McCalls 6161 Black Sparkle Dress

I finally figured out why I learned to sew 8-years ago, but only really have about 2 years of sewing experience. Its these dry spells that I go through. During the summer months, I abandon my sewing room to explore the great outdoors. I enjoy being outside and active. In my part of  the world, the nice warm weather lasts about 7-8 months; so that isn't so good for advancing my sewing skills. I have resolved to try to find a way to fit sewing into my summer schedule next year because having to restart every year is tough.

So for my first waltz back into the world of sewing, I decided to make something easy and quick. A dress that I could potentially wear to a Christmas festivity. McCalls 6161 fit the bill.



McCalls 6161

I got  the fabric at Joanns. During my sewing hiatus, I have only purchased 6 yards of fabric! Two of them were used on this dress. When I saw the fabric, I immediately thought of a dress or top to wear for Christmas activities. This pattern was perfect for this fabric.

If you make the additional scarf that goes with the dress, you can wear the dress in two ways. Here is the dress with the scarf.


Here is the dress without the scarf.

Pattern Description:
Loose fitting, tapered, above mid-knee dresses A, B, C, D have neckline and kimono sleeve variations

Fabric Used:
Poly Thin Sweater Knit

Cost to Make:
$11

Time to Make:
2 hours

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern?
Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy and very quick to make

What did you particularly like about this pattern?
I liked the kimono sleeves; the loose fit at the top and tapered skirt. I also like that I can change the look by adding a cowl neck.

What did you dislike about the pattern?
Nothing

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made?
None

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I would.

Conclusion:

You can make this dress very quickly and the style of it lends itself to several occasions depending on the type of fabric you use.

Been MIA

I have been MIA (Missing In Action) from my sewing room for over a month now. I just haven't felt like sewing. I've been enjoying the great outdoors during these summer months. DH told me that if I sew when I don't feel like it, it's no longer a hobby; its a chore. Well, I definitely don't want sewing to become a chore! So, I'll return to my sewing room whenever I feel like it. But the great news is that I have NOT added to my stash during this time!!!

So what have I been doing; gardening! Check out pictures of our vegetable garden (spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, and banana peppers) and our flower garden (calla lilly, daylilly, and roses). This week I will be planting corn, southern peas, yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Hoping to harvest all by the end of October.

Vegetable and Fruit Garden Pictures

Click here to view these pictures larger

Vogue 1238 - Issey Charcoal Dress

Every now and then a pattern comes along that makes you say 'that's interesting, but would I actually wear that'; 'I like it, but is it too unique'; 'definitely has a designer flare, but would I stand out too much'. That is what I thought when I saw this.

Usually, I pass on the pattern because the difficulty of the pattern and the cost investment were too high for an 'I'm not so sure about this'. But not this time! It looked easy and quick to make and I could find a cheap knit to try it out....so off I went!

The first thing I feel I should say is that I made this dress with a very cheap polyester knit. I wasn't sure about this dress. I liked its uniqueness and designer flare. But I wasn't sure that it would end up looking like a potato sack or parachute. I also wasn't sure if it would turn out to be a house dress, a casual dress, or a dress that can be worn in dress-up occasions like a wedding. So I decided to try the pattern out with a cheap fabric. I figured for minimal investment, I would either get a wearable muslin or an out-right disaster.

Well, given the cheap nature of this fabric, I am actually happy with the resulting dress! I got a wearable muslin!

So try to imagine the dress made with a nice fabric that will curve and lay better. I could see a nice rayon knit, bamboo knit, or even silk jersey making this dress very nice. The dress also lends itself to all of the occasions I mentioned before. It can be made from a luxurious fabric and dressed up, from a casual fabric for day wear, or an inexpensive fabric for a house dress...that can be worn on a quick errand to the store.

The pattern is described as Pullover dress is very loose-fitting at the bust.

It comes in  (XS-S-M-L).

I used a cheap polyester knit fabric from the 5 yards for $5 bolts at Walmart.

I liked the unique nature of this pattern. I liked that it is different and stands out, but isn't weird. I also like that your choice of fabric can make this dress dressy or casual.

I cut 4" of the bottom of this dress. I should mention that this is a dress where you will want to play with the length. I pinned the hem at various lengths and some of the longer lengths did lend itself towards a parachute look. If the dress isn't quite right, make sure that you have the shoulder hem centered on your shoulders and then play with the length...makes a huge difference.

If I decide to make a better version of this dress, I will try to draft out some of the width of the bottom hem. I think the bottom hem should be tighter (closer to the body). I tried to show that in the pictures. You can see in the full frontal picture that the skirt is dipping in the center, but on the picture to its left, the skirt is striaght across. That is because I spread my legs in the picture on the left. So this shows how wide this hem is.

Also make sure you cut the right size. If you get this thing too big, it make look paper bagish.

I know this isn't a look for everyone, but if you ever wanted to venture out into one of those 'do I dare' designer looks. This is the pattern to do it because it is easy to make.....no buttons, no zippers, just long seams basically. Go for it!

Vogue 2797 - Asymmetric Geometric Black and White Dress

Now this is more me! This pattern has sat unused in my stash for several years now. This fabric has also sat in my stash for several years. Well, I finally made the match and out came this:

 Its both asymmetrical and geometric which is perfect for me bc I'm a Mathematician!

I completed this dress in about 3 hours with various interruptions. It is basically 4 pieces and a lot of narrow hems. I always buy Vogue when on sale for $4 and this fabric was a clearance table find. It seems to be a rayon lycra, but the stretch is very slight but bouncy. It could be polyester, but (if so) it is nicer (to sew) than most polyesters. Though, this fabric did give me some tension trouble! All in all, the dress cost about $10 to make.

The instructions were very easy - although the pattern says that you need to cut 2 of the back and you do not...you only need one. Thus, the fabric requirements listed on the back are a bit over stated. I had 2 yards of this fabric and it was just enough for a size 8. It was also 60" wide.

 It looks exactly like View C of the pattern!

I like the structured, asymmetrical look. I disliked nothing at all! Well, maybe before I realized I only needed to cut 1 back (instead of the stated 2), I was a little bummed because I felt this was the perfect fabric for this pattern.

Because my fabric had plenty of stretch, I did omit the zipper. Love omitting those whenever I get a chance!
I also sewed the sides with french seams so that I would not have to serge (the serger was much to rough on this delicate fabric - have to learn how to use it with delicate fabrics).

I know this style of dress is not for everyone, but if it is for you, go for it. You will not be disappointed. Very easy and quick to make. I will probably try a different view in the future.

Vogue 1190 - Tracy Reese Dress

Ok, as soon as I saw this pattern I liked it. I thought this dress was awesome. I didn't buy it until I saw several reviews on it and I liked those dresses as well. So I decided to go ahead and give it a try.

I guess you can tell that I had my reservations about this dress. My reservations are do to the ruffles on the shoulders. I like the ruffles on this dress. I'm just not a ruffle wear-er. You know how there are styles that you like, but you just don't like them on you or you like them, but they just aren't you. That is the vibe I have with this dress. I really like it, but is it me? It more girly and frilly than I am. I'm more structured and straight lines and edgy. But I gave it a go ahead!

Here is the dress with the ruffles:

 

And guess what? Again, I like it! BUT it is so not me. I didn't feel comfortable at all with the girly ruffles on my shoulders. I know some will 'fuss' at me, but ruffles just aren't for everyone. Just like bows aren't for everyone. If you've seen some more of what I've made, you probably guessed that I'm athletic; maybe even tom-boyish. So clearly, I'm not the girlly girl type (and dh LOVES this by the way!).

Anyway, here's the dress without the ruffles:

And I must say, I like this version as well and I know it is now just a boring dress with no designer flair, but its more me....I'm more comfortable in it. I don't feel like I am pretending and wondering if I look silly (although I know I don't look silly). So, I haven't decided, what do you think?

Here's my review:

This is a great pattern. Very easy to use.

This is a Vogue Tracy Reese pattern that is described as: Close-fitting, A-line, above mid-knee length dress has front ruffles, pleats, exposed darts, back straps, princess seams, back zipper and contrast waistband with bow.

It comes in the following sizes: AA(6-8-10-12), EE(14-16-18-20)

The fabric is from Fabric Mart trendy knits and is 95% Rayon/5% Lycra. I got it for $8, so the fabric cost me $16, the pattern $4. So I would say the dress cost about $22 to make and about 4 hours (but I am slow, pin everything, try on dozens of times, and deal with two bouncing preschool boys).

With the ruffles it looks exactly like the pattern!

The instructions were very easy to follow and I agree with Vogue rating this pattern as easy. I think this pattern could be harder based on the type of fabric you use and your experience with that fabric. Also your experience with invisible zippers could make this a harder pattern. But as I made it, a knit with no zipper, this pattern was easy.

I liked the shape of this dress. It intrigued me...would I like it one, wouldn't I; so I just had to make it!
I actually like the ruffles, but would I like them on me....and they are a major feature of this design; so this was my point of contention!

Since I used a knit, I omitted the zipper. Just remember that if you do this, you need to use a stretchy interfacing on the waistband. I also had to cut about 4" out of the top of the back straps. This was to bring the underarm up which was hanging bra showing low! So be aware of that, but the back straps make this an easy fix.I also have photos were I removed the ruffles and made this just a plain dress....but I just haven't decided on the ruffles yet :).

I would definitely recommend this dress to others. I am pretty sure that I will not make this again, but if I were to make it again, I would make it from a sheer or semi-sheer.


I like both styles of the dress that I show in the pictures. I just don't know if ruffles are for me :(. But this will get lots of wear!

Designer Knock off - Green Sateen Dress

So this is my attempt at a designer knockoff. I have done these before. I knocked off some St. John's shorts earlier this year and they came out great. I also knocked off some Gucci pants which came out great as well. This time, I decided to step up the level of difficulty and knock off a David Meister dress. I saw this dress on Neiman Marcus/Saks and it was for sale for about $300. The dress is no longer listed, but here is the picture of it.

I used New Look 6968 View B as my base pattern. This pattern was perfect because I would only need to draft a front top piece. Who knew how hard that would be! Definitely harder than I thought. But I finally got a dress together and I think I am better for the experience. I really want to advance my sewing skills beyond the basic, so this is just the beginning of doing that.

I rate the pattern as OK, but not for me because I did not like how this dress was put together. I found the waist to be fairly high. The top is 'lined' but the neck also has a facing! The facing goes on top of the lining! I was a good sport and went along with this, but I hated it....ripped the whole thing apart....made the 'lining' a real lining and got rid of the neck facing. This left the arm holes unfinished because they were sewn to the 'lining' in the original format. So I just turned in the lining and hand stitched it down...same with the arm holes of the lining.

I used a poly suiting with a soft sheen and moderate stretch. I paid $7.5 for 1 1/2 yards, so this dress cost me about $13 to make. A LOT cheaper than $300!

The instructions were easy to follow, I just didn't like how the dress was put together as stated above.

I made the design changes needed to make this into my knock-off. I added a waistband piece --- I did this by making the lower part of the dress shorter. I drafted the top front piece and left the bottom pieces (save for shortening them) and the back piece as was. Drafting the front piece was a HUGE challenge bc I had to draft out the darts...four of them. Then I had to draft in the tucks...three on each side. Needless to say, this was a challenge and it took about 2 weeks to do this - alone.

In the end, I am OK with the results. I don't have much sewing experience, no drafting experience, and absolutely no training. I am completely self taught. So I have a long way to go, but I think this was an acceptable start.

I would not recommend this pattern to others because of the lining and facing of the top. There are plenty of sheath dress patterns out there than to have to use this one...unless you are ok with that format...then go for it. Other than that, the pattern was fine.

Here are the pictures....I am a little smaller than my dressform, so its tight on the dressform, but I didn't have anyone to take my pics. (I have got to improve my picture taking..working on that too! :) )

Purple Dress - Vogue 2556

I was excited about making this dress, but I am so-so about the results. I think that the tucks across the front should have been sewn into place (at the side seams) and the hem and edges at the neck and arm should have been finished (see my pattern review below). I think the dress is just ok and may wear it a time or two just to see how it wears. I may try to tack down some of the front tucks just so they don't fall and look like a confusing mess.

Alternatively, it may be my fabric choice. This pattern may have done better with a stiffer material where I could mold the tucks. It does call for a material with Lycra in it, so I suggest that your material had Lycra or something that will make it stiffer (moldable).

Here is the pattern picture:

And here is my dress:

Click here to view these pictures larger

Pattern Description:
Dress has drape cut-in-one with no left side seam.

Pattern Sizing:
(8-10-12) (14-16-18)
Fabric Used:
Polyester Knit

Cost to Make:
$10

Time to Make:
About 4 hours total

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes and No

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes they were

What did you particularly like about this pattern?
I liked the two-toned style of the dress.

What did you dislike about the pattern?
I didn't like that the tucks/pleats in the front were not sewn. So they are supposed to just kind of fall in place. Well actually you have to place them and I can imagine contunually place them throughout the day.

I also didn't like that the neckline, shoulder, edge, and hem were left unfinished. My scissors need sharpening, so I'll have to go back and fix some ragged edges, but I just don't like all the unfinished lines.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made?
None, this pattern doesn't lend itself for many alterations.

I bought this pattern based on the measurements on the envelope. However, this pattern is too big and the tucks may lay better if the dress was tighter. I made the smallest size available on my pattern - a 12. I probably should have made a 14. I usually make an 8 or 10 in Vogue.

Would you recommend it to others?
If you are ok with unfinished ends and hems.

Conclusion:
I may wear this a few times. I may try tacking down the front pleats and see if that helps. I may try the skirt in a stiffer material maybe the dress too...time will tell...

Turquoise Knit Dress - Butterick 5606

When I first saw this pattern, I immediately thought, comfortable, versatile dress in a pretty color. So I shopped my stash and found the perfect fabric.

I had been seeing these type dresses all over fashion catalogs and websites. They are called Infinity Dresses or Convertible Dresses. Here is Donna Karan's version as seen on NM.

My version of this dress is for casual occasions and cost about $7 to make and took exactly 2 hours. I do hope to make a strapless version that more resembles the version above in the future. Ceck out the pattern review below.

Click here to view these pictures larger

Pattern Description:
Pullover dress is close-fitting at the bust, has slightly flared skirt and drapes extending into tie-ends with raw edges, wrong side of fabric will show. May be worn foreward or backwards. Wearing instructions are included.

Pattern Sizing:
Y(XS-S-M), ZZ(L-XL-XXL)

Fabric Used:
Cotton Knit

Cost to Make:
$7

Time to Make:
2 hours

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! There are 4 pattern pieces and 4 steps to completing this dress. You'll spend more time pinning then sewing!

What did you particularly like about this pattern?
The versatility

What did you dislike about the pattern?
I used a fabric that has a tendancy to curl, so some of the ways that I could wear this aren't as flattering because the ties curl. But there are enough designs that 'hide' the curling so I am fine.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made?
None at all; actually the ties are about 3" shorter because I ran out of fabric....but you can't tell!

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. Make this in the morning and wear it to a house party that afternoon.
Just try not to use a knit that curls.

Conclusion:
Great dress. Very comfy. Will get a lot of wear! I'm excited; unfortunately we are having a late spring cold snap, so it will still be a few weeks before I can wear this :(.

White Linen Men's Suit - Vogue 1753

I made my DH a dashing 100% linen suit. Cost about $47 to make and is lined with cotton and washable! Excuse the wrinkles, we simply didn't bother to iron before these spur of the moment pictures.

This pattern was great! Check out the review below for more information.

Click here to view these pictures larger

Pattern Description:
Men's Suit

Pattern Sizing:
Men

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 they were. I think this is a great pattern for a first timer; as I was.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the simplicity of it.

Fabric Used:
100% linen.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I had to add 3" to the length of the jacket and 1.5" to the sleeve length....dh is tall. I just added this length where the pattern says 'lengthen here'.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, but there are other men's patterns that I would like to try.

Conclusion:
Give this pattern a go, I think it is fairly easy given that it is a suit.

White Linen Donna Karan Dress - Vogue 1221

I've had this white linen material in my stash for almost two years. I knew the exact dress that I wanted to make from this material. The problem was that the pattern didn't exist and I am not into patternmaking yet (I am trying to build my skills to that).

Well, my patience paid off when Vogue released this pattern.

This was the exact dress that I had envisioned!!!!! So as soon as the pattern went on sale, I scooped it up and the rest is now hanging in my closet!!! I love it, see my pattern review for more information on the pattern. This dress cost me about $20 to make, but it is a Donna Karan 100% linen dress; so I saved a few hundred dollars! The best thing is that I also made my husband a matching suit, so we will be sharp for our 10 year anniversay later this year!

Click here to view these pictures larger

Pattern Description:
Semi-fitted, straight, above mid-knee dress has tucked front and drape, extending to back zipper.
Pattern Sizing:
AA(6-8-10-12), EE(14-16-18-20)
Fabric Used:
100% Linen - I think linen is perfect for this dress...the wrinkles go perfectly with the style of this dress.
Cost to Make:
$20
Time to Make:
About 5 hours total
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?
Mostly. There is a strip of fabric that is used to join the front top to the front bottom. The 'arms' that wrap around the front of the dress cover this fabric strip. However, I found the instructions for this strip to be somewhat confusing and ended up 'making it work'. So my strip didn't look exactly like the pattern pictures, but since it is covered up...just make it work. All of the tucking and pleating conceals the strip anyway.

What did you particularly like about this pattern?
I liked the styling of the front and even the V-neck.

What did you dislike about the pattern?
The length of the skirt.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made?
None, this pattern doesn't lend itself for many alterations.

I do wish that I had lengthened it, but I forgot. So instead I took a 5/8" hem instead of a 1" hem. I am 5'4" and you see where it hits me. So don't forget to lengthen it if you want it to hit your knees.

Also this dress is not lined; which is another reason linen is a great fabric choice for it. But mine (since it is white) will require a full slip. You could probably draft a lining for it if you really want one. I serged the inside to keep everything neat.
Would you recommend it to others?
YES

Conclusion:
This is a great dress and a great pattern. I Love it and can't wait to wear it!

Vogue 1176 - Michael Kors Dress

So this was one of those patterns that I bought as soon as it went on sell.

This dress was a nightmare to make. I have been working on it for two weeks! I am definitely behind in slashing my stash. I would say that it is worth it because I finally got a dress that is flattering and I will wear.

My problem was fit. The bodice of this dress was about two sizes too large. So I had to take the bodice in without making any adjustments to the skirt. Well this resulted in the dress not curving well with my body and actually puckering. I baste and removed the stitches of the side seams at least 10 times! Finally I had a light bulb moment. I moved the zipper to the back of the dress instead of the side seam and everything finally laid beautfully!

Several reviews have stated that the bodice was too large, so I would suggest (as they do) to make a muslin of the bodice, get it to fit accurately and then ease the skirt onto the bodice. Unfortunately, I had to take in the bodice so much that there was too much ease in the skirt hence the puckering. If you are better endowed on top than I, you will probably not have as much trouble.

The fabric is also a very stretchy crepe like fabric. It stretches in both directions, so I suspect that this may attributed to the fit and thus - for things to lay correctly - I had to make the dress closer fitting than I wanted. But I think the result is still nice. However, had I known what I was going to go through, I would not have sewn this dress...I mean, its not that cute :).

I omitted the bow from the pattern, as I'm just not a bow wearing type of gal.

These pictures are horrible, I'll get some better ones later....sorry, haven't figured out our new camera yet.

I used a hedious fabric for the lining. This is actually from my mother's stash. It was bought in the 80's when poka dots were all the rage. I think it is clear why it was never used. But, I think it makes a fun lining!

Butterick 4434 - Little Girl's Dress

I have been struggling with a Michael Kors dress pattern for the last couple of weeks, so this little dress for a one-year old girl was a nice relief. It is Butterick 4434 and was very quick to make. The rose ribbon was purchased from Joann for $2.5 and was hand stitch to the dress. The fabric is a nice peach dull satin purchased for $3 from Walmart's clearance table. With the cost of pattern, zipper, and thread; this dress cost just $10 to make and about 2 hours to make.

MiniWardrobe Spring 2011 --- Beach Chic

I know you haven't heard from me in a while, but I have been working very hard on a 4-piece collection (mini-wardrobe) that I call Beach Chic.

It includes:
- one pair of linen cotton casual pants for walking down the shopping strip or even going to dinner with a zipper extending the length of the pants and zipper back pockets.
- a pair of linen shorts based on a St John design sold at Neiman Marcus for $250 with a zipper design below the front pockets.
- a nice relax fitting casual top with a beach/city scene on the front
- a very comfortable cotton knit dress that can be for walks on the beach or a swimsuit coverup.

In addition to those pieces, I have included a previously sewn top that I didn't have much to wear with. It is the ivory matte jersey top from a previous post.

This was a load of fun and all pieces will be in my bag when we go on our beach vacation later this summer!

Enjoy the pictures below:

I'll start with the pants. These are Burda Magazine 07-2010-104. These were very difficult to make; took me a whopping 8 hours and the Burda instructions were fairly useless. Please check out my pattern review for more details.



Here is a pictorial of how I did the front pockets :

A pictorial on the back pockets:

and a pictorial on the front zipper:

Next, are the linen shorts. I LOVE these shorts! I first fell in love with them on Neiman Marcus' website.

Here's my version and my review:

Next we the two tops. Both are easy to wear and appropriate for beach and beach side attire. One top is actually a dress that can be worn as a long tunic or can be tucked under as a short tunic. The other top can extend from the beach to the strip. My Review.

My review for this dress.

Lastly a compilation of all the pieces together.

Denim Pencil Skirt!!!!

I have been wanting a denim pencil skirt for ages. And, you know the story, can't find one that I like, fits well, and is in my price range. Ahhhhh...... The benefits of being able to sew!

Below are pics of the front of the skirt, a close up of the curved seams, and a pic of the hidden zipper!

The pattern is Burda Magazine September 2010 issue.

 

Resort Wear

I will be working on a Mini Wardrobe over the next few weeks. The theme is Resort Wear. I'll be starting the pieces on tomorrow (3/1).

Black Matte Jersey

Ok, So I am still working on some of the easier projects from my stash. I think I have built up some fairly good momentum, so more interesting projects are definitely on the way. But it is nice to work on easy, quick to make projects that give me confidence. So here is what I have done with some of the 9 yards of black matte jersey that I have in stash. I have also laid out a cardigan and plan to make a dress and another top from the rest of the black matte jersey.

The skirt is McCalls 6126 and was easy to make. It is a great wardrobe builder and a great pattern from a beginner who would like to go beyond straight seams. I had to shorten the hem by 6" and this was very hard to do because the hem is not a simple straight hem.

The pants are from Butterick 4789. They are a little wider in the leg that I'd hope, but they are soooo comfortable and easy to wear. I have already worn them twice and I just made them two weeks ago! This is an excellent pattern for beginners.

The top is an out-ot-print (OOP) Butterick 3521 pattern. I have loved this design for ages and am elated that I finally got a chance to make it. I love this top and will definitely wear it on a date with dh. This top adds a 'modest' sex appeal to the other two more career appropriate pieces.

Ivory Matte Jersey Pant and Top

So, I am still going through a few easy items trying to build momentum. I had great momentum going and then I hit a few snags. I didn't have the supplies I needed to finish three projects, so I now have three UFOs. I have since gotten the snap tape, pattern paper, and invisible zipper foot, so hopefully I can get things back on track. But in the meantime, I was able to start a couple of new projects; including making a pair of matte jersey pants to match the matte jersey top I made several weeks ago. I like matte jersey because it is so easy to wear; comfortable and wrinkle-free. I will be adding more matte jersey pictures in the near future.

The pants are from McCalls 4219 (OOP) and the top is McCalls 6034.

Fabric Buying Rules

Fabric is soooo tempting!

So I decided that I need rules. Not buying fabric is out of the question and if I allow myself to buy fabric as fast, or, faster than I sew, then I accomplish nothing. So I have decided on the following rules:

1. I will limit fabric purchases to buying only fabric that will be used for a known project….this means, I can’t buy fabric just because I like it. I have to buy it because I own a pattern that it will be perfect for.

2. All fabric is limited to 15 yards for this year. Excluding:

      a. Fabric purchased will vacationing abroad.

        b. Fabric purchased to complete a project.

My Stash Slash Plan

Ok, I decided that I needed a plan. So I created a Fabric catalog of my stash. I have 373 yards of fabric not including lining and muslin! I basically would have to sew a yard a day to finish this in one year. There is no way that is going to happen. Sewing is my hobby, so I am not going to make it a chore.

But! I do have a plan. I assigned every piece of fabric the pattern that I will use to make it. I then rated it on a scale of 1-3 with 3 being very sure that that is what I will make with the fabric. I also gave a scale of 1-3 for how easy the project will be and 1-3 on how excited I am about the project. I then sorted my list based on how sure I am about the project, how excited I am, and finally how easy the project will be. I decided to start with easy items so gain some momentum. Based on this list, I have my first 135 projects. I do reserve the right to sew out of order if I choose. But I like this method because I also get to see what projects are coming up which allows me to prewash fabric and purchase thread, zippers, or buttons as needed.

Here is a peak at my first three Fabric Catalog entries. Two of the projects shown here have been posted, the other project is on hold because I need ribbed fabric to complete it. (Oh yes, fabric that is needed to complete another project doesn't count either!)

Type

Yards

Color

Fabric Description

Pattern

Clothing

Clothing Description

Order

Certain?

Season

Level

Excited

Washed

Light Dress

1.5

yellow burgundy

panel print

top

flounce sleeve tunic top

1

3

S

1

3

NA

knit

2

blue

jersey with holes

Burda

dress

workout

2

3

S

1

3

Y

knit

1.5

tealgreen  ivory

see thru tye dye

top

tuck pleat gen T top

3

3

S

1

3

N

Other than sewing down my stash, last year, I finished all but one UFO (Unfinished Object). I altered all of the slacks that needed length and waist adjustments. However, I do have a stack of clothes in need of repair…mainly zippers that need fixing. So I will mix these things into my stash slash.

Very Tempting

I am Sew Optimistic and I am a Fabricholic.

I have my eye on this absolutely fabulous piece of silk fabric being sold by Fabric Mart Fabrics. How can I pass it up. It is so divine and something that I have been longing for!

Silk Charmeuse and Chiffon

How do I resist this temptation?!?!?

I guess I should figure out some self-imposed rules. If you read my first post, then you know that I made a New Years Resolution in 2010 to significantly reduce my stash, but it actually GREW! So this year, I am determined to actually reduce my stash. But should I totally deprive myself of purchasing fabric? Should I limit my buys to only x amount of yards for the entire year? To only clearance table purchases? I don't know, what should my rule(s) be? Any ideas? Leave your idea in my comments....PLEASE....I must REDUCE my stash this year.

McCalls 6241

For my next project, I worked on another simple top. I decided to start with quick and easy projects with a hopes of building some momentum. I'll need that to get through some of the more difficult or less exciting projects ahead. This top is shown with a pair of cream slacks, but would also be worn with a pair of jeans for a dressed down look or even a knee length skirt.

Pattern Description: Pullover tunics A, B, C have extended shoulders with pleats at one shoulder and side, machine-stitched hems and asymmetrical lower edge

Pattern Sizing: Regular and Plus
Fabric Used: A Sheer Knit recently purchased from the clearance rack at Joanns Fabric for $2.5/yard
Cost to Make: $5 (I buy all my patterns for $1 except Vogue $4)
Time to Make: 1.5 hours

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 about this pattern?
I liked the length of the top, the pleated shoulder and assymetric hem

What did you dislike about the pattern?
Nothing

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made?
None, I made this top as directed.

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. This is an excellent twist on a normal pull over top.

Conclusion:
This top is quick and easy to make. Go for it.

McCalls 6079

So the first entry on my blog will be McCalls 6079 made from this beautiful silk floral fabric that my mom purchased for me during her trip to Israel this winter. I know....the first entry on my blog is from a piece of fabric that hasn't been in my stash long, but I was excited about this piece.

I have been eyeing these poncho like tops for months. My favorites were from stores like Neimann Marcus (shown below)


Orange Bold Paisley Poncho



Printed Voile Poncho

 

but they are a little (HA) out of my price range. Similar tops within my price range were very plain and uninspiring...mostly in solid colors and knits (not silks). So this fabric and pattern were just what I needed to create my version of a poncho top.

 Shown first worn as a dress; perhaps for a date night or while on vacation.

Shown as a tunic with a pair of jeans. Will probably wear mostly with slacks. 

Here's my Pattern Review.

Pattern Description: Loose fitting, pullover top A or tunics B, C have neck facings and narrow hems
Pattern Sizing: Regular and Plus
Fabric Used: Silk bought in Israel (gift to me from my mom)
Cost to Make: $2 - mainly because the fabric was a gift
Time to Make: 2.5 hours

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
For the most part, although I did make a few changes. Instead of a belt, I stitched a seam below each arm and I did not create slits in the shoulder.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, they were very easy.

What did you particularly like about this pattern?
I like the top and have been looking at them in several stores. I like that it can be worn as a long tunic or short dress (not sure I'll ever wear it this way though).

What did you dislike about the pattern?
I didn't like the slits in the shoulder, so I excluded them.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I omitted the slits in the shoulder.

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes!!!

Conclusion:
This is a great wardrobe builder and the design lends itself to various design changes. You could make it shorter or longer. You can make the sleeves shorter (more cap length).