Work Worthy Button-up and Pencil Skirt

And here are two more additions to my work inspired capsule collection. 

For this shirt I used Simplicity 1941. The fabric is a white specialty cotton from Joann Fabrics. It was $19.50 for the fabric. I really love the texture of the fabric with its embroidery detail- you may not be able to make it out in the photos. 

I like the princess seams of this pattern. This pattern includes fit-as-you-go instructions. I ended up nipping it in a little here and there for a more fitted look. I also like the pleating of the sleeves. It gives it a more feminine look without going overboard. 

This was very easy to sew and a great addition to the work wardrobe. It will go with a variety of bottoms, toppers, and accessories. 

For the skirt, I used Hot Patterns 1011. First let me reminisce- this is the very first pattern I blogged about here! Man, I looked young! I still have the denim version of this skirt and continue to wear it. 

The fabric was out of my stash. It is a gray, stretch suiting from Gorgeous Fabrics. I don't remember exactly how much I paid but I would imagine between $10-$15 a yard. I used about 1 yard for this.  I love the feel of this fabric- the perfect weight and stretch for work-wear. 

This skirt was super easy to sew!

I've already worn this skirt several times. It works great with several different blouses I own. 

~Jenny 

Graphic Archer

First finished garment of 2014! I will spare you a full review as this is my second go at the Grainline Archer pattern. My chambray Archer has already seen plenty of wear. Often times I am waiting for it to come out of the dryer so I can put it on!

 

 

 

This version was made using a crepe de chine print from GorgeousFabrics.com. I love this geometric print. It reminds me of the 80's... but in a cool, modern way. And I loved sewing with this fabric. It feels so light and silky but is very easy to work with.

 

 

~Jenny

Grainline Archer in Chambray

My inner dialogue:

 

"Why is everyone going nuts over this Archer pattern? It's just a button-up shirt people. Get over it!"

 

months later...

 

"Hey, you know what might look really good with that one skirt you've never worn?"

 

"What's that?"

 

"A button-up shirt in chambray."

 

"That's a good idea. You could use that Burda pattern you used to make your flannel shirt again."

 

"True, true. Or I could try that Archer pattern from Grainline Studio and finally see what all the hub-bub is about."

 

"Do it!"

 

 

Yes, it's all true. I actually scoffed at the cult following that the Archer received. However, things changed recently when I did a major purge of my closet. I went through everything and got rid of things that were no longer my style, or things that don't fit and ain't gonna anytime soon. During the process, I found some gems that I had forgotten, including this skirt. I won this skirt on Ebay many moons ago- I'm talking 6-7 years. I fell in love with the shape, print, and sequin accents. But alas, I've never worn it because I could never pair it with the right shirt.

 

I got the idea of the chambray from Jessica Quirk of . I've been following her for years and have always been green with envy admired her for the way she styles her outfits. The chambray shirt is one of her staples. She wears it alone, layers it with other pieces, and quite frequently pairs it with fancier skirts.

 

You guys don't need a full review of the Archer as it has been done a thousand times before me (hey, I'm slow to catch on sometimes). But I will sum it up. This is one of the most well drafted indie sewing patterns that I've worked with. Everything went together perfectly. The instructions are clear. Jen did a great sewalong. I'm not new to sewing button-up shirts but I still learned some new tricks after perusing the sewalong links.

 

 

The chambray fabric is from my stash- probably from Joann Fabrics. I'm totally in love with this shirt. I did not want to take it off- it is so comfortable! It has just the right amount of ease. It's quite versatile. I wore this out to lunch with my family with skinny jeans and flats after the photo shoot. My husband promises to take me somewhere nice to show off my skirt!

 

Like many before me, I will declare the Archer's praises and proclaim that I too want to fill my closet with many versions of this wardrobe staple!

 

~Jenny

 



Key to My Heart Alma

My second experience with Sewaholic patterns is another success! This is the Alma blouse, pattern 1204. It is a semi-fitted blouse with neckline and sleeve variations. It has an invisible zipper. As you can see, I made the long sleeved version with the notched neckline.

 

The fabric is another purchase I made during a sale at GorgeousFabrics.com. It is 100% rayon challis. I just love the weight and feel of this fabric and it sews up very nicely. Click here for a better view of the print which is a itty bitty heart and key design. I spent $21 on fabric.

 

I stayed true to one of my New Years goals and spent extra care and time on the finishing. I did french seams to conceal the raw edge except along the zipper seam and sleeve caps. On these seams, I encased the raw edge in seam binding. It truely made a difference in the quality and feel of the finished product!

 

The pattern is available in sizes 0-16. I made a 12 based off of my measurements. It fit perfectly without any adjusments. I found this easy to sew but the instructions are minimal. If you are a novice, you may need a handbook or internet handy for steps such as inserting the invisible zipper.

 

I really like the design of this blouse. The front and back darts give it a nice feminine shape, creating curves for those who do not have them but allowing those with curves to show them off!

 

I wore this out the first time as you see here- with skinny jeans and flats.

 

~Jenny

Swiss Dot Top and Burda Pants

Here are two more projects inspired by my Spring/Summer 2012 wardrobe. The top is actually one I added in. I thought the floral print would work well with the color scheme and would be versatile in that it could be paired with several of the bottoms and jackets. The ankle-pants are actually a mock-up of the yellow pants in my inspiration photo. I'm still on the prowl for the perfect shade of yellow, stretch denim or twill fabric for my "real" pair of pants. I also want a pair in pink, like a hot pink.

Let's start with the blouse...

Simplicity 2892

I made view C which is sleeveless, has a pleated neckline, and waistband. I used a cotton swiss dot from JoAnn Fabrics. I spent just under $10. It is very easy to sew, spent about 3-4 hours making it up. The only change I made was to grade the waistband up one size from the rest of the blouse. I was afraid it might be too tight but turns out I probably could have got away with making it all one size.

I am very pleased with the blouse! It is nice and lightweight for the warmer weather but will work great under cardigans and jackets later on.

Next up is the pants. I used Burda Style magazine, issue 07/2010, style 103.

These are a slim fitting pant. They have a jean styling with front pockets, a front zip fly, waistband, belt loops, and back yoke. You can't tell from the pictures but there's also quite a bit of topstiching detail.

I used a black stretch bottom weight, also from Joann Fabrics. I spent about $19.

They are relatively easy to see with some knowledge of pant construction. I did have to consult some illustrated instructions for constructing the front zip fly though. I spent about 5 hours sewing them.

I like the styling of the pant. And they are a very good fit, straight off the pattern without any adjustments. My one dislike is they are a bit high waisted for my preference. They go above my belly button which isn't the most flattering fit for my shape. I usually prefer 1-2 inches below my belly button for comfort of wearing and I think they are more flattering. I know I could probably lower the rise but I don't want to fuss with it. I'll just look for another pattern with lower rise.
I don't know that I will make my colored pants using this pattern. I'm actually leaning toward a skinny fit jean pattern so that they will transition into Fall/Winter. But these are a decent, basic black pant.

Ha! I'm trying to do my amateur model pose while the little one runs amok in the background!

~Jenny

Ivory Ruffle Blouse

Here is my ruffle blouse inspired by my Spring/Summer 2012 project. This blouse is actually very close to the inspiration photo. I used Burda Style Blouse 117 from the 08/2009 issue. This blouse is a part of the Parisian Fashion section of the magazine. I've been wanting to make this entire section of garments for years but this is my first one.

I used silk crepe de chine from Gorgeous Fabrics. I spent $21 for 2 yards. This fabric is a dream to sew with! It wasn't as slippery to work with as other silk type fabrics but it creates a beautiful, semi-sheer look in the end.

This went together fast and easy... I had no problems following the usually cryptic Burda instructions. It's rated "easy to sew"by the magazine too. I didn't have to make any alterations, the fit was great and true to size based off of their measuring chart.

I used french seams for the sides and shoulders. I understitched the neck facing to prevent it from rolling to the outside. I also did a "very narrow hem" instead of a regular narrow hem on the ruffles and bottom edge.

Not the greatest photo with inside lighting.

I love this blouse! I wore this for the first time in Florida, during a "Sip-and-See" hosted by my parent-in-laws. It's a southern tradition that involves wine, snacks, and a baby on display. People drop in to socialize and meet the baby for the first time. We had great fun and I received many compliments on my blouse. I would love to make this in some other colors- maybe some prints. This is going to be versatile in my wardrobe. It will go great under jackets too.

~Jenny

Pattern Review: Simplicity

This is my 15th entry into the Pattern Stash Contest at Pattern Review.

Pattern Description: Misses'/Miss petite knit mini dress or top and hat.

I made view D which is the short sleeved top.

Pattern Sizing: This pattern is available in sizes 4-18. I made a 14.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? I thought that the instructions were fine. I did not find any errors or have difficulty with the instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I was drawn to this top because I liked the look of the neck band- it looks like it is elasticized but it really isn't- it's just gathered. I also like the elasticized sleeves.

Dislike- I do not like how the gathered neck band is made. The neckband is a separate piece with another separate "drape" that goes over it. The drape is gathered at both the concave and convex curves to give it that elasticized look. Then the drape is stitched to the neckband and attached to the body of the shirt. The end product is kind of wonky. I don't know how else to describe it but the concave gathers do not match the convex gathers. In other words, the gathers are not parallel. This probably does not make any since until you go to make it. Luckily the print of my fabric disguises the wonkiness.

Fabric Used: ITY jersey from Denver Fabrics. . I just purchases about half a dozen pieces of ITY jersey- I really like how it feels to wear.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I went down one size from what the pattern recommended for my measurements. I also omitted the tie belt and made the petite adjustments in length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't think I will sew this view again. As much as I liked looking at it, it's kind of boring to wear and I don't like the wonkiness of the neck band. But I think I will try the mini jumper. It has a different neckband. And it would look totally cute with tights and boots for Fall.

Conclusion: Blouse is ok, good to wear under jackets and good basic... nothing special.




~Byrdie

Simplicity 2854- Pattern Review

This is garment number 7 in the Pattern Stash Contest at Pattern Review. This catches me up on my postings for all of my recent creations.

Simplicity 2854- this pattern is for blouses with collar and sleeve variations. I was drawn to this pattern for view F- it has no collar and short sleeves with bands. However, I made view D with white cotton sateen I had left over from another project. View D has ruffles along the armband and waistline.

I made a 14- my usual one size smaller than the pattern recommends.

The pattern was easy to make. I'm just not excited with the end product. In fact, this one is going in the Goodwill pile after I post it. The pattern and design are fine, I think I just used the wrong fabric for it. The sateen is too heavy and crisp for this design. I might give this pattern another whirl in view F in a lightweight batiste, voile, or something else that is more floaty. The white just doesn't do it for me.



~Byrdie