Trial for the PR contest ...... M5142

DSC00937
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

I've finally convinced myself to enter the PR advanced beginner contest.

I've never sucessfully completed a pair of pants, let alone a zippered front fly - so I figured I'd challenge myself and do a pair of jeans. If I'm going to test myself I might as well go with the scariest sewing thing I can think of (besides BWOF- so cute, so evil).

I've been trying to research pants fit, Pati Palmer's 'Pants for Real People' seems like my best option. For some reason every fracking bookstore in the metro detroit area/burbs is OUT! Even Borders has this book on BACK ORDER. Each and every library in a 25min radius is OUT! I even had my younger brother look at his local library. It was there! but he's too lazy to go pick it up for me...lmao

I'll have to settle for all the online blogging and tests to get it right.

*Mrs. Palmer please make your books available for immediate download on ITunes. If they are a godsend and are flying of bookshelves, I want to read them NOW.

now for pictures of the first day of progress.....

non sewing news...... a sad day for the flat iron!

earlier this week I made a personal commitment, well I guess it's and anti-commitment, to not comb or brush my hair for a month! Totally natural baby! no-straightening or curling, just wash and go. I'm hoping my hair thanks me for this much needed break.

B5314

DSC00941
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Pattern Description:
MISSES' DRESS AND BELT: Lined dresses A, B, C have front and back darts, back zipper, skirt with front and back darts, back slit. A: gathered collar with self loop. B: slight draped collar. A, B: self-fabric belt with purchased buckle. C: neckline slit, squared armholes and purchased belt. All dress lengths are 2" above mid-knee.

Pattern Sizing:
(6-8-10-12),(14-16-18-20-22), I made my usual 20

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I made view A, it pretty much looks like the drawing

Were the instructions easy to follow?
When I glanced over them before starting they seemed pretty basic BUT my puppy ate them before I could actually follow them step by step - so I winged it and couldn't use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The draped collar is what sold me!~

Fabric Used:
It's a mystery! I've had it for about 6months now, but I can't remember where I found it. Its very cool, smooth and kind of has a soft feel.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I modified the entire bodice and the draped collar. I believe my shoulders are a little 'linebacker-ish' so I felt the wide boatneck of the collar would really show them. I brought the entire neck edge and should area in about an inch (sorry no pics, i was frustrated). I also used a SHORTEN length of the collar pattern, so that it doesn't drape as much to compensate for the shoulder modification

I also did my usual FBA, BUT added and extra dart (pic in flickr). For the life of my i couldn't get the arm area to lay flat. I add two identical darts almost parallel to my fba darts and this totally fixed my problem

I didn't use a lining, so I used seem blinding around the arm hole.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I'd definately recommend, but if your bust is as large as mine (38f) then be prepared to modify this baby. I plan on making view C before the summer is out.

Conclusion:

DSC00941

DSC00941
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Pattern Description:
MISSES' DRESS AND BELT: Lined dresses A, B, C have front and back darts, back zipper, skirt with front and back darts, back slit. A: gathered collar with self loop. B: slight draped collar. A, B: self-fabric belt with purchased buckle. C: neckline slit, squared armholes and purchased belt. All dress lengths are 2" above mid-knee.

Pattern Sizing:
(6-8-10-12),(14-16-18-20-22), I made my usual 20

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I made view A, it pretty much looks like the drawing

Were the instructions easy to follow?
When I glanced over them before starting they seemed pretty basic BUT my puppy ate them before I could actually follow them step by step - so I winged it and couldn't use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The draped collar is what sold me!~

Fabric Used:
It's a mystery! I've had it for about 6months now, but I can't remember where I found it. Its very cool, smooth and kind of has a soft feel.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I modified the entire bodice and the draped collar. I believe my shoulders are a little 'linebacker-ish' so I felt the wide boatneck of the collar would really show them. I brought the entire neck edge and should area in about an inch (sorry no pics, i was frustrated). I also used a SHORTEN length of the collar pattern, so that it doesn't drape as much to compensate for the shoulder modification

I also did my usual FBA, BUT added and extra dart (pic in flickr). For the life of my i couldn't get the arm area to lay flat. I add two identical darts almost parallel to my fba darts and this totally fixed my problem

I didn't use a lining, so I used seem blinding around the arm hole.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I'd definately recommend, but if your bust is as large as mine (38f) then be prepared to modify this baby. I plan on making view C before the summer is out.

Conclusion:

B5319

DSC00560
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Pattern Description:
MISSES' DRESS AND SASH: Lined dresses A, B, above mid-knee, have semi-fitted, mock wrapped bodice with contrast midriff, left side zipper closure, A-line skirt with side seam pockets. A, B: contrast sash. A: two-piece cap sleeves with gathers. B: sleeveless bodice.

Pattern Sizing:
(8-10-12-14), (16-18-20-22); I used a 20

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
the instructions were really easy, although making my fba on this pattern wasn't (sad face)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the envelope pictures color-splashed dress with contrast black sash! I love all wrapped bodices, they make the 'girls' look great!

Fabric Used:
cotton for the "Vogue" line at Joanns

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I made my usually fba, shortened the shirk about 1.5" and took the lazy route and simply serged the hem. I also didnt use a knit like the pattern says (im a rebel)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would like to if I remember. I really want to find fabric similar to view A and do it in a knit like the pattern calls for.

Conclusion:
I love the way my dress came out, even though I think is meant to be kinda of dressy I like the way you can make it casual with easy going accessories and flats.

Many more ........

I am a HORRIBLE blogger!!!
I have so many patterns that I have made and even taken pics of, BUT when you are a HORRIBLE blogger you dont post them...

I'm trying to change my ways, so within the next week I will be adding the newest items first then the older ones.

b5249

DSC00731
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Fabric: Cotton 

Pattern Description:
MISSES SKIRT AND BELT: Skirts A, B, C, D have princess seams, back zipper and high waist. A, C: carriers and self-belt with purchased buckle. B, D: side front pleats and pockets. C, D: self-ruffle. A, B, C, D: mid-knee length.
Pattern Sizing:
14-20 (size 18 used)

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?very easy, it only took me a few hours

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I LOVE the ruffle that stops at the center front.. really cute!

Fabric Used:
cotton remnant from Haberman fabrics

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
The pattern calls from a regular 7-9" zipper, but I used an invisible zipper(take that butterick!..lol). I also shorten the dress about 2.5-3" because I wanted the hem to hit just above my knee (i'm 5'9").

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Most definately! Next time i will use a heavier fabric and maybe a plaid so that the seams and ruffle are more visible

Conclusion:
I love this skirt, it came together with no effort and the fit is great. I cant wait to make view D with the pleats and pockets!

b5216

DSC00910
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Pattern Rating: Easy & Great for Beginners
Tip: Full bust alteration
Current Tags : B5216


Fabric: Silk Chiffon

Pattern Description:
Loose-fitting, pullover top or tunic has narrow hem. A, B: self-fabric or contrast tie, forming shoulder straps, tied at center front or shoulder and casings. C, D: gathered shoulders, elasticized, empire waistline. D: three-quarter length sleeves.
Pattern Sizing:

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, with the exception that I crossed the bodice for a bit of modesty.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Easy Pezzy!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really like the low cut bodice ~ even though in the end i chose to go the modest route.

Fabric Used:
silk chiffon, from Vogue Fabrics Chicago (one of many fabric road trip runs)

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I modified an FBA enough so that the neckline would cross. My bust isn;t suited for the original low cut.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, its easy enough for all - and extra cute! I most certainly will make this again, probably with another chiffon. I like the breeziness it brings to the shirt.

Conclusion:
I like the results, even though the cut is way to low for me, I can see this looking even more awesome on someone with a smaller bust.




I also did a serger rolled edge for the hem and sleeve opening ~ time didn't permit me to do the arm hole properly