Catching Up - The Sewing Workshop Edition

These are a couple of tops that I managed to get done during the insane work period.  Both are from the Sewing Workshop line.

The first one is the Olive from the Alex & Olive pattern.  I  started with the size L for the shoulders and bust and graded out to the XL for the hips. Have I mentioned that I am a sucker for the "flowy", effortlessly chic look? It doesn't always work on me, but I will almost always try it. I am happy to say that this was mostly a success. 

Don't know what was going, but this
was the best facial expression we could get

It did not look quite as "flowy" on me as the line drawings led me to believe, even though my measurements fit pretty squarely in the size range I used.  That's OK, this was a test anyway and I think I have figured out how to fix it when I make it again.

I will add a triangle of fabric in the seam that wraps to the front to add a little more room at the hips.  I'm leaving the shoulders and bust alone, because they are a comfortable fit.

I may try to shorten that back waist a little, or maybe not, the extra fabric in front may take care of that. I will also try to remember to use a light interfacing behind the zipper.

It's a good thing this one was a test, because the fabric has let me down.  The stripe is from Girl Charlee and I have had it several years in the stash. So not a clue what the fabric content is but after only a couple of wears it has pilled up so badly.  The solid is a rayon/lycra blend from WalMart (approximately 5-6 years ago), of all places, and it has held up way better than the more expensive fabric.

Oops, tired, punchy, and too many reruns of Cops

Like I said it was a trial run of the pattern, so I'm not too miffed.  I will the reclaim the zipper and use it in another project.  I do have a much nicer fabric from the stash planned to make this pattern again.

The other top is the Odette pattern from the Odette and Ivy.  I used the same sizing as the Olive for this one. And I'm pretty sure that the only change I made to pattern was to scoop the neck out about 1.5" and looking at this picture I may scoop it out a little more on the re-make.  Those high necks are just not comfortable and not my best look.

I used 3 T-shirts that I thrifted from the local Goodwill. 

Got a little Velcro butt going on here

I have gotten quite a few compliments on both of these tops and dear daughter has asked for versions to add to her closet.  Can't beat that!!! Overall I am happy with both of these tops and plan to use both patterns again.

Me and my photographer

Happy Sewing, Suzanne

The Metropolitan Domino Sweat-Shirt

My last completed project in January and it falls in my intention of sewing a "new-to-me" pattern each month.

I loved this pattern when I looked at the line drawing.  I am a huge fan of the slouchy-chic look and this pattern had a lot of appeal for me.  Unfortunately, I don't think I have the body type for it. It's just not my best look.

(And I'm apologizing ahead of time for the poor, poor photos.  We were having to get them indoors.)

 

So,I had no problems with the pattern itself.  I traced and sewed a straight size 16.  It usually works pretty well for me.  I did change the order of construction a little so I could put in a rolled hem and still have the front facings look neat.

The pattern says "mixed media sweatshirt is designed for medium-weight knits with a little stretch and body, like ponte, sweat-shirting or sweater knits". I used a sweater knit that was given to me, very little stretch, and I have no idea about the fiber content.  I think if I were to sew this again, I might go with a knit that had a little less body and more drape. 

And just for reference, see on the pattern drawing how the bottom of the shirt-tails look they should hit right about at your hip crease?? It may be hard to see on my picture, but they are quite a bit longer on me and I'm 5'10". About 4" taller than the patterns are designed for.  I would need to take about 3" off to be closer to the pattern drawing.

DH thinks this would be more flattering if the bottom of sweat-shirt were lengthened and no contrasting fabric for the shirt-tails, but I doubt I make this again.  Again, just not my best look.  This one will be worn around the house, it is very comfortable, and I won't be ashamed to answer to the door.

So this pattern may be finding a new home soon. 

Happy Sewing, Suzanne

The Blouse Back T

It's really the HP 1170 Fast & Fabulous Blouse Back T. Times 3, ya'll!!! I'm pretty sure I've never done this before in the years and years that I've been sewing.  I tend to be kind of magpie, new, shiny, NEW patterns.  Must try the NEW patterns.

But I was happy with the fit on the first one and it's so, soooooo comfortable, that I sewed it twice more.

The only alteration I did was a forward shoulder adjustment of approximately 1".  Otherwise, based on my reasonably good luck with HP, I made a straight size 16.

Version uno is made from a really drapey rayon blend (the navy was in the stash forever) and a cotton jersey (chevrons from Girl Charlee).  I'm not sure how long either will hold up, because they are so thin, but I will enjoy while I can.

Looking at the picture the rayon seems to be give a Velcro effect, but it is so comfortable I will wear it anyway!

Version dos is made from some poly ITY.  The black was in the stash forever and the print has resided there as well.  I do remember getting the print from Gorgeous Fabrics, I just don't remember when.

And version tres is made from a striped cotton/lycra from Girl Charlee fabrics also purchased a while ago.  The back was made from a very lightweight cotton in my stash.  It started it's life in my home white and with the help of a Craftsy class (The Art of Cloth Dying with Jane Dunnewold) I tried to give a little design and color.  I'm not sure I was entirely successful in that because it turned out a whole lot more subtle than I was imagining.  Turns out I like the subtle, but I was picturing those rings as white. Note to self: but get the rubber bands tight!  Oh well, I still like the yellow with the navy, so it will be worn. I also cut the neckband and arm bands on the bias, because I liked the stripes like that and I can!

 

Although I am not convinced this pattern is my best look, all three of these will be worn, because they feel like pajamas.  So on those days when you just need some comfort clothing, out one of these will come.  I doubt I make anymore right now though, it's a pretty distinctive pattern.

Not sure what my photographer was thinking or what I was talking about!

I should say I doubt I make anymore for me, I may be persuaded to make 1 or 2 for dear daughter, because when she saw version uno and I quote "OOOOOOO, I may want to swipe that".  Hah, can't beat that with a stick.

Happy Sewing, Suzanne