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Simplicity 8790 Hoodie Tunic

Misses’ Knit Dresses and Tunic View C

Simplicity 8790

This was an easy make all except for the hood, for some reason, I couldn’t get it to line up. I pinned it about 3 times, seems to be that I am having issues with the neckbands, collars, and hoods lately. I may need to revisit some of my books for some tips, especially when sewing with knits, you can never learn to much with sewing even when you think you know it all. 

  • Front VIew
  • Back View

I used a knit fabric that I found on a day trip to San Francisco, CA with my husband. Day trip, who am I kidding? I went there just to visit the fabric store. The Store is called The Fabric Outlet. It the closest fabric store to me that has a variety of fabrics other than Joann or Hobby Lobby. I could take a weekend trip to the Fashion District in Los Angeles, CA, but I have enough fabric for a while. Thinking of going on a fabric fast (NO purchasing of fabric for 2019) with a twist. The twist would be that I could purchase fabric only after all of other fabric is gone. I plan on sewing a lot more in 2019, so it may be possible to use all of what I have and if I do, my plan would be to purchase only what I need for the next projects. 

I choose to sew View C for the purpose of the hood and the front pocket, not so sure I like the hood on my head. I have never worn anything on my head. No hats, no wigs, no nothing. I am considering some wigs just to mix things up, who knows I may become someone else in the process. LOL!!!!

I should re-evaluated and measured the pocket from top to bottom, so it could have been the correct place like a hoodie should be. More than likely I am going to take this one apart and move the pocket up. Lord knows, nothing ever fits me, at 4’11” everything has to be altered to fit me, one of the main reasons I sew for myself. 

Pattern Description: Misses’ Knit Dresses and Tunics

Pattern Sizing: xs-xl

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes, it was exactly what I had visioned in my head once it was all done.

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

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the whole project until it came time to attach the hood, this is an issue I have with hoods, collars, and neckbands when sewing with knits. It was nothing with the pattern or the instructions. 

Fabric Used: Cotton Knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn’t make any alterations, although I should have measured the placement of the pocket before attaching. It is a little low for someone of my height. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes I am going to put it on my list to sew again in a little bit heavier knit to wear on colder days. This one is fine, but definitely needs a long t-shirt and leggings under it for cold days. 

Conclusion: It is a great project and a great addition to my wardrobe of Me Made Garments. 

Bye for now, Time to go Sew Something!!!

McCall’s 7846 Misses’ Ponchos

This Misses’ Poncho is great for the cold weather we have been experiencing in California. Finally it is cold enough to wear Ponchos, Capes, and Sweaters, and I absolutely love it. I choose view B as my option for this Poncho. It is a loose fitting poncho that has 4 different front variations. I liked the neckline on this one, as it isn’t a full turtleneck neckline and it can be worn dressed up or dressed down. I like versatility in the clothing that I make. I need everyday and work wear clothing in my line up.


The fabric choice for this Poncho was a Perfectly Plaid Acrylic Fabric – Black and Red from Joann Fabric. I feel in love with this fabric when I saw it in the store. It was the best choice for this project, although I love how it turned out. The pattern recommended a fabric with a moderate stretch, a knit with 35 % Cross Grain stretch and this Acrylic lacked that stretch. Without the stretch it restricts movement just a little bit. I let out the darts just a tiny bit and that fixed the issue. 

This Poncho will get lots of wearing time this year. I can see it with a black pencil, long sleeve black top, and a red pair of boots or booties. I have all these items in my closet already, oh wait did I just find an outfit to wear to a possible Holiday Party , a Girls’ Night Out, or a date night with the hubby. It can also be worn as I have styled it here, knee high boots, black leggings, and long sleeve black top. Cute and comfortable. This poncho is giving me some serious Holiday Season Vibes. 

McCall’s Misses’ Ponchos M7846

McCall’s 7836 Misses’ Top with Sleeve Variations

I have needed tops in my wardrobe line up for sometime. With me still doing the Ready to Wear Challenge, I couldn’t purchase any as part of the Challenge. I had already picked this top to make, when Leslie Bentley, Master Teacher over at  The Sewcial Place on Facebook, announced that she was doing  a free Sew-Along for a limited time. The tutorial can now be purchased if interested in making this top under her fabulous direction.


McCall's 7836
McCall’s 7836 Misses’ Tops

Please excuse the writing on the pattern, as I write on them, so I don’t forget which view I am making or if I made alterations to the view. In this case I didn’t use the sleeve on View D.  I wanted this top for the Fall/Winter weather.I went with the Bodice on View B and Sleeve on View C.  I am not a fan of the close up neck on tops. I have really short hair and  it just looks weird on me when wearing a mock or turtleneck top. In case I actually like this one.


I used a knit fabric, that looks like denim, it is super soft and I absolutely love how it feels. It is not to heavy or too light and can be worn with or without a sweater. The one thing that I didn’t like about the top was the flair at the bottom. I probably could have gotten away with cutting a smaller size. I cut the size 10. To avoid the top looking too big for me, I tucked only the front into my pants.  I think its cute. I thought how could I style this top for a cute everyday or a casual Friday outfit for work. I styled it with a pair of Sam Edelman riding style boots from last season and  a pair of white leggings, that are lined and perfect for winter that I purchased from Nordstrom 


I haven’t decided if it is one I’ll make again, now that it’s finished. It’s possible it could be a one time make. I think it came out very well, but I am not in love with it, as I am with some of the other pieces I have made in the past. Tops are definitely on my to do list and there will be more coming soon.

Bye for now, time to go Sew Something!!!

McCall’s 7755 Misses’ Romper, Jumpsuit, and Belt -View D

This jumpsuit is everything. I made it twice and fell madly in love with this version. I think the fabric made the difference. This loose-fitting jumpsuit has a neckline with and encased drawstring, front and back neck slits, and POCKETS!!! Yes, pockets.

This is another one of McCall’s Learn to Sew patterns. The instructions are easy to follow and very detailed. Its exactly what a beginner would need to start with, if they are interested in making this Jumpsuit. Depending on which view you plan to make, you will learn the following skills:

  • Learn to sew a slit
  • Learn to sew a curved hem
  • Learn to sew drawstring casing

 

I made one adjustment to this pattern , yep you guessed it, for my height, I cut off 4″. It fits perfect. I did not close up the front or the back opening on the bodice, I am wearing a bandeau underneath. If you choose to, you can close that up, it’s your choice. 😉

The pattern suggested to use a cotton knit, interlock , gauze, or challis. I choose to use a lightweight knit that I purchased at Angel’s Textiles last Fall. I buy a lot of my fabrics Los Angeles during my vacation time. This a beginner pattern and I highly recommend that you try it. Who doesn’t love a fabulous jumpsuit? I can’t wait to wear this to dinner for my 21st Wedding anniversary next Wednesday

 

I can thank my daughter for always taking photos of me in newly made garments. She does a great job!!!

This was the first Jumpsuit that I completed. I wasn’t in love with the print on the fabric after I made. I may need to dress it up and play around with accessories like different shoes, earrings, bracelets, and a Fancy handbag of some kind.

Bye for now, time to go Sew Something!!!

McCall’s 7405 Learn to Sew Misses Dress & Belt

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I love this dress.  I am in love with all of my summer dresses, I am thinking it is because I love the shape of my shoulders. I have been working hard on my upper body this summer to take shape.

This McCall’s Learn to Sew Misses Dresses and Belt pattern is a loose-fitting, pullover that has a high neckline, with a necktie and a variation of hemlines.

I made View B because of the hemline. I like the curve of the hem on this view. If I were to create this garment again I would go for View A, the short version .

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The pattern suggested the following fabric choices: Medium weight Wovens and Knits: Challis, Cotton Knit, Crepe, or Gauze. I am the Queen of Knit Fabrics and I choose a medium weight knit. I believe I purchased this one from Angels Textiles in the Summer of 2017, can’t remember, that’s how much fabric I have purchased over the last 2 years so, A LOT!!!

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The pattern is sized for Xsmall, Small, or Medium. I cut the Medium, although the Small would have worked. I wanted the dress to follow so that’s the reason for going up a size. I had to cut of 4″ which seems to be my go to when making adjustments to Maxi dresses or skirts.

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The only notions that were required are bias tape and elastic. The instructions were simple and easy to follow. If I make this again the one thing that I would do differently is sew down the edges of each entrance and  exit on the neck tie so it doesn’t come out during laundry. It was lost after I wore it and I found it all tangled up with my socks.

 

 

Bye for now, time go Sew Something!!!