Real Life: Live & Unscripted

Butterick 5706...A Review & Epic Fail

Now. I had GRAND plans for this dress. I won't EVEN post my inspiration pic because it really doesn't do it ANY justice.

This dress Butterick 5706 view c is a TOTAL fail. Here is the pic:

Ok. let me start by saying I was inspired lol but this is when inspiration goes wrong.

I was talking to my friend about it and let me tell yall, YOU NEED A FRIEND THAT WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU LOOK A HOT MESS LOL. Now this isn't exactly a hot mess but this dress doesn't work for me.

• It's too linear. It needs to fit and flare.
• Even though I lengthened this in the back and left the front short, I think the back could've been longer.
• This was the first dress I made to wear while I was on bed rest. I didn't PLAN to belt it. I should have added some shaping. This dress has NONE. 
• I don't have a defined waist so I HAVE to have some great shaping or a belt to compliment my figure.

So my try at a high low / color block was a total fail. This dress is now in the trash, but I did learn a good lesson and me & my friend got a GOOD laugh lol. I did wear it once and put it in the black bag when I got back home lol.

I won't make this dress again but I WILL make another one based on my inspiration dress that I still won't post lol.

I'm finally getting to where I "get" what compliments my shape. I have to "create" a waist. I'm having fun now looking at patterns and discovering things that I really didn't notice before because I have figured out what looks good on me. Yep. WOOHOO lol. Not without the help of my dear heart though lol.

Alright, lemme go! More later!
Toodles!

Butterick 4443... A Review

I recently fell TOTALLY in love with gingham:

http://mysoulisthesky.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-trends-4-gingham.html

http://weheartit.com/entry/9882805

So I had to have a dress lol

Pattern Description: Dress: close-fitting bodice and slightly flared skirt has bodice variations, back zipper and is below mid-knee length. B: contrast band, tie belt and purchased flower. C: tie belt. D: purchased ribbon and bow trim. E: purchased ribbon bow.

I made view A

 
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? I only glanced over them. They seemed super easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Loved the simplicity of the pattern.


Fabric Used: Cotton


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think this is a great basic to have. I may use it again when I want/need another simple strapless dress.

Conclusion: Super quick and easy dress.

My hair is in a bun until I decide what to do with it. I'm >< this close to cutting it ALL off.

Seems like my kitten wanted some pics too lol. Hey Wallee!!

That's all I have! Have a great day!
Toodles!

Simplicity 1873...A Review

So I was doing my daily blog reading and ran across this dress on NuSophisticate and was INSTANTLY in love. I clicked the link to the original dress on jcrew.com and this can NOT be the same dress!
Well I'll be. It IS the same dress. HATE it on this model.

Well NOW, I want one too. Bow belt and all lol. Enter in Simplicity 1873

Pattern Description: Misses' & Miss petite dress in two lengths with pleated skirt and loose fitting cape jacket. Cynthia Rowley Collection.

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? SUPER EASY!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything about this pattern. It was really close to my inspiration dress.


Fabric Used: Linen polka dot (the dots are raised) that my mom gave me lol.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made view c without the tabs on the waist.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This dress is already being made again. I LOVE this style on me. LOVE IT!!! My oldest daughter has also put her request in lol.

Conclusion: This dress is SUPERB! If you like this style GET THIS PATTERN.

 Here are some additional pictures:

I really didn't have enough fabric for this dress. The polka dots didn't extend all the way to the selvage of the fabric so I ended up positioning the center back on the white part all the way down the dress. It works for me lol.

This dress is SO twirl worthy and I LOVE my magenta shoes!

I told Tony I felt so pretty! LOL. I LOVE this dress. Like seriously. LOVE IT. You will see it again soon. That is all. lol

McCall's 6559...A Review

  I fell in LOVE with this dress:

But at THIS PRICE? NO WAY lol. Mine isn't EXACTLY like it because I still can't have anything restricting on my stomach but the next version I make will be.

Pattern Description: Misses Unlined Dress

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? I didn't even need them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that this pattern is TWO pieces lol.


Fabric Used: Missoni type knit from Joann's


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: NONE

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I am going to make this 100 times over lol

Conclusion: It took me longer to match the print than it did to sew the actual dress. I also underlined it to the knee with a white knit since the fabric is sheer.

I didn't hem it. I actually liked the way the selvage looked:

There ya have it. LOVE this pattern. Can't get any better than two pieces lol.

Simplicity 2250...A Review

Simplicity 2250

 

Pattern Description: Misses Dress

Pattern Sizing: 6-14. I cut the size 6.


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

YES!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, but I had to literally follow them step by step, crossing off each step as I went lol.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? My daughter loved the design of the bodice.

Fabric Used: Cotton


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will NOT sew this dress again. It wasn't hard just VERY, VERY time consuming. The pattern is very well drafted and I didn't have any issues with it or the fit. It's one of a kind so I won't be making it again lol.  I will recommend it if you like this style dress.

Conclusion: Great pattern. My daugter loves it.

 Here are some additional pictures:

She made her necklace. She loves it lol

Butterick 5755...A Review

 

 

  Butterick 5755

 

Pattern Description: Pullover, lined dress has single-layer, bias overlays (wrong side may show), semi-fitted bodice, elasticized (seamed) waist, and very narrow hems. Self bias binding extends into shoulder straps and finishes neck/armholes.

Pattern Sizing: 6-14 I cut the size 6


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 easy.

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


Fabric Used: Cotton Voile


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This WILL be made again. I know for myself and my oldest daughter. We both love this dress.

Conclusion: Great pattern. Very easy. Took a couple hours from start to finish. My daughter LOVES this dress.

Maxi Skirt / Strapless Dress #2

***Winner of the I SPY DIY BOOK IS SUSIE! Your email begins with susie1589. Send me your mailing addy so I can get it out to you. Thank you all! ***

 

 

Here is another one lol. I promise I love these! SUPER simple. I have made SO many lol since I posted THIS one. Can we say addicted much.  Fabric was 56 wide and it's textured. 

This is a sorry pic but you get the point of the texture.

This is super sheer so I underlined it with a white fabric.

I wore it with a thin belt because I still can't wear anything too restricting on my stomach. Next time I'll do a different belt.

I didn't realize my jacket wasn't opened right. Oops. I LOVE this jacket. Just wanted to show one pic with the jacket open and one with it zipped. This was taken pre-surgery. Not feeling THAT good yet lol.

Ok, that's all I got! LOL

Toodles!

Maxi Skirt / Strapless Dress

I've seen SO many of these on the internet the past few weeks I figured I would make some. I think the first one I saw Erica B made last year. I Kept that in the back of my mind lol

As a maxi skirt. I LOVE IT. The length is where I can wear flats or heels with it.

As a strapless dress I LOVE it lol. I was actually getting ready to go when I took this pic so I grabbed the first belt and shoes that were close in order to snap the pic. Once I feel better I'll wear a wider belt with it to define my waist more.

I have so many of these made lol. It's literally two pieces of fabric, two seams and elastic in the waist lol. Took me 15 minutes to cut and sew this up. I'll take pics in the others as I wear them! I've got this gorgeous textured white sheer, a gorgeous blue, black & white printed Calvin Klein pleated fabric, and a black and white printed one lol. Can you say addicted? I believe this summer will be another summer of dresses and skirts for me lol.

Y'all have a good one!
Toodles!

McCall's 6307...A Pattern Review

 

 

I'm getting soft. The girls are TRULY raiding my fabric stash lol. Some fabric is just totally off limits though lol

I remember Mimi making some shorts or pants with this and I fell in LOVE with it. Ordered some instantly, only to let it sit and let my baby find it lol.

 

Pattern Description: Self-lined bodice and midriff.

Pattern Sizing: 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? Yep very.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? My daughter loves this style dress.


Fabric Used: Stretch sateen


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will make this one over and over. She loves it and has already picked out fabric for another one.

Conclusion: This is a great pattern. I think it is OOP now but I'm sure you can find something similar if you have a little lady in your life that likes this style dress.

McCall's 5591...A Pattern Review

Right now I'm having full moments of obsession.

Today's obsession is with stripes.

I loveddddddddddddddddddd the way the stripes on the waist band went in a different direction. I love playing with stripes but I'm not ALWAYS successful lol.

 

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Then I ran across this:

 

(Source)

 

I LOVE this lady. Seriously. I wanted to wear this outfit. I just don't like my skirts THAT short. SO glad I sew.

Enter McCall's 5591

 

 

Pattern Description: Mid-knee length, pleated skirts have faced yoke and back zipper closure; skirt A has slash front pocket with band and contrasting lower band; skirts B and C have side seam pockets; skirt B has carriers and sash; skirt C has ribbon trim at lower edge.

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? SUPER easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Love this pattern.


Fabric Used: Some type of poly mystery blend I found at Hancock. It was $2.00 a yard.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None really. I didn't add pockets or carriers for the sash.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I am TOTALLY making this again in a solid. LOVE this pattern.

Conclusion: This is a great pattern if you like box pleats.

This skirt is totally twirl worthy! What you don't twirl?? You are missing out on the finer things in life lol

I didn't think I could wear pleats. What I learned is that is reallyyyy depends on the TYPE of pleats and the fabric. Still learning what looks good on me. Thanks to my gooooooooooooooood friend for talking me into making this skirt lol. Love you!

I wore my fun yellow pumps 

 

And blingy yellow necklace for a more fun look.

 

 

Alright, that's all I got lol.

Till next time!
Toodles!

 

 

Vogue 1282...A Pattern Review

 

Vogue 1282

3 Yards of Fabric

 

Pattern Description: Loose-fitting, bias, pullover top has draped front neckline with weight, no side seams and stitched hem. Very close-fitting, below waist pull-on skirt has elastic waist with contrast facing, pleats, front extending to side back, no side seams and right side back slit. Self bias binding finishes hem.

Pattern Sizing: 12-20


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

Yes, pretty much.

 
Were the instructions easy to follow? They were typical Vogue instructions. The only thing that confused me was making the tucks on the front of the skirt but that may have been because I was tired.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love cowl neck anything. That is what first got my attention, but I loved the details of the skirt.


Fabric Used: Rayon Jersey for the top & stretch cotton sateen for the skirt.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: This top is WAY too low cut for me, so I sewed up about 3 inches more than what was required. The armscye was WAY low. Like super duper low. I sewed a two inch dart under the arm to fix that. I also cut about 4 inches off the skirt. It hit me a little below my calf and that was not a good look. I'm 5'5 so if you are taller than me, you will probably be fine.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I won't sew this one again. I threw the pattern away once I was done with it. It's OK and I wore it with a cardigan. I've made better cowl neck tops but I did like the way it was constructed. I'd love to see someone else make it.

Conclusion: Just a mediocre pattern for me but this is just MY opinion.

Here are a couple more pictures:

I really do like the back of this skirt. I didn't like it at first but it's growing on me.

It was SUPER windy out but you can kinda see the tucks on the front of the skirt and how I sewed up the front of this top.

It got my mojo going so it wasn't a total waste lol.

Toodles!

 

Simplicity 2413...A Pattern Review

 

 

    Simplicity 2413

 2 3/8 Yards of Fabric

 

 

Pattern Description: Misses' Project Runway pattern collection skirts with design and length variation.

Pattern Sizing: 4-12


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 really didn't follow them. I looked over them and that was about it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? My daughter loved this style skirt.


Fabric Used: Chambry


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? If my daughter wants another one I'll make it, but this is a really unique style.

Conclusion: Very simple skirt. I made it in one sitting.

McCall's 5972..A mojo starter.

McCall's 5972

1 1/4 yards of fabric used.

I haven't sat behind my sewing machine since July 2011.

J U L Y.

I thought I had seriously forgotten how to sew lol.

I needed something that was super duper easy so I went with this.

Let's say YAY for my first project of 2012!!! LOL

I've made this dress before here and here it is seriously my go to pattern for this style dress. Works EVERY time.

I was looking for a reason to wear these blue shoes and this was a great one lol.

I have NO idea what kind of fabric this is, it's a little heavier than challis but it has a great deal of stretch to it. *shrugs* I just know I love it lol.

I'm going to keep up with how much fabric I'm using this year.

I thought about listing the cost to make the dress, but I can't remember how much I paid for fabric that has been in my stash forever lol.

Well that's IT, but I'm officially sewing again!! My mojo is super flowing so let's DO this!!