Hobbit Vest Simplicity 2346

People who know me well know that I am a huge Lord of the Rings dork. XD I was super exited about the Hobbit coming out that I wanted to make costumes for my brother and I. Unfortunately all I was able to make was a Hobbit style vest for my brother.

Simplicity 3877 Review

To show my appreciation to my mom for putting up with my sewing area, and buying me that sewing machine in the 8th grade that I begged for (even though I had no idea what to do with it) I decided to make her a nice new dress. So she picked out a pattern and I made it for her! (what a good daughter I am! maybe she will let me get away with a messing sewing area now heehee)

Pattern Description: This is a threads pattern by simplicity, which I thought which was really cool because I enjoy threads magazine. It has princess seams, different collar options, and 8 godets.
Pattern Sizing:
I believe they make this pattern from 6 to 22, I made the 14. Beware though, this dress has a TON of ease. I had to take it in at the sides later.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it looked very similar.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes the instructions were well written and easy to follow.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that this pattern gave the option of different bust sizes. This can help seamstresses take less time altering the pattern and more time sewing.
Fabric Used:
I used a floral patterned fabric in what I believe is a cotton Lycra blend, but I don't remember for sure. This was not a recommened fabric though. I think lighter, airy fabrics would probably be more suitable.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Well, its a faux wrap dress. I decided not to insert the ties at the sides because I thought that the fabric would be to thick to tie a bow nicely. In retrospect I should have just shorten the ties to make a sash, not a bow. Lesson learned I guess.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would recommend this to others, but I don't see myself making it again anytime soon.
Conclusion:
This is a very nice and classy pattern. But I had never made godets before and it was rather time consuming for me!

More Pictures!

Side

Back

How to Cover an Adjustable Dress Form

Dritz dress form before

I have a Dritz adjustable dress form. And to be perfectly honest I find it very ugly!
Its an awful fuchsia color, and I hate how you can see all the adjustable panels. I've been wanting to take picture of clothes on it, but the purple shows through light or thin fabrics. To me it looks very unprofessional. How much nicer so many Etsy listings would be if they did my tutorial, which will take less then an hour!

You Will Need

• 1 to 1 and half yards stretchy jersey material in a color of your choice. I choose tan, but something like a light floral could be very pretty.
• scissors
• a sewing machine or serger
• pins
• a bra, or any other paddings you would like to put on the dress form before covering it.

So first put on your padding if you have any. Then wrap you fabric tightly around it, keeping the stretch horizontal rather than vertical. Then pin close to the dress form down the back. When this is finished the seam line will be like the contour of your spine, unlike other covering which are sewn up the sides.

Back Contour

You will also be sewing a seam running along each shoulder, so pin there and cut. Also, leave around 6 inches hanging off the dress form.

pinned shoulder

Then sew or serge it up, cut your seam allowances and flip your excess fabric at the bottom into the inside. You can do this with a Dritz but I'm not sure about other dress forms. Hem, make a casing with draw string, or cut to size if this is not an option for you. I also recovered the pincushion at the top to match.

Tada!  A now professional looking dress form, the ugly paneling and color all hidden :D
I also recovered the pin cushion on the top, but you don't have to do that if you don't want to.

Beach Party Top & Dress Pattern Review

I know this adorable little toddler, and I really wanted to make her a cute little dress for the upcoming summer. While browsing the web I found a really cool free pattern from.
http://fiddlehead.blogspot.com/2009/06/finally-let-beach-parties-begin.html

you can click to make bigger!

Review:

Pattern Description:
"This little top and dress were designed with staying cool in mind. My little fiddlehead has to survive the heat
of the Louisiana summer, and our only respite is a trip to the beach for Independence Day. I put together a
few of these little ditties to help her enjoy the outdoors all summer, regardless of the heat!"- from fiddlehead.blogspot.com

Pattern Sizing:
from 12month to 6t, I made the 5t. It is important to note that the pattern is cut a little small. I would go up a size for whatever you want to make.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it was very similar to the photos the creator supplied
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions are very,very detailed, but there are no pictures to go along with it. So if you don't know all the sewing terminology/ are a visual person you may have problems.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The pattern was great, the only thing I would have changed would be to have bigger strips of bias strips for the casing.
Fabric Used:
I used a really interesting fabric called "tutti frutti" I had seen it alot, and liked it because it had an interesting texture. But when I steam ironed it the texture went away! I wish I could remember the exact kind of fabric it was to read up on it because I found it a little odd.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
instead of top stitching the front curved edges of the bodice, I understitiched. I think it looks crisper this way. But I do see how if contrasting thread was used for the top stitching it would be cool. I sort of wished I had lengthened it.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I actually might make another one of these for a different little girl! I would totally recommend it.
Conclusion:
Really fun easy breezy dress to make, and how can you lose the pattern is free!!!!

This was the first time I've made my own bias tape. Even though I'm proud of it, I will probably purchase my own bias tape next time haha.

I finished up the seams with a zigzag stitch, and folded up the hem

~Bye! Until my next project~

7169 Simplicity Pattern Review

 

Though a little bit, well really 70s, I saw this and thought it looked quite cute. (and ridiculously easy to make). It was probably one of the fastest dresses I've ever sewn, I finished it in a few hours and only had to work on it one day. So I would say the pattern really is a "jiffy".

I made it out of a really soft jersey material.

I will say I have some regrets with the dress, but not necessarily with the pattern. I chose to make it out of this deep purple color. In the end it was not a flattering color on me, I should have made it out of something bright like the yellow color used in the picture. It sort of looks like a witch costume in the deep purple color.

(I think on someone with darker coloring it would not be the case)

Front

Back

Pattern Description:
The dress or top with low round neckline and long raglan sleeves gathered with elastic casings has self fabric tie belt wrapped and tied in front.
Pattern Sizing:
The pattern comes in Small, Medium, and Large. I made the small.(only one per envelope) I thought this was interesting, I had never seen a pattern with sizes like that before. I suppose its like that because it ties to fit in the front.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes, though I had some issues around the shoulder area.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very, easy and very clear.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really liked how simple it was, it had in interesting way of putting the sleeves in. I didn't dislike anything about it. I also liked how there were only 3 pattern pieces.
Fabric Used:
Jersey, I found it draped quite nicely and went well with the dress.
But when my friend saw it she said to press more :(. I pressed and pressed but the hem and waist  tie wouldn't lie flat. Any tips for this?
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
none, no need for it really.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would like to sew this again in a different color. Yes I would recommend it to others.
Conclusion:
A really easy, fun to make dress but best made in a bright color. Could easily be a 1 day project. I think it would be an awesome project if you were going to a 70s party. Would look especially cool with a ~groovy~ print.

Side

Casing

Simplicity 6435 Review ,First Time with Plaid!

This spring I really lucked out, I got a big box of patterns at Goodwill. Though listed 1$ each I got the whole box for a dollar! One of my favorites was this:

 

A 1960's simplicity 6435 pattern. I love it! Its very "Oxford Chic". I sort of feel like a privileged English student in it. I got some fabric on sale, but I was a little worried because I had never used plaid before. But when the concept was explained to me I found it was a lot easier than I had expected. Though I not say I would love working with it again. I was so afraid of it not matching up right. But with a lot of careful patience, I managed to make it match up quite well. 

What I did was found a stripe on the fabric(a white one)  and set my seam allowance on it. I made sure my centers were even. and I matched up the bottoms so they ended at the right part of the fabric. I used a rotary mat and it was very helpful for measuring everything up right. I won't go to in depth because it would be confusing without pictures.Speaking of pictures I tried to have my brother take him. Big mistake! I found all the pictures were taken at unflattering angles, as well as unflattering closeups of my butt and face. So I seem a little ticked off in the pictures because I am. Hahaha(well it does sort of go with the look doesn't it?)

REVIEW

Pattern Description:
Dress with high round neckline, collar and back zipper. Has simulated front button closing, purchased belt, top-stitching and an A-line skirt. Roll up set in sleeves.
Pattern Sizing:
 Vintage sizing 10, 31 bust
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Exactly, probably one of the closest I have seen with a vintage pattern.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes they were very easy
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved this pattern but it was a little old that it sort if disintegrated while I was using it. I liked that it had different options, no sleeves, pin tucks. Sleeves were a nice size as well.
Fabric Used:
A gray, blue, and black plaid. I can't remember the exact fabric but I will go out on a limb and its probably some sort of cotton wool blend.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None, but I sort of wish I had increased the bust a little(which is something I would never think I would have to do in a million years!, in fact the pulling at the bust makes me a little happy heehee)
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would absolutely sew it again! I'm actually thinking of making the version with the pin tucks.
Conclusion:
If you see this at a thrift store, Etsy, ext I would pick it up immediately before it gets snatched up! I feel it is a very versatile garment. I can wear it pretty much everywhere. Its such a classic style to that it can be made again, and again especially with the variations it offers.

The only good picture he took!

 Side

Details

So what do you think? Oh and one tip! If you have smaller natural waist line, try getting belts in the little girls sections. They are only 5 dollars usually(much cheaper than adult belts) I have found they are great since many of my vintage patterns call for belts.

Domestic Diva Apron Review

When ever I'm at Joanns I always look at the domestic diva aprons because I think they are pretty. But they were rather expensive, $14.99. But I finally broke down and got one("The Jessie").
A big thing that had been keeping me back from buying them, was that I thought they were really cool because of all the little details and "notions". But I wasn't sure if they were real. (yes I know I'm stupid and couldn't figure this out before hand)I tried checking it in the store, but it would have felt weird for me to open it up there.
On the cover, at least to me, the lace looked pretty real. Well its not unfortunately.

It is very easy to put together. All the pieces are printed onto one piece of fabric and you cut them out. To me the directions were very vague and could be confusing to a beginner. Even with that being said I still think this would be a great first project for someone learning to sew, or to use to teach someone to sew. Because it will more than likely, look good and be functional.

 In the end it looked like this. I added a real button over the fake button because I felt the fake button looked tacky. Personally I think the notions should have been real and not printed, especially for the price. I, mean the bias tape could have been at  least real you know? More seasoned sewers would be inclined to buy it I think if this was the case also. All and all though, everyone loves this apron and wants me to make them one!

Simplicity Pattern 3673 Review

This is probably one of my most favorite patterns of all time...It's so fabulous...

Review

Edit:
I forgot, I did not do the hem by machine because the fabric was heavy, I carefully hand stitched so it wouldn't be lumping, or have big lines. I also noticed that if I used the steam iron on to high a setting, the fabric would discolor a little and the seam would make an impression onto the outside of the garment. So I would use a lower heat if you use the same fabric as me.
Pattern Description:
1950's reproduction pattern, lots of darts, fitted, long, empire waisted
Pattern Sizing:
size 8
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes,exactly
Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes, but could be vague at times.Also I believe it did not say to under stitch the lining but it is very important you do so, especially if using a thick fabric like I did.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved this pattern! It was so awesome and fitted. Not to retro that its costume, I always get tons of compliments when I wear it.
Fabric Used:
Faux Suede, and I didn't have any problems with it what so ever.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
none
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would sew it again, 100 times again! Its awesome! I don't recommend it for beginners because there is lining and lots of darts.
Conclusion:
Awesome pattern, but some construction details might be difficult for those just starting out.
Now for the fun part! Pictures!

Bow before my beautiful darts Muahaha! Joking aside this has probably been the best I've done with darts ever.

the back, different color because of flash

I look stupid faced in this one, but in case you wanted to see it from the side(or my shoes lol)

Bye! Until next time!

How to Clean Your Sewing Room

My sewing room was getting seriously out of hand. A horrible mess. Stuff everywhere I had no room to sew.

THE HORROR!

GHASTLY!

Any way I got to work. I wanted it to be clean and organized, I got a new bin for my patterns. As I thought about it I made a list of all the things a sewing room should have to be neat. First put all your stuff that is unaccounted in a big pile, clean out your drawers. There may be something better suited for it. I organize mine as follows.

• Long table for rotary mat and sewing machine. This is important you never want you sewing table crowded.
• Big bin for woolen/boucle fabrics
• Skinny bin for scraps/cottons/linens
• Little bin for interfacings and linings
• Big chest. One drawer for jersey/knits, one for sewing/art books, one for my paper art supplies watercolor, sketchbooks ext.
• Little tiny compartment thing with sections for buttons, zippers, scissors thread ext.
• Other compartment for art things.
• Little chest, all for patterns. One drawer for vintage, one for modern. The other drawer is VERY important. I put projects int their that I don't feel like working on. This helps cut down on clutter, and makes sure you don't lose garment pieces or patterns.
• I keep my ironing board behind the chest, it is quite space effective.

TADA!:D

Here is my room all clean. Probably won't stay that way for long XD! Also vacuum when your done, to get all those little loose threads that have been left behind. And refolding pieces of material really helps, even though its a total pain in the but you will find you have way more space than you did before.

B5032 Pattern Review

ing

Well I just finished writing my first review. I actually finished this along time ago but It's the only thing I have pictures of at the moment : ) I must admit I don't really like it that much.

Here's the Pattern isn't it so classy? I sewed the dress to but i didn't like it so much...

 Here's the beginning, see my purple lining?

~in progress picture~
ALL DONE TA DA

The fabric is linen, I got it at Joann's and I really enjoyed working with it. And that button was awful working with because I realized my vintage machine's button holer didn't work. So I had to make the button hole BY HAND!!!!
              
REVIEW~

Pattern Description:
A capelet with collar, darts, single button in front
Pattern Sizing:
size 8
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Exactly
Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the pattern, it seemed a little sparse in the directions though.
Fabric Used:
Linen, purple lining
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I dont think it said to understitch the lining, but I did it any way because it looks a lot nicer, it was difficult to understitich though.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
No, though it came out nicely I realized a capelet is not something I'm ever going to wear.

here is link to pattern review 
http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=53223
Thanks for reading! Please Comment!