The Road to Sew Paolo

Kwik Sew 3062 has been aging on my wish list. What prompted me to purchase this recently was the fact that it will be discontinued at PR (discontinued according to the Kwik Sew website).




Pattern Description
"Misses' pullover tops have sccop neckline finished wiht bias cut binding, gathers under bust and lower front is cut on bias. View A has slit on bodice at center front seam, and gathered sleeves have shirring with elastic. View B has short gathered sleees with elastic in casing in bottom edges. Pull-on bias cut skirt has elastic in casing at waist, and two ruffles at bottom edge." I sewed View B.

Size
Misses' XS -XL. I referred to my bust size and sewed a "M". I find that Kwik Sews have been generous in their sizing. I even find the "M" a tad roomy overall!


Fabric
What seems like a medium weight, mixed woven, "The Road to Sao Paolo", from Gorgeous Fabrics. It seems to be already sold out.




Favorite Features
*Very easy to construct

*Few pattern pieces involved: upper bodice, bias front skirt, bias neckline, sleeve, and back.

*I was hesitant to purchase this due to the empire chest which has in the past made me look as if I am expecting. Hopefully the bias front skirt below the bust coupled with the lower empire styling minimizes that.

*Puffed sleeves

*Scoop neck

*Bias finish at the neckline

*5/8" seam allowances included


Other Features
*Neckline scoop came lower than represented by the illustration on the envelope.
*Needs to be adjusted for sway back.
*The sleeves puffed out more (gathered quite a bit at the sleeve caps) than those featured on the envelope.
*Length of top appears shorter than expected


Directions
Clear and easy to read with very helpful illustration as what I typically expect from a Kwik Sew.

The finishing of the neckline is interesting in that the method described drifted from methods with which I am familiar. Instead of pinning the bias strip (sewn at the ends, forming a loop), right sides of fabric together along the neckline, I pinned it from the inside of the top or right side of the bias loop to the wrong side of the fabric along the neckline, ensuring that the notches align with the shoulder seams. I sewed the recommended 1/4" from the raw edges (could have sewn a little more to reduce the width of the binding) and turned the strip to the outside and press. Then I topstitched the binding, close to the encased edge.

Modifications
*To lower the empire seam, I extended the upper bodice by adding 1/4" along the lower edge and the bias skirt by adding 1/4" along its upper edge.

Conclusion
I highly recommend this pattern if you want to create something that does not require a lot of time and that is easy to sew with minimal adjustments. The Kwik Sew website states that this pattern is already discontinued and will soon be on PR! I wish I had purchased this pattern sooner! I plan to make a few more tops with sleeve variations.

Swinging Styles
I purchased these from the Decades of Style pattern company:

I like the butterfly sleeves of this 30's styled top:


Interesting collar style on this 40's styled top:

Intellectual Prowess vs. Physical Prowess

I would not say I "hate" sports. I enjoy skiing, tennis and hiking when I have the opportunity. I rather participate in than watch or talk about sports. Call me sports "illiterate" in a group that talks about sports as if it was such an "elite" subject. Boo hoo if so and so team loses! I could care less!

As a teacher, athletes are given too much undeserved recognition for doing meaningless activities. The real heroes and heroines are those persons that have the talent to move this country forward and not move around aimlessly on the field or stadium. I am so disturbed by school assemblies that "celebrate" the various teams of athletes by parading them across the gymnasium. It makes students who have outstanding scholastic performance so insignificant.

I find it very irritating to be listening to people around me discussing sports (i.e. outcomes of a game, the plays they saw during a game, and so on)as if they were some "elite" group making those who are "not sports minded" so uncomfortable and idiotic in their world. I perceive their discussions as worthless babble that have no relation to advancing this world intellectually and humanely. I keep forgetting....This is only entertainment, nothing serious.

Actual post:
"I would rather have funding for sports cut than for more enriching school activities such as the performing arts, music, and the decathlon team. It seems like athletes (I am finding a diminishing number of them are stellar students) are given more glory than my students who show demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. So what if they cannot catch/throw a ball or run aimlessly across a field? I am finding so much needless adulation for getting the "banner" than those who received wonderful scholarships to the universities of their choice. Thanks for understanding my view point after teaching for awhile."



A coach's response:
While I share your opinion that performing arts and academic competitions are valuable, I would strongly argue two points.

First, the idea that those activities are somehow more enriching than athletics is ludicrous. All activities enrich student lives, none more important than the other. I see plenty of athletes get into fine universities, and not on athletic scholarships. They are given "more glory" (and with that, a whole lot more criticism) because of the values of the society. And with all due respect, the idea of competition will probably win over simple performance most of the time (ie: what makes money for the schools).

My second argument is that athletics reaches far more kids than performing arts and academic competition. Take a look at school populations and you will find that athletics gives much more "bang for the buck" in enriching kids lives. I think you might be surprised at how many students are involved in athletics.

You seem to be frustrated with the "dumb jock" stereotype. I've found that most athletes are actually good students, and statistics show that athletics make better students. As for giving academic achievement its due, I can't argue with you, but society doesn't find it that important.

I give him credit for presenting his argument thoughtfully and respectfully. I understand his viewpoint very clearly. Yes, I agree that society, in generally does not value academics. I am seeing the scary consequences of it already......

This is the Sea Life
A week after visiting Legoland, Heather, Jorgen, and I had a wonderful time at Sea Life Aquarium (just next to Legoland) in Carlsbad!




Heather enjoying an "underwater" or "through the water" view!


Initially, she hesitated about going under a partition, so I accompanied her to the little "dome" where she went under. I think she was getting somewhat claustrophobic. Her dad took a few photos and she quickly dashed from the dome. Then he prodded her to return to the dome for a few more pictures. She returned without me guiding her. I then took a cell phone pic (not posted yet).




The Lost City of Atlantis!










Finding more underwater tresures!






Heather was fascinated by the stunning seahorses! They looked better up close and personal!



Heather the designer and builder!

Oh Heather, What Happened?
I named my daughter Heather after Heather Locklear for her earlier exuberance and wholesome California girl looks, and because I simply liked the name. But what happened to the fresh-faced, bright-eyed California girl? She recently got in trouble for something stupid, getting caught driving under the influence. What a bad, bad, bad role model! She also checked in last June for depression. Come on, Heather! What do you have to be depressed about?


This is how I remember Miss Locklear in her heyday:

















Now, here's what happens when Hollywood, fame, and bad decision-making take over:






What happened to her eyes?


Are these the same person?



Uh oh, even Jack P. Wagner hopped on the bandwagon for the Plastic Pony Express! Oh no, it's Barbie and Ken!


I see that Priscilla Presley has somebody to keep her company!

Blast from the Past
Just when I was trying to curb my pattern addiction, some unknown force made me bid or do a "buy it now." Oh well!


60's Vogue couturier, Fabiani, one of my favorite designers. I bought this for just under $20. Was it worth it? Maybe, because he seems to beone of the sought after Vogue couturier designers!



Recent ebay wins ($1.12 each, wow!)
Christie Brinkley vests


50's or early 60's? Butterick dresses. Check out those cool sleeves!


I have always liked DuBarry patterns. I cannot wait to try one for the first time. I think I might have another DuBarry somewhere.


Something for Heather!



I wish I won this, but of course somebody won it at a much higher bid!

Tie-Bow "Fit"ness
I purchased this a few days ago from JA's for a little over $5!





This pattern did not stay too long on my PR wishlist! I liked the style, fit and the fact that it is rated easy.

Pattern Description
"This fitted shirt is a versatile companion – with short puffed sleeves or long, narrow sleeves. The small tied collar or gathered standing collar are feminine eye-catchers.
Recommended fabric: Only jersey with 2-way stretch". The shirt has a keyhole opening below the tie.



Sizing
Misses' 36 38 40 42 44 46 48. I sewed a 40 which corresponds to a US 14. I definitely agree that it is fitted! I would size up for a knit with less stretch.

Fabric
Maggie London hearts fabric, a Poly/lycra knit from Emma One Sock



Favorite Features
*Neck tie with draped collar
*Keyhole opening, not as low as I expected from Burda WOF.
*Sleeve variations
*Retro style and fit
*Easy to cut (right and left collar, front piece with center seam, back piece with center seam, sleeve, front facing for keyhole opening)
*Easy to sew
*Good illustrations that accompany the satisfactory directions
There was nothing much to dislike, except for a goof caused by skimming over the directions, attaching the front facing.

Other Features
*Cutting layouts and sizing information are available on the pattern tissue paper
*Small narkings (tiny line segments) for aligning pieces, locations where stitching stops/starts.



Directions
They are actually better than typical Burda WOF due to the inclusion of helpful illustrations. The overall layout which included instructions in English, French, and Spanish by column, seemed to restrict my peripheral vision, thus making it not very easy on my eyes. Having quasi fluency in French and Spanish, I might find it interesing to of compare the translations of sewing terminology and expression from one language to another, or literally side by side.

The directions are straightforward to follow, paying attention to follow the view by letter. I am trying to figure out why Burda included set-in-sleeves for a knit garment instead of sewing them flat!

The slightly draped collar with the little tie is easy to construct.
*Sew the center seam of the right and left collar
*Pin and stitch the entire collar piece, right sides together, aligning common markings to the neckline
*Stitch the edges of the tie portion, right sides toegether, until the front edge of the keyhole facing
*Turn the ties inside out
*Fold the collar lengthwise in half, creating an inner facing to be handstitched (raw edge tucked under) to the neckline seam.


Don't Lose Face-ing
The only thing that I spent more time and energy than expected was surprisingly the first step of construction: attaching the facings (interfaced)to the front that form the keyhole. Onto each front side,I stitched each facing until the marked line. Then I skimmed the directions and jumped to the portion where the center front seam was sewn, starting from the marked little line segment. Then I realized that I was not able to turn the facing to the inside, because I sewed the bottom front edge of the facing to the center seam! Out came the seam ripper! I referred back to the directions and found the diagram that I "skipped": the part of the facing below the line was to be pinned up so that it would not be caught in the construction of the center front seam. How remiss of me!

"Burd"-ie on the greens


Modifications
*Shortened the sleeves to desired length and omitting the gathered and bound edges

*Stabilized the shoulder seams with ribbon trim folded lengthwise in half.

*Handstitched the edges with the raw edges tucked under for half of the collar. Then for the rest of the collar, I found it easier just to machine stitch the inside of the collar close to the neck seam stitches.

*Sewed the side seams after sewing the sleeves flat instead of setting them as directed. I still ease-stitched the sleeve caps


Conclusion
I definitely recommend this easy-to-make and versatile top. I see the possiblities of converting it into a dress!

This top would be ideal to make on a serger or a coverstitch machine!

Stylin' Stars
So, this years' Emmy Awards did not fare well in the ratings. But my kudos to stars who continue the tradition of style and class












Here's my pick for my top "stylin'" ladies, based on last week’s telecast and other than Heidi Klum:

1. Brooke Shields
She is one of my all-time favorite stars. I did not watch the red carpet entrance portion, but she certainly looked great when she presented an award. Coincidentally she was voted on one website also as #1





2. Jennifer Love Hewitt (love that dress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)


3. Betty White
She's still adorable! I adored her on the Match Game (remember that groovy show?)




4. America Ferrare
Her award-winning smile says it all!





5. Terri Hatcher
She looked great in that banana-colored ruffled gown




6. Julia Louis-Drefuss




7. Christina Applegate


8. Vanessa Williams
She still looks wonderful after her Miss America days!



9. Sandra Oh


10. Mariska Hargitay
Jayne Mansfield's daughter is a class act in a lawful of order!






11. Jo Ann Worley
She's still sizzling and upbeat, especially in red!





12. Tina Fey (watch out Ms Palin!)


13. Susana Hoffs, former member of the Bangles rock/pop group
So her husband Jay Roach received his Emmys. It's her turn to return to the spotlight and rock and roll. She still looks great!


Stylin' Men:
1. Patrick Dempsey (Wow!)


2. Jeff Probst




3. Don Rickles (one-liners never go out of style!)

4. Lawrence Fishburne



5. Ryan Seacrest

6. Christian Slater






>
7. Ricky Gervais (he's so adorable and what a crack-up!)

8. Neil Patrick Harris
I’ll always remember him as the adorable Doogie Howser, MD.

9. Josh Groban (great talent, despite the disheveled hair!)

10. Tom Selleck
He is still looking good!

11. Bryan Cranston (first time I saw this guy before, I thought it was cool that he proudly introduced his wife, daughter, sister)



Other stars:


Laura Linney of John Adams


Glenn Close, Best actress in a drama series






Mr. and Mrs. Hanks


Nicolette on the runway


The Sheens

Dana Delaney and Felicity Huffman

Desperate Housewives desperately presenting awards



Eva Longoria a "gifted" actress