Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Butterick 3236 Princess Costume Review

Pattern Description:
Floor-length dress has fitted, lined bodice with side front seams, slightly flared skirt and back zipper. A: contrast bodice front/skirt and sleeve flounce. B: flower trim and contrast bodice/sleeves/bustle. C: contrast bodice front/front underskirt/sleeve ruffles. D: contrast sleeve flounce. A,D: long sleeves. B,C: below- elbow sleeves. All have purchased trim.
 
Pattern Sizing:
Child 6-8
I cut the 6 View C 
 
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes they were
 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Everything was awesome about the pattern. I did get tripped up on figuring out what was the top/bottom pieces of the overskirt but then figured it out.
 
Fabric Used:
I used 2 colored organza and broadcloth from Joann’s. I loved the glitter fuchsia organza. So I layered it with the broadcloth to make it work.  The silver sequins were from my stash.
 
 
 
 Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I would if I had to make another princess costume, sure. I def recommend it to others. I think it’s the best view of the pattern. It could even pass for a Anne Boleyn period dress too.
 
 Conclusion:
Overall this pattern makes for a fast and easy costume.
 
 
Thanks for checking out my review
Happy Sewing!!

 

McCalls 6619 Belle Costume Pattern Review


Pattern Description:
CHILDREN'S APRONS, HEADPIECE AND WAND: Aprons have shoulder straps, self-lined bodice, waistband, pleated tie ends, and gathered skirt with overlays. Purchased trims. B: bustle. C: peplum. A and D: flower/leaf. C and D: applied ruffles. Note: instructions are given to create headpiece and wand. 
Pattern Sizing:
Child S, M, L
I cut the small view D in an S/ 3-4. It was a lil big on her cause she wears a 3.
 Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes there were but there was a lot of hemming and gathering.
 What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I did not care for the hemming and the way the bottom ruffles were done. I felt like it could have been done easier with the amount of steps for this view. Toward the end a started making my own changes. I’m not into hand sewing lots of trim. To attach the ruffles I did them upside down right sides together. Folded them down and machine stitched the gimp trim over the seam. It came out perfectly flat.
Fabric Used:
I used costume satin from Joann’s. I hate costume satin!! There I said it. That fray check gives me a headache. :P I used gold gimp and yellow lace and sequin trim from eBay.
 Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would if I had to make a costume or some fun dress up clothes. I would use the other views instead. View D takes a lot of effort for a good outcome. My princess wanted to be Belle so I put it in. I do recommend the pattern but there are ways to make it faster and even better looking.
 Conclusion:
Overall this pattern makes for a easy costume. I love that its apron style and makes for easy getting in and out of. Because it’s a lil big on her I have just enough time to add a hook and eye in the back top to help keep it up J
 
Thanks for checking out my review
Happy Sewing!!

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Simplicity 2406 Pattern Review and September Pretty Girls Sew Along

Way back when I had the red and black lumberjack with the ...bow to match? haha no... okay so I'm not a rapper but I will say that that song and the mix of faux leather and plaid inspired me in the making of this one. This is my submission for the Septembers Pretty Girls Sew along
 
 
 
Pattern Description:
Misses' dress in three lengths with sleeve variations by Cynthia Rowley.
 
Pattern Sizing:
H5 Misses 6-14
I cut the 10. There is alot of wearing ease. I think I made an okay choice.
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
For the most part. the shape is the same though I made some changes.
 
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes they were. I did find a lot of tutorials about the sleeves online. The pictures in the instructions were not that great so the tuts made the light bulb in my head click on. :) 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The only thing I didn't care for was the boxiness of the skirt. I think it would be cuter if it was pegged but that's my personal opinion. I'm to lazy to pick out the pockets and change it. I dont care much for facings either. This would be better lined.
 
Fabric Used:
A matte stretch faux leather fabric and a knit plaid that I bought from Girl Charlee.
 
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I sliced the front and back bodice pieces at the triangles under the waist line. Then added seam allowance to both pieces so I could join them to make the dress look like two pieces. I also added the zipper after noticing how much body the faux leather had. The back gaped more than I liked and I wanted to be able to wear it to church.
 
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I recomend the pattern for its ease of use. I might try it again in a single fabric choice but don't know. Its more grown up than I usually wear and still have many patterns to go through.
 
Conclusion:
Over all its a well constructed pattern and the sew along encouraged me to go out of my box and try something new.
 

.. and because life is too short to be serious lol. Thank God for my husband who makes life so much fun and for being my photographer.
 
Thanks for checking out my review.
Happy Sewing
 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Violette Field Threads Cosette Pattern Review

When this pattern first came out I knew I had to have it and make it for my girlies. I’ve made it twice so far for birthday presents and have yet to make it for them ha ha. Right now, I’m knee deep into Halloween. I'm so looking forward to busting out some fall patterns and speaking of patterns.... I won the VFT Knit pattern giveaway!!!! How awesome is that!! I’ve never won anything before, especially, not from my favorite place to shop. So now I have a bunch of new patterns to sew up. Thanks again to Violette Field Threads.
 
 
 
Pattern Description:
Cosette is a Maxi Dress featuring a pleated bodice with cascading flutter sleeves. The delicate flutter sleeves extend all the way down the back and tie in a sweet bow at the top of the back bodice. The skirt is full and has four sets of ruffles adorning the bottom. This gorgeous dress is so feminine with classic styling.
 
Pattern Sizing:
2T-10 year I cut the bodice in a 6 and the rest in a 5 because shes a tiny girl :)
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it sure did.
 
Were the instructions easy to follow?
i got hung up on the pleats a lil bit because it was my first time making them but got the hang of it. The directions are very clear.
 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love how the pleated bodice came out. I was never a fan of hemming but VFT is bringing me out of that. The more I do it the easier (or tolerable lol) it gets. There is a lot of hemming for the long bottom ruffles.
 
Fabric Used:
Blue and Green Medallion part of the Little Lisette Collection from Joann's
Its so soft!!
 
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
No changes were made
 
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I def plan on sewing this again. may look for a sweet eyelet for Easter.  I recommend this pattern for any lil girl who loves feeling like a princess.
 
Conclusion:
Another hit! Love the Cosette. Its easy to make and even though the ruffles take a bit of time, the end result is stunning.




Thanks for checking out my review.
Happy sewing.


Don't sew? Need a dress for as special occasion or love Violette Field Threads Clothes? Contact me for custom orders @ Leilastrousseau@aol.com or on my Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeilasTrousseau

Sunday, September 1, 2013

McCalls 6743 Pattern Review and PrettyGirlsSew Sewalong

 
As some of my many friends know, I love Instagram!! I have my Bloglovin for my "news" and have Instagram for my "Entertainment & Funnies" ha ha. I used to just look at nail art and whatever my friends were doing at the time on until I started looking for more people in the sewing community. I have found that a lot more people are coming forth and enjoy the same interests that I do. All the work is ahh mazing. I love looking at other ladies fabric selections and stashes, patterns they are working on at the moment, & and how they juggle their passion and or businesses with family life.
 
I recently came across a group of ladies on Instagram called  Pretty Girls Sew. I love how these ladies passion for sewing. they make it "sew" fun. Lame.. yes yes I know. Lately I have been following their monthly sew along and wanted to give it a shot. For August they choose the McCalls 6743,. I went online to see the reviews on this pattern and there were none...... That was strange.. really none? Ive only seen a few comments about it but no finished products, so I wanted to see what can be done with it.


Screen Shot 2013-08-03 at 4.09.29 PM
Pattern Description:
MISSES' DRESSES AND BELT: Very loose-fitting, pullover dresses have bias neck binding, gathers, seam detail, and narrow hem. A: self belt. C: neck ruffle. D: binding extends into tie ends. B, C and D: shaped hemline, wrong side shows.
Designed for light to medium weight wovens and knits.
SUGGESTED FABRICS: Cotton Lawn, Jerseys, Crepe De Chine, Batiste.
 
Pattern Sizing:
Y (XSmall-Small-Medium)
I cut the Medium and made adjustments
 
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?
Yes.. then no. The directions for the neckline were all over the place. I figured it out and ended up taking it apart and top stitched it in place because it looked too tunnely.
 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It was kinda a pain making sure to cut the pieces right and put them together right without messing up the sides, expecially because I had a solid colored fabric. There are 3 pieces for both the front and the back. It makes sense because there's no way to cut one big piece to get all that fullness. But a pain none the less lol. 
 
Fabric Used:
I used Crimson Red Solid Jersey Rayon Spandex Knit Fabric from Girl Charlee
 
 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I shortened the waist by 2"and the hem by 3". Good thing because the drapiness and maybe even the bias still made it longer than I intended. I decided to keep the length as is. Baste side seams before finishing. I felt the armholes were really low; unless you are going for that look. I also stabilized the armholes. Wish I did the same for the neckband because it felt heavy even though it was a lightweight fabric. 

 
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Maybe in the shorter view but no more asymmetrical hems. One is good enough for me. Sure, I would recommend it.. its cute with accessories. I feel like it looks kinda lake a muumuu without them. The cut make for a very flowy skirt so be careful of drafts, I opened my door to go outside and the wind swept it way up lol.

Conclusion:
The dress is flowy and fun. Accessories are a necessity in my mind. Just be mind full of joining the seams on asymmetrical skirts because it can trip you up a little, or at least just me lol. The neck options could have been written better too. Otherwise it was a great pattern. I love the red because its the only red I own now :) Cant wait to see all the other participant's dresses.




Love my Lil Helpers :)
Thanks for checking out my review
Happy Sewing

 


Friday, August 30, 2013

Violette Field Threads Bridgette Pattern Review

Just a little review of the dress that I made for my nieces Birthday :)
 
Pattern Description:
Discription from Violette Field Threads.
Bridgette is sweet as a cupcake!! Bridgette features a tailored one shoulder bodice and a full gorgeous three layer skirt. The skirt is made from either cotton, silk or beautiful applique tulle. It closes with a side zipper and pretty waist sash with a wide front side bow. It has plenty of twirl and wow factor while still be suitable for ones new to sewing! 
 
  
Pattern Sizing:
Sizes: 2-10 years
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes very much so.
 
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Always... ANYONE can make a Violette Field Threads pattern. They are awesome at giving directions.
 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love everything about the pattern. Ive made 3 so far. The only part it dont like is attaching the belt. I close it and keep it detachable.
 
Fabric Used
 
Chiffon and tulle from Joanns
 and Nylon chiffon from afc-express
 
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None, just measure the child as suggested and it will be perfect.
 
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I see myself making a few more of these. my girls love them and my neices seem pretty happy about them too. If you have never sewn a Violette Field Threads pattern... I suggest you run not walk to them lol. They have classic timelss designs that I use for every gift ive given so far.
 
Conclusion:
Nothing but great things about the pattern and the way it was written. Ive used several of their patterns and continue to use them over and over.
 
 
Thanks for checking out my review
Happy Sewing

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Vintage Simplicity 1292 Pattern and Review

 

Simplicity Description:

Child's One Piece Dress and Jumper
Both dress and jumper feature an circular skirt and back button closing. Dress has short sleeves with rick rack trim on skirt and contrasting collar and cuffs. Jumper may be worn over the dress or by itself. It has a v shaped neckline; back neckline is rounded. Shaped pockets are sewn to skirt front. Tie ends, view 1, fasten in the back.

Pattern Sizing:

Size two but fits like a 3t

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

Yes it did but different. ;)

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Not so, I struggled with the button back and threw it in my frustration pile for over a year. I winged it and made it my own way. Not sure if I followed directions. Made other changes to construction as well to cuff attachment. Apparently I put the peter pan collar on crooked too but I was not about to take it out.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I was so frustrated with this project at first and let it sit for a while. Luckily the size ran larger than I thought and fit my daughter perfectly.  

Fabric Used:

Stretch cotton poplin from my fave place Girl Charlee. Which is no longer available.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

The cuff called for bias binding but instead I attached it to the wrong side, understiched it to the sleeve, folded it to the right side and then pressed it. I omited the rick rack. Ew!

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

Don't feel like I need another one even though she looks like a cutie out of Modcloth. Wish I had some funky retro glasses for the pics. Pattern is up for sale if anyone is interested in giving it a shot. Just email me for deets.

Conclusion:

In the end I feel like and experienced seamstress would do better than a beginner with this. Thankfully I had learned something during the year that it was sitting on the shelf and was able to complete it.
Thanks for checking out my review. Happy sewing!! ;)