pattern is true to size.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did.
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow. This is a skirt that can be whipped up in a couple of hours.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like this pattern alot. The only thing I dislike is the under part of the skirt has pleats to. That didn't make sense to me. If I had designed the skirt, the part underneath would have just been straight. I had to do a lot of pressing to make sure that the pleats underneath were flat. At first, the created extra bulk. What I love most is the the pleats are at an angle and create a lovely draped effect.
Fabric Used: I used leftover gray flannel from my Vogue 1051 pants.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? It's doubtful that I will sew this skirt again. So many patterns, so little time. But if you like this style, sure... I recommend it.
Pattern Description: Mock wrap, straight skirt, mid-knee length, has contour waistband, pleated front and back zipper.
Pattern Sizing: This pattern is true to size.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did.
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow. This is a skirt that can be whipped up in a couple of hours.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like this pattern alot. The only thing I dislike is the under part of the skirt has pleats to. That didn't make sense to me. If I had designed the skirt, the part underneath would have just been straight. I had to do a lot of pressing to make sure that the pleats underneath were flat. At first, the created extra bulk. What I love most is the the pleats are at an angle and create a lovely draped effect.
Fabric Used: I used leftover gray flannel from my Vogue 1051 pants.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? It's doubtful that I will sew this skirt again. So many patterns, so little time. But if you like this style, sure... I recommend it.
I'd seen this skirt in Lucky and fell in love with the style:
Conclusion: It's a great little wrap skirt with a lot of flare, that's quick and easy to make, with little to no alterations.
Project Details
Pattern: Butterick 5249, View B (modified)
Fabric: Black/White Wool Tweed (100% wool)
Notions: 9" invisible zipper
Description: Skirt with princess seams, back zipper and high waist, side front pleats, back ruffle and mid-knee length.
I had leftover fabric from these pants, and what better to do than make a skirt. I was inspired by this:
Nanette Lepore - Sorcery Plaid Skirt - $240I cut the skirt from the waist in a size 14 and blended to a 16 at the hip. I had to alter the the pattern at the hip line by adding an inch to the length and also adding an inch to the length. I followed the instructions for the front. I modified the back:
I used the front side section for the back as well. For the center back sections, there was already a cutting line for views C & D with the ruffle. I used the Ratio of Gathers (2.5:1) to create my ruffle. This means that the ruffle is 2 1/2 times the length of skirt edge. The skirt edge is 10", so the length of the ruffle is 25". A 2.5:1 ratio is considered the norm. If you want less fullness, use a smaller number; and for more fullness, use a larger number.
One of my favorite details are the pockets. What I love most about them is that they lay perfectly flat. The are completely inconspicuous! I used a 2" hem to finish it off. I really love the style of the high-waisted skirt. If I were to make this again, I would probably bone the princess seams in the waist for a little support. Other than that, I completely happy.
Chado Ralph Rucci - Fall 2007
Donna Karan - Fall 2007 
Donna Karan - Fall 2007
V8532 - I really didn't notice this dress until I received the Vogue email and saw it on a "real person". This one will be going on my list as well!
