BOTTOMS UP..A 15 DAY CHALLENGE...

Last But Not Least... I hope!

2011-05-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

I finally hemmed and photographed my Bottom Up trousers!

These are Simplicity 2700 Amazing Fit Pants, which I sewed up in a grey wool blend (at least that is what I theorize it is - the fabric was a gift). I made bunch of changes to the original pattern including: eliminating the hip pockets, adding back welt pockets, and lining the pants in dark grey bemberger. The big challenge of this project really was the welt pockets, which was a new skill for me and came out great in the end, I think. (At least, I'm thrilled with them!)

More info and pics are on my blog: Clio & Phineas

Many thanks to Faye for organizing these sew-alongs. They've definitely gotten my sewing mojo flowing!

My Three Bottoms

2011-04-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I finally got my DD to take these pictures yesterday. It was fun to participate in a challenge. This put a bit more focus on a wardrobe need.Thank you Linda for hosted a very motivating event. The first thing I completed is this skirt. I used Butterick 3134 and cotton print fabric from Joann Fabrics. It was fast and easy. 4 panels a lapped zipper and 3 hours later I was wearing it.

Next was this pair of pants made of a cotton twill blend from Joann Fabrics. It has a little stretch in it. The pattern I used is Vogue 8397 by Marcy Tilton.

They have an interesting button tab and gathering at the bottom of the leg, shown here.

Last of all I did some embroidery on a pair of jeans, in a embroidery technique class Wednesday morning. Since I made the jeans last year,I'll call this a restyled bottom.

Yeah!!!

2011-04-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

another bottoms up. I purchased Simplicity 2229 last weekend and bumped it up on my to sew list. Used a linen blend fabric in a lavender-grey color. The pattern was cut Friday nite and sewn today and was quick and easy.

Initially the pattern was purchased for the jacket and after taking a closer look realized that the skirt would be perfect for the Bottoms Up challenge.

Simplicity 2229 consists of jacket, suit, pants, & skirt, I am considering sewing the pants. The skirt is fully lined and used the pattern pieces from the skirt. However, I purchased the 16 - 24 size and realized after looking at the skirt piece's final measurements that I had to remove 2".

The instructions were clear and the assembly easy. I used extra wide double fold bias tape for the waist, the zipper was machine stitched and the lining was attached to the zipper by hand.

To ensure the lining did not roll to the fashion fabric side I did edge stitching. I didn't have coordinating thread and opted for a charcoal grey, despite it appearing lighter in the pic... thinking the flash is the cause.

I have since added the hook & eye, which is always a nuisance to attach, but as we know it's a necessary evil....lol

The skirt was a joy to sew and offered quick gratification. I have enough fabric left over to make a jacket and looking forward to working up the jacket from this pattern.

Thanks Faye for another fun challenge and look forward to your June challenge.

Two Free Plaid Skirts!

2011-04-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

I order a lot of fabric from Fabric Mart, much of it on sale. If you haven't tried them, you should; their service is top notch, and their cuts are generously sized; I've always gotten well more than 36" of fabric for a one yard cut. Their prices are very good, and they ship fast. Now, this wasn't meant to be a commercial, but last spring I bought a number of pieces of stretch velour from them, season end clearance fabrics for about $2 per yard (marked down from a lot more!), and other springy fabrics, of course. Included in the shipment was this free "10 yard mystery bundle"; one of those pieces was this plaid fabric. It was marked as 1-3/4 yards, and I concluded that I could make a skirt from it for this challenge.

I didn't know exactly what this fabric was, until reading one of Faye's posts, when I realized, you dope! It's classic gabardine! Perfect for my house, which includes hungry hordes and a 225 pound dog. Everything has to be grub-proof if I'm going to get much use out of it.

Anyway, I decided to draft my own pattern for a bias cut skirt, bearing in mind the the books I read told me to add 1" to each seam allowance, hang the pieces at least overnight for the fabric to move about. Well, the skirt was too big, so I ended up taking an extra inch off each side seam. But I love the skirt; while it's not summery, it will be great come fall! And I enjoyed wearing it on a rainy day with one of the tops I made during the Top 15 challenge!

And my 1-3/4 yards was so big that there was a full yard left over. I made a straight skirt out of it, which I haven't worn. I did OK matching up the plaids, but since I cut this pattern (New Look #6940) a million years ago on the size 12 lines, I added 2" to the front and 2" to the back to accomodate my older, larger size. I ended taking about 3" of that 4" back out, so my side plaids didn't line up so well. Here's the zipper; I was rather pleased with the matching of the plaids here. It's just a plain old pencil skirt, so you can imagine it. If I get a picture of it later, I'll add it to this post.

Anyway, Faye, this has been fun! As Serenity said in her last post, dresses are the next logical step. I finally have some sunshine, and it got to be 60 here, so I'm ready for a sun dress or 2!

If any of you were in the path of the tornadoes last week, you have my prayers. I hope everyone's having a great weekend with sunshine and warm temperatures. And, Faye, thanks for a great month of April!

Another Skirt, Another Top

2011-04-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

Just in time, I did manage to make one more skirt. Yesterday was a banner sewing day for me, with almost 2 pieces completely finished from conception to end. The only thing I didn't finish was hemming the top, and darn it, my family was hungry and I didn't want to be left behind when they headed out to our favorite Thai restaurant.

Some details:
Top: organic cotton jersey, fabric.com, Butterick 4789
Skirt: cotton sateen (?) probably from fabric.com last year, mostly self drafted with assistance from Sherry of pattern ~ scissors ~ cloth. The link goes to her Miranda skirt pattern.
Resin necklace: Earlybird Creations
Leather bangle bracelets: Amy Fine Design

I like the top, but there is a tendency for the front to have a gap at the wrap area. Looks ok in the picture, so, whew! Also, the fabric is a wee bit flimsy. I like my tees to have fabric with a bit more heft. Oh, and the front wrap part also likes to have kind of a weird poof just under the bust in the middle. I'm thinking it must look worse looking down at it. I didn't put in the back darts. This picture explains why.

As for the skirt, I wanted to sew the pleats down, and actually I did, but something went horribly wrong with my math, and it was not a good look. The waistband is a bit stiff for my taste, and possibly a bit too wide, but I'll fix that with the next skirt. Also, the stiffness of the waistband kind of makes it stand up awkwardly. More zipper woes here, and I'm totally blaming Sherry* and her RTW ideas of using a 3/8" seam allowance, which is what I used. I just needed the extra width of a 5/8" allowance to properly do the lapped zipper I was planning. Alas, it was not meant to be, but the busy print pretty much hides the zipper and its top stitching.

Oh, and yes, before you say anything, I like the length with this style. Plus, just wait til you see the top I really have planned to wear with it. Um, it's still in the planning stages though.

Thank you, Faye, for organizing the double challenge!

*Sherry, if you happen to read this, you are amazing, and have the best tutorials!! Double checking the math on your pleat placement is priceless advice that I failed to heed, and cursing ensued. For that I blame the U.S. insistence on inches, etc., and the sewing world's insistence on eighths.

THE DAY IS STILL YOUNG....

2011-04-30T07:53:00.001-07:00

It's the last day of the "Bottoms Up" challenge, but the day is still young. I just finished the second bottom of the challenge. Of course I originally planned to do more, but the day is still young, and there is no telling what I'll be able to come up with. The sewing cave is littered with patterns, I would show it to you, but I'm much too embarrassed of it at the moment.

These pants are a true olive; I thought the others were but now I think differently. I bought this fabric at the March Expo from the Vouge Fabrics booth. It was a large remnant and not clearly marked so the fabric content is still a mystery to me. It wasn't exactly the weight I wanted, but oh well, I have to make pants out of something. Made from my ancient TNT Simplicity 8707 pattern again. I do think that I've got the pattern tweaked so it fits just right at this point. But I thought that with the last pair that I made - after wearing them to work I couldn't wait to get home to tweak them some more. I ended up going into the "safety hatch" (center back waistband and pants seam) to increase the seam, as well as taking them in in the side seams. I also had to re-hem them again because they were much too long.

Besides going down a size, and decreasing the length 2", I've decided to permanently scoop out 3/4" on the upper front piece from the side seam to the center front. I arrived at this conclusion in an effort to get rid of the wrinkling that occurs in the front of my self-made pants. I got this information from my blogger friend GWEN at ALL MY SEAMS who also suggested that I add Palmer and Pletsch's book "Pants for Real People" to my library. It's a super easy adjustment too. I've got one more pants pattern that I want to muslin, and of course if it doesn't work it'll be back to this TNT pattern.

I'll take this time to THANK ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN MY APRIL CHALLENGES, or who planned on joining in but didn't have the time. You are the element that makes this so much FUN!!!

NOTE: Be on the look-out for a simple challenge I have planned for June...I think you'll love it...

Blueprint to Blue Jeans Class

2011-04-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've not been making as many pieces as I would have liked to, I've been taking a blue jeans fitting class on the Pattern Review website. It's really been an awesome class too! I figured since I was in this challenge, if I could complete my jeans in time, I could include them here. So I've not focused on anything else but these Jeans. I am really pleased with this class and my jeans turned out PERFECT!! I've already ordered more denim to create another pair with my new custom fitted pattern!

I started with the Jalie 2908 Jeans pattern...

...and with my new education and a few design changes, turned into a pair of great fitting "handmade" jeans!

As I stated earlier, I've already ordered more denim so I can make another pair...unfortunately, they won't be completed before the end of this challenge! Thanks Faye for hosting these wonderful challenges! If you want to see more pictures of my jeans, please stop by my blog!

One Bottom Done -- the Crescent Skirt

2011-04-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

I did really well being over the top, something I'm told I need to rein in sometimes, but this might just be the only bottom finished. At least in this time frame. Never mind that though, I hereby present the crescent skirt. (By the way, Faye, I hope that you came through the storms yesterday just fine. They went to the north and to the south of us, so we're fine. And if anyone else was affected, I am so sorry. What a terrible day for the southeast.)

I made one major-ish change after the muslin, and two small-ish. The small-ish changes were going down one size (that always makes a girl happy, right?), and using view B instead of view C. The major-ish change was to make the center front and back "points" on the yoke less pronounced. Like so:

Not sure how much you can tell from that picture, but I shortened the fronts and backs 1/2", and curved out that bottom seam line, and then added the 1/2" to the center front and back skirt pieces. Worked like a charm. It's not all that noticeable in the finished skirt. Actually, most of the details aren't noticeable because the print is too busy. The fabric is a rayon shirting from fabric.com.

Straight up, I've stolen Patty's signature superhero pose because, frankly, I think it's awesome, it makes my arms look great, and gives me more waist definition to an otherwise kind of rectangular figure. The pattern is extremely well drafted, and the instructions great until... well... the zipper insertion is kind of confusing. In theory, I got it. In practice, it didn't seem that hard. But, it just didn't come out how I wanted it to. In the end, I "made it work" because I didn't want to start over (read, I wanted to finish it today, and I had a headache). I'll definitely be at least following along when Tasia gets to the zipper during the sew along. Or, I'll just put it in my own way.

It really is centered, but I apparently have issues when getting dressed. I don't think the zipper is actually supposed to show, but this one does, and I'm really glad it's only a 7" zipper (oops another change, but I have a ton of 7" zippers).

A skirt confession: last year, I hated every skirt I made, and I had an irrational fear of them being too tight. Consequently, none of them really fit right. This one though, fits greats and has pockets! Great pockets!

Don't I look happy (headache and all)?

What do you think of the shoes? Unless you like them, I don't really want to know, but I bought them in the mid-90s in Spain, and I'm thinking they still work today. The heel is a little chunky, but it works for me. And they're patent leather. And comfy to boot.

Finally a Bottoms-Up

2011-04-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

completed. Simplicity 4273 is a repeat pattern for me. I am really liking the style of these pants, very simple and the side zipper is so much easier to install than dealing with a fly front and zipper shield.

Not exactly sure about the fiber content, but if I had to guess, its cotton, spandex & a mystyery fiber, in olive. I did my usual adjustment by using my rtw pant template to tweak the crotch & waist.

Before I made the first S4273, I had purchased and viewed Palmer/Pletch's Jeans for Real People DvD, which shows you how to remove excess fabric from the hip/thigh area and grading back into the side seam. I am very narrow through the hips and thigh area and have had issues in the past with removing excess fabric from those areas. With that new found info, I was able to tweak the pants further. I tried the pants on wrongside out and starting from my high hip area at the side seam began pinching out the excess fabric to desired fit and back into the side seam about crotch level. By doing that it gave me a closer fit along the hip line.

The true color is on the right

The blouse was made during one of Faye's previous challenges and it goes well with the pants, but the top needs to be shortened... its too long. Also, I have cut out a jacket from the remaining fabric to pair with the pants and hope to get that done, but not before squeezing in another bottom.

Stick a fork in me. I'm Done

2011-04-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Peace.

I have been sick. My boss came into the office a month ago with flu-like symptoms. So of course 2 weeks ago we all came down with varying degrees of illness. I, personally, think I got it worse. Even worse than my boss, because I got laryngitis. Is it really fair that he gives us illnesses and then doesn’t offer us insurance? I’m coming out of it finally, but I haven’t been super well to sit down and blog. Though I have been watching all of your progress. I will bring you up to date on all I have managed to accomplish….

I finished 2 tops (1 jacket, 1 vest) and 3 bottoms. I also had a wadder in the lot. The top made from the denim skirt didn’t come out right. The shirt wasn’t as full as I thought it was and the seams were in the wrong locations. Oh well. Live and learn. Let’s get it started.

1- Vogue 8499

Pattern Description: Skirt
Pattern Sizing: 14-20. I cut a 20
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Kind of
Were the instructions easy to follow? I guess
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I thought it was going to make a funky eclectic looking skirt, and it did. But I didn’t like it after it was done.
Fabric Used: Cotton
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? doubtful
Would you recommend it to others? no
Conclusion: I thought I would like it because I like to think of myself as an “outside the box” type of urban girl. But apparently I’m not.

For the Summer I planned 2 suits, 2 tops and 2 dresses to be the foundation of my summer wardrobe. I’ll blend then into the clothes I already have.

2 & 3- Suit 1

Butterick 5187
Pattern Description: Jacket
Pattern Sizing: 16-24 I cut 24. I have boobage.
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 they were
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I learned something new. I was always a little afraid of collars. But this one had a big fat Peter Pan collar that I loved to I went ahead and did that view. Now I’m not afraid of collars. I’m still leery of linings. Anyone?
Fabric Used: White cotton. I love white clothes, and I have a plenty… but I swear this fabric attracted my filth than any of my other white garments!
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? Yes
Would you recommend it to others? Absolutely. I’m thinking it making it again come fall in denim
Conclusion: I love it!!!!

Vogue 8701
Pattern Description: Wardrobe pattern with all kinds of stuff in there. I made a pencil skirt
Pattern Sizing: 14-20 I cut a 20 but I should have cut an 18, possible a 16
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? Didn’t follow them. Imagine that. A Vogue pattern that didn’t have me slung out on directions
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was very easy
Fabric Used: More of the dirt attracting white cotton
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: none yet. I need to take it in 2 inches
Would you sew it again? Yes, if I need to. I mean pencil skirts are a fact of like
Would you recommend it to others? Yes
Conclusion: Very easy

4 & 5- Suit 2

Inspired by Vogue 8701
Pattern Description: Wardrobe- I made the jacket sans the sleeves to make a vest
Pattern Sizing: 14-20. I made a bootleggedly graded up to maybe a 24?
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? No. Because I took the sleeves off it.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Heck NO!!! %^&*()((&$@#
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I hate how unclear the directions were. I say inspired because I got so lost after cutting it and the directions were of no help at all, that I just winged it. Actually I was using direction from B5187 to help me get my thoughts together
Fabric Used: a really light linen
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Really? Every doggone thing
Would you sew it again? Nope
Would you recommend it to others? Nope. It has nothing to do with skill level. Those directions were crazy. I would burn them and dance naked around the whole thing if I didn’t want to keep some of it.
Conclusion: The jacket was a bust. But the pencil skirt was fine, and I’m planning to do make the dress. Doesn’t look to bad.

Simplicity 2698
Pattern Description: Skirt, Project Runway
Pattern Sizing: 14-22, I cut a 22
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? Not really
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? First of all, there were too may choices. That pattern can only make 2 skirts, but there was so much crap in there to wade through. Patterns and directions! The pocket screwed me over twice. I finally got it but the fabric is all stretched out. And I admit, I could have ironed it. But I was just home from work, tired, still sick, just finished cooking and on my way to bed.
Fabric Used: light linen… that’s what they said at the store
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? Probably not
Would you recommend it to others? Probably not
Conclusion: I didn’t like it

I think I’m done in the challenges unless we are going to make dresses next…..

Peace,
Serenity Love Sincere Peace Earth

Butterick 5222

2011-04-26T16:59:00.001-07:00

This is my TNT pants pattern, Butterick 5222. This is a very simple pants pattern and after a lot of tweaking I'm pretty happy with the fit.

I used gifted fabric so I'm not sure what it is, if I had to guess I would say some type of polyester gabardine, the weight is perfect for pants so I didn't line them.

I don't know if I will get any more bottoms done before the end of the week but I've really enjoyed this challenge.

ONLY SIX DAYS LEFT...

2011-04-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

...I managed to finish my first Bottoms Up Challenge project. Ended up going back to my old, old vintage TNT pants pattern (Simplicity 8707 OOP) after all. I keep trying other patterns, but this one just turns out really good for me. The pattern is just a plain Jane trouser pattern (only 5 pattern pieces) with nice simple two piece pockets. The pattern has two front tucks that I redesigned into one dart. It also has back darts. Why I continually add length to this pattern - I do not know - guess I have a nervous fear of high waters. They turn out way too long and I end up having to cut off the added length anyway.

The fit: The fit is as near perfect as I can get it. I do have to tweak the side and back seams each time I use the pattern, but they still work out nicely. Each time I make them I also add a "Safety Hatch" in the back seam. To create the "Safety Hatch" I make the seam is a generous 1 1/2" wide, and although the pattern has a one piece straight waistband, I cut it in half so it also ends up with a 1 1/2" seam allowance. I call it a "Safety Hatch" because the 1 1/2" seams allow me to let the pants out IF there is a weight gain(hopefully not), or take them in IF there's additional weight loss (hopefully there will be) - you know how it goes.
The fabric: A lousy light weight linen blend from Joann's. I used it anyway although I'm not absolutely pleased with it. I just cannot find a pant weight fabric that I really like - and I HATE Hancock's gabardine - so that's out. I do have a different fabric in a very similar color, but it is light weigh too.

ANY SUGGESTIONS ON A GOOD SUMMER PANT WEIGHT FABRIC THAT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE CARDBOARD (STIFF) WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

Simplicity 4135 and a new top

2011-04-23T17:33:00.001-07:00

...but it's a mighty slow go. If there was a new award for "THE SLOWEST SEWER", I'd be a sure winner. Sometimes I think I just have too many sewing ideas that contribute to slowing me down a bit. I have got to get some of these ideas out of my mind, off the drawing board, and into fruition.

I did get a top completed yesterday, although not for me. Sometimes being a selfish seamstress is so very hard. What happened? Again my kindness got the best of me when asked "would you make this for me". Although I'm sure it wasn't meant as such, it sounded like a challenge to the inner me- and I took the bait. There is something inside me that has to GIVE every once and a while, so that is what I did. So I found a pattern similar to the picture she presented me and the rest is history. I made a top from this fabric last year and there was plenty left over for this top and maybe even a dress to boot.


I made view D, flutter sleeve top

I adjusted plunging neckline by raising it 1", why are things cut so low now-a-days? I think the top turned out very nice. Be on the lookout because I have plans for another garment from this fabric very soon.

Now for Bottoms Up: I traced this pattern on Wednesday night, cut out the muslin on Thursday night and finally got around to stitching it up today.


Pants muslin without waistband

I'm working with Simplicity 4135, and the muslin looks pretty o.k. but after attaching the waistband I'm not 100% sure of it. I will be cutting the fashion fabric momentarily, but I just might be changing patterns. Pattern indecisiveness is such a can be such a time waster. I'll be using a army green linen blend fabric, and I have just the perfect camouflage print knit for a matching top. See, too many ideas floating around at one time...

Burda Love - 9/2007 #102

2011-04-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

I love myself some Karen right now. A couple of months ago she gave me this fabric along with a couple other pieces.
When I saw it, it immediately reminded me of Spring and I knew I wanted to make an a-line skirt with pleats in it. I also knew it would not be living in my stash too long because I was in love with the print on the fabric. Very retro, 70’s I think and I LOVE IT!!!! Anyway, I flipped through my Burda patterns and tried to figure out what pattern would work as I only had a certain amount of fabric to work with. I settled on BWOF 9/2007 #102 .
When I started making this skirt, I didn’t realize how much I would love it.

It was my first time sewing pleats, and they turned out really good I think, but you can let me know.

When I wore my skirt to work, I got so many compliments. I’ve started to learn not to say anything like, “oh I made it”.

One of my co-workers actually went there though and said, “you didn’t make that did you”, I of course beamed and said yes. She in turn gave me major kudos and told me how nice it was. I can tell you now that I will be making this skirt again, but possibly in a solid color.

I’m not sure yet. Oh and I did break down, I know I said I wouldn’t buy any clothes until after May but Jones of New York was having a sale and the button down shirts were $14.99 to $19.00. I couldn’t pass that up and I needed a couple of things to get me started for Spring so, I broke down. The white tuxedo blouse I’m wearing with my skirt in these pictures is one of the blouses I purchased. I am happy to admit, I didn’t go overboard, I only purchased 3 tops. I don’t think that’s too bad and I’m not going to chastise myself for it. It’s so not worth it. Now as for fabric buying well, I tried and I did pretty good for about two months until I ran out of knit fabric to sew tops. It was down hill from there. I’m finding that if I stay out of the fabric stores, I’m fine, and if I go to Joanns, I make sure it’s on a day when it’s all about the pattern sales. That’s been holding me of late. Plus I’ve been doing a little organizing in the sewing room. It’s a real eye opener when you find out you have a fabric store in your house. I’ve been having some fun getting re-acquainted with some old friends I forgot I had.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Up next, Burda 7866.

Neutral Territory

2011-04-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry, this isn't such a great photo. I just had a co-worker snap it. This is first pair of khakis I have ever owned. I wanted them wide legged, high waisted and made from fabric with some stretch in it. These are Butterick 5221. They pretty much fit out of the envelope-though I should have done a short waist adjustment. I interfaced the fly area and used twill tape around the pockets. I should have interfaced the pants pocket area and made the pocket bag a bit bigger. But all in all, I am pretty satisfied with them. And I can wear them with all of my tops.

Simplicity 2451

2011-04-20T18:10:00.001-07:00

My first bottom, Simplicity 2451. I made view C (the green one on the envelope)

Used gifted fabric from my friend who had dreams of learning to sew but never did, however she purchased enough fabric that I can sew for the rest of my life. This is a navy/white striped stretch denim. Loved this fabric wish I had more than 1 yard but I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

I did lengthen the skirt by about 4 inches so that it would be work appropriate. As you can see I didn't have a navy zipper.

To make it work I used some well worn denim for the waistband facing.

Loving this challenge just as much as the Over the Top challenge.

While the blue serger thread is on the serger......

2011-04-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

Because I hate to change my serger thread, I try to sew with whatever color is on the serger. in this case I have blue. As a matter of fact, I have four different shades of blue on there. So - I took the opportunity to sew as much blur fabric up as I could before I get sick of it.

So out came - Simplicity 2258. I am always skeptical of making pants or shorts patterns because they never come out looking the way they look on the envelope. Just my opinion. This pattern was very easy. I especially like their one piece pocket technique. The pattern went together easy. These shorts are very comfortable . The elastic waist did not bother me one bit. However, I think I made them too big because when I put them on I instantly thougtht of boxing shorts. These will not be going in the trash can. I think I can salvage them. I made these shorts out of some stretch cotton bottom-weight material from Joanns. I want to make these again but maybe smaller in the leg.

The cardigan was made from my ducktape pattern of a ready-to-wear cardigan.

Top Number 6 and a bottom!

2011-04-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

S2422

V9537

Four days, six tops and one bottom. Yay, me!

Yes, I did it! I know I featured a solid yellow top in my previews, but the animal in me wanted something else. Hence the black and white tiger print. "Sunshine" will be done this week. Thank you guys for nudging me.

Five tops

2011-04-20T08:00:00.001-07:00

M5977 w/sleeves from M3280.

B5429

M3280

2011-04-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

THE BAD NEWS: ... well, after completely flubbing up my last Over the Top challenge garment (I'm convinced the fault layed in my fabric choice (too drapey) and not with the pattern. It's been a while since I've had a bona fide wadder, so it took me a little while to come to terms with this one. Wadders can be dangerous for me in that they tend to attack me emotionally. Wadder - I hate that word as much as I hate the meaning. Got to try to come up with a suitable alternative. I got a grip on Sunday afternoon by placing it in "Exterior file 13" - out at the curb. Sometimes I put these types of things in the "Interior file 13", but end up digging them back out to sulk over. I kinda wanted to force somebody else to take this one like Elaine May. the Selfish Seamstress suggested in her recent Vogue Magazine article.

THE GOOD NEWS: The sulking has ended now and I officially started the Bottom's Up Challenge yesterday by sifting through patterns trying to make a decision as where to start. After narrowing my selection down to two patterns I decided on Simplicity 4135, an oldie and I hope goody. I'll start on the muslin tonight.

MORE GOOD NEWS: The Bottom's Up Challenge is still open. You can read more about it here; you must leave your email address if interested. The Bottom's up Challenge ends April 30th.

NOTE: JACKIE O, I still need your email address to add you in the challenge.

NOTE: After leaving your email address you will be sent an invitation. You must respond to the email to be officially entered into the challenge...

Skirt #1

2011-04-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

The name of this skirt will forever in my mind be, "I'm a dumb**s."

I made a skirt from this fabric 3 years ago for my daughter, who was then entering law school (and will graduate in 4 weeks). Why I bought 3 yards for a 109 pound girl I just can't remember. But I always loved the color, and finally got around to making myself a skirt from the same fabric - thanks, Faye!

My husband calls this color "wild turkey". It's a long story, going back to the formica on the walls when we moved into this house. He commented that this skirt came out gorgeous, with an outstanding finish.

Now, why I'm a dumb**s: I used this pattern, which I've had for years, and decided that I'm much chunkier than when I bought the pattern, about 15 years ago. So I added 4" total to the skirt, and made it up without ever trying it on. I see you all, shaking your heads and mumbling in dismay. Personally, I stomped about, hollering HBO words. Then I ripped off the waist facing, took 3/4" more off each side seam (for a total of 3" off), and then another 1/4" off because it was still too big. So what should have been a 2 hour skirt was closer to 4 hours.

I'm really glad I learned to do a lapped zipper installation. It hides really nicely (the color here is waaaay off).

The zipper I had was miles away from a match (this is the truest representation of the skirt's color).
So, skirt #1 is finally done! I cut a plaid skirt on the bias yesterday, and let it hang overnight. I'm getting ready to start that one now. And this time, I will remember to try it on!

As they say, better late than never.

2011-04-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

I figured I’d better get moving, since I signed up for this, and I needed a good motivator. Last Friday night(that's right a week ago this past Friday) I worked on 2 tops. One isn’t that Springish, but hey, I already had it cut out and I can wear it right now with the weather the way it is, so I worked on it. In fact, I wore it to work this past Thursday. Here is my final cowl for Kwik Sew 3740 . The fabric is from Joanns, which I purchased back in the Fall before I put myself on a fabric diet. I’m also thinking about using this pattern to make a couple of t-shirts. I really like the cut. I also worked on Simplicity 2283, a mix of views A & D. A few people have done this pattern on PR. If you haven’t checked this blouse out yet, please do. It’s a little time consuming with all the pleats you have to sew in, but the reward and outcome of the blouse is awesome. The fabric I used on this one is remnant that I picked up at Jomars. It’s from Marc Jacobs. Yes I broke my diet for this one. When I saw it, I had to have it. It also didn’t help that it feels like butter. I didn't accomplish everything I wanted to yet, and now with the Bottom's up sew- a- long that's going on for the rest of the month, that should keep me really busy. I figure, I can still get a few tops done and work on some pants and skirts as well.

One Last Top -- Vogue 8151

2011-04-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

I meant to have this top done by Friday, and actually did have it cut out Friday afternoon, with plans to have an evening sew-a-thon when Mother Nature decided to have other ideas. Power went off at our house Friday around 7:30-ish, and by the time it came back on at 10:30 I was ready for bed.

Ah, well, I did make it yesterday, but not in time to take pictures before family demands. Excuses, excuses. Here it is:

I'm trying out a Patty Snug Bug superwoman pose. I like it! (the pose). Yes, the fabric really is that neon, as well. It's a Michael Miller interlock knit from fabric.com, and it is so soft! This Vogue 8151 pattern wasn't in my queue, but it was in my stash. I've had some wool jersey that was in a queue in my head until suddenly it was spring. Y'all know how that goes.

Anyway, back to the pattern. I made it have short sleeves, obviously, and cut out size C which was the largest in the envelope, and matched my measurements. I did a quick and dirty tissue fit, declared it good to go, and whacked away. I want to LOVE this top, but there are some nitpicky fit issues that make me only love it. Not that the general public will be able to tell, but I'll confess to you, so you can proceed accordingly should you choose to make this.

#1. The shoulders are just too darn wide. It wouldn't have mattered much if I had even gone down to the size A, because they were all basically the same. Next time, I'll have to scoop some off at the shoulder/sleeve line.
#2. I should have cut out the size B. Even though there are 1" seam allowances figured in for knit differences, it really should be snugger for the ruching to work right, and it's a little baggy on me (just a little), and I used every bit of the 1" SA and more.

Which brings me to #3. Apparently, I can't get it through my thick head that wraps, even faux crossover type wraps like this one, might need some adjusting. Thankfully, in the instructions, it guides you to baste the sides first for fitting. Yes, basting is WAY easier to pick out of knit. To achieve a wee bit of modesty, you can see in the above pic that I simply pulled the front piece out further than the back to tighten it up. I did it on both sides. Clearly, when I make this again, I'll do that adjustment prior to cutting out.

Finally, and this is not really a fit thing, just an annoying thing, the ruching on the sides is made with 1/4" elastic stretched between two small circles and zigzagged onto the seam allowance. Well, this particular interlock knit is a bit hefty, and the elastic just isn't enough to accomplish the goal. I tried with both regular and clear elastic, and ended up using 2 pieces of elastic per side, and it still isn't really gathered like in the picture. Not being as gathered meant I folded up 2 inches for the hem instead of the recommended 1 inch.

All of that sounds like I'm dissatisfied, but really, I'm not. Just a few things I'll pay more attention to the next time I use this pattern.

Onto bottoms!!

~Elle, It's a Sewing Life

My Last Challenge Top...

2011-04-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

My last top for this challenge was supposed to be Simplicity 2254 in a pale peach mystery fabric...

Well that didn't happen and there is no wadder to show! It was such a total bust, I had to trash the darn thing! I'm not feeling bad about it because I had another top lined up to work on I was excited to get to it! There's no pattern for this one, I drafted it from an inspiration piece I saw online at Saks.com for $685!! I'm going on a "Sex in the City" girls night out and was searching for something to inspire me, well the Saks top did it, but there's no way I can afford that price! Thank goodness I know how to sew! So I drafted this one...

To see more pictures of this top and a photo of the inspiration top, please stop by my Blog. Now I'm off to start some bottoms!!!

POOF! WITH THE FLIP OF A SWITCH - JUST LIKE THAT, OVER NIGHT...

2011-04-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

...the "Over The Top - 15 Day Challenge" has turned into "The Bottoms up 15 Day Challenge." It is always kinda hard to go back and recap a challenge, but here are the estimated Top's Challenge Stats:

26 people joined Over The Top - 15 Day Challenge (April 1 - 15)
18 people have participated so far; I say "so far" because some people mentioned they are still making tops, and I hope they will still post the results.
59 Blog Posts
57 New Tops posted (includes one re-fashion if I am correct); and Danielle's (3) tops because she has not been able to post pictures yet.
OVER ALL RESULTS: Quite impressive if I might say so myself .

A "BOTTOMS UP - 15 DAY CHALLENGE" seems to be a natural progression of

"THE OVER THE TOP - 15 DAY CHALLENGE"

April 16 - April 30 has been proclaimed an official BOTTOM'S UP CHALLENGE. It's a simple sew-a-long that will last only 15 days. Here's the criteria:

Sew up or re-fashion the number of bottoms to your liking. One, two or three - whatever your schedule allows.

•No quotas;
•No limits;

Skirts, skorts, pants, slacks, trousers, yoga pants, shorts etc. all qualify - top also, if that's what you'd like.
Post your reviews, comments, tutorials and any other bottoms information you'd like to share on the "OVER THE TOP aka BOTTOM'S UP" blog.
If you previously signed up for Over the Top challenge and are interested, you are already in - just go to work on bottoms on April 16th.
If you previously signed up for Over the Top Challenge and are not interested - do nothing.
If you didn't sign up originally but want to for this half of the challenge - let me know by commenting on THIS POST AND LEAVING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.
NOTE: Email address are a must for new joiners.

So come on, it's simple to join in on the fun!

I'm looking forward sharing, and seeing your Over The Top/Bottoms Up spring/summer creations. It's such a win, win situation.....

W.I.P

2011-04-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hello there. I am so terrible at sewing along. I'm off until Wednesday so here's my game plan. What you see are the wrong side of the fabrics. You know that the laying, cutting and marking is usually the longest process. Do you think I can sew six tops in four days? I think it's possible since most of the hard work is already done. I may be able to whip up a bottom or two. But we all know about the best laid plans. I'll check in on Wednesday. Have a fantastic weekend.

Black and White Top number #2

2011-04-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finished my second top, and since 2 tops was my goal, I am pretty pleased with myself. Yay me!

I had a few fitting issues with this top. I should have made it a size or two smaller and done an FBA. So, I had to do some strategic taking in. It fits pretty well now, except that the neckline is a bit large.

Overall, I loved the pattern - Burda 02/2011-102 B - and will be making it again very soon.

More details at my Blog. And - coming soon - a photo shoot with me actually wearing my new black and white mini-collection of tops made for the 15 day Over the Top Challenge!

PROCLAMATION....

2011-04-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

I have a NEW PROPOSITION!
Marjie has suggested that we flip flop the challenge for the second half of the month to focus on BOTTOMS. I think this is a marvelous idea what with all the new tops we've just added to our wardrobes. I know that several other participants are also interested in doing this. So I officially propose that April 16th through April 30TH be proclaimed the "BOTTOMS UP - 15 DAY CHALLENGE".
Here's the criteria:

Sew up or re-fashion the number of bottoms to your liking. One, two or three pair - whatever your schedule will permit.
Skirts, skorts, pants, slacks, trousers, yoga pants, shorts etc. all qualify.
Post your reviews, comments, tutorials and any other bottoms information you'd like to share on the "OVER THE TOP aka BOTTOM'S UP" blog.
If you previously signed up for Over the Top challenge and are interested, you are already in - just go to work on bottoms on April 16th.
If you previously signed up for Over the Top Challenge and are not interested - do nothing.
If you didn't sign up originally but want to for this half of the challenge - let me know by commenting on THIS POST AND LEAVING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS no later than Saturday April 16th.

Here's the badge for the challenge

The top that he me going in circles!!!! (A Dr. Pepper moment)

2011-04-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

This top reminded why I secretly do not like working with wovens! But yet I keep buying them. I wonder sometimes if I could live with just wearing knits. Knit dresses. Knit tops. I haven't worked out bottoms yet. Anyway this top comes from Butterick 5048. It is made from a 100% lightweight cotton and goes together real easy. My first mistake was trying to squeeze this top out of 1 1/4. Second mistake - cutting it out at night. And I am afraid to say that my third mistake - I think - was making it at all. Oh well - You live and you learn. I planned to wear them with these yellow shorts made as least a year ago (Mccalls OOP5857).As bad as I have talked about this top, I still don't think I will throw it away. I will give it a few more days and come back to it with fresh eyes.

AHHHHH! This calls for a Dr. Pepper!

white TOP N° 3 for spring

2011-04-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

A white top in cotton inspired from Burda spring/summer 2011

The pattern is mixed with top of H model and bottom with G model; the flower is embroied with japanese fabrics

more pictures on FROUFROUMANIA

M

2011-04-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

My third top for the challenge is a houndstooth knit print from OOP M5434. It took only 2 hours to complete, if that. The top has wrapped fronts, self ties and three-quarter length sleeves.

Well, there are a couple days left for this challenge. I'd like to make one more top, but we'll see.

Seeing Red -- More Tops Finished

2011-04-12T18:37:00.001-07:00

Nope, I'm not mad, you'll see the red soon enough. Oh, what the heck... here's the first red:

This is New Look 6981, made from an organic cotton jersey knit from fabric.com. It had one "I hate it" review on Pattern Review, so I was a little worried, but I don't. Hate it, that is. In fact, in one afternoon, I actually made 2.

Why? Well, I bought 2 yards of this knit really on spec. I got these 2 tops perfectly out of the fabric, so the 2nd will go to daughter, Laura. Hope she wants a red cowl neck tee.

Some details. Both of us have really narrow shoulders, so I started with the 10 (Laura, pay no attention to these numbers) at the shoulders and necklines, front and back. As I traced down the armhole, I merged out to the 14, and then went straight 14 down the sides for Laura, and graded out to the 18 for me. The fabric is soft and kind of clingy, but I may just take in the bottom part of the sides on me, as it stands out just a bit. Holding it up for the picture, I may have to take the entire sides in for Laura. Her measurements matched the 14 perfectly though. To keep them apart as I sewed (and I made them simultaneously), when I was doing the back neckline facing, I inserted different color ribbon "tags." Laura got the black gingham one.

My right hip is a bit higher, so I think that explains the uneven looking hem. You can see better from the back how it flares out just a bit more than I would like at the hem.

But wait! There's a 3rd red top. This one is actually a RTW top from Ann Taylor that I bought last year on sale. I'm counting it as a half for the challenge though because it was too long, and I just never wanted to wear it. Since I had the coverstitch machine threaded with red, though there were no excuses. I chopped off 3 inches and rehemmed the darn thing. It's a little snug, but I'm back on Weight Watchers, so, fingers crossed, it will look better by summer.

I had kind of forgotten about it when I ordered the red jersey. Oh well. Boy, do I need a haircut.

Here's One and Two....

2011-04-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

I'm really liking this top, M6164 not only is it comfy but it was too easy to make!

I used a t-shirt knit, from my stash, (trying to use up stash). I was good and followed instructions, because I needed no trouble with these sleeves. Some may consider the front low, but it doesn't sit too low on me. I love my puffyness and will make another soon. All in all, a pretty quik sew, and used less than 1.5 yrds.

I also finished this one thursday, B5284.

Here's my version....

Everything was going great on construction until I got to the cuffs! I didnt realize I was supposed to cut 4 pieces instead of 2 for the cuffs, and as I said before I'm attempting to use stash fabric, lol. I had to improvise and use black on the inside of the cuffs because, said stash was all gone, lol. But I'm happy.

More coming soon..., C-ya!

Morph the Pattern

2011-04-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

Using Butterick 3383 which must be the simplest, plainest 2-piece pattern in the world, I made some changes to keep myself awake while sewing it, lol. I made the front piece a tiny bit wider and added a casing for a drawstring and a couple tucks at the neck. I bound off the neck, armholes, and hems using self-fabric bias tape.

The top is made from a sheer, pale blue, embroidered cotton, and it will be cool and breezy on a hot summer day. It was fun working out the changes to the pattern, and I like the top, but I keep trying to convince myself it doesn't look like a pajama top!! I'll have to be careful what I wear it with. I'm thinking maybe some dark colored, skinny capris. I'll have to stay away from anything baggy or pastel if I want to avoid a PJ vibe.

All fluttery over you

2011-04-11T14:55:00.001-07:00

I love this top! And I love challis even more! This top comes from Burda 7549 and so easy to make. It takes only 2 1/8 yards to make, has only 1pattern piece, and can be sewn together in possibly 1 hour. I will definitely be making this one again. It looks just like the pattern and is very flattering. Unlike other patterns that I make, I made this pattern according to the instructions and didn't add any other features.

Tops 4, 5, 6

2011-04-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

This green fabric came from Fashion Fabrics online last May. It was one of a number of pieces I bought from their clearance section, where you take whatever size piece they have of a given fabric. This one was right around 3 yards, and while I wasn't really wild about the color, I like green well enough. I'm also sure the price was just dandy, and I like knits, so into the cart it went.

I wanted to make this top from Butterick 3344, but I knew it would need revision. After all, what grown woman needs a seam running right up her tummy? It seems wrong to accent the fact that I could use a few hundred (or maybe thousand or million) sit-ups if I wanted to have a flat belly again. So, I revised the front, cutting it on the seam, extending the cut for the gathering at the bust, and creating a loop to go over the gathers, so it would look more planned. The back that was with this pattern also didn't match the front at the shoulder, so I gathered the front shoulder fabric to the same width. Long sleeves, of course, because it was 34 degrees when I cut this top out, and here's a decent top without too much effort!
Next up was a short sleeved top from the same fabric. I've used the body of this top about 4 million times, with sleeve variations. I liked the cap sleeves on a top of my daughter's, and so copied them at one point. I think this is the first time I've tried it on this top body, but it will be nice in warmer weather, like maybe next week!

While I had other fabrics chosen, I really liked the pale pink draped top I made last week. I've got a large selection of white knits, and chose one that I bought from Scranton Fabric at least 10 years ago. This too was a "take the whole piece" deal; it was 60" wide, 3-1/2 yards at 98 cents per yard. So, this was a 98 cent top!

This is the detailing of the fabric. It's a 4 way stretch, but the details don't make it look that way. And since we had a wonderfully warm, 71 degree day today, I even got to wear this top! (Excuse the funky self timer picture; it was a last minute thing.) (Must remember the angle for this picture; it makes me look thinner than I am. Hooray!) I'm thinking that I love this top and fabric so much that I might consider making it into a summery dress.

I don't know that I'll get any more tops made during this challenge, because I only allow myself to sew between 6PM Friday and 6PM Sunday. And now, I really want some new skirts to go with all of my tops. Faye, this has been great fun; thank you ever so much for challenging us! (Really, did you think of extending this to a "Bottom 15 Challenge"?)

First top done!

2011-04-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

I finished sewing up my first top for the challenge on Saturday - New Look 6915.

This top is a snap. The loose, drapey fit and cut on kimono sleeves make it a breeze to sew and fit. I will definitely be making this top again soon!

Now, on to finish the second piece of my black and white collection - Burda 02/2011 - 102. At this point it is mostly done, and I think will also be a winner.

More details about this top at my blog. Happy sewing, everyone!

Ceramics Smock

2011-04-11T09:55:00.001-07:00

I made a version of Simplicity 2245 to see if a tunic style would look okay on me. Since I used a fabric that looks like medical scrubs, this could have been very disappointing. However, I really need a smock for the ceramics studio, and this totally fits the bill. More details on my blog.

second top for the challenge

2011-04-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Orange color for the second top, based on an homemade pattern.

Froufroumania

my first top for the challenge

2011-04-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

I used this MCalls pattern for my first top (A model) , made on a very slighty jersey.

I am in my garden, and the weather is shinny during spring season in the south of France where I live.

Froufroumania

ONLY FIVE DAYS LEFT...

2011-04-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

...The Over The Top Challenge has created inspiration for a much sewing frenzy. Seems I always need new tops, and they are usually the quickest way that I know of sprucing up my wardrobe at the change of seasons.

I finished this faux wrap New Look 6901 today. I made it first last year, really liked the fit so I gave it another go for this challenge. This time I did change the pattern just a little by increasing the neckline height and decreasing the size of the band that finishes the neckline. The pattern's band was much too wide for me - so I changed it up just a bit. I also invisibly stitched down the wrap because no matter what, I always get a little gaping in the chest area - with this the problem is solved. Though there are many faux wrap top patterns available, this one, with just a tiny bit of rushing at the left side seems to fit me best. I guess this will be my "go to" TNT faux wrap top - no need in reinventing the wheel.

This is a lovely paint splattered knit that I picked up last Sunday on a Joann's trip with Ebony and Baby Boy. It sewed up beautifully using my Schmetz Jersey ballpoint needle - no skipping, snagging or puckering. Once upon a time I had a little handy Schmetz pamphlet that I used as a needle reference, but of course I can't find it now. So of course I just Googled for the information and found it here it helps me out a lot.

I have two more tops in the "bull pen" that I'd like to completed by Friday (April 15 end of the challenge"). I actually need many more than that but feel it's high time to move on to other things.

Second top complete

2011-04-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

This was an immediate gratification project. I cut it out late Friday night, sewed most of it Saturday and hemmed it this AM. I have made this pattern, KS 2759, twice before. With previous versions I also made the cardigan pattern. I had no plans to make the cardigan this time.

It was nice to make a top without having to fit and adjust the pattern before cutting and sewing. The pattern calls for stretch lace or elastic to trim the neckline and armholes. I had acquired several shades of fold over elastic from Saf-T-Pockets last year. I was fortunate that I had the perfect green elastic for this top.

I did not fold the elastic over. I simply attached it to the neck and armholes by attaching right side of elastic to right side of fabric. After sewing using 1/4 inch seam, I then turned the fabric down, pressed and top stitched close to fold of fabric.

Here are a couple of shots of the top:

More tops!!!

2011-04-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some more easy sewing tops for on the go. I needed something that could work for when I am out with the baby and going to the gym. First we have this red and blue stripe knit top. It is made from Burda 7520. This top was so easy. it only two pieces. I added space to the side seam of the bodice to allow for my belly fat as well as made it a little longer. I never go by how a pattern looks on the envelope and think that it will look the same on me. However, this one was very close and flattering.For the neckline, I sewed a strip of the same material to the neckline , turned it toward the wrong side and topstitched. For the armholes, I just turned a 1/4 in toward the wrong side and topstited. I love this top and can tell it will get plenty of wear this spring and summer. I will definitely be making this one again.

Okay chicas! This tope to the left started out as Vogue 8597. I made it last year and may have only worn it once. And that just won't do!! So I morped it into the top you see to the left for spring summer. I originally cut the entire shirt apart because I was going to make something totally different. But once I realized that that would not workout, I saved the back and front piece. I sewed the back neck seam up (the drape and the front bodice are are one big piece).I took the back bodice piece and cut the armhole just a little bit to make it look more like a razor back. I then sewed the side seams with 1/4in seam allowance .Next, I put this top on my bodyform so that I could hand baste the back bodice neckline to the front neckline. I simply turned 1/4in of the back bodice neckline to the wrong side and basted it to back seam of the drape. I

I think I will sew the garment like this from now on when using this pattern. I really like this top. And what a relief that I good knit did not go to waste.

Easy as 3,4 and 5

2011-04-10T10:47:00.001-07:00

Here are tops 3,4, and 5 for the challenge. Simplicity 4076, view B. I cut a size 12 for all the tops, lengthened this top 3 inches to prevent flashing skin every time I needed to raise my arm for something. Love the flutter sleeve.

I know, I know this is awfully similar to the first black and white top I made but I like it anyway. It is Butterick 5217 view D.

This is Simplicity 3786 view A. I used gifted fabric and hem tape for the trim, great top for zero dollars.

You can check out my blog for a blinged out onesie tutu which I don't think I can include as part of this challenge lol.

I don't know if I will get any more tops finished before the 15th but this has been a blast, I'm giving everyone who participated a big ole bear hug for all the inspiration I have received, you guys are awesome. Thanks again Faye for sponsoring this challenge and giving me a much need boost to my Spring/Summer sewing.

Second Top Done!

2011-04-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

M6120 View C in a knit from Joann's clearance section a few months ago. I've made this top before and it's very comfortable. The bodice has pleats and this version has three-quarter length sleeves and a self-faced mid-driff band. I used my serger for the entire sewing project except where I faced the mid-driff inside. But this is really an easy sew pattern as the envelope states. I will most likely make this again but use the sleeveless version.

I hope to make at least one more top this week in the remaining days of the challenge.

Finally

2011-04-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

2 OTTs completed. the first top was cut a week ago, but kept putting it on the back burner to do some other crafting.

The fabric has been in my stash for some time and can't recall where I purchased it. Its a printed burnout knit and tissue paper thin, luckily I didn't have any issues with the fabric catching in the throat plate. I tend to experience that when working with tissue weight knits. The neckline and shoulders were stay stitched and serged all the seams.

The pattern is Simplicity 3634 which I've made several times, however, this time I modified it by omitting the cowl neck piece and adding short sleeves from Butterick 5313.

Funny, when I finally decided to sew the top, I couldn't find the pattern instructions for the life of me and spent some time looking for it. Although I'd made this top several times, I still felt I needed the instructions and schlepped around til I decided to just stop dragging it out and proceeded without the instructions. End result, quick project and completed without a fuss.

This top will work well under a suit and/or a great weekend top with jeans.

------------------------------

The second top was sewn up using lavender stretch taffeta and found a few sites featuring dresses & tops made in stretch taffeta: Nodstrom, Bluefly, Net-a-Porter, Saks 5th Ave. Can you imagine a dress made in this fabric...luscious.

Pattern used for the top is Kwik Sew 2694, which I didn't realize at first, but made back in May 2008 version A. This time I did Version B with two piece front. To ensure the neckline didn't gap I used 3/4" clear elastic along the neckline and folded to the inside. This pattern was reviewed 103 times on PatternReview... Wowzer!

After completing the top, I noticed that it runs short and made a note on the pattern envelope to lenghten. The length works well with a skirt, but like my tops a tad bit longer for my pants. Also, I would like to make Version A again, since Version B has a bodice seam, I can't wear a belt. I am such a belt queen. If I do Version B again I would like to make a dress. Several reviewers on PR made dresses and like the two piece bodice for the dress.

Finally, a 2nd Top!

2011-04-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

This took me forever (Butterick 5495), and I don't even want to post a picture of it hanging. Here it is flat:

This wasn't on my original plan, but I wanted to do something I could wear to work and had not worked with knits since I was sewing as a kid. (I'm returning to sewing after many years away). So, I picked out the pattern and bought this great rayon/cotton moderate stretch knit in my go-to neutral, gray!

I cut an 8 at the bust and a 10 at the waist, based on the finished garment measurements and knowing from the pattern reviews that there was a ton of ease in this one. Big mistake not tissue fitting or doing a muslin. The pattern is odd, so would not have been easy to tissue fit, and I thought I was okay based on the finished measurements. Nope. It was so tight, it looked like it had been sprayed on!! I had to cut the side seams open and insert a gusset.

It turned out okay, and I'll wear it for work under a jacket. I'm hear in the Pacific Northwest, so I can use a fitted knit top all the way through Summer. For more details, see my blog. : ) Looking forward to moving on to my next top. Thanks for the fun challenge! I'm learning a lot!

McCalls 5522 -- Top #2 -- Done!

2011-04-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

There were 2 button front tops in my haul from Faye's giveaway, and originally, I had planned to make the Simplicity one for this challenge. In a last minute change of thought, I went with McCalls 5522 instead. I made View B, without any sleeves.

I really had not anticipated it taking me all week, so I'm a little behind schedule in both this challenge and the RTW Jacket sew along. Hopefully, this weekend, I can make better progress. Luckily, I have a couple easier knit tops that will be next in line (and have just been added to the queue), to help that along.

This was my test photo and other than the lighting (doesn't it look sunny?), and I wanted to show off the iris behind me. I had nothing to do with them as they came with the house. Right after the self-timer went off, it started raining and my outdoor photo session came to an abrupt halt.

Back to the top... I love it! The fabric is chambray from fabric.com. This envelope had the sizes 12-20 in it, and it was perfect. I started with the 12 at the shoulders, used the size 12 line for the armscyes, ending at the size 14 line for the rest of the upper pieces. For the lower pieces, I started at the 14 line, and graded my way out to the 16 for the hips. I ended up using more like 3/8" seamlines for the lower pieces, except at the top where it connects to the upper, because while it fit, it just felt a little snug.

Inside now. The back fits pretty well. I possible should have scooped in just a bit for the sleeveless-ness look, but that's a minor quibble.

I tried to crop in up close for the topstitching which is kind of a light khaki color that I feel like blends really well, but still adds some interest. The "buttons" are really snaps that I just found for a quarter at a recent estate sale. You can really see them that well (can you click on the photo and see it larger--maybe) but they look like regular white shirt buttons. They probably didn't go on any quicker though, because there was a learning curve for getting them "installed". One button was crushed from over vigorous hammering. When they mean place it upside down on a thick fabric pad, well, they kind of mean it.

Tomorrow, a knit top... unless I change my mind again!
~Elle

Getting ready for Spring!!

2011-04-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

OOH how I love Spring!! The sunshine, the not too hot temperature, and all of the festivals!! This top has put me in the mood for spring. It is made from Simplicity 2190. Because the knit that I used was lightweight but kind of stiff, it did not come out as fluid as I would have hoped.

Oh before I forget - someone commented on my last top and was wondering if I use the serger when making tops. I actually sew the garment on my sewing machine and then finish the edgfes with my serger. I know it is possible to construct the whole top on a serger, but I have not yet figured that out yet. I love my serger! I love knits!

Back to the top . This top is super easy - only 4 pieces. It goes together in no time! Two Golden Girl episodes as a matter of fact. It has plenty of room and is great for throwing on with jeans when I am out with the baby. However I think this top will most likely be worn to the gym and I might - might wear it with it jeans. I will definitely be making this again just in what me and Faye call - "the $13.00 knit"- at Joann Fabrics. That is some great stuff. It is super soft and gets softer after you wash it.

The picture on the right shows the top with a cardigan that I am working on. To save myself from feeling like I had created a wader with my lightweight but stiff knit, I tried to style it with other things.

2011-04-07T20:20:00.001-07:00

..it does feel good to have finished this top. I felt kinda a bad when I semi-kicked it to the curb. I finished it today to avoid having an UFO floating around the sewing room. There is nothing too special about this top, except maybe the information I found that helped me grade this pattern up two sizes (which can be found here). I changed my mind and used broadcloth to make this top rather stretch poplin.

Now it's on to the next OTT project - it will probably be a knit top. There are EIGHT more days left of the challenge. I'd like to make two or three more items by the 15th. We'll see how that goes...

Jalie 2921-Second version

2011-04-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

From looking at the reviews for this knit top on Pattern Review, I am pretty late to the party with this one, my first. I have made several of the "sweetheart" neckline Jalie tops. I have been wanting a top with a tie collar. So prior to the start of this challenge, I decided Jalie 2921 would be my first top.

Using the sizes from previous Jalie tops I made, I traced and cut out the pattern. I used fabric that was new to my stash that I had acquired from Denver Fabrics earlier this year. The end result was that the top was too low for me and when I tied the collar it pulled the neckline even lower.

I also thought the underarms were too low and top to long and too full. So I took a horizontal tuck in upper chest and back and trimmed 3/8 off the back side seam. I also raised the neckline about an inch. I adjusted the center front marking point on the collar tie to match the raised neckline. I failed however to reduce the width of the collar as raising it brings it up higher on the back part of the neck as well. It works okay as I can turn the collar down. The next one I plan to reduced the width. Fabric was purchased over three years ago from EOS.

Here are a few shots of the completed top. I wore it to work earlier this week with a black skirt and short black sweater jacket. Certainly looked more polished than it looks in photos below with my shorts.

A Wadder Saved

2011-04-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

This blouse is from McCall's 5433. I was trying to make the sleeveless version.

First I have to admit I started this blouse just before the Challenge, as a warm-up. But while I was finishing the first armhole with a seam binding, I stretched it out soooo bad. I was mad at myself and thought I ruined it.

The blouse has been hanging in my sewing area, armhole all stretched out, for a week, and I've been feeling bad and trying to ignore it while sewing other tops. Finally, yesterday I couldn't stand it any more, so I got to work steaming it, washing it, drying it, trying to get the armhole to shrink. I managed to shrink it about halfway. It was still too big and stretched out, but not as bad. I definitely couldn't use it as a sleeveless blouse, but I had some extra fabric and cut out some short sleeves and put them in. Then I finished the rest of the blouse and did the buttons and it looks fine.

I'm happy because I thought the blouse was completely ruined. But it fits great and you can't even tell one armhole is slightly bigger. In fact, the big armhole made it really simple to ease in the sleeve. I should stretch out all my armholes. That sleeve went in like magic.

That's my next top cut out there, ready to start. Can't wait!

1st Top Done!

2011-04-07T06:06:00.000-07:00

Last night I was able to complete OOP S7013 View F. Made of a jersey knit from Joanns. It doesn't look like the photo at all because I made the sleeves one-piece and the length is a bit longer. The seams finished with my serger and the hems are all topstitched. I did not use the instruction sheet for this. I've made variations of this top several times and will probably use it again. Great casual top.

Bringing out the the Jungle in me

2011-04-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

This sew-a-long could not have come at a better time. I need tops so badly!!! This top is made from Mccalls 6288 from their Generation Next line. It is made from a lightweight knit. It went together fast and easy. I pretty much did not look at the instructions. The only thing that I may have done differently was to add a band to the sleeves and to the neckline. I will say that this top is very tight fitting. Even though I added more to space to the bodice piece on the side, it still fits kind of tight. Either that or a lot more of the baby weight is still lingering around.

OOh and the skirt is made from the same pattern out of a purple broadcloth.

YES, ANOTHER ONE...

2011-04-05T21:00:00.001-07:00

...You do know all about my stead fast, number one sewing rule - don't you? Finish what you start! Well, what in the world happened to the plans of making that much needed white top??? It was started mind you - but got lovingly kicked to the curb for the past two days. All parts were placed in this bag for safe keeping...

Hopefully I'll be able to get back to it tomorrow. But in the meantime I wanted to play just a little bit more. (No wonder I don't have any white tops.) The easy peasy top I made last night was still calling my name. I so wanted to try it in a challis fabric but couldn't find ANYTHING in the fabric closet that even came close to that kind of drape. I had to go out and pick up a piece. I had the hardest time trying to choose a color - wanted something solid, but which one. I came very close to getting black (of course), but opted for a bright red instead. I RARELY wear red. Why? I'm not really sure unless its that I was once told not to wear red-orange. Most red fabrics are just that red-orange. Since I know for a fact that I have orange undertones I stay far away from that color - I have no desire to look like a pumpkin. I need (and love) true red or blue-red, but it is hard to find. This was the darkest red I could find today, so I just went with it. I figure this top will work worn with white, navy, black and of course jeans.

These tops are not work appropriate, but I do need play clothes some times. I hate when a time to play finally comes, and I can't pull out play clothes. Can't wear it right now because after that big storm last night Georgia can't make up it's mind whether it's winter or spring all back over again.

This top was so easy I couldn't resist playing one more night. I've got to find me some more EASY patterns for my spring/summer sewing. But for the purpose of the "Over The Top Challenge" it's back to the task at hand...aka the bag blouse...

My Picks for the OTT Challenge

2011-04-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

My picks coming in are tops I love to wear for work! I'm a little behind starting, but i love when Ms.Faye does these challenges, it motivates me to get a move on so I'm more focused! My personal challenges, and I hope I get them done on time are:

I like the view with the pink top, I'm loving the sleeves on this one plus I spotted a similar top in the mall.

I think view A will be a winner for me.

It's funny, collars give me the blues but I love the way they look, lol. The view in red is where I'm leaning.

I realize the top above this is pretty similar, but I like that this one, has a yoke. None of the shirts I've made has this, however most that I've purchased do. It seems to sit better on my shoulders, so this will be a new one for me, and maybe a tnt.

I like this one because I believe I have this same stripy green/aqua fabric in my stash,

plus no collar, lol.

I've started the process of cutting out all patterns and making adjustments, fortunately few were needed this time.:-) With all the shirts on my lineup, the machine I just purchased should come in handy. My other machines did terrible buttonholes so I purchased this machine on Amazon.com.

I like that it has several buttonholes to chose from, plus it's overall a decent machine for the price.

Well, I guess it's time to get busy, more coming soon!

C-ya!!!

WhooWho Number Two

2011-04-05T17:26:00.001-07:00

This is why I love these sew-a-thons, I have gotten so much inspiration from the other post, I whipped up this simple top. It's Simplicity 3790, view D with the short sleeves from view E.

The fabric is a leftover remnant from a maxi dress I made over the summer which I wore once and gave it to my DD. I think this top will get much more wear.

It went together super fast, maybe 1 1/2 hours from start to finish. This is probably the only sewing I will get done until the weekend but I can't wait. I see a lot of quick knit tops coming off my machines.

First Self-Designed Blouse

2011-04-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

So, I took this self-drafted dress:

And made this top using the bodice pattern as a start:

(The fabric looks the same, but it is more of a royal blue than a navy.) I have the details of my transformation on my blog.

I have been taking patternmaking classes for awhile now and have found it to be really fun. (And sometimes really really frustrating!) Once you have your sloper fitted properly, it's not that hard to create new styles. (I have a lot of of books to help me out. And you have to have a high tolerance for failure.)

My goal for the 15 day challenge is to make one more self designed top and a tunic from Simplicity 2245. I am not sold on the tunic style, but I thought I would give it a go. I've seen some great tops here so far. Keep up the good work!

TOP 2 finished...

2011-04-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

This top is very simple, yet very unique. I don't ever recall seeing one like it before, but when I first saw Ebony's slightly vintage New Look pattern I knew I wanted it. She let me borrow the pattern, so after tracing the single pattern piece (yes, only one pattern piece) I reached into the stash to find a fabric that would fit the bill. I think this top will fit right into summer.

NEW LOOK 6140

The single pattern piece serves as both the front and back of the top. It's sewn together into an oversized V-necked tee and then the shoulders are crisscrossed.

I skipped over my white top to get this one completed. Hopefully I'll finish the white one by tomorrow.

First One

2011-04-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

I finished my first top for the Challenge. It's from Butterick 5356 and I had already made it once before, in the three-quarter length sleeve, belted tunic length. This time, I wanted to make a summer top, so I used a very sheer fabric and I made a shorter length and short sleeves.

After I tried it on, though, I wasn't too happy with it. The pattern is very plain, and I felt like the floaty, gauzy fabric and cheerful print were calling out for a more playful style. So I changed the sleeves by adding a sleeve band that ties in a knot. And I also added a tab on the yoke to pull the neckline down. I really like the way it turned out. You can't tell from this photo but it's an extremely sheer, light fabric, so I'll be wearing a camisole under it.

About this pattern, if anyone else makes it, I looked up the reviews on Pattern Review and found several people complained about how it is boxy and shapeless. I think the pattern is drafted with too much gathering in the front, so I made a 1" fold in the lower front pattern piece (which reduced the front width by 2"). This made it a lot less bulky in front. Gathers are nice but a little goes a long way in my opinion. Also, the pattern calls for broadcloth or a stable knit, but having made this once before, I think it came out much better this time in a sheer, floaty fabric that moves.

In other exciting news, I checked the mail yesterday and was ecstatic to receive shipments from TWO different pattern orders that I placed a few weeks ago. I live overseas and it costs a fortune and takes forever to get patterns. I'm so excited to receive my spring/summer patterns and I'll be trying some of these for the Over The Top Challenge in the next couple weeks. Can't wait!

Burda 04/2011-113 Finished

2011-04-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

Burda 04/2011-113

This was a very simple top to make. There is not much to it.

I made the version with bias binding around the neck and armholes. I didn't understand why the pattern called for facings around the neck and sleeves when it is finished with bias binding, but I followed the pattern anyway. I thought maybe it was to give stability to the neck and arm hole edges? And, since I was sewing with silk chiffon, I thought it might need an extra layer of fabric to keep these edges stable.

Now that I have finished sewing the top, I still don't know why the facings were needed! They kind of bug me too because they show through. Maybe I will cut them close to the binding. Or maybe I won't bother. We'll see how it goes.

Good luck with all your top sewing!

Karin

My Plan for the Over The Top Challenge

2011-04-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

Here are the two tops I plan to sew for the challenge. The Simplicity pattern I believe is OOP. I will use view F but will give it more length. The blue/white print for McCalls 6247 using view B. Of course, there is more I'd like to make but I'm only going to commit to these for now, LOL

Challenged by the photos!

2011-04-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

Hello, fellow over-the-toppers!

I'm hoping for 2 new tops out of this challenge. Since I wear most knit tops to death, they usually begin to pill before they go out of style. That's why I'm willing to go trendy with my first top.

McCall's 6164, View A (hot pink)

My plan is to first try out the pattern in a black rayon knit I have leftover from a previously sewn dress. If it works (and fits!), I'll do it again in a beautiful bright orange. Knit tops work well for my lifestyle!

The view in hot pink looks like it will be cute, but I worry a little that it will be too low. I also worry that I've chosen it because the model in the middle looks more like me than the others. And I love her earrings! And oh, to have such energetic hair! Do you ever catch yourself being distracted by the pattern's model or the styling instead of focusing on the actual garment?

1st Top

2011-04-03T16:57:00.000-07:00

McCalls 6124, view A. 1.00/yd striped fabric from Wal-Mart purchased two years ago in Texas.

I will wear it tomorrow with my brown pants that I made last year.

Faye, thanks for jump starting my Spring sewing. I've already gotten inspiration from what's been posted so far.

My First Weekend's Tops

2011-04-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

I had an easy day Friday, so was able to start my sewing earlier than usual. First up, I decided to make the cowl necked top from Butterick 3344 (view A). Of course, my fabric was velour, and we had just dodged - by 20 miles - 4" of snow, so long sleeves seemed prudent. I like the way this top came out, and could see making it again, with and without sleeves!

I was pleased with how easy the top was. Having never made anything similar before, I was quite leery of it, and thought it might take all day. It only took about 3 hours, which delighted me. Of course, since I bought the pattern who knows how long ago, when I was much skinnier, I had to draft new pieces for the front and back, which took me some time.

From the remaining 3/4 yard or so, I decided to make a cami. Velour seems counterintuitive for such a top, but under a jacket or sweater, it will be fine. Just as long as I remember not to wear it with brown so I don't look like a Halloween costume or something, it's good. The pattern is McCalls 4872, view A, which I've made so often I can zip it out in under 2 hours from pins to done.
Last top done was from the pink tee shirt knit. Butterick 5487 View A, cowl necked cami, was my third choice. This one went together fairly easily, too. Again, it's a pattern I bought many moons ago, and the pieces had to be redrawn for my somewhat larger self. To be fair, I undoubtedly bought the pattern too small to begin with. After all, the largest size was for a 32" bust, and I think most of us went past that around 8th grade. Anyway, all's well that ends well, and I had to promise my dearly beloved that I'll wear this tomorrow with a jacket (sleeveless tops don't work in high temperatures around 50).

I got a green top cut out, loosely based on view B of 3344, but ran out of time. So that will be the first thing on next week's agenda!

McCalls 6069

2011-04-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

Peace.

Well... Here is my 1st top.

This is the front. and this is the back.

There is belt in there but you can't see it. Boobs and belly. Oh well.... That's a different blog. Cool thing about this pattern is I didn't have to do a FBA. It fit the biggest size as is. Also, because it has so many colors it will be easy to pair with skirts. This was my 1st time making a cowl neck. This pattern called for one in the front as well as the back. I don't care for the back one. People behind me will be able to see my bra if I'm sitting and they are standing. Next time I make this pattern I will adjust the back to be normal.

I have a question.... Since this is a "top" challenge, does that mean I cannot make a jacket? My spring summer sewing includes a jacket and a vest. I wonder If they can be included in the challenge.

Advice?

And how do I get one of those things to put on the side of my blog?

Peace,
Serenity

White Cotton Sweater Set

2011-04-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Since we only have two weeks for this challenge, I'm going to include any top I make within the next two weeks...so you may have seen some of the patterns before. This one is just something I was making for myself because I needed a cardigan and tank in a white cotton knit. I thought these two patterns could fit what I needed and had already cut them out when I joined this challenge, so I'm going to include them here. The first part of this sweater set is the cowl neck tank from New Look 6981.

This is a very, very quick tank that can be made in a couple of hours (may less than that!) So if you're in need of a really quick tank, this is your pattern! However, I would have much preferred using a drapier type fabric like a rayon lycra knit for these two pieces...I used a cotton rib knit with a little bit of spandex, but it didn't turn out so bad.

The second piece is the Donna Karan knockoff cardigan, Simplicity 2603 (the shorter version). I really love this pattern!

I don't think I'll be wearing them together though... when I put them on together for these pictures, I felt like one of our ushers at church...all I needed were a pair white gloves! I really do love each piece separately though & will be getting lots of wear out of them! (Looks great with my Jalie Jeans too!)

So this is my first entry and have already cut out my next one ready to get it started! I'm working on Simplicity 2254 and I'm using this really pretty peach colored mystery fabric I purchased from Hancock's fashion fabric sale table! I really don't know the content, but it is really light weight and has a nice drape similiar to rayon. I definitely prewashed this one to ensure it wouldn't shrink on me later. It's a good thing I did, because it did shrink somewhat! This one is going to be posted whether I like the results or not!

Good Luck to everyone!

Two New Tops

2011-04-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

This challenge is perfectly timed as I just so happened to cut out two tops the day before seeing Faye's post. (Thanks Faye!) Aside from coverstitching the hems, my first two tops are done. While I do not yet have pictures, here are the patterns that I made.

Jalie 965 & Burda 7866

Next up, tentatively, are: Vogue 8634, McCall's 6287, Hot Patterns 1114

L

I need to Get in Gear

2011-04-02T21:26:00.002-07:00

My plan Saturday was to work on Simplicity 3634 (Misses or Plus Size Pants, Skirt, Knit Cardigan & Tops), but ended up hanging out with the family.

I cut the fabric a week ago and will be doing version A with short sleeves from Butterick 5313. I can't recall where I purchased the fabric, but its a thin knit with a floral burnout on a terracotta background.

Pardon the blurry pic

I made a pit stop at Fulton Fabric this week and picked up stretch taffeta in lavender and slate blue that caught my attention almost 2 weeks ago. I'm thinking of using the floral stretch charmeuse fabric for a dress.

I pulled out several patterns and need to narrow down my selection, which should be easy, just eliminate the patterns requiring stretch knit and then pick from the remainder.

So off to do a process of elimination and getting myself in gear.

PERFECTIONISM IS SUCH A HARD TASK MASTER...

2011-04-02T21:26:00.001-07:00

Why in the world did it take me ALL DAY LONG to finish this simple top. Well, beside the fact that I just didn't feel well today, the perfectionism culprit really got the best of me. I chose view "B" of McCall's 5977 - the one with the three tier ruffle. I'd forgotten (because I've made a three tier ruffle before) that 3 edges of the ruffles must be finished and or hemmed. "Not a problem you might say." Well it was for me after perfectionism took hold. And let's not forget to mention the self bias bound neckline and arms. It would have been so much easier to use a matching pre-packaged double fold bias tape and my new binding foot. But I have such FUNNY-TIMED skin that I don't like the feel of the bias tape rubbing against it. I was forced to make my own as the pattern suggested, but just couldn't stitch straight today. I was determined to finish which I did do, hope you can see it - the picture turned out dark.

So many bloggers mention that they do not own white blouses/shirts/tops. I'm one of them. My next top will involve morphing these two patterns. I like the first one because the front facing is cut on rather than a separate piece. (I know that you could make any button down into a cut on, but this ones already done for me. I like the vintage top pattern's extended shoulder feature, but the pattern is too small. I don't really want to take the time to grade up to my size, so I'll just try to combine the two pattern's features. I'll be using a white stretch poplin fabric which I bought enough to make two white tops/shirts. I wanted to get this traced and cut today/night, but that's not going to happen. I'll think about it tomorrow, because after all...

tomorrow is another day...

Butterick 5328 -- Top #1 -- Done!

2011-04-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

One down! How many more to go? But can someone please tell me, why, oh why, am I always drawn to the wrap top patterns? They always seem to end up too revealing, and this one is no exception. I did some tissue fitting, and then did a pin fitting, and all looked like it was going to work. Yeah, yeah, I know a muslin is always a solution, but time is of the essence here!

Anyway, it does still work with a tank underneath.

I do look so flat in this picture. I feel like it looks better in person. This is one of the patterns that I won with Faye's giveaway. I actually had to make a lot of changes to the pattern, so the fact that it fits this well is pretty amazing. The smallest size in the envelope is a 16. That works for the hips, but my shoulders are a 12, so I had to do the opposite of what I usually do.

The technique I used to sort of grade down to a 12 was kind of a guesstimating affair. Using the grading lines for the larger sizes as a guide, I drew inside the size 16 line to make a new size 12. That's really just clear as mud, and I didn't take any pictures. So, say there was 1/2" from the 16 to the 20, I drew 1/2" inside the 16 line to make a size 12. And then followed my new line back out to the 16 through the waistline to the hem.

Those roses look kind of weird from the back. I originally bought this fabric to make a dress, but I think it's plenty of print in just a top. It'll really look good with some white pants or a white skirt.

~Ellen

PEACE Y'ALL!

2011-04-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Peace!

I am really excited to be part of this sew-a-long! It's my 1st. And I am in desperate need of blouses. I am in the process of redoing my summer wardrobe in order to make it more 'seasonal.' I live in GA now(originally from NJ) and I don't need a severely different wardrobe from winter to summer. Also I'm getting older and blouses will make my wardrobe look more age-appropriate.

I wanted to get started yesterday and sew all weekend... Yeah, that was the plan. But I live with a man. And the man is sloppy. Like so many female partners in committed relationships I feel guilty when I chase my passions at the expense of my household. Apparently the man doesn't feel the same way. His passions are sports and food and he is indulging himself. So... After a morning of drama and forced housework on both our parts I am ready to get down to business!!!!

Meet the fabrics......

I really love the floral print. Hancock's only had a little less than 2 yards so that is out of the question. The blue is an old denim wrap skirt that has cute embroidery on a corner of it. I have been meaning to make a blouse out of it for the longest. This is a good opportunity. And do you believe that I don't have a white blouse? I don't, but I should. And now I will.

Meet the patterns.......

I know these are dress patterns, but I didn't like anything I've seen lately and the blouse patterns I do like I don't trust then to look good on me. See why I don't have many blouses? And I know there are only 2 patterns and I have 3 different fabrics. I haven't picked the 3rd pattern. But I want to get started.
So.... Wish me luck!

Peace,
Serenity

Moth Top

2011-04-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hi all! It's so much fun to look at your posts and see what you're up to. Can't wait to see more!

I finished my Moth Top Vogue 8650 last night and am liking the results. (Okay, I started early by a day or two). The actual top doesn't really "kick up" on the right hem like that. I just noticed that in the photo. It must be how it's hanging. When I figure out how to get good photos of me in my pieces, I'll stop posting pictures of them on hangers!

)

It will be great under a cardigan, with a casual skirt or jeans. Hmmm. I may wear it today when B and I go to Hopscotch this afternoon.

I pretty much made the pattern as drafted, with a small increase in the bust and hip (I mistakenly bought the small size version (6, 8, 10, 12). I cut a 12). Also, I changed the sleeve. As drafted, the sleeve looks like a medical scrub sleeve. So, I sloped the dart (top of shoulder) to make it curve down and extend to my natural shoulder point (the AC joint?). I lopped off about 1" of the sleeve length and put in a bias-cut band . At the underarm, the sleeve length (minus the bias band) is 1". Last, I put an inverted box pleat (I think that's what you call it) on the outside sleeve hem. Looking at it now, I think I should have put the pleat in before attaching the bias band. But, it kind of mirrors the neckline pleats. The result is more feminine - I have broad shoulders, so I need sleeves that are softened up a bit.

The photos look like they're in black and white! But, no, that's the fabric. At the store, the clerk told me she wanted to color in the print with felt tip pens. I happen to really like neutrals, so I said, "the color's already there. It's gray, black and white. Those are colors, too!"

Can't wait to see your posts! Thanks for reading!

D-DAY...

2011-03-31T16:12:00.000-07:00

THE TOP: such a little thing, but oh so much an important part of everyone's wardrobe. We can't be without them, and we can't have too many of them!

Tomorrow is "Over The Top" D-Day, April 1st. Someone mentioned that this challenge is a 15 day sewing frenzy... and that, my friends, is exactly what it is. It has ignited my spring/summer sewing plan. Isn't this exciting? I've got lots fabric pre-washed and I've chosen my first top pattern. - that big stack of patterns I pulled out before is over in the corner staring at me right now wondering which one will go between the scissor blades next!!! I'll figure that out later, but for now here's the plan for top #1. The fabric is another piece gifted by Ebony; I call it "Jungle Wimsey":

Purple and Black Rayon???

McCalls 5977

I'll have to blame this pattern's purchase on Kelly of Sewtellme. When she posted it here earlier this week I could have sworn I had it already, but I didn't (rats!) so I had to go out and buy it. I'm still undecided as to which view I'll make. Guess I'll finalize it when I lay the pattern out. I traced and altered the pattern last night so it should be a go for tomorrow.

So is every body set for D-Day???

Choosing Patterns and Fabrics!

2011-03-31T15:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Faye for thinking up this inspirational little project for us!

I have some gold velour left over from another project, and this challenge was the perfect excuse to try out a pattern with a draped top that I've wanted to make for a while. I don't love the color, so if I hate the top, it won't break my heart. I think there will be about 3/4 yard left after the experimental top, so I plan to make my TNT cami out of it. One can never have too many camis, right?

In spite of Faye cheering for me to choose my favorite 20 patterns, I selected 3 for now, beyond the two above, of course. I'm thinking in terms of short sleeved or sleeveless tops, in spite of the snow predicted for tomorrow...after all, this is the April challenge, and spring has to arrive sooner or later, even in the Northeast, right?

I chose these 4 fabrics as a starting point. The green is a fairly hard jersey knit, the blue is a very soft jersey knit, the floral is a very fluid rayon knit, and the pink is a tee shirt knit.

Also, I don't know if anyone wants this or not. I bought this floral fabric several years ago, made a summer dress out of it, and my husband didn't like the pattern very well. It's a textured cotton knit with moderate stretch. There's about a yard of fabric here. Here's a close up shot, so you can see the texture and scale of the flowers. If you want it, send me your email address so I can get your address to send it on its way! So you know, we are a one-dog family, so I can't guarantee that Thor has never been near this fabric, although I don't think he has...

Happy sewing, everyone! I'm looking forward to seeing what you all accomplish on our first weekend Over The Top!

Plan of Attack

2011-03-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about how to approach the challenge in a way that would give me the best opportunity of successfully completing it. Keeping in mind that I have two Fall/Spring transitions dressess near completion that I am also working on I want to make sure that I don't get overwhelmed. Since completed projects inspire me and motivate me to sew more, I plan to work on my tops in the order of difficulty so that I can get things done. First up M6204. This pattern has the fewest pattern pieces, needs little-to-no alteration and I already have the right color thread in my machine AND my serger, a WINNER! I will pre-treat my fabric tonight and try to get this finished tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Kelly

Black and White Mini-Collection

2011-03-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, everyone's picks look so good! I've decided to go with a black and white mini-collection of tops since it's so on trend right now.

Here are my pattern choices:


Burda 2/2011 - 102 - I'll sew view B

New Look 6195 - I plan to sew view B

And my fabrics:

On the left is a knit for the Burda top and on the right a silk for the New Look.

Wish me luck tracing the Burda pattern!

A Simple Burda Top

2011-03-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

Burda 04/2011-113

I am going to try to make this simple Burda top. It's perfect for me because, besides being hopefully quick and easy, I have a small amount of crinkled silk chiffon that I don't know what to do with, and this pattern doesn't need much yardage.

Fingers crossed that this will be a cute little nothing of a top for summer, and I will get through another piece of awkward-to-use fabric in my stash!

Cheers!

Karin

Top Plans

2011-03-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, here are the choices for the challenge. I only chose three, because I don't know how that will go and I didn't want to bite off more than I can chew. If I have more time, maybe I'll add one more:

The photo doesn't show it well, but the fabric has a moth pattern in it that's lovely. I'll make View A with the short sleeves.

This one is lavender, but I'm not sure it shows in the photo. I'm planning to make View A, with the topstitching details on the neckline and sleeves.

Last, another ruffle blouse, if you have seen my recent posts on this top: Blue Cheetah Blouse. This time it is a compliant woven, sort of a denim color, but lighter weight. Should be much easier, and I'll make it a little larger than the blue cheetah blouse!

HOW TO GET READY FOR A SEWING CHALLENGE...

2011-03-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

FIRST: Pull your patterns from the stash...

I once heard that it's not good to give a woman too many choices as it could drive her crazy! Could this adage be true???(lol).


PATTERNS PULLED FOR OVER THE TOP CHALLENGE

I'm starting to hyper-ventilate just a little bit. I think I'd better narrow this selection down!

Here's What I'm Planning So Far

2011-03-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Butterick 5464 - I've wanted to make this for awhile and I love, love Adrienne's version. I so plan to borrow her collar ruffle idea.

McCalls 6204 - This looks like a easy but stylish addition to the wardrobe that would look great with jeans and sandals on the weekends.

McCalls 5977 - I just bought this pattern for the second time. I totally jacked it up the first time I tried to make it because I was being lazy and didn't want to trace it to make my FBA. View C, the yellow one requires that the front be cut flat rather than on the fold because of the ruffle placement so my regular slash and spread method will not work. I started to make one of the other views where the front piece is cut on the fold but I really do like this one the most.

This is a rather ambitious plan for me with three little ones at home. But I have a dedicated sewing area now so that should make it a little easier.

2011-03-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I'm really excited about this April Over the Top Challenge! Here are two I'm planning:

I wanted to try a dolman sleeve, after I did some reading about body shapes on Inside Out Style. I think I'm a V shape and should be de-emphasizing my shoulders. So, we'll see!

This one I'm planning in the E view for under suits and the A view for summer with skirts. I'm kind of a beginner, so nothing too fancy, just basic tops.

My first top

2011-03-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

I know from reading PR that many individuals have sewn this Jalie pattern; but not me. So I am going to make this as my first top for the Over the Top challenge. I am planning to use this knit fabric, a recent purchase from Denver Fabrics. I have traced the pattern pieces to begin the pattern pin fitting process. More later.

WE'RE HEADED OVER THE TOP...

2011-03-23T21:23:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all who decided to take part in the OVER THE TOP CHALLENGE, and those who just want to watch. Tops/blouses are the most versatile part of our wardrobes. Pull out a nice shell, tee, or blouse, pair it with a suit (or just a skirt or pants), and viola - you have a workable outfit to take you confidently through the day. Extra tops can produce numerous style combinations, and stretch a wardrobe's capacity.

The challenge will last only 15 days, (the first 15 days of April), leaving the rest of the month for other sewing plans. Make 2, or 4, or even 6 - there are no quotas, no minimum- it's all up to you. Use this challenge to fill in the gaps - OVER THE TOP is a win, win situation...