Sewing & Fashion

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One Pattern Two Looks: How I Hacked Simplicty 9224

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. I am so very excited because IT’S VIRGO ♍️ SEASON!!! For the last three years I have sewn a collection for my birthday, and this year is no exception. The collection always include a birthday gown, and I can not wait to share with you all what that dress, but until then, I will be sharing different garments that I am wearing out for my birthday, because I am celebrating until the end of Virgo season, which I believe ends on September 22nd.

For the first part of my collection, I used one pattern to create two garments, and I believe you all will love both the original design, and the design I created by hacking the pattern. Let’s get started.

Fabric Used

For the first part of this project I used the Garden Poly-linen, from Melanated Fabrics. This fabric is 58″ in width and has a beautiful fluid drape. It’s lightweight with a smooth and soft hand. It is perfect for sewing tops, dresses. skirts, and palazzo style pants.

Tips for Sewing With this Fabric

This fabric is a polyester linen blend, but you can treat it as you would your standard linen fabric. Pre-wash to get the shrinkage out of the way before you cut into it. As this fabric does shrink, you will also need to by at least 1/4 of a yard more than the pattern suggests. Because of their distinctive texture and weaves, it is best to layout linen fabrics following the napped layout given in the pattern instructions. I have found that that as long as you follow the grain-line (The grain of a fabric runs parallel to the selvages–the finished edge on each side of the fabric piece) of the fabric, you can generally lay pattern pieces much closer than the picture in the layout suggests, especially since the print is continuous and small, you do not have to worry about lining up the designs on the fabric. Though this fabric is lightweight and has lots of drape, it is not very slippery, so cutting and sewing it was not very difficult. While pressing the hem allowance, I do suggest using starch to stiffen the fabric a little so that you can ensure you sew a clean hem, because it is a very drapey, and that type of fabric can be slightly problematic to hem as it can bunch when sewing a curved hem, which this pattern does have.

Pattern Used/Size Cut

I used Simplicity 9224. It is a wrap dress pattern with asymmetrical details. It has two view options that differ in bodice detail. View B has an outside contrast bodice facing, while there is no contrast on view A. When I first saw this pattern, I knew that I wanted to sew it as is, but I also saw other ways that I could sew it to make it my own. This pattern was very easy to see, and the best part is that Mimi has a YouTube tutorial if you get stuck along the way. I sewed the dress as is, based on the pattern suggestions.

I cut a size 12 for the bodice, but extended the waist area of the bodice to a 14. For the skirt portion of the dress I cut a 14. I also cut about three inches from the length of the dress to fit my 5’3” frame.

I love the wrapped bodice on this pattern. I also love the drape of the bodice. it’s sexy, but still modest, which is how I love to look.

The Hack

Now we have come to the extra fun portion of this blog, my hack of this pattern. Are you ready to see this hack? Keep reading!

Fabric Used

I used a cloud print crepe fabric that I purchased from Jo-Ann last year. This fabric has a good drape, not as drapey as the fabric I used for the dress, but that is exactly what I needed from this fabric, as I wanted it to have a little structure.

I wanted to hack this pattern by turning it into separates, but I did not have enough of the fabric that I desired to use. I decided to hack the pattern and turn it into a top with elastic casing in the hem and the sleeves, and you guys, I LOVE IT!!! Here is a little mini tutorial below of how I accomplished this in case you want to create this hack as well (please tag me on Instagram if you do). I plan to make a video tutorial of this as well, so follow my YouTube channel.

I placed the both bodice pieces onto the fabric, and extend the length by about 3 inches (as you can see by the line drawn). Make sure that once you increase the length of the bodices, you also lengthen the front facings by about 2 inches as well.

For the front of the bodice, I also extended the length about three inches, but cut the side edge to a straight line rather than the sharp edge it was originally, because I intended to stitch it into the side seam (pictured above) of the bodice rather than leave it open to tie on the sides as the instructions originally calls for. By doing this, I turned the bodice into a faux wrap top.

As you can see by the photo above, I added the side ties. I completed the ties per the instructions , I placed them on top of each other and baste stitch them together. I then placed them on the edge of the left side seam about 1 1/4” from the bottom of the bodice to leave room for the elastic waist casing, and sewed the seams together with the side ties between the seams.

I didn’t stitch all the way down on the casing. Well, that’s an easy fix. The top is still fabulous. Don’t sweat the small stuff y’all.

Final Thoughts

I love this pattern. This pattern is so versatile, and if you love to hack, it is perfect for it. You can create it as a two piece skirt and top set, create a top from the bodice as I did, or just see up the skirt. The possibilities are endless.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog, I truly appreciate it. I hope that this blog was informative and that you learned something that will help you in your next sewing project. Comment below and let me know your thoughts or questions. Also, please make sure to subscribe to my blog.Advertisementshttps://c0.pubmine.com/sf/0.0.3/html/safeframe.htmlREPORT THIS AD

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Summer Maxi Vibes: McCalls 8215

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. I am so very excited to share this project with you today. Y’all, I am so excited about this maxi dress project because of the most important thing, “It Has Pockets!!” When McCalls put out their summer pattern, and I saw the maxi dress with pockets, I knew it would be my first summer sewing project, especially since I already had the perfect fabric in my stash. Let’s get into this project shall we?

Fabric Used

For this project, I used the Geometric Double Brushed Knit Turquoise from Melanated Fabrics . This fabric is so soft and comfortable to wear. I love the unique eye catching design. This knit fabric is a light-mid weight knit that features a 4 way stretch and beautiful geometric design that I knew would make my maxi dress stand out. You can also use this fabric for t-shirts, cute tops, dresses, and even trendy knit pants and /or leggings.

Pattern Used/ Size Cut

I used McCalls 8215 dress pattern. It is a Misses’ & women’s fit & flare knit dresses with bodice & skirt length options. It has three view, and view C comes with a sash. What I love is that you can mix and match the bodices with whichever skirt you want to create. I made view C. Though I cut size 12 for the bodice and 14 for the skirt, this pattern goes all the way up to size 32W.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love this pattern. However for those whom have not been working with McCalls patterns for as long as I have, do know that when cutting you may have to cut two sizes smaller than the recommended size on the back of the envelope. The envelope told me to cut a 14 for top, but due to my experience with the “Big Four,” I know that it is always wise to look at the sizing on the pattern paper, not the envelope. Other than sizing, I had not issues with this pattern. I love the finishes for the neckline and the armholes of the dress, it gives the dress a nice clean and professional look. The instructions were very understandable, and I always love that they include definitions of sewing terms used in the instructions for beginners or people who may not be familiar with those terms.

I did not do the topstitching on the neckline and armhole because I did not want visible stitching lines on this dress. I wanted to keep it clean on the exterior.

I absolutely love this photo. My daughter did a great job capturing this shot.

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Simplicity 9243: The Jumpsuit Hack

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. I am so very excited to share this project with you today. Y’all, my sewing friends in the Instagram sewing community has been inspiring me to sew more projects with yellow, because they are alway telling me how great I look in that color. So of course when I decided to make pants for the spring, it would be sewn in yellow.

Fabric Used

For this project I used the Lyocell Twill in mustard, from Melanated Fabrics. This Lyocell Twill is 58″ in width and a beautiful fluid drape. It’s lightweight with a smooth and soft hand. It is perfect for sewing tops, dresses. skirts, and pants.

Pattern Used/Size Cut

I used Simplicity 9234. A jumpsuit pattern with your choice of a puff sleeve or sleeveless bodice. It also has front zipper, covered placket, fitted bodice, slash pockets, slim pants, and belt. When I first saw this pattern, I knew that I wanted to sew it as is, but I also saw the hacking possibilities. I have made the jumpsuit and hacked it into something else, which will be revealed at a later date. Once I hacked it two ways, I knew that the next step was to turn it into pants. Especially because I do want to add more pants to my wardrobe. I cut a 12 in the bodice and 14 in the pants.

The Hack

To turn the jumpsuit into pants, I cut the pants portion of the pattern out, stitched it as the direction said, and then I used the belt pieced to create a waistband. I cut the length of the fly and underflap because it extends a bit longer to suit the length of the jumpsuit. I also folded the belt piece in half lengthwise and attached it to the pants. I did not make any modification other than taking in the pants towards my lower leg area so that it will be more fitted.

Final Thoughts

I love this pattern. I have yet to sew a Mimi G pattern that I did not love. This pattern is so versatile, and if you love to hack, it is perfect for it. You can create it as a two piece pant and top set, sew just the bodice as a top or add a skirt to make it a dress, or sew and wear the pants alone as I did. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t want to see what you guys create with this pattern.

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LA Finch Prints: The Roho Blouse and the Magnolia Dress

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. I am so excited to bring my two recent makes to you. I must say that the fabrics truly made both creations stand out. I love when my patterns and fabric choices match each other to a “T” and in this case, the fabrics and patterns complimented themselves perfectly. Let’s get into these fabrics.

Fabric Used

For the my projects, I used two fabrics from LA Finch. The first is a beautiful Fashion Navy Naomi Stitched Look Floral Rayon Challis. It is 54″ wide, no stretch, and slightly transparent. It is lightweight and very drapey.

I also used a Seville Abstract Blousewear Woven. This a lightweight flowy georgette fabric. It is 57″ wide, has great drape, and very transparent.

Pattern Used/Size Cut

For these flowy fabrics, I wanted to use patterns that allowed for the fluidity of the fabric to shine through. I used the Roho Blouse Pattern by Coffee and Thread to create a beautiful floral tunic like blouse. The Roho blouse pattern is loose fitting, which I love, and made for lightweight fabrics with drape. It is beginner friendly, and so easy to sew, as long as you have basic sewing skills, and have an understanding of basic sewing terms. It ranges from size 2-20, I cut a size 8 for myself. As you can see by the photo above, it is a very versatile pattern that can be created to fit your style.

For my next project, I created a dress that I must say is the dress everyone should have in their closet. It is the Deer and Doe Magnolia Dress. This is my second time using this pattern. Last year I created the maxi version, and this year, I decided to create the shorter version.

The Magnolia dress is a mock-wrap dress. Version A has a plunging neckline, maxi skirt with a slit, and long sleeves. Version B has a regular neckline, short skirt, and butterfly sleeves. It is a French pattern, so the size ranges are European. Size 34-46 (printed) and 34-52 (PDF). I cut a size 38 for myself.

Modifications

For the Roho blouse I lengthed it by adding about 3.5″ and left it loose all around instead of adding elastic to the front hem as the pattern suggested. I absolutely love this pattern, and as you all know me to do, I made it my way. I wanted the option to wear it as a top with jeans or a tunic over leggings, so I hacked it just a little.

For the Magnolia dress, I created view B and added the sleeves from view A. I also shortened it by taking away about 3.5″ so that it would accommodate my 5’3″ frame better.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love both patterns, and the gorgeous fabrics from LA Finch made my creations even more beautiful. I can wear both pieces throughout the year, and that makes me a happy lady. I must let you all know that the Roho blouse has a 3/8 of an inch seam allowance, which I did not like. Mainly because it left very little seam for me to finish the way that I like. Other than that, I am a lover of the Roho Blouse. I will definitely be creating it over and over again.

I absolutely love the Magnolia dress, as you can tell. I made it more than once. I of course have to often take off lengths off of patterns because most patterns are made for 5’7″ frames. I usually prepare to do that with patterns, so having to do that with the Magnolia dress was not an issue at all. I love the versatility of the pattern. You can switch up the bodices, skirts, and sleeves, which mean lots of dresses for your wardrobe. I already plan to make more for spring and summer.

Quote of the Day: Don’t stop until you are proud.

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DIY Maxi Dress: Birthday Blues

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. It is officially September and I am so very excited because it is my birthday month and National Sewing Month. With everything going on in 2020, I look forward to things I can celebrate.

To celebrate my birthday this month and to incorporate some sewing into my celebration, I am creating a collection in my favorite color, blue. I will be sharing that collection here on the blog and on my Instagram page. It will be a shaded of blue collection. It will also be my end of the summer collection. Let’s get to the first garment in my blue collection, my DIY maxi dress. Side note* There will be a tutorial on my YouTube channel on Friday.

Fabric Used

For this project, I used a Fashion Navy Liverpool Solid Knit from LA Finch Fabrics. It is a medium weight textured stretchy poly spandex knit. It is similar to a scuba/techno knit. It also has a 4 way stretch, 70% stretch across the grain, vertical stretch: 30%.

I also used a Famous Maker Power Mesh Navy Solid Knit for the overlay of the dress. It is from LA Finch as well. This fabric is a nylon spandex power mesh with a 4-way stretch. It is typically used for swimwear, performance costumes, and athleisure fashion. However, I saw something more in it, and thought it would be perfects as an overlay.

Pattern Used/Size Cut

I decided to use a tried and true pattern for this project, the Sunny Dress pattern from Friday Pattern Company. Unfortunately, I went to the Friday Pattern Company website, and I no longer see this pattern on there. However, for the tutorial, you are able to use any standard fitted knit dress pattern that you own.

Modifications

There was a few hacks done on this pattern in order create this gorgeous dress. As I said above, I will be posting a video tutorial on my Youtube channel, which will have more information on how I hacked this pattern. Make sure that you subscribe to my youtube channel, and are following me on Instagram, so that you will know when that tutorial is live.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love what I have done with this pattern. It further proves that a pattern is merely a foundation, a start, to what is in your imagination. I often have so many designs in my mind, and many times, I find an existing pattern that brings my ideas to life. I truly hope that you love what I have done, and that it has inspired you as well. I hope that you like the photos down below, my kind husband took them. Since it’s my birthday month, I wanted to get really nice photos that I can frame.

Quote of the Day: Don’t talk, just act. Don’t say, just show. Don’t promise, just prove.

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DIY Dress With Pockets: The Olive Dress Pattern

Hi everyone, I hope all is well with you. This week is a week of relaxation for me and my family. We escaped to a little getaway in Florida, and are just enjoying the ocean view and relaxing atmosphere. The one thing that has made this trip better is the fact that every clothing that I brought with me was made by me. I finally have a wardrobe that is filled with casual and chic pieces that I can wear anywhere. There is a new favorite piece of me made clothing in there that I have already worn twice since I made it a week ago. What is it you may ask, it’s a dress that I made using Megan Nielsen’s newly released Olive top and dress pattern (cue the sound of excited people cheering).

Let me give you all a little warning before diving into this post. When you purchase this pattern, be warned that you will want to make it over and over again. Don’t say that I didn’t warn you. Lol! Now let’s get into the details of this amazing pattern.

Pattern Used

The Olive is a top and dress pattern with a relaxed fit, meaning it fits looser than regular, but not baggy. There are three views that you can choose from. View A is a blouse, view B is a dress with a sleeve band, and view C is a long sleeve blouse. All views have a v-insert that is stitched inside of the front bodice. It has a drop shoulder with two sleeve finishes for the dress or top. There is also an optional breast patch pocket, which I did add to my dress. I sewed view B.

Fabric Used

I used a mustard and fuchsia abstract cotton twill fabric from Mood Fabrics. This fabric 100% cotton, 57″ wide. The background color is white sand. It has a slight stretch to it as well. I have had this fabric for a year. I bought it during a sale, as Mood can be quite expensive, so I usually try to catch the sales and load up on fabrics that is usually more expensive at regular price. Right now, this fabric is $4.99 per yard, it is usually $15.99 per yard.

Size Cut

This pattern ranges from size 0-20, but I cut a size 12 as I am a 36 bust, 30 waist, and 38 in the hip.

Modifications

I only made a few modifications. I shortened the length by about 2 inches because I am 5’3″ so most patterns are often very long on me. I also cut a size smaller in the bodice to get a better fit. I will admit that I am a serial hacker of patterns, I often find something to hack on most patterns. However, with this pattern, I love it just the way that it is.

Final Thoughts on the Olive Top and Dress Pattern by Megan Nielsen

I am a very honest reviewer, and if there was any criticism to give to this pattern I would. However, I have none. The sizing is just right, at least for me, and the instructions are so easy to follow and understand. I love that Megan gives tips on what to do before you start your project. For example, she she shares a tip on how to store your pattern after you use it. I also love that there is also ideas for customizing your make. This pattern is truly for those who want something easy to sew but allows room for making it your own. I love the comfort and style of this pattern very much, so needless to say, I will be making this again and again.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog, I truly appreciate it. I hope that it was informative and that you learned something that will help you in your next sewing project. Please comment below with any questions or comments that you may I have. I will definitely respond quickly. Also, do not forget to subscribe.

In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.
-Les Brown

I Made A Men’s Bomber Jacket

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The Hoodie Project: McCalls 8070 & Simplicity 8793

Hi everyone! I hope all is well in your world. As a mom of two student’s learning virtually, life has been an adventure 😂🤦🏾‍♀️. We are progressing through and learning a lot. To all of the parents out there, we got this. Today I am doing things a little differently on my blog. Instead of doing a full write up, I am posting a behind the seams video discussing my recent make. Let me know if you want me to do more blog posts like this in the comments below.

“Behind the Seams” of my hoodie and knit pants project.

Fabric Used

I used a French Terry knit from Melanated Fabrics. In case they are not in stock, you can also use their paradox knit to create this look as well.

Pattern Used/Size Cut

Hoodie: McCalls Pattern 8070 view A (no modifications)

Knit Pants: Simplicity Pattern 8793 view A (No modifications)

Lined the hoodie and created the cord with Ankara fabric from my stash.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely loved this hoodie and knit pants combo. The fabric is not only soft and comfortable, but it is also great quality. I am actually creating another sweater using the same pattern, that is how much I love it. The pants pattern will also be on repeat.

LA Finch Reds: Simplicity 8800 Hack and Simplicity 8841 Pants

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. We have made it to 2021 and this is my first blog post of the year! Let’s hope that it is way better than the chaos we called 2020. This year I am committing to be more consistent with my blog posts. I love to blog, and I am so happy to share my first projects of the year with you. I love to hack patterns. It’s not that I do not like patterns as is, but I like to take patterns and experiment on how many ways I can recreate it. It has increased my level of creativity and sewing skills. Don’t you agree? Okay, let’s get into the details of these fabrics and patterns.

Fabric Used

I used the Famous Maker Boho Abstract Rayon Challis (top) and the Famous Maker Rayon Twill Paprika Red Woven (bottom). The Abstract Rayon Challis is a 100% rayon medium weight fabric with a slight stretch. It is ideal for dresses, skirts, blouses, and more.

The Rayon Twill is also a 100% rayon medium weight fabric. It has a wonderful drape and is nice and flowy. Like the Rayon Challis, it is also perfect for dresses, skirts, blouses, and more. However, it is a little heavier than the Challis.

Tips for Sewing With Rayon

Purchase a little more than what is required on the pattern envelope, and pre-wash your fabrics before cutting ,as rayon does shrinks
Use fine tipped or pins to pin this delicate fabric, as larger pins can leave holes. You can also use clips to hold the fabric pieces together if you prefer.
Use a rotary cutter when cutting out your fabric pieces, as it will allow for more precise cutting without snagging and pulling this slippery fabric.
Use an extra sharp ball point needle – a 75/11 or 80/11.

Pattern Used/Size Cut

For my dress, I used Simplicity Pattern 8800 (left), which I hacked and turned into a dress.

Simplicity 8800 is a loungewear pattern. The pattern includes a Misses’ robe in two lengths with optional tie and pocket, pull-on wide-leg pants, cross-over top, and bralette. It ranges from XS-XL. I used view D for my hack and cut a small.

For my pants, I used my go to tried and true pants pattern, Simplicity Pattern 8841 . Simplicity 8841 is a pull on pants pattern. the pattern features a wide- or slim-leg design with optional tie belt and cargo pockets. Both wide- and slim-leg pants are available in two lengths. It ranges from sizes 6-22. I created view B and cut a size 12.

The links to the patterns I shared is to the Simplicity website, but both patterns can also be found on Amazon an Etsy for less. I have attached the amazon and Etsy links below. If Jo-Ann has their pattern sale, and it’s in stock that may be your best option spending wise.

Simplicity 8800: Amazon $9.95 and Etsy $6.95

Simplicity 8841: Amazon $9.95 and Etsy $5.33

Modifications

The only pattern that I modified was Simplicity 8800. The hack with quite simple, and did not take much manipulation. I cut the pattern pieces as is and stitched the front and back pieces together along the side seams. Next I stitched the front pieces together all the way up to my desired neckline length. I then shortened the front band enough to use it along the newly created neckline.

I folded the front band piece in half, pressed it, pressed the seam allowance under on the other folded side, and stitched the raw edge side of the folded half all around the neckline. I then pulled it inside of the garment, ensuring that the folded seam allowance covers the raw edge of the inside neckline area. I then crossed the right side over the left, making sure that the exposed band on the outside of the garment is folded under and pressed. Next I pinned everything in place and topstitched along edge of the band on the outside of the garment. I finished the exposed inside band with my serger.

I topstitched along the edge making sure to catch the fabric on the inside. I also topstitched along the corner and the side of the neckline where the two bands connect.

I left a center split down the front of the dress to give it a little sex appeal, because I feel that leaving it stitched all the way down would have made the dress look a little unappealing for my taste. Lastly, I added elastic to the hem of the sleeve.

Hacking Tips:

If you are not an intermediate or novice pattern hacker, start with simple hacks such as lengthening a t-shirt pattern into a dress, changing the shape of a sleeve similar to what I did, or turning a knee-length dress into a maxi dress. Once you have experimented with minor changes you and feel comfortable doing so, you will have the confidence to tackle something a bit more ambitious.
Always trace your pattern onto tracing paper before hacking. You may go through several pattern drafts before you get to your intended result.
Make sure that you are working from a pattern that has already been altered to fit you well.
Always try on your garment as you sew to make sure the fit and look is what you desire.
think outside the box and have fun experimenting and learn, that is how you build creativity and skill.

For my pants, no modifications were made. I wanted something simple since red is such an eye catching color. I have created so many pants and pajama pants out of Simplicity 8841, and for all of you beginner pants makers out there, this is a perfect beginner pattern.

Final Thoughts

Both the LA Finch Boho Abstract Rayon Challis and the Rayon Twill Paprika Red fabrics were a dream to work with. The colors are vibrant and perfect for creating flowy dresses or pants as I did. I absolutely love the dress I created as well as my pants. Though I am just really getting into wearing red on a normal basis ( check your girl out wearing red lipstick for the first time lol), I plan to get lots of wear from these garments I have created. Plus, valentines day is coming next month, and they say that red is the color of love ❤️.

Quote of the Day: “Live each day with intention”

Cute and Comfy: The Annie Cardigan

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. Here in the USA, it is winter, and I love this time a year. The air is crisp, and you get to wear layers and comfy sweaters. Don’t you just love the fall and winter? Usually I don’t sew as much this time a year, but this year I was determined to add some comfy pieces to my wardrobe. To start my cozy winter collection, I decided to make a cardigan, because it is a great layering piece, and soft, cozy sweater knits are perfect to warm you up on those cold days.

Fabric Used

For this project, I used the speckled knit in black from Melanated Fabric (Sold Out). It is a soft and luxurious knit with a four way stretch. It is 57″ in width, and has multicolored specks all over it. The fabric is thick, but not very heavy, which is why it is perfect for cardigans and oversized sweaters.

Pattern Used/Size Cut

I used the Annie Cardigan by Mimi G Style to create my cardigan. The Annie is a PDF pattern that ranges from sizes XXS – 2XL. You can print at home, but if you are like me, and do not want to spend the day taping papers together, then you can send it out to a copy shop. I send my patterns to PDF Plotting to be printed. I will let you know that it is best to wait until you have at least three patterns or more to be printed because of the shipping fee. The pants that I am wearing was self-drafted by me a few years ago.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love this pattern. I did not have to make any modifications, and the fit and length is perfect. I usually have to shorten the length of patterns that I use, which makes me love this pattern even more. The pattern call for buttons to be added, however, I did not add buttons to mine. I plan on making this pattern again, so I will be adding buttons to the next one.

Collection of Blues: McCalls 7722 and Simplicity 9150

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. Another week of sewing through the pandemic down, I don’t know how many more weeks to go. We are all just trying to find peace in the midst of this chaos, and I hope that you have found something positive to keep your thoughts at bay with all that is going on. Now let’s get into this blue-tiful top and skirt that I made. My favorite color is blue, in every shade. For my birthday month, September, I decided to do my first collection, a “blue” collection. I created two maxi dresses, a denim dress, and separates ( a top and a skirt).

My final addition, well, maybe not final, because blue garments will continue to be a staple in my wardrobe, is a beautiful top and skirt that can be styled in various ways. Don’t you just love separates? they increase your wardrobe and gives you options to wear together, or with other garments in your closet.

Fabric Used

For the top, I used a Fashion Navy Liverpool Solid Knit from LA Finch Fabrics. It is a medium weight textured stretchy poly spandex knit. It is similar to a scuba/techno knit. It also has a 4 way stretch, 70% stretch across the grain, vertical stretch: 30%.

For the skirt, I used a spandex knit from Jo-Anns. Could not find online, therefore, no link is available.

Pattern Used/Size Cut

For the top, I used McCalls 7722 . It is a knit pattern that features four different view options. A cold shoulder detail with and without a sleeve flounce. It also has gathered straight sleeves as well as gathered sleeve with a straight sleeve extension. I cut a size 12.

For the skirt, I used Simplicity 9150 view B. It is a pull on skirt. This is technically a athletic pattern, but I knew with the right fabric, it could be a wonderful addition to my everyday wardrobe. It has a waist band and a lower band. I cut a size 12 for this pattern as well.

Modifications

For the top, I did not make any modifications. However, for the skirt, I extended the length by about three inches. I preferred the length to be closer to the knee.

Final Thoughts

McCalls 7722 offers versatility in their many views. You can mix and match sleeves to create different designs. I have actually made this pattern a few times over the years, and it is definitely a TNT (tried and true) pattern. I have created Simplicity 9150 before. I created view A, the jumpsuit, and wrote a blog post on how I hacked it to fit my style. I had so much fun creating this sewfit and styling it.

Tip 1: When gathering the sleeves for the top, make sure to create two rows of long stitch. this will create a cleaner gather. Also, make sure to press the gathered sleeve to flatten the gathers before you stitch it to the bodice.

Tip 2: The bottom of the skirt fits a little snug once you add the bottom band, so if you want it to fit a little looser, do as I did and add a few inches to the length of the band.

Continue scrolling to see how I styled this blue-tiful creation of mine.

**Styled with my favorite blue heels and the puff sleeve top for a date night or night out with the girls look.**

**Styled with my chunky black booties and a loose fitting sweater to be a contrast to the snug fit of the skirt.** This is perfect for a casual day out look.

**I styled the top with jeans and the chunky booties for a cool rocker vibe. Proof that this top fits any style.**

**Switched it up again with sneakers to run errands**

Quote of the Day: Slow down. Calm down. Don’t worry. Don’t hurry. Trust the process. (Alexandra Stoddard)

The Dress That Almost Wasn’t: Simplicity 8123

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. I am still sewing my way through the pandemic, and I have no plans to stop. Why? Because sewing keeps me sane, and with everything going on around us, we need all the sanity we can get. Have you ever been so excited about a project that you smiled the whole way through the creation process, and then BAM, you make a mistake that you can’t come back from? That is what happened to me, but I was determined to not give up.

As you can see, the dress on the left was a complete fail. I cut the dress a few sizes too large, and it just hung on me. I decided to correct it by taking away a few inches all around to get a better fit. As I began cutting with my rotary cutter, my hand slipped, and I cut right through the fabric. Ouch! I wanted to cry, because I bought the fabric at regular price, and it was not cheap. It was a midweight stretch denim from Jo-Anns, that I bought about a year ago. I was so sad about the fail that I threw the dress to the side and vowed not to touch again. However, I am proud that I came back for a second attempt and redeemed myself, because this dress is everything. Now let’s get into the details of this dress.

Pattern Used/Size Cut

I have had Simplicity 8123 for so many years, and this year I vowed to focus on using the patterns in my stash until I use them all. This pattern is definitely going to be added to my TNT (tried and true) pattern. this pattern features a dress with flared or slim skirt and faux wrap button side-front panel. The dress in this pattern has thicker straps with back zipper. It has a bodice and a skirt portion, which is great because it allows the sewer to create a variety of looks, including separates.

I cut a size 12, but initially I cut a size 14. Which is why I had the fitting issue that I discussed above. I made a Youtube video a few years ago on how to find your proper size on a pattern. Check it out.

Modifications

The only modification that I made to this pattern was adding a ruffle to the bottom of it. I did this by cutting the dress about 9″ shorter.

Next I cut a long strip of fabric 4″ long and double the width of the bottom of the skirt. I then gathered the fabric at the top edge.

Lastly, I attached the ruffle piece to the body of the dress.

I was going to hem the bottom of the ruffle, but after seeing how the raw edges looked, I decided against it. I actually love the frayed edge of the dress.

Final Thoughts

Usually for my final thought, I break down my opinions on the pattern. However, this time I want to start my final thought with a statement, because there was a big life lesson that I had to remember in the midst of creating this dress. “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.” Those words can be found in my favorite Aliyah song, and it is such a significant statement for our life. No matter how many times we fail or fall, we must pick ourselves up and try again. It is very rare that anyone will succeed on the first try. It takes a few falls to master the walk.

Now back to the dress. I absolutely love this pattern. It is not a difficult sew at all, however, you must understand sewing terms and how to use the necessary notions correctly, such as interfacing. If you have any difficulty sewing this pattern, Mimi G has a tutorial on her Youtube channel. I will definitely be using this pattern over and over again, but next time I will make sure to cut the right size lol. Continue scrolling to see how I styled this dress for the bipolar fall weather we have here in Atlanta. One day it is hot, and the next it is very cool.

The zipper is supposed to go all the way to the top of the dress, but I added it before the band, and forgot to give extra inches for it to reach the top of the band. I ended up adding hook and eyes to that portion of the dress.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, it is very much appreciated, and I am grateful. Please subscribe to my blog and comment below to let me know what you think.

Quote of the Day: Your doubts create mountains, but your actions move them. (Mel Robbins)