Sunday, September 20, 2015

Sewing Repeats; McCall's 6886 and Lekala 5871

First, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the great feedback on my Minoru! I normally reply to comments but didn't get a chance to stay on top of them.

We had a couple of really rainy days so I've gotten a chance to wear it - yay!

Right at the start of the month I made M6708 and have yet to review it because I couldn't do the buttonholes. I need to get it finished!!! Well, I'd used a contrasting fabric for the bands thanks to great advice from Instagram sewing friends, and then decided to make a simple knit dress from the contrast fabric!

I used M6886, which I made when it first came out in 2013. I didn't like the fabric and sent the dress to my mom, who loves it! So, win!

This went together really fast...


I can't find my selfie remote so poor mirror pics it is...SORRY!

I made no size changes from last time; 14 through the neck/shoulders, 16 through the bust/waist and an 18 hip. 

I did add a neck binding by measuring around subtracting about 20%. My band is 23.25" by 2.5" for the size 14 neck.

I had tried it on with a bunch of sweaters and jackets and was all prepared to take pics today but 1) I can't find my remote! and 2) I don't really feel well. So pictures on Lily!



With denim jacket, emerald B5926, red-orange cardigan, M6708 cardigan

After sewing my Minoru, I decided I wanted to use this striped ponte for another version. 





This fabric is so much thicker that the need for a swayback adjustment is much more evident. 

Initially, I sewed smaller seam allowances but it just looked sad. It is a fitted dress so if you wanted a looser fit, you'd need to remove some of the curvature from the pattern. Otherwise it just looks like you have on a too-big dress. I ended up nipping the hip curve in a little more. 

I used the shorter sleeve length from the pattern; but I ended up shortening it another 3 inches. It hit me at a weird spot.

I added 3" to the length and then hemmed it about 1.25". I did a 1" hem on the sleeves and used the same neck binding measurement as before.

With the same jackets/cardigans:


It really did look cute with the polka-dot cardigan!!!! 

At some other point (the days run together...) I'd worn my khaki Lekala skirt and decided I should have a dark floral denim one for fall.

I could not find a dark floral that I like. I even checked Fabric.com in desperation!!!! Nothing at FabricMart, nothing at Mood, nothing at Hancock, and again out of desperation I checked JoAnn! 


I was cleaning the sewing room and found this cut of fabric that I'd forgotten about. I had 1.25 yards of it so a straight skirt was pretty much the only option for it. I think I initially bought it for shorts.

Lekala 5871

As before, I lengthened the skirt 2 inches because I eliminated the bottom band. I left off the pockets and belt loops this time as well. And I reversed which side was the fly. 


I did a great job matching the "outside" of the yoke to skirt. But didn't account for the darts. DANG IT! :) I still love it though!


Paired with my M7093 wrap top and a denim jacket. I also like it with a white top but otherwise didn't like any light-colored tops with it. Maybe because I'm thinking fall and boots??

I had a really productive sewing days Friday evening and yesterday...but today I am sidelined. When your kids love you too much...you get their cooties!

*all fabric from FabricMart