Monday, March 05, 2012

Review: Simplicity 2250 & Vogue 1282 | Minty Fresh!

So, my spring sewing is off to a great start.  My plan for March is to be a beast in the sewing room!  Now, let's hope the mojo holds out!
I've been wanting a white blazer for the longest.  I was planning (and still planning) to do a more classic-cut tailored white jacket, but I ran across Simplicity 2250 a Cynthia Rowley pattern,  while flipping through the pattern catalog.  I'd always thought the dress was really cute for one of my daughters, but I'd never notice the jacket.  So I did my research to see if anyone else had made the jacket and I read the reviews that I found.
I used a white wool-blend crepe suiting that I've had for a while.  I cut the size 16.  I knew I wanted my blazer to be longer than picture, so I lengthened it by 3 inches and I tapered it in slightly at the waist.  I did that to compensate for the omitted self-belt and the boxy-ness of the original draft.  
The jacket is unlined, which would normally bother me.  But since I'm sewing for spring and summer, it's perfect.  I always want something lightweight to wear when going into cold movie theaters and chilly restaurants during warm days.  And to give the blazer a crisp finish, I interfaced the binding that trims the edge of the blazer.  The jacket also has 3/4 length sleeves that were fine right out of the envelope.


And I also made the Vogue 1282 - Donna Karan Collection top.
As several other reviewers mentioned, this top is very simple.  It's one piece and binding for sleeves.  But it's cut extremely LOW!  But that was easily solved by just sewing the seam higher.  And also, the instructions suggested using a "weight" for the inside of that seam.  No... didn't have one, so I used a penny.  Seems to be working just fine.  I cut the size 16 and used a mint green rayon spandex jersey.  And I left the hem raw.  A raw hem on fabric like this for tops like these just works for me.  
Also wearing:  jeans: The Gap; pumps: Sam Edelman; clutch: Street Style; sunnies: Karen Walker.

50 comments:

  1. you look amazing! love the top with that crisp white jacket. You look lovely E.

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  2. Beautiful for spring- nice and crisp - love it!

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  3. liking the top...beautiful color. Laurel

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  4. You look great, I like the idea of a white blazer. I have made this pattern and it is a good one, thanks for reminding me.

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    1. Lori, your review was one of the ones I read. Thanks!

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  5. All I've got to say is that your truly talented :) Love the blazer and top. I was just thinking earlier while looking at someone else's post it would so cute to wear all one color like all black and then put a bold color blazer with it to bring out a pop of color.

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    1. AWOF, I plan to make colorful toppers as well with that same idea in mind. Thanks!

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  6. This look is SO stunning! Great pairing of the white jacket and bright top:)

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  7. You look amazing girl. I love your style and your hair.

    www.justpatience.com

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  8. Gorgeous colour combo!

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  9. A penny? That is so clever.

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    1. LOL! Meli88a, I didn't have any "weights" laying around!

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  10. These are lovely Spring pieces, your jacket looks great with this lovely pop of color and I can understand why you stitched the neckline higher!

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    1. Bri, it was ridiculously plunging. Thanks!

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  11. I love the top. I have to put that one on my list. I hardly ever wear blazers but I love the look of your white one for Spring/Summer. It's definitey something I have to consider as an alternative to the cardi.

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    1. Kelly, that's a great way to describe this softly tailored blazer -- a cardi alternative. Thanks!

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  12. Cute top and jacket - you are right you are looking very springy!

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  13. I love your entire outfit. The top is so pretty and looks great with the jacket. I really love the shoes, too.

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  14. Your outfit makes birds chirp and flowers bloom. What a gorgeous spring ensemble.

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  15. Okay - I have this pattern. I need to grab a penny and make one. LOL. Your version, especially your fix for the low cut issue is DIVINE! The color is SUPERB.

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  16. smokin hot look!

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  17. I just love this colour combo! Great pieces for Spring.

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  18. Love the jacket! Would have passed it up and thought cute sundress for my dgtrs too and never noticed the jacket for me! - perfect for the office in the spring and summer.

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  19. Joen, that was the same for me until I really looked at the lines of the jacket! Thanks!

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  20. I LOVE the blouse! I had to laugh over you raising the neckline, when the ad on the sidebar shows two girls is super plunging necklines. :o) Way to show them how they SHOULD dress!

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  21. LOL! Thanks DressUpNotDown!

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  22. As always - you inspire my sewing. Love the color combination and I actually would consider a white jacket after seeing yours.

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  23. Looks awesome as usual! I love the teal with the white.

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  24. Elegance personified! I love this entire ensemble Erica! I've been following reviews of this top and now I think I must give it a try! Great review!

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  25. Myra, it's a really easy to sew top! And it'll look great on you! Thanks!

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  26. Nice coat looking so pretty in that coat.




    http://www.celebswear.com/

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  27. Wow! You're my blogging idol Erica! :)

    cheers from Turkey!

    http://sewingyourstyle.tumblr.com

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  28. I would love to know whats your nail polish... I also love the white cardi! it is so nice for the warm weather!!! Definitely will be making one of my own :)

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  29. Sorry, I wish I knew. It's just a bottle I grabbed at the nail salon. Thanks!

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  30. The white jacket is great! I like the alterations you made.

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