Lighting McSheen






It's amazing how together light and angle can affect the appearance of a subject! Despite wearing a black knit shirt underneath, this top now looks a bit risque and naughty for my taste and possibly looks like something a good mommy and a woman past her 30's wear should not wear. I guess I am becoming conservative as time goes on. Now I know I how fabric and style can appear differently in front of a camera under various lighting and taken from certain angles!

Pattern Description:
Knit tops with gathered front and sleeve variations.


Pattern Sizing:
Misses' 6-16


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, except for the fabric and fit.


Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, assuming that you are familiar with methods such as gathering and stabilizing shoulder seams. They were brief and easy to follow.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the pattern because it is very easy to sew (top of front bodice, bottom of front bodice, back of bodice, and sleeve pieces) and has a timeless style. The neckline came down to an appropriate depth for me. The only thing I did not like was the given method to finish the neckline.


Fabric
Checkered printed spandex-type knit for my first version. I would achieve a different fit with a drapier knit.


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

*Sizing
I sewed a "10" at the shoulders, sleeveheads, and armholes, tapering to a "14" at the bust and hips. A "12" would have been for me at the shoulders.

*Finishing the neckline
According to the instructions, a band of the same fabric was sewn at the raw edge and turned inward to make a narrow seam. Instead, I used a piece of 1/4" elastic at the neckline for my sister's top (first version) which kept the neckline intact. For my top, I used 3 strips (3/4" wide) of mesh cut on the bias: one for the left front, the second for the right front, and the third for the back of the neckline. I cut each mesh strip about 1 1/4" shorter than the length of each section of the neckline. Then I slightly stretched, pinned and sewed each mesh strip 1/4" from the raw edge (visible or right side of fabric) and folded inward to sew a narrow seam.

*V-Shaped neckline
This is something I first did to my sister's top (the true first version of this top, in a smaller size)to further stabilize the neckline at the "v" point and to reduce the bunching made by the elastic. In desperation to save my sister's top, I snipped about 1 1/2" past the "v" point and join the edges together to make a little vertical seam at the center of the bust. Wow! The top looked much better! Then I noticed that one of my RTW knit tops had the same detail, except that the vertical seam was much smaller, about 3/8" !

So for my top, I snipped about 1/2" past the "v" point. I saw a little sweetheart neckline formed as a result of this, but that was fine with me.

*Sleeves
I sewed the sleeves in flat, instead of setting them in as instructed. Then I sewed the sleeve seams tapering off to the side seams of the top.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, but in a drapier knit, for a more modest and palatable look. If I wear my current top in public, I would wear it underneath a blazer.

I definitely recommend this pattern not only because it is quick and easy to sew but it is very versatile! Making a muslin would help to figure out if the neckline is at the preferred depth. You could get an entire set of unique looking tops by changing the fabric, style of sleeves, and adding decorative trim!

Conclusion
This is a definitely a very easy pattern and sews up quickly! I like the "arched" empire waist which makes the top more interesting!

Criss Cross Applesauce

I purchased this pattern because of the attractive red criss cross top!





Pattern Description:
New Look did not provide one. The pattern consisted of 5 versions of a knit mock wrap top with long or short sleeves, wrap tie options, and a criss-cross front I sewed version "A", the long sleeved top with the criss cross front and wrap tie.

** Note: There are actually 6 pattern pieces, not 7 as printed on the back of the envelope.


Pattern Sizing:
Misses' multi-size 6-16. I sewed a "14".


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except for my fabric choice.


Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes! Sharon M describes and shows the process of the criss cross of the upper bodice very well!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that version "A" consisted of 4 pattern pieces (upper front bodice with front sleeve, lower front bodice, back with back of sleeve and the tie.

I could have gotten away with the center back seam and instead opt for cutting the back as one entire piece.

The criss-cross sections of the bodice took less time to construct than the wrap-around ties! They were one-sided and required hemming at the edges (a serger would be very handy and save so much time!). It would have been easy to cut the ties wider so that they could be folded in half lengthwise, right sides together, stitched along the side and one tie end and turned inside out at the other end!

I was happy that the neckline did not come low and gape as expected.


Fabric Used:
A mystery type of thin knit that is slightly sheer, somewhat slippery and tricky to handle, but hugs figure contours well and also gives a slenderizing effect!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
For my first version, I did not make any alterations. If I make any version of the top again, I would slightly lower the seam under the bustline while raising the neckline, maybe 3/8".

In making the narrow hems for the neckline and bottom edge, I sewed 1/4" from the raw edge, folded a narrow hem, tucking underneath the 1/4" allowance. I found that this method probably coupled with the type of fabric kept the neckline intact.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes! This top would be ideal for sergers! If you enjoy sewing twist and wrap tops, then I highly recommend this pattern!

Conclusion
These tops are easy to construct and flatters all figures! After sewing this once, the next ones will be a breeze to whip up!

Dancing Princesses
Here are three ballerinas awaiting their winter dance recital (Heather's first!):





Heather, Sabrina, Aaliyah


Heather had the opportunity to get to know Sabrina better. Aaliyah is also 4 years old.

Naomi arrived at the chorus room (dressing room for the female dancers) cuing them to get set for their numbers. There seemed to be more action at the wings than on stage and in the audience! The curtains were closed behind the singers while they performed (what seemed to be an endless string of songs while the little dancers waited patiently and eagerly for their turn). The preteen/teen dancers were "trying" to cram some last-minute moves and lifts amidst the hushes and whispers.

Then "it's showtime"! The preteen/teen ballerinas performed the first version of Vivaldi's "Spring" and then the male dancers arrived onstage to dance with the ballerinas. As they left the stage, the darling dancing princesses arrived with their version of "Spring" (3:40 pm?) I was so elated and relieved to see my precious Heather perform her official first dance recital (technically her second one). She was dancing her heart away with her innocent face glowing with those expressive big and beautiful brown eyes looking somewhere, probably unaware of the audience in front of her. Little Sabrina probably panicked and bawled, running off the stage. She returned probably after mustering up more courage.

I was in my own little corner of a section in the wings, capturing a moment on film, near the floor to avoid being in the way of the other dancers and other stage "mothers" and also absorbing the effects of the spotlight which made the dancers appear pinkish. At least I had a fine view of Heather, despite certain circumstances, enjoying the spotlight and being a dancing princes for a brief instant. It seemed as if the little ladies were crammed altogether, which made it difficult for them to move freely and confidently. This was Heather's only dance which seemed to be an intense and uplifting experience. I felt that her father, grandma, and grandpa were tresuring this moment. As Jorgen asked Heather after the show, "Did you have fun?" The fun overrides any dance misteps and goofs that occur. What else can you expect from a child?

A description of Dec. 9, 2007. Just one of many "fun" and interesting days for us but most importantly, for Heatherina, the ballerina!

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Spring into Winter

My Vivaldi Ballerina fresh as springtime!




First impression: Easy to make!
Second impression: Not easy to make!
Last impression: Finally made!

I thought this would be an easy project to take on. I tried my best to copy a ballerina gown loaned to me by Heather's lead dance teacher: a gown that consisted of a velour spandex/stretch/knit leotard bodice and an attached semi-sheer nylon skirt adorned with strips of fabric flowers.

I admit it's my fault for procrastination, but I did what I can with time available after work and other responsibilities and duties. I waited three days prior to Heather's first ballet recital to create what I thought would be a quick and easy gown, which ended up being what I call a "creative challenge with certain constraints (time and materials)", but still a worthwhile experience.

Process
(1) I had a difficult time finding the material for the top and skirt! Maybe I was searching in the wrong places! At Joann's, Heather saw a ready-made "fairy" light purple leotard. I was originally resistant to buy it, thinking that I would find the material to sew the leotard. After my tireless search in Joann's and a nearby Yardage Town, we returned to Joann's and without hesitation, reservation, and regret, I purchased the RTW leotard, with the belief that it might fit Heather.

(2) Sew-on fabric flowers? Easy to find? No!!!!!!!!!!! It seems that when there is a purpose to shop, it seems that the shopping becomes purpose-less! We tried searching Michael's (finally found the pink holiday tree we wanted!), Yardage Town, and a shop that specializes in fabric flowers for special occasions for some little fabric flowers. Again...zilch! I could not find any pink, blue, purple flowers with each having a diameter of 1". If I did find little flowers with potential, they had stems. I told Heather that we give it one more try at Michael's. We went to the bridal/special occasion section at Michaels and spent about $20 in the little pink and light lavendar fabric flowers with stems, including Heather's $3 book of great illustrated classics for children. I cut off the flowers from the stems and hand-sewed them (one by one) onto the organdy ribbon strips. I made 6 strips (2 side, 1 back, 3 front) of flowers and one long one to tie around her hair bun at the back of her head.


While clearing the living room, I found one of Heather's artificial leis on the ground. If only this incident arrived before making her gown! Then
**light bulb **(that turned on a little too late!) I could have gone to a party supplies store and purchased several leis to take them apart for the vibrantly colorful fabric flowers (99 cents a lei!)!!

(3) Skirt: I was not able to find a semi sheer nylon mesh (probably used for the underlinings of window curtains) and opted for the closest I could find - a more delicate sheer mesh, more suitable for tutus. I hand gathered nearly 8 feet wide of the mesh using running stitches, being careful not to pull the thread and redoing the entire process. I took my time in pinning, hand basting. and machine stitching the skirt to the leotard. I hope that the skirt survives through one dance recital!


Conclusion
Heather was very excited to witness the process of sewing the gown and see the result! She became somewhat frustrated and disheartened when I experienced some difficulty in attaching the skirt to the bodice and in figuring how to make the bodice fit once I finally sewed the skirt. She saw my growing frustration with what seemed an impossible task to gather and re-gather the skirt with challenging fabric to work with and the bodice being somewhat tight below the torso and fitting lower on chest area after putting velcro ends together.

Simple solutions (ironically, after some thought):
For the tight bodice:
I sewed a 2" velour knit extension (made from remnants) to the velcro ends of the crotch of the leotard.

For the bodice that comes low:
I discovered this during the dress rehearsal. I kept Heather's pink spandex leotard underneath. She also would not have to worry about the gown's upper bodice edge gaping.

It's very valuable for children to see our frustrations and perseverence in what we do!

Yeah! Heather's dress survived after her first dance recital!