New Comfy Knit Dress

While browsing around blogland I came across this awesome tutorial and blog by Little Big Girls Studio. She has a tutorial for the cutest little comfy knit dress. The bodice is available to download in a 2t-3t and is easily adaptable to a larger size if needed. It makes up fast and I want to make a dozen more because they are so easy to just put on and go. Go check out her blog here.

Fabric was from my stash bought at Girl Charlee. Isn't my Leia Pea soo sweet?!

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.

Ladies Dress Refashion

    

So my lovely niece’s birthday was coming up and I was trying to come up with some ideas for gifts. I love using Violette Field Threads patterns for gifts especially because of their sweet vintage charm. I was originally planning on using the Penelope skirt as pictured with the Fiona bodice as a top but....Fiona didn't have the size I needed. So I decided to use the Emmaline again of course.
I knew I wanted to use a textured knit but couldn't find what I was looking for. Then I found this cute A line women's dress at Wal-Mart and it was on sale. Bonus!! Only problem was, it was a small but it was exactly the color and texture I was looking for. So I decided that I had to make it work haha.
I took it home and decided to pick the seams so I could salvage the most fabric. Removed the zipper and kept the pleats in the skirt. The length was perfect for making the dress without the ruffles plus no hemming was needed. I made the bodice and connected the gathered skirt and it was done that easy. I threw together some VFT Stunning flowers for the headband and embellished them with beads.
Isn’t she too cute ;) if you have never tried their patterns or even a pdf pattern, I highly recommend doing so. They are easy to read, fast to put together and the results are amazing. Happy Birthday Lalani

Violette Field Threads Mashup

My daughter was invited to a special little girls 5th birthday party.  Automatically my creative side was all over pinterest looking for ideas for a birthday gift. I happened to run across this cute Ralph Lauren tribal dress and loved it. I like how the pattern was at a "v" instead of straight across.

 I knew that two patterns by Violette Field Threads would be perfect for recreating the dress; The Viola and Emmaline.
I loved the pattern of the dress but I didn't have anything cool as that in my stash. Plus summer is coming up and I wanted something a little brighter.  The closest I had was a pink, purple, and orange tribal print that  I received in a Girl Charlee bargain box sale ;) Its a  knit so I sized down the pattern to a 4 to account for the stretch. I used the Viola bodice and the skirt from the Emmaline. The only tricky part was cutting the skirt in a diagonal while leaving big scraps. I'm a fabric hoarder ;) I reduced the hem of the skirt by 3 in and the hem of the bottom ruffle by 1in to account for thr knit and the hem does tend to run a little long. I do recommend measuring the child. I had nothing to go by. So I guessed and got lucky.  I made a lettuce hem to make it cutesy and to save time of folding and hemming.  I wanted to make the rutching on the bodice but decided not to to save time. Overall it was a fun project and she loved spining in it during church.  So I guess it was a job well done. Happy 5th birthday Cali Rain!!

Vogue 1315 Pattern Review

More often than most get to sew for my babies. I really want to branch out my talent and learn how to sew...well for me :) I love stretch knits because they are forgiving especially for the person like me who has yet to learn about fit. I knew when I saw this pattern that I would love it. I’ve seen a lot of reviews on this one and most of the people talked about the length of the dress and construction of the pockets. Here's my review..

Description:
Loose-fitting, pullover dress (semi-fitted through bust) has double-layer neck band with raw edge finish, blouson bodice, elastic, seamed waist, side front pockets, front pleats, and stitched hems

Pattern Sizing
Ladies 6-14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes very much so. Though my fabric would not curl at the neckline as much :(

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes they were easy to follow at first but I think the intimation of the pocket got to me. :( It was my first time doing pockets. I'm sure a seasoned sewist would have no fear. I would suggest using a longer stitch if you are unsure about the pleat. So if you mess up, it’s easier to pick out. I felt the picture looked reverse than what it should have been or maybe pdf patters just have me spoiled lol.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved the pleated pockets and neckline. I'm 5'1 and it was a little on the short side but nothing a cute pair of leggings couldn't fix. If I was to make it again I would probably lengthen by 2 in because I don't like my dresses to o long.

Fabric Used
I’m Unsure. It’s an animal print from fabric mart.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None

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

Conclusion:
Overall it’s a fun patter for fall. I love that it has long sleeves and was super easy to sew and looked great with my leggings and boots.

Thanks for checking out my review.

Happy sewing.

Burda 7184 Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

New feminine silhouette with elegant swing. The raglan sleeves are granting wearing ease. The loosely draped front pieces with notched collar adds a special bling to it.

Pattern Sizing:

10-20
I cut a 12. I feel that the size was right for the drapeyness.

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 they were very easy.

 What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

If you want to use stripes use extra caution. The sleeves are made in two pieces and the way they line up at the neckline is kinda funny. Lucky for me I was using a sweater knit and have T Rex arms. No one knows but me that the arms are a lil short. If you don't care for hemming; there was a lot. But once that's done it’s a breeze. Also the arms are cut curved, I prefer less curve for a less a bulky fitted sleeve.

 Fabric Used:

Striped sweater knit I bought just for a cardigan pattern from Girl Charlee. :)

 Pattern alterations or any design changes you made

I didn't make any.

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

Yes I would both sew again and recommend.

Conclusion:
Overall this is a good pattern. Next one I make I will make some changes to the sleeves to make them a little more fitted. I love the "drapeyness" and flow of the sweater. I’ve worn it several times since I made it ;) you can wear it drapey, pair it with a belt at the waist. Or tie it. Love it! Sorry about the crappy pictures. It’s hard to find a place to stick my camera because we don’t have a tripod J

Happy sewing thanks for checking out my review.

 

 

Ottobre Design 06/2012 Velour Tunic Review

 

Pattern Description:

Pattern is a flowy tunic with frills and fitted wrist cuffs.

 

Pattern Sizing:

92-128cm

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

Yes and no. It has the same shape but I instead of soft velour, I used a drapey black and gold mystery fabric from Girl Charlee.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes. So much that I don’t remember using them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I loved it all. It was fun and easy to put together. No complaints here.

 

Fabric Used:

Stretchy ribbed sparkly gold and black mystery fabric. (Wow can you say a lot of adjectives haha)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did not stabilize shoulder seams. It worked out fine with my fabric choice.

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

Yes I would and Do recommend. It’s a very sweet top and with a cool fabric choice, I can be very fashion forward. My daughter absolutely loves it and has worn it over and over. I couldn’t be happier that she is :)

Conclusion:

It was an easy project and my daughter loves it. So that equals a win-win to me. This was my first Ottobre Design project and I love it. Just wish the woman’s mags were as awesome as the kid’s.