Real Life: Live & Unscripted

McCall's 6742...A Review

McCall's 6742

Pattern Description: Pullover dress has collar, semi-fitted bodice, lower skirt cut on crosswise grain, shaped hemline (wrong side shows), sleeve bands, invisible back zipper and narrow hem. Bias slip has shoulder straps, neckline and armhole binding and very narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing: 8-16


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? This pattern is very well drafted and the instructions are very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I am in love with this style dress.


Fabric Used: Linen


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt if I will sew this one again but I highly recommend it.

This pattern calls for a center back zipper. I don't really like that. I didn't realize it until it was time to put the zipper in. IF I were to make this again, I would add a side zip instead of center back.  
Conclusion: Great pattern and totally on trend right now.

Additional pictures:

Simplicity 2692...A Review

Simplicity 2692

Pattern Description: Misses Dress or Gown.

Pattern Sizing: 12-20


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? I glanced over them for the sake of this review. They are pretty straight foward.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the classic style of the one shoulder dress.


Fabric Used: Poly satin stretch twill from Fabric Mart


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added between 200-300 swarovski crystals by hand to the mid-driff section (front only)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt if I make this one again for myself but I highly recommed it if you like this style dress.

Conclusion: Great pattern. It was perfect for the look I was going for.

Here are some additional pictures:

I wore this to a red carpet event so it was PERFECT lol.

McCalls 6654 & Vogue 8815...A Review

I LOVE fashion blogs and reading them all the time surely influences some of the things I make.

Back in February I saw this post : http://www.wendyslookbook.com/2013/02/pop-of-color-neon-peplum-givenchy-shark-tooth/ and INSTANTLY pinned this look. I fell in LOVE with that neon!

(source)

I mean come on. I LOVE this lady. This is actually the second time I've been inspired by her. You can check out the first time here: http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2012/03/mccalls-5591a-pattern-review.html

Ok let's get on with it! LOL

My yellow purse matches EVERYTHING lol.

The top is Vogue 8815

Pattern Description: Fitted top has raised waist/hemline variations and narrow hem. A and B: back zipper. C: pullover, wrong side shows (back hemline), back neck slit with hook/eye closing. B and C: stitched hems on sleeves. Purchase bias tape to finish necklines and armholes A.

I made view B

 
Pattern Sizing: 8-16


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

Kinda lol
Were the instructions easy to follow? I've made this top so many times now I don't have to read the directions, but they are clear and easy to understand/follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I am in love with all things peplum and if I don't stop soon, I will have a closet full of peplum tops.


Fabric Used: Stretch cotton sateen.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I wanted a double peplum so I cut the first peplum at regular length then lengthened the next peplum by 3 inches.

My fabric has so much stretch in it that I didn't need to add a zipper. On the neckline instead of using bias tape as the pattern suggests, I used FOE (fold over elastic) so it would stretch over my head with no problem.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I alrady have this cut out in navy blue ready to sew up lol. I HIGHLY recommend this pattern lol.

Conclusion:SUPERB pattern. If you haven't picked this one up yet, grab it.

McCall's 6654

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted or loose-fitting skirts have elasticized waistband (waist down), and narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing: 6-14


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

YES!
Were the instructions easy to follow? You can sew this with your eyes closed lol.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love how simple this is lol.


Fabric Used: Ponte Knit from Metro Textiles


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I already have this cut out in a black and white stripe. YES I will make this time and time again. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Conclusion: This is such a great pattern. When I was in NY I saw this and HAD to have it. I hate to match stripes but if I'm going to match them, this will be the best way to do it. On something super simple. Let the fabric do the talking lol.

Here are a couple more pictures so you can see the stripes lol. YES I'm proud even though it was only two seams lol

Photogrid is like my favorite thing ever lol.

Alright that's it guys!!! See ya SUPER soon lol

Vogue 8723...A Review

 It's APRIL Y'ALL!!! How about a review!?!? This will be a busy week on this here blog (YES I SAID THIS HERE LOL) so get ready! LOL

 

 

Vogue 8723

 

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS: A, B: Lined, fitted bodice and side seam pockets. A, B, C, D cup sizes

Pattern Sizing:  8-16


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

YES!
Were the instructions easy to follow? I glanced over them but didn't use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the square neckline of this dress.


Fabric Used: Embossed Jaquard


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't add the pockets.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? If you like this style dress I highly recommend it. It was an easy sew.

Conclusion: Great dress to showcase some gorgeous fabric.

Here are some additional pictures:

Here is a close up of the fabric:

And the invisible zipper & hook & eye

 

Vogue 8648

 

Vogue 8648

 

 

Pattern Description: Lined dresses A, B, C, D, E, F, fitted through bust, mid-knee, have princess seams, bias midriff and back zipper. A, B, C: bias sides, straight skirt with back slit. B: contrast sides and midriff. D, E, F: bias side bodice, circular skirt, narrow hem. E: contrast bodice. C, F: above elbow sleeves.

Pattern Sizing:14-22


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? Very easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Loved the style


Fabric Used: Cotton Sateen with lycra


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't line this dress. I also didn't add a zipper. My fabric had SO much stretch to it that when I added the zipper it almost looked like it was trying to "ruffle up" if that makes sense. So I took it out and basted it closed to see if I could get away without putting the zipper in. I didn't need it AT all. I was able to pull it over my head with no problem. I also added two inches to it. Without that it would have been too short for my taste. It hits right below my knee.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might make another view of this for the fall, I really wanted to showcase this gorgeous fabric. I highly recommend it if you like this style.

Conclusion: Great pattern, very easy to make.

McCall's 6355

  I've been sewing my behind off lol. It's been a busy couple of weeks and I'm way behind on reviews. I made this one last week. I've also made like 3 maxi dresses, a swimsuit, a tunic and something else lol. Hopefully I'll get to post them this week, if not it'll be in a couple weeks.

I'm getting all this summer stuff out of my system, but I'm trying to use colors that will transition well into the fall. Think maxi dress, cardigan and a cute boot lol. It stays hot for SO long here in Alabama, I'm gonna make this work lol.

 

 

McCall's 6355

 

**Does anyone have any tips on matching stripes????? The other side matches fine, but the side you see does NOT. They didn't match until the bottom O_o. Any tips would be greatly appreciated**

 

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted top, dress have optional front and back vertical darts, self-neck binding and optional invisible side seam zipper. A, B: Self armhole binding.

Pattern Sizing: 16-22 (This dress REALLY fits. I didn't want it tight, I wanted it to skim my body so I cut the 16 and graded out to an 18 at the hips. Had I made the 14 it would have looked like a 1995 Body Dress. Remember those?? O-O


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Pretty much, I just made it maxi length.

Were the instructions easy to follow?I didn't even use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the style of this dress. I've been seeing tank dresses everywhere.


Fabric Used: Cotton Jersery


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made it maxi length and I used FOE instead of self fabric binding.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I might sew this style again. It's a great way to use up some extra fabric.

Conclusion: Great pattern. Very quick and easy. I've been seeing stripes everywhere and this was a great way to add a simple dress to my wardrobe.

Here's a quick cell phone pic of the FOE I used:

Butterick 5490

Butterick 5490

Pattern Description: Fitted, pleated dresses A, B, above mid-knee or evening length, have lined bodice and midriff, flared skirt and back zipper.

Pattern Sizing: 8-14


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

YES!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy. I think I only glanced at them when I started.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved all the pleats!


Fabric Used: Cotton


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made it a little longer than the short version. I think I added two inches.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt if I will sew this again, but if you like this style I do recommend it.

Conclusion: Great patter. Another simple summer dress.

Here are some additional pictures:

Ugh, I need a new dressform lol. Don't laugh at her. She has some issues lol

I love the pleats!

Funny thing about that zipper. I ALWAYS keep zippers here. ALWAYS, and uhhh well I didn't have a white one long enough so I used  a black one. Great thing about invisible zippers....you can't see anything except the tab...IF you put it in right lol. Mine was in the right way lol

I kept my accessories simple since my necklace was bold.

Having fun with the director of photography Jaelyn lol

Y'all have a good one!

 

McCall's 6204

                                    
                                                            McCall's 6204

Pattern Description: Loose fitting, pullover tunics A, B have extended shoulders and stitched hems; tunic A has short sleeves on right side, left side drapes, angled hem, optional purchased jewel appliques, wrong side of fabric shows; tunic B has shirt tail hem, purchased jewel stones.

I made view A.

 
Pattern Sizing: 8-16


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 even use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I never noticed this pattern until Erica B made it. I fell in love instantly lol. I LOVE everything about this pattern.


Fabric Used: Some type of sheer mystery knit lol. I loved the colors in it and had to have it.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made it a little longer so I can wear it belted.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't know if I'll make it again but I'm going to hang on to this pattern JUST in case. I highly recommend it.

Conclusion: Great pattern! Very simple.

Here are a couple more pics:

Just a pic of it without my belt on.

I fell in love with this belt a few months ago.It was featured here:

HAD TO HAVE IT lol.

The skirt I'm wearing is McCall's 5523 view A.

I won't review it again, I made view B here. This is QUICKLY becoming my favorite skirt lol.

That's it. More reviews later this week lol.

I'm thankful for my mojo y'all lol.

Butterick 5652

 

Butterick 5652

 

 

Pattern Description: Misses' Top, Dress, Caftan, Jumpsuit and Pants

Pattern Sizing: XSM- MED


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? I didn't even use the instructions lol

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the style and how easy it was lol. I'm ALL about the simple stuff right now lol.


Fabric Used: Challis


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made it shorter than the original version.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I do plan to make it again. It was SUPER easy and really comfy!

Conclusion: Great pattern. Looks WAYYY better than the pattern envelope lol

Vogue 8291 & Vogue 1204

I saw this pic in a magazine ad (Lucky I believe) and fell in love...

 
This tunic is actually a little longer than I would wear but I really, really loved it.

Enter Vogue 8291

Pattern Description: Tunic, fitted at bust, has neckline and sleeve variations. A: front neck opening with self ties and below elbow length sleeves. B: front neck opening with ribbon ties, elasticized at hip and sleeve. A, B: side slit and stitched hem. C: pullover with neck ruffle (unfinished edges show), empire waist with inverted pleats, elasticized sleeve, ribbon bow and stitched hem

Pattern Sizing: 14-20 I cut the 14


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

YES!
Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't really follow them. Just kinda glanced over them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved that this was a close match to my inspiration piece lol.


Fabric Used: Poly blend from Joann's.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I combined view A and B to get the look I wanted. I omitted the tie front, added elastic to the sleeves and I didn't add the elastic to the waist since I was going to wear a belt with it anyway.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt if I make this one again but I like it. It's OOP now.

Conclusion: Really simple top that is quickly becoming a favorite.

Here are some additional pictures:

I thought I wanted a contrasting neckline and used some FOE on it. I decided I did NOT like the way it looked and just sewed it down instead of taking it all back off...

The elastic in the sleeves.

The seams of this blouse are just serged. I thought I took a picture of it but I don't see one lol.

Vogue 1204

I used both of these pics because on the second picture it looks like my shirt is pulling. It's not, I think it's just the way I was standing because it's not tight at all. 

Pattern Description: Fitted, below waistline pants has front side slant pockets, back patch pockets, fly zipper closing, back yoke, waistband, carriers and topstitch trim.

Pattern Sizing: 14-20 I cut the 14

**SIDENOTE** Sizing on denim really confuses me. Once I'd worn these all day they were huge on me. When I first put them on the fit was PERFECT. What am I doing wrong or what can I do so this doesn't happen again? Thanks for any info.

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? I didn't really follow them. They are basic pants instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? When I first saw this pattern, I hated the top but LOVED the jeans! I've wanted a pair of slim leg jeans for a while now so I had to ahve this pattern.


Fabric Used: Lightweight denim


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: none

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would make this one again. The only thing I don't like about this pattern is how thin the waistband is. Simplicity 2700 is my favorite pants pattern, and one reason for that is the wide waistband. Next time I make these I will make the waistband wider.  I HIGHLY recommend this pattern.

Conclusion: Great pattern.

Here are a couple more pictures:

Back view..

Pockets. I love having fun with the fabric for the pockets lol.

I decided to go with just a blue denim thread. I still need to try some back pocket designs. Maybe on my next pair.

McCall's 6078 & Simplicity 4236

 

(this is the best pic of the back that I had lol, the one my girlfriend took while we were out is hot garbage lol)

Pattern Description: MISSES' TOPS: Top A has front and back stitched pleats, front drape, lapped back and extended shoulder seams; top B has stitched front pleats and drape; top C has front drape and contrast loops.

Pattern Sizing:
XSM-M. I cut the medium.

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? I didn't even need them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I LOVED this pattern!


Fabric Used: Faux Sequin


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? You will see this top a LOT! I love it! I was poking around online and saw this Sequin Top and it reminded me of the front drape of this pattern. You CAN wear a bra with it. I wore a tank also because the fabric is very thin. I didn't hem it and sewed it all on the serger. I think it took me literally 20 minutes lol. It did slide off my shoulders some but that just may be user error lol. I kept adjusting it then just gave into the sexy shoulder out look lol.Perfect for a night out!

Conclusion: GREAT pattern!!! Can't wait to make this one again lol.

I was going to review the skirt but it's my GO TO pencil skirt. I didn't have a black pencil skirt (THE HORROR) and made this one in about 45 minutes. It took me longer to cut it out than to sew it. I'm not sure of this fabric. I've had it in my stash a long time. It feels like a suit fabric. It has stretch to it. I wish I knew the fabric content but I don't. It feels great though. I must have liked it because I have about six yards of it lol.

Vogue 8668

 Vogue 8668

 

Pattern Description: Misses Top and Tunic

Pattern Sizing: XS-Med. I cut the medium


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? Super simple

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love tunics and this one was perfect.


Fabric Used: Challis


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't like the loops on the shirt, so I sewed the shirt up the front and just added buttons. They are non-functioning.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt if I sew this one again, but I do recommend it.

Conclusion: Great addition to any wardrobe if this is your style.

And a pic of my shoes just because I love them soooooo much lol

Simplicity 2472

 

Simplicity 2472

Pattern Description: Cynthia Rowley Collection. Misses' dress sewing pattern in two lengths or tunic, belt and tie-on ruffled bib.

Pattern Sizing: 12-20


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

Yes, Kinda.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't even use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I needed something simple to jumpstart my mojo. This dress did just the trick.


Fabric Used: Challis


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used FOE (Fold over elastic) on the neckline because I wanted a little contrast. I think it came out great. I also didn't add the sleeve binding. I just hemmed it.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt if I sew this again. I  needed an instant gratification project and this fit the bill.

Conclusion: Simple dress that was instant gratification for me.