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!! ;)
 
 

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

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?!



Saturday, June 22, 2013

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?
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.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

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




Sunday, April 14, 2013

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!!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

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.