Sunday, August 10, 2014

UPDATED! Finished Items: Simplicity 1696 and Vogue 9026

Ok definitely cuter with a solid.



Edited to add: I first cut S1696 like, a year ago. From a coral stretch bottomweight.  And then I realized I'd cut them with vertical stretch. I put the pattern away. 

I pulled it back out for the mini wardrobe contest and cut them from a lime stretch twill. And then I realized I'd cut them with vertical stretch. I put the pattern away.

I was ready to burn this pattern and never bother with it again; it was cursed. CURSED!!! :) And then I Erica's and decided I would tackle them!!!

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I had a vision of a floral pant with striped top. I do not like these two together...at all. And I'm tired and mildly cranky and I'm just going to copy my PR reviews...mmkay :)






Pattern Description: 
Slim pants have fly front, contoured waist band and front slash pockets. 

Pattern Sizing:
8-16 and 14-22. For SOME odd reason I had the smaller size range. I blame this on my beginning days...I would just grab the pattern from the drawer and run.

I had to have a Tim Gunn "make it work" moment with sizing. THANK you for 1" side seams.

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! The instructions were very good and included all the important stuff like under stitching. I don't think the Amazing Fit pattern fit instructions are completely helpful...but I think the overall instructions are good.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
LOVE!!!!

The pockets, the pocket facing (which is much nicer than just sewing the pocket to the front...I love the leg width, love the curved waistband and love the extension at the back crotch seam.

Fabric Used:
Floral denim from SR Harris. Polka-dot quilting cotton for the pocket bags.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Whew. Hang on to your hat.

Again, I had the size 16 and NEEDED the size 18. The finished hip width was 43" but I had the extra seam allowance to play with. BUT I have apparently gained weight. I basted 1/2" side seams and could barely pull them up.

After much trying on and unpicking and resewing; I ended up with:
5/8" front crotch seam
1/2" back crotch seam
1/2" inseam (I know...but I really, really needed that extra room)
3/8" side seams

I added 1" to the back rise with a wedge and removed 1/2" from the front crotch. I pegged the leg about 1/2" but I don't think it's really necessary with this pattern.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
yes. yes. Yes and yes. This is a really fantastic pattern - especially if you have the right size! 

I have since picked up the bigger size range, added to the back crotch point and did a full thigh adjustment. 

Pair #2 has been cut...in red RPL. Cannot wait.

Conclusion: 
A fantastic pair of slim fit, casual pants. Again...I have to refrain from turning like every eligible fabric into these pants.

These took me quite awhile to sew up, but that's because I wanted to ensure I was doing REALLY good work on them. So they are very neatly sewn and I am super proud of my blind hem!

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Pattern Description: 
MISSES' TOP: Semi-fitted, pullover top has neck band variations, side front seams and long sleeves. A and B: sleeve and lower bands. C: collar and stitched hems. FABRICS: Moderate Stretch Knit: Jersey, Cotton Knit, Interlock, Lt.Wt. Sweater Knits.

Pattern Sizing:
XS - XL, I cut a medium.

The medium has a finished bust of 40.5". 
Ask me why I chose a medium? I dunno. I was on a "let's not pay attention to sizing" streak.

That's pretty dang close to my full bust measurement so I should have cut a large.

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?
I did not use them. There's the front, back, sleeve and then the bands. Construction is pretty cut and dry.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
There is blousing around the bottom (you've got to really stretch that bottom band...) but it is somewhat fitted at the bust. That was a little odd for me. 

I really like the sleeves and it fits well through the shoulder.

Fabric Used:
Ponte knit from FabricMart

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I sewed the front to back with 3/8" side seams. I attached the neckband flat and the sleeve and bottom bands in the round. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I might sew it again. I'd have to do some kind of FBA on it. 

I tried reallllly hard to match the stripes and the angle just wouldn't allow me to so I "matched" pink to white in an attempt to make it look intentional.

Conclusion: 
It was a very fast project and it's okay...I tried it on with jeans and still didn't love it. It's currently in the sweater box and maybe it'll make me happier come fall.

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In an effort to revive the mojo...and inspired by Erica B's kimono, I went ahead and cut out S1318 and got it almost finished! But no dice...I haven't been in the cave at all today. I know the mojo will return soon. I can wait.



My FIRST rolled hem!!! More on that later.