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!! ;)
 
 

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