Make time to sew, Dahling!!!

#McCalls 7099

So I “jumped” on the jumpsuit bandwagon, LOL!  This is a giant leap outside of my comfort zone.  I’m pretty sure that the last time I wore jumpsuits was in Kindergarten, LOL. 

I didn’t get a decent back view shot, the dog kept needing attention. 

Thinking about making a jumpsuit?  Try this pattern!  It’s not difficult…at all.  The inseam pockets are great.  I cut my usual size 12, made no adjustments.  The fabric is some sort of poly jersey from Joann, and it’s hot and it doesn’t breathe.  When I attached the neck band, I started at the center back and sewed down each side while stretching it slightly.  This made the band about 3/4” longer at the bottom front which I later cut off.  It’s keeping closed pretty well, even without the bust snap (I’ve not sewn it in yet).  I’m pondering a different waistband treatment.  Instructions call for a simple elastic casing, but I’m thinking maybe a drawstring of some sort for the next piece.  Try this in a nice silk jersey, or maybe a rayon blend.  If you use a woven, make sure you widen the pants at the bottom so you can pull these over your foot.  They’re quite narrow, as you can see.  Feeling the disco vibe!

Tessa Top

Boy, do I like this shirt!

It’s a simple oversized top with interesting seaming and facings, plus, the asymmetrical front-to-back hem.

In the interest of fabric shortage, I chose a color block scheme, haha!

This is the second StyleArc pattern I’ve made, downloaded PDF from the Etsy website.  I used some linen twill from my stash consisting of blue and black threads woven in the twill pattern.  For the facings, I used the other side of the fabric just for fun!  The black solid on the back is a recycled dress shirt. 

The linen is a very loose weave, and got off-grain quite easily.  The seaming and topstitching are wonky in some places.

I’m trying to show the hi-low hem here.

As others have said, StyleArc instructions are very minimal.  I had to really think hard when getting the facings done the way I wanted.  I used a fusible interfacing called Pro-Tailor Deluxe for the facings in the neck, hem, and sleeve finishes.  I did my own thing, finishing the facings to the right side, using the other side of the linen.  You could finish them to the inside if you wanted.  The pattern calls for side inseam pockets, but I didn’t use them. 

I had to get used to the different seam allowances on the pieces.  Depending on the pattern pieces, there was 1 centimeter allowances on one side, and 1/4” on the other side.   I’m still not a big fan of the 1/4” seam allowances; old habits die hard!  I used French seams, so my seam allowances are more like 1/2”.  This is a size 10, and I really like the fit.  This is meant to be loose and somewhat boxy.  The bottom hem turns in slightly, creating a slight cocoon effect.

This is a great top!  Use it as a backdrop for some fabulous statement jewelry, or try your hand at color blocking.  Either way, it’s fairly easy to put together, and very well drafted.  It’s a great pull-over top, but still bra-strap friendly.  I’ll be making another one of these for sure!

Time for some easy stash bustin’!  This RPL remnant languished in my stash since making this dress.  It’s a great little border print, and fun way to use it up.  Vogue 8534 is super easy, only two pieces.  There are a couple of different views, I made view A, but as a longer tunic.  There’s not much to this top, just cut-on sleeves, and center-front pleat detail.

The instructions call for leaving the neck unfinished, but I decided to finish it with a strip of knit binding.

A fun use of the border!  I think this top could make a pretty dress.  Just lengthen it a bit.

Hiya!  I finally finished up a dress I had started last Summer, this is Vogue 1300.  It appears to now be out of print.  It’s classified as Average, probably because you have to finish that drapey flounce with a very narrow hem.  Once you get that done, the rest is pretty easy.  There’s no hard fitting involved, no zips, no collars.  The pattern calls for side pockets, but I omitted them.

Time-consuming pressing/hemming required!

There’s no center back seam, so careful marking of your slit is needed for your loop/button closure.  This is a great little sack dress, the pattern includes a slip also (I used a RTW one).  Use a very thin fabric with a lot of drape.  This fabric came from Pacific Fabrics in Downtown Seattle.  It’s a fun little stretch poly.   It was labeled as White House Black Market, but who knows?  I’m trying to clear out a few unfinished projects to I can start on a Wrap Dress.  I joined the Sew-a-long over at McCalls.  Happy Sewing!!