Monday, May 21, 2007

Groovy Luscious













Saturday, May 12, 2007

"Shirred" Delight

To update my spring/summer wardrobe, I created the short sleeve version of Burda 7942 with shoulder casings and ties.

Shoulder ties and casings
A rectangular piece was sewn from the top to the bottom of each sleeve in three parallel rows. I sewed four pieces (cut on the bias) of ties (right sides together and turned them out using a safety pin) and inserted them through the casings with a safety pin.

Conclusion One of the few patterns that I revisited because I liked the style and fit and the ease of construction. The ties and the shirring at the shoulders added a distinctive flair to the short sleeved version.








Monday, May 07, 2007

Puzzling Print




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Pattern Description
Semi-fitted blouse with ruching at the front's princess seams and sleeve variations. Has interfaced collar, front facing and center back seam. I sewed View A, the long sleeved blouse.

Size
European sizing 36-38-40-42-44. I sewed a "40" corresponding to a "14".

Fabric Used
Cotton with pastel camo print. I enjoy sewing with wild fabric prints and creating something that drifts away from my usual wardrobe!

Likes
* Blouse was easy to put together.
* Seam allowances are included in pattern pieces.
* Seam numbers were included.
* Gathering/ruching in the front (gathering was done between two marked stars on the front pieces). The edge of a front gathered piece should match up with the edge of its corresponding side front before stitching them together.
* The directions flowed well and included helpful illustrations. Steps such as side seams and sleeve seams were not numbered and did not include illustrations.
* Surprisingly, instructions for assembling and attaching neck collar and sleeve cuffs were sufficiently clear and easy to follow.
* Included reminders/tips for setting in sleeves.

Dislikes
* Nothing to dislike. The only thing that I somewhat bothered me was taking a little more time in easing the collar onto the neckline. I ended up snipping quite a bit of the top edge of the collar after attaching the front facing.

Modifications
I used 4 large buttons instead of 7 small buttons as shown in the technical drawing. My top is not as low cut as pictured on the pretty model.

Conclusion
The blouse ended up looking more like a shirt/jacket. I rarely wear button down shirts because I would rather wear a camisole or a sleeveless top underneath and not having to button the front.

I'll sew a poly blend version and also the short sleeves with the tie casingsm which seems very "in" right now. I recommend this top because it is very easy to make and very versatile (any season of the year, dressy or casual occasions).

Saturday, May 05, 2007

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Mon artiste Heather and her celebration of spring through her watercolor art!


She immediately wore her Diego themed outfit after I made it a few months ago!


"Rain Forest Adventure"


Heather sporting her Dora's "Primary Colors" outfit:


Coordinates well with her "Spring Fiesta"!


A smiling Valentine girl on Easter day!


She could easily blend with a "Peach and Berry Delight"!


I had high hopes for this simply chic shirt!


A camisole will do to make this shirt wearable! I really like the "cha-cha" sleeves that I created in place of the cuffs! It's fiesta time!