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
 

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.



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

 

McCalls M6744 Pattern Review

  McCalls Description:

MISSES' DRESSES: Pullover dresses have bodice variations, elasticized (seamed) waist, and narrow hem. A and B: fitted bodice. C and D: mock wrap, very loose-fitting bodice with elasticized shoulders.Designed for moderate stretch knits.SUGGESTED FABRICS: Jerseys, Interlocks, Cotton Knit.

I used view B

Pattern Sizing:

Y(XSmall-Small-Medium)

I cut a small

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?

Very easy to follow. Only four pieces in the pattern.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the way it comes together very quick. No thinking involved. my only peeve is the neckline and armholes are folded in. For a more finished look I recommend binding. I've also made one with a knit fusible tape. That was really great.  Saved time making bias tape. Just be sure to clip the curves so it lies flat.

Fabric Used:

Jersey ITY from my fave place Girl Charlee. Are you surprised lol?

Big Tiffany Blue White Chevron Jersey ITY Knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Not much. Only stablized the neckline and arms. I would suggest adding length to the bodice if you are bustier.  Im a 5'1 with a 34B. So the small worked perfect.

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

Most definitely.  Its very in right now and perfect for the season. I 've made two and plan on making more.

Conclusion: 

In the end I highly recommend this pattern. For not only its style and versatility but its ease and short amount of time it came together.  

 

Thanks for checking out my review. Happy sewing!! ;) 

 

Here's a small pic of the other one I made using more Girl Charlee fabrics.