Simplicity 8386

What I'm working on.....

I am using a ponte knit-roma? for one of these(RED) and a more stretchy knit(PINK) for the other. When I saw this pattern I was all in, after I made a mock up though I didn't really like it, it made my bust look huge, I had gaping and swayback issues...HMN

I love 1950's clothing so decided to draft a sweetheart neckline to make this a classic piece. That at least gave the bust a more appealing visual. 7 attempts later here I am, satisfied and ready to complete.


The pink -above photo- was one of my attempts at a sweetheart neckline and it didn't work out so well,back to the drawing board I went.


(******Off Topic Kind Of*****On another mock-up of this, in a more stretchy fabric (PINK) I made a size 12 and it fit pretty decent, the swayback adjustment was still needed. I attribute the fit to the different levels of stretch in each knit. I was still a little surprised though by how much I had to size down to get a decent fit on both.

Now I'm contemplating on how to finish the bodice(RED) , I'm thinking I will omit the bias binding and elastic and just use a facing. I would really like to use the binding and elastic but do not want the stitching to show. Decisions, Decisions.


List of Alterations:
Sweet heart neckline
1 inch sway back adjustement
1 Inch armhole gape adjustment-(It took me a second to realize that the gaping was from the difference in the upper bust and full bust. )
Add 1/2 seam allowance to the neckline and hem
 I started with a size 20 and went down to the size 16 
Shortened the sleeves both width and length-add 1/2 seams allowance to match up 


So much work for such a simple top geez! 

AND.....Introducing Zambique, the newest edition to the flock

AND of course I cannot leave you without photo's of Zulu

CIAO!!!

Moi Zulu

Le Monde, let me introduce you to Zulu my sun conure. You will be seeing a lot more of him so stay tuned!!!

 He was probably plotting to bite my ears again. Ear biting is his favorite past time.

Hair preening time!

McCalls, New Look, Retro Rosie's

Mc Calls 6471:
This was a rather simple make, The only alterations I made were to add a slit under the flounce, and peg the hem. Definitely something that can be made in a day!!!

New Look 6246:

These pants are extra comfy and I love the casualness of them

The Gloves, The Glasses The pearls....The shoes. I love my vintage clothes..Yes I do!!

The retro jumpsuit is from Retro Rosie's the makers are  Vodoo Vixen. Given the style the jumpsuit screams 1940's and every darling should own a pair of white gloves and cat eye glasses.

Side note: I was taking some of these photo at Pat Catans, And.......Surprise they had just got in some really nice fabrics.

McCall6757, Vogue 8984 Et Simlicity 1346

First up: Vogue 8984,

This was a super easy make. Both of these are made with ankara print, I added the slit in the front. The purple was made for my mother on mothers day(View B).The yellow (View A) Extremely easy make, I would remake this using a knit. I made the final yellow version slit a tad bit bigger

Skirt Made using Mccalls 6757

The skirt on the other hand was a bit tricky. I made the McCalls 6757 for me bottom left above and my lovely cousin who I promised some of  the dreamy fabric below too.For starters-the pencil skirt fit like a straight skirt and was too big for us both. I pegged the skirt first and then corrected for the size-which next time I would correct the sizing then complete the pegging as the skirt came out tulip shaped and had to be corrected. I added side slits to both skirts as I put the fabrics on the fold. Next time I would have kept the back slit. :)

 



Simplicity below 1346:

This was an easy make but its short super short, and hits at the widest part of the abdomen, which is very unflattering. With that being said, I do wear this and would remake it-longer, with a belt and belt loops and without the one layer of tulle as it ripped right away on the skirt below.

 

      Out of pure curiosity about how the two would look together, I combined them on the dress form and.. When you put the Simplicity high-low and Mccalls pencil skirt together you get a wonderful combination :) I should have made them together for one skirt.

 

Ciao

Vogue 8980

Pattern Description: Skirt has wide waistband, side front seams, pleated side front and back, narrow hem and back zipper. B: band overlay. C: tie ends.

Pattern Sizing:(6-8-10-12-14 

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I like the fact that it comes together quickly and the front fullness. Nothing to dislike its a pretty simple skirt.

Fabric Used:Ankara Cotton

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:A bunch  User error though. The sizing was too small so I added a good two inches, only to realize I had to take it in a bunch. 

Would you sew it again? Hmn.. Probably not-I could'nt see Would you recommend it to others?

Conclusion: This is a pretty solid pattern. If I were to make this again I would bring the zipper all the way to the top of the skirt. The pattern calls for taking the zipper to the waist band then using about 3 hook and eyes to snap the waistband in place. Taking the zipper all the way up would have been better imo.