Sureau Dress

This is my version of a muslin of the Deer and Doe Sureau Dress. I have never used this pattern line so I did not know what to expect, except for what I read online. It seemed like the pattern ran very short overall, and it did. I added about an inch to the bodice and it is still short. I added many inches to the skirt and added a flounce.

The pattern also was smaller than my measurements, so I basically did the same revisions I do to every other pattern. I add width to the back, widen at the waist and hips, and it fits really well. Next time I could add more length or just leave it as is.

My go-to winter fabric is the flannel from JoAnn's, at $2.99 per yard and less than $12.00 a dress it is a bargain. The colors are bright and the fabric washes and wears really well.

 

Vogue 1101

This Vogue Pattern was one of my purchases, way back when I bought size 12 patterns. I've been wanting to use it, but was unsure how to size it up. Since the top looked pretty large to begin with, I sized the waist up and cut off the skirt portion so it would be much easier to size up the bottom portion of the dress, instead of grading out.

I also added on to the neck band, so it ties instead of buttoning and speaking of the buttons, they were omitted and Velcro was used instead.

The top triangle was supposed to be the lighter color (cut the same way as the skirt),
but that did not happen on the front, but it's correct in the back. Oh, well. I'm feeling lazy today
 and I could not find a belt that looked good with this dress, and my attempt at accessorizing
 is feeble too. Sometimes just getting dressed is good!

 Have a great Sunday, hopefully you'll get some sewing in!

McCall's 7349

I've been wanting to make this pattern for along time, and here it finally is. I was kind of afraid to make it because it is somewhat form-fitting and I didn't want every bump and bulge to show. But it is figure flattering, even though this knit is a little on the light side.

I did go out a little at the hips and since a have short legs, cut the skirt shorter. I really like this pattern and would like to sew it again in the colorblock version.

 

 

Butterick 6244

Another piece of fabric out of the stash from Hancock Fabrics, I always wanted to make this jacket out of this fabric, but what always stopped me was that the wrong side would show. Well, sometime you just have to trust your sewing instincts and go for it.

But when I went to cut it out there wasn't enough yardage, so I just cut it shorter! The fabric was really bulky at the back neck seam and it looked terrible, too much fabric to do the recommended flat fell seam finish so instead I covered it with ribbon from the stash.

 Finally finished after all these years!

BurdaStyle 1/2021 #115

Sorry, not the best pictures... I saw this pattern in the newest BurdaStyle Magazine and traced it right away because I had this fabric waiting for it. The is a moleskin from Hancock Fabrics from long, long ago.

The only thing I don't like about this pattern is the neck binding, it would work nicely for a knit fabric, but not so much for a woven fabric. Next time seam binding or a facing will be used instead of the binding. Burda also makes many of their patterns with dropped shoulders, not a big fan of that either.

 Like the flounces!

Hot Patterns 1201

This is really close to wearing a nightgown! This is the second time I've sewn this pattern, the other version is below. This time I did it in a pink knit from JoAnn's. I always envisioned this fabric in this pattern, but I could never find the white print on sale, then a year later it was on Fabric Mart for a really great price...click. My new sewing plan is not to try to force a pattern to a fabric, or fabric to a pattern. I want to know that they were meant for each other before I cut anything out. If they don't work, back to the stash to await their perfect match!

I added the neck binding and the cuffs, it just needed something to finish it off.

I still wear this dress and still like it.

Simplicity 9140

Another easy to sew, easy to wear dress. 

This was my first purchase from Minerva, I really like the fabric and it arrived quickly too!

Not much to say,  I stitched it up in my normal size and omitted the ties. You could probably make the top more form fitting and just add a zip if you wanted to.

I actually traveled away from the house today (the grocery store), and this is what I wore, had to wear the comfortable shoes since I was doing a little walking.

Take care out there!

Simplicity 9176

This pattern is really great for a basic dress with a long A-line skirt. I plan to use it again soon, but with puffy sleeves.

Just looking goofy. This dress is made from a scuba knit. I wanted to use this for my first version, just because the fabric was less expensive then the upcoming one.

Did a bias tape binding for the neckline and omitted the turtleneck.

 I would recommend this pattern!

McCall's 7991

This is the second dress I've made from this pattern. I thought the fit would be the same, but this material must be more stretchy. The front wrap needed to be stitched up with more of an overlap. I considered just cutting everything apart and doing just that, but I'm going to leave it alone and not worry about it.

The fabric is from Mood and it's been in the stash for quite awhile waiting for the perfect pattern. The check pattern can be quite overwhelming, even on me!

It's December and it's almost fifty degrees. Will miracles ever cease? Going outside to socially distance and have a Guinness Stout!

Franken-pattern Dress

Hello! Have you all been Cyber-Monday shopping? Of course, I had to. Bought some Christmas presents for myself and others. Finally bought some Itch to Stitch Patterns, so I hope I actually get to make them up.

This is made up of three patterns, see below for the picture. I really like the fit and the style. I was trying to copy a designer dress from a few seasons back and had actually found the cat print on one of those China websites, but it was still about twenty dollars a yard (not even silk). So, this is from my trusty JoAnn flannel for $2.99.

The skirt from pattern one, bodice front from pattern two and the rest from the third pattern.

 

Hot Patterns 1178

You know I love Hot Patterns and I had made this one before in corduroy. The one strange thing with this pattern is that I have had problems with the neck facing and the hem facing. It has been really hard to get them to fit nicely together...but maybe it's just me.

Had the fabric from long ago, from a now defunct fabric store, Mill End Textiles (how does your brain remember such things?)

 

Vogue 9345

This may be my new favorite pattern for a shirtwaist dress. I didn't make any alterations, but I did make a mistake and it still worked out. I accidently sewed the bodice side back to the front. I couldn't rip it out because of the loose weave of the fabric and the serged seam finish. Here again there was just enough fabric to cut new side back pieces and that's what I did.  

Love the fabric, it is from Hobby Lobby, home dec fabric and it was reduced way, way down.

Had to use different sleeve pattern, just because I did not have enough fabric. My husband liked the print too, and didn't say I was wearing curtains or a bedspread, Ha, ha!

 Hope you all had a Thanksgiving with much to give thanks for!

BurdaStyle 05/2020 #122

My BurdaStyle dress is wearable, but I made a mistake on the waistband. I cut it out larger than the pattern and then pinned it together and tried it on. It was too small. There was a small amount of  fabric left over, so I cut a new waist band and just sewed it, but now the skirt and top were too small and I had to omit the gathers!!! Anyway, I put on a large belt and asked my husband how noticeable it was. He said that no one would notice. So, I will wear it anyway!

The fabric is flannel for $2.99 per yard from JoAnn's so not a big investment thankfully. I do have some summer fabric that would be good for this pattern. I think I may omit the waistband, make the bodice longer and use elastic instead. Since I've gained weight during Covid it might be a smart idea.

How much do you love the boots? Old Gringo, if you need to get them for yourself!