Piecies 2 and 3 of Winter 6 Pack

I did quiet a bit of sewing in December just not a whole lot of posting. So bare with me as I try to catch up in the next several posts.

First are two more pieces of my Winter Six Pack (six piece collection). I have been sewing along with my fellow sewist over at Stitcher's Guild who have been working on a six piece winter collection. The original idea is that you are sewing a SWAP but it has been split up in to smaller seasonal collections. This works out great for me as I would like to both fill holes in my collection and lack the attention span to try to sew a larger 12 or more piece SWAP. The formula that is suggest for winter looks like this:

WINTER

Trousers (dark neutral)
2 Tops (1 to match, 1 to complement)
2 layering tops/cardigans/jackets (1 to match, 1 to complement)
Coat (dark netural)

I've changed is slightly and hope mine will look like this:
2 pants/leggings

3 tops (1 solid and 2 print)
1 layering piece

coat

This would be 7 pieces and that's ok because it may grew into more. I did not chose a theme for this collection instead I want each piece to be able to work as a casual weekend wardrobe. But I did not want it to just be sweats. The hope was that each piece could be as casual or dressy as it wanted to be. "Sew" working in a endless combination style I have now completed 5 pieces.

THE COAT : Is Lutterloh supplement 268 #275 that I review here in a previous post.

THE SOLID TOP: is piece 2. It was made from Lutterloh supplement 272 #201. This piece is my last piece of 2010 as it was made over my Christmas break. This top along with the other first five pieces in this collections I made no alterations. I wanted to test how close to fit Lutterloh is and I was very pleased.  

Pattern Description:

Knit top with 3/4 sleeves and facing plus matching knit pull on pants.
Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.
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?
Lutterloh has no directions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This pattern was super simple to put together. The pieces and few markings went together smoothly. Only dislike is I got some puckering in the sleeve cap which was inserted flat method. Not sure if this was an ease issue or a sewing issue.
Fabric Used:
Black slinky knit that’s been in stash for over a year from Wal-Mart.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made no design changes or alterations. I wanted to test how it would work if I did not do pattern surgery. What I discovered is I really need to do a 1/2 inch narrow shoulder alteration.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I would sew this again. Yes I would recommend it to others as it is a good wardrobe builder. Even a beginner can make this top as long as they have a good Idea how a basic t-shirt goes together.
Conclusion:
This is a great little top that is very versatile and can be dressed up and down.

THE LEGGING:  is piece 3 of the collection. This pieces was my first piece of 2011 and was completed during my Christmas break on New Years weekend. I was not going to make any leggings but I realized I really like how they look with tunic length tops and they seem to give a more finished look than many skinny jeans do. If I can find the fabric this will be made again as a jegging type garment.

Pattern Description:

This pattern is a knit pant/legging pattern perfect for layering or active wear.
Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.
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?
Lutterloh has no directions
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I want a quick and easy project to start out the New Year. This pattern only has 1 piece and is perfect to make the legging look that works so well with tunic length tops. I have no dislikes.
Fabric Used:
The fabric is a black double knit that came from fabric.com over a year ago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

All though worried at the start about the negative ease that is found in the waist of this pattern I made know adjustments and it worked out very well.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes I would recommend these to others. And Yes I hope to make them again.

Conclusion:

These legging have turned into one of my favorite pieces they are warm and comfy.

A parting shot. Me enjoying making the pattern for piece six. I will review piece 4 and 5 soon. Also a peak at my sewing room/library is coming soon. Tell next time happy sewing.

HaPpY New Year everyone. Make it a sewing good year.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to you and your family. May the season be filled with peace, love and joy.

MJ Returns

Moon walk, moon walk, spin squeal and grab the ....... OK so these are the moves my son has perfected for his impromptu Michael Jackson imitations. My son is a total MJ fan. It came as no surprise that he would ask me to make him a jacket to complete his Michael Jackson costume for Halloween 2010 complete with the Lutterloh pattern marked with a post it.


 The pattern he chose is Lutterloh Special edition 12 Children's Clothes 69. It was my first time sewing up a children's jacket and the first time since my son was a baby to actually making him a garment. Here is my review.

Pattern Description:

A late sixties early seventies inspired jacket. Buttons at cuff and welt pockets at waist. Original design has a welt pocket at bust level also. This jacket has no color and has darts for shaping.

Pattern Sizing:

This is a Lutterloh children's pattern so chest measurement 72-80 is most suited for this. The explained at the beginning of the publication to chose a style most closely resembling your child’s age.

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

Yes it looked like the drawing.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

No instructions. I consulted my Singer Sewing Reference Library Tailoring book and A Guide to Fashion Sewing. I also had one male friend take a look at his suit and describe to me what he saw. lol what fun that was.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved the two part sleeve. Lutterloh pieces for the most part go together smoothly. For some odd reason the sleeve caps did not want to fit into the sleeve opening. Not sure if I drafted it daffy or what but my easing was not working at all.

Fabric Used:
Poly/cotton twill charcoal from fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did not line this. We also left of the breast level welt pocket. First time I've done a welt pocket in years. The first one was not the best so we only made two at waist level. We had to do a little trimming at the sleeve cap which caused the sleeve in that area to be a little tight but again I did all my fitting on his sister who is not as wide in the shoulders. Sign next time I will fit on him.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes I will sew it again. My son is a huge Michael Jackson fan, and is enjoying his jacket. (Part of his Halloween costume.) I never quite know when he is going to moon walk across the floor.

This pattern is a good pattern and well constructed. Not sure why I had the troubles I did so yes I do recommend it.

Conclusion:

Great little jacket worked great for my son's Michael Jackson costume.

A Winter Coat Piece 1 Of The Winter 6 Pack

Currently I am trying to sew along with the 6 piece winter collection at Stitcher's Guild. If I get 4 pieces done by the time Pattern Reviews endless combinations contest. is in the final week I will enter. In the past I get side tracked entering contests.

I have been in need of a new winter coat for sometime. So a year ago I started playing with the idea of making one. With McCalls 4975 and some cheap polar fleece from Walmart I was ready to conquer first time coat making. It did not take very long into the project to realize the cheap fleece was cheap because it weave was not smooth in some places it was so thin you could see through it. So McCalls 4975 became a trial run that lost is fizzle and now sits hidden in a closet.

In spring I bought some new polar fleece well it was on sale at Hancock Fabrics. It wasn't the black I wanted but a lovely shade of gray. Who can work on a winter coat well it's warm out side not me. Fall is here and we have had our first snow fall. Thanks giving being a four day weekend seemed like the prefect time to try a coat again. I could not find the pattern for McCalls 4975 must be hiding up there in the closet with the coat. So out came my lutterloh and supplement 268 #275 seamed to fit what I was looking for.

This project went together so nicely. I had never sewn with polar fleece before. I was very scared to try to place any heat on it so my seams are not pressed open as nicely as I would like but I am happy with my new coat.

The Stats On It

3 yards charcoal polar fleece

3 1 inch black buttons with a shank

3  1 inch snaps.

I did not line this one.

My Review

Pattern Description:

This a wonderful princess seamed full cut winter coat that works well with the full figured and/or curvy.

Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Lutterloh has no directions. Used A Guide to Fashion Sewing when to double check what I had planned to do.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love how easy the pieces all fit together. Although I know the coat was cut full I wish it skimmed the body a little more.

Fabric Used:
Polar Fleece. I hate the feel of wool close to my skin. :) Even with a lining I would be itching.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None really. Gosh have not said that in a long time. I did not line this one and I used snaps instead of attempting button holes on this thick fabric.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes I will be my daughter pointed out she did not think it will be warm enough for our winters so I am thinking of making a lined one in faux fur.

Yes this is a great little coat. To get your winter coat making skills started.

Conclusion:

I love my new coat and hope to get lots of wear from it.

Homecoming 2010

One of the great joys of the high school experience for girls is the adventure of finding the perfect dress. One they hope no one else will have on for all those wonderful social events, dances and balls. The same experience for moms is not quiet so magical as at each store we see 100's of similar dress. 90% of them way to grown up for our little girl. Sigh the tug off war over allowing those little girls to become young women begins.

My oldest daughter learned real fast that often the dress picked up at the store was not what she expected and through her high school years to date has convinced me to make several of her dress. Over summer she laughed as she realized it was these dress that got her complements and peers wondering where her one of a kind gown came from.

With that thought my daughter watched carfully as each new Burda, Lutterloh, Vogue pattern magazine and all their friends came in the door. She often would say that dress would make a great  dress for ....... This summer was no different The July issue of Burda Style arrived and my daughter fell in love with Burda Style 07-2010-117 . This Lovely scarf dress fit both of my daughter style ideis of whimsical and ethnic. She is quiet happy with her choice for Homecoming 2010.

Pattern Description:

From Burda Style Unlimited Horizons: Strive for new fashion goals in this comfortable and striking jersey dress. A wide scarf caught in the lower left side seam is draped up over the right shoulder and across the back down to the side seam. What a stunning effect.

Pattern Sizing:
Size 34-42. I resized this up to a 44 for my daughter.

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?
For Burda the instructions were easy enough to follow. Only problem I ran into was attaching the narrow band. My daughter said she didn't like the narrow band any way so we eliminated it from the dress.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This dress fit my daughter's three main style elements simplicity, whimsical and ethnic. When she first saw this dress she knew she wanted it for her homecoming dress.

Our only disappointment came with small pieces of her bra showing and the fact that we could not find red satin jersey to make the dress in. otherwise all smiles.

Fabric Used:
We used a very pretty shade of blue satin jersey rescued from the local Goodwill store.
Total of 3.5 yards.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Had to resize the pattern from a 42 to a 44. Took 1 inch seams. We eliminated the narrow band, and tacked the scarf down in the front. No big alterations were needed.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes this would make a great little black dress. Yes it would be a fun dress to sew again.

Conclusion:
A funny little dress with all the wow power.

1st Blog Aniversary

One year ago on August 8 2009 I started this blog to journal the blooming I saw going on in my wardrobe.  With 23 blogs under my belt I don't think I'm doing so badly. But  I also see a few changes and fall aways did happen. I started out measuring the approximate cost of the garment I was making. this was for budget purposes as well as to answer  the question a friend asked if I felt I was really saving. The second fall away happened during a swap contest. I was content with trying not to purchase anything all year only but hit a creative road block so my mom bought me some clothes. I was unwilling to stop my spending on me or my kids, and I end up sewing less. Gosh that's not good

I re looked at what I'm doing. What I find important to blog about and if I have any current goals. First and foremost my blog is still and always will be primarily a journal about sewing, fashion, and reading. Secondly My first goal is to work toward finding styles that fit my body and my body type. So I will continue the route of creating TNT patterns. So more work and practice with fit are in this years plan. Two great sites to learn more about your body type are Inside Out Style and My Virtual Makeover.

Secondly I would again like to challenge my consumerism and make the majority of my clothes this year. So here is my plan Only unmentionable (undergarments, socks, tights spanx etc) can be bought new along with the occasional wow item and shoes. So I'm setting a budget of $15.00 per month for RTW which is allowed to carry over month to month. I am allowed to spend no more than $15.00 per month thrifting for sweaters, accessories and few hole filling items. My sewing budget I'm going to allow $40.00 per month this should cover fabric, notions and patterns. Note here it does not include renewing subscription to Burda or purchasing supplements for the Lutterloh as both of these come out of gift money. So that means my monthly clothing budget is $70.00. That's actually what it was set at last year but by the end of the year I found I had spent more than twice as much. It's funny because I seldom wear some of the budget busting pieces I had to have. Sigh time to get better focused.

Ok enough rambling on and on. Time for some sewing. I currently working on a lutterloh jacket. It is 92 in the 2009 lutterloh or 92 in supplement 270. Great little short sleeve zipper front jacket in woven. Until next time happy sewing. I'm so glad your on this journey with me.