Well, I think it's about time that I report on how I did on my work for the
Wardrobe Contest. We had such a good time enjoying our summer vacation that it was hard to complete all 10 items. I was able to finish 3 1/2 items. I was sad that I didn't meet my goal of being able to enter this contest. Here are my items:
Top #1
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| Simplicity 2696 |
This was a frustrating top but I like how it turned out and I wear it often. (Blogged
here.)
Bottom #1: Skirt
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| Simplicity 2413 |
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Pattern Description: Misses' skirts, each in two lengths
Pattern Sizing: D5 4,5,8,10,12
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much, but I sized mine to fit on my lower waist. I think this was a wrong decision.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very clear and easy to follow.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like having the pockets and they were easy to make. I also like the full skirt feel. It's fun to wear and makes me feel feminine.
Fabric Used: stretch sateen (love it!)
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: As I was fitting as I sewed, I realized the waist was going to be too tight and I should have made a size bigger. I made some alterations and decided I would feel more comfortable all day at work if the skirt sat lower on my waist. After seeing the pictures of the finished skirt, I realize this was not a flattering decision. It makes me look like I either have no waist or a wide waist.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definitely sew this again and highly recommend this to others.
Conclusion: Cute skirt that was easy to make and will be a great staple in my wardrobe. I plan to alter this skirt so it will sit higher on my waist to make it a bit more flattering.
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| Here I am looking like I have no waist. Bad alteration decision, still need to fix this. |
Top #2:
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| Simplicity 2925 |
I haven't written a review on PatternReview.com for this one yet.
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| Back view |
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| Top is made from silk-like material and the belt and shoulder straps are silk. |
I was not happy with how this top turned out. It looks like a silky paper bag with a belt. I think I should have made the view with sleeves. I think I hate those straps. The material is really pretty and feels so nice. I didn't put in the back zipper as the pattern recommends. It makes it kinda tricky to put on but it works. I just make sure to put makeup on
after I put the top on.
This is how I wore it to a baby shower. I think I wore a different black sweater that was shorter and 3/4 length sleeves. I like this look for work.
Free Choice: Dress
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| Butterick 5455 |
I haven't written a review on PatternReview.com for this one yet either. This is my almost 4th item. This is a semi-fitted straight dress. I really like how this has turned out so far. It's made from a silk-like material and the contrast band was made with the same black sateen as the skirt above. I still need to hem the bottom and hand sew the sleeves. I had to do some alterations for small shoulders and let out the waist a bit. I think I'm improving a tiny bit in mixing two sizes of patterns to get my fit (smaller on top and and bigger on the bottom.) I know, I know, hand sewing=yuck. I tried three times to figure out how to machine sew the arm holes with the lining, but it was impossible. How do you turn it right side out afterward? Impossible I say! But since then, I have found tutorials on how to do it. Aw well. I'm not about to rip out seams for the 4th time. I'll just hand sew.
I love the fit and the fact that it has pockets. I'll model in it when I get the finishing touches done. Hmmm, where to wear this? Anniversary coming in October.....
So, almost 4 items out of 10. I guess it's not too shabby for a novice and mom of a 1 1/2 year-old.
