Friday, September 23, 2011

Pattern Report: Butterick 5211, silk panel dress

Butterick 5211
I bought some fantastic colorful silk fabric with a distinctive panel.  The fabric was expensive so I bought only two yards. The fabric demanded a simple dress design to take best advantage of the luscious material. Butterick 5211 was just the ticket.


Pattern Description: Fast & Easy, Misses' Dress and Belt

Pattern Sizing: BB, 8, 10, 12, 14
I cut a size 8 on the top and then tapered down to a size 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? Yes.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I was using a very expensive panel silk and I wanted a simple pattern that showed off the panel but that I could cut using only two yards of fabric.


Fabric Used:
A really yummy red panel silk from Exquisite Fabrics in Georgetown.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: 
I cut the back on the fold to take advantage of the panel.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes I will likely sew it again and I highly recommend this pattern. It is a simple pattern that shows off prints and was especially good for a print panel.


Conclusion: B5211 is a great pattern. I will likely use it again and I highly recommend it. Photos to follow.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Pattern Report: Kwik Sew 3658, blue knit top

Kwik Sew 3658
I saw this pattern on patternreview. Marjoriekh's review particularly intrigued me. I loved what she did in her one pattern, many dress entry.


Pattern Description: Kwik Sew 3658 Misses' Dress & Top

Pattern Sizing: XS-S-M-L-XL 
I cut an XS and tapered to a M. The dress was small....something that has never before happened to me in a Kwik Sew or other pattern....but it fit my daughter perfectly.

Kwik Sew 3658
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.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the shape of the pattern. The top is nice and the double layer from the facing makes the top well suited for fall.


Fabric Used: Cotton interlock from Hancock Fabrics


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made a lettuce hem to the top and sleeves to create a more youthful look for my daughter.


On the advice of PR reviews, I stitched the neckline 1-inch higher than called for in the pattern. ... and I was glad I did so. Thanks PR!!


Kwik Sew 3658
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I may make the dress. I recommend it, but read the reviews on PR, there are good tips.


Conclusion: I enjoyed this pattern and my daughter was thrilled with the top.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Fall Sewing

Simplicity just launched the Sew Simple series that fit in nicely with my "learn to sew from a pattern" quest. These patterns are on the to do list:
Simplicity 1989 (woven dress)
Simplicity 2002 (fleece jacket with woven trim)
Simplicity 2030 (fleece cape)
Simplicity 2018 (knit top)

I also need a new fall skirt and am inclined to use Butterick, B5466 or McCalls M6038.

Once I complete these projects, I want to tackle a wrap dress, a knit dress and a shirt dress. Even after reading Patternreview.com, I am undecided not sure what pattern to purchase or use. There are a few candidates for the wrap dress:
Kwik Sew 3489
Butterick B5030
Vogue V8646 or
Vogue 8631

There are also a few candidates for the knit dress:
Vogue V8663
McCalls M6200
Simplicity Lisette 2060

For the shirt dress, these patterns tempt me:
Simplicity Lisette 2246
McCalls M6279
McCalls M6116

But....I still have the four patterns left to be completed from my summer sewing quest.

Kwik Sew 3564 (woven quilt fabric jacket)
Kwik Sew 3658 (knit dress/top)
Kwik Sew 3870 (woven top)
Kwik Sew 3545 (woven quilt fabric bag)

These all have long sleeve versions and can be used for fall. Yay.

That's my fall sewing plan. What's yours?

Pattern Score Card Update

So the summer is over and we are well in to "back to school" mode. I spent the summer learning how to sew from patterns, rather than just sketch, drape and sew. I still find construction from patterns challenging, but I am making steady progress. Here is my final score card for patterns sewn this summer: 

Successes                                                Failures
*Vogue 8534 (dress & blouse)                Vogue 8647 (dress)
Vogue 8278  (dress)                                Vogue 8632 (dress)
New Look 6915 (blouse/tunic/mini dress)
*Kwik Sew 3394 (T-shirt dress)              Kwik Sew 3225 (wrap dress; unusual construction)
*Kwik Sew 2982 (tank dress)                    Kwik Sew 2954 (wrap skirt)
Kwik Sew 3551 (night gown)
*Kwik Sew 3074 (shorts)
Kwik Sew 3700 (bag/purse)

Pattern OK, But Would Not Repeat
Kwik Sew 3053 (woven dress with tie in back)
Kwik Sew 3085 (fleece jacket)
Kwik Sew 3633 (color block knit dress)
Kwik Sew 3739 (fleece coat)
Butterick Waverly B5507 (shopping and lunch bags)

I have a few more patterns yet to sew in my "learn to sew from a pattern" plan... but the good news, all are suited for fall:

Kwik Sew 3564 (woven quilt fabric jacket)
Kwik Sew 3658 (knit dress)
Kwik Sew 3870 (woven top)
Kwik Sew 3545 (woven quilt fabric bag)

Friday, September 16, 2011

Pattern Report: Kwik Sew 3053, cotton woven dress that ties in back

Kwik Sew 3052, tie in back
I bought this pattern before I knew about patternreview.com. I selected this pattern because I was determined to sew with more discipline and to learn how to use patterns, rather than sketch, drape and sew. 3053 is in the "learn to sew" series. The drawing looked like it was a basic dress similar to many in my wardrobe. Since the pattern had few pieces, it seemed (or should I say seamed) like a good pattern to begin my "learn to use a pattern when sewing quest."

The pattern got shoved to the bottom of my "to do" list and it was not until late summer I used it. Although my muslin was short sleeves, my intent was to make a fall dress from some yummy cotton fabric in my stash.

Pattern Description: XS-S-M-L-XL

Pattern Sizing:
I cut an XS on top and shaped down to a S at the hips.
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


Kwik Sew 3053, tie in front
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? As with most Kwik Sew patterns, the instructions are very clear.


I really like the fact that Kwik Sew publishes on paper, rather than tissue. Since I often sew patterns I like in different sizes for different family members, I really appreciate a pattern that is more durable and easier to trace.


Fabric Used: Cotton on sale for $2/yard at Hancock Fabrics


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I am undecided. I sewed this as a muslin, but found the dress just boring and blah whether I tied it in the front or the back.


Conclusion: Pattern OK, but I am unlikely to use again.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Pattern Report: Butterick Waverly B5507, shopping bag

Butterick B5507
Pattern Description: Butterick Waverly B5507, shopping and lunch bags

Pattern Sizing: None


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


Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This pattern was easy to sew and I like that the bag folds up inside itself ...but the shape of the bag makes it poorly suited for shopping. The bag is very wide and shallow. The shape is not well suited for shopping as groceries may fall out.

Fabric Used: Mystery fabric bought on sale at Hancock Fabrics. I first used the fabric for making a muslin and then cut up the muslin to recover the fabric and use to make grocery bags.

Embroidery close up
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None other than embroidering on the bag prior to sewing.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I am unlikely to use this pattern again.


Conclusion: The pattern was OK, but not for me.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Pattern Report: Kwik Sew 3085, rainbow fleece jacket

Kwik Sew 3085
Pattern Description: Kwik Sew 3085 Misses' Jackets


Pattern Sizing: XS-S-M-L-XL

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, very.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The pattern was huge. I made an XS and it was still quite large.

Fabric Used: Fleece on sale for $3/yard from Hancock Fabrics


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
This was a wearable muslin made with inexpensive fleece. If I make this pattern again I will need to narrow the shoulders and shorten the entire length of the jacket.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I made this jacket for my daughter who liked it even though it did not fit as well as I wanted. I may sew it again, but I was disappointed at how off the sizing was on this pattern (compared to other Kwik Sew patterns).

Conclusion: 
Pattern OK, but unsure if I will use again

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Pattern Report: Kwik Sew 3739, zebra fleece coat

Kwik Sew 3739
I found some zebra fleece in the bargain bin at Hancock Fabrics. I could not decide if it was fabulous or not, but at $3 a yard I purchased it to use as a "muslin" for new fleece patterns.

Then the fall catalogs began to arrive. After seeing the Sonia Rykiel animal print coat at Bloomingdales and the Chloe python print coat and the Roberto Cavalli jaguar print caftan at Bergdorf Goodmans, I decided my zebra print was a real score.

Kwik Sew 3739
Still, I had a hard time deciding what to do with this zebra fleece fabric. The hunt was on and I found my inspiration at Neiman's with the Brushstroke-Print Cashmere Cardigan. The shape looked a lot like the Kwik Sew 3379, version B but I also liked the shape of Kwik Sew 3096. ..... but neither pattern was available at my local store, so instead I made Kwik Sew 3739.

Pattern Description: Kwik Sew 3739 Coats

Pattern Sizing: XS-S-M-L-XL 
I cut an XS on top tapered to a S on bottom. 

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


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 
This pattern was more sack like than I expected. It is better suited as a robe or a "house coat" than a coat.

Fabric Used: Fleece from Hancock Fabrics


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Perhaps. It is nice for cold days, while watching TV.


Conclusion: Pattern OK, but not for me.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Pattern Report: Kwik Sew 3633, long sleeve color blocked knit dress

Kwik Sew 3633
Pattern Description: Pullover dress


Pattern Sizing: XS-S-M-L-XL 
I cut an XS on top and tapered down to between a small and a medium on the bottom

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.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the look of color block! I wanted a fall dress and I made this long sleeve, perfect for transition weather.

I had difficulty attaching the top to the skirt. The seam kept stretching and coming out more textured than I like.


Fabric Used: Cotton interlock from Hancock Fabrics


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 again. I was never completely pleased with the cross seam joining the color block.


Conclusion: OK pattern, but did not work for me. Photos to follow.