McCalls 6078

My latest creation is McCalls 6078.


I love this pattern! It's a sleeveless top, but the straps are plenty wide to cover my bra straps without adjustments, and it's not skin-tight, which is nice for the Florida heat. I like the little tubes of fabric on the straps that add a little interest. I decided to use the regular fabric for those tubes on this version, but the second one (that is almost finished) has contrasting leather loops.


The fabric is a rayon jersey from Sawyer Brook which appears to have recently sold out. I am getting much better at sewing fabric as I get it and curbing my purchases when I have a backlog, but I still need to work a lot to sew down my older stash.

Vogue Pattern Picks - Fall 2011

Hey, you guys! Ever since I got my Vogue Patterns magazine last week, I've been chomping at the bit to show you my picks (because I know you're on pins and needles to find out my faves). This fall catalog is filled with awesome Vogue patterns that look fresh and new! You can imagine my excitement when I got the email this morning, heralding their arrival on the website.

I don't have a lot of occasion to wear tight little dresses (although this is actually a top and skirt, which might be more practical), but I am so making this one:
I have a fun fall vacation coming up and I plan to make the most of it, chic-sewing-wise.

This one is lovely, and slightly more practical for every-day wear.


Another dress that could work casually. I like the sleeves!


Anther pretty knit dress I can see myself wearing more often than to church.


I like the lines of this jacket with the high collar.


I might try this version of the skirt with swooshies on the sides (technical term)



My TNT pants pattern is a Vogue, so I think I could make these without much fitting drama.


So there you have it - my favorites. Thanks for checking them out. :-)

I have a top to show off later today if I can get my pint-sized photographer to cooperate!

Vogue 2907 fly and special fabrics

Here is the progress on my latest version of Vogue 2907 pants, made from Railway black cotton from Sawyer Brook.

I lined the pockets and fly area with a contrasting cotton. I've seen lots of bloggers (and RTW pants) do this, and I always think it is so cute.
The fly construction. I used directions from Jennifer Stern, which were awesome, and yielded the best fly zipper results I've ever had. I'm definitely going to try some of her patterns based on these fly instructions.
Inside view of the fly.

Audrey, thanks for the back pant leg suggestion. Jennifer suggested something similar - taking in the outseam a bit and letting out the inseam. It helped a bit but not a lot. Since the front looks fine and it's just the back pattern piece that must be crooked for my shape, I ended up altering the back leg piece as she suggested and leaving the front as printed.

Amy, thanks for the suggestion I should put on the waistband. I think that definitely would have helped asses the fit. Too bad I'm so lazy!

In other news, I had the morning off from Mommy-duties yesterday thanks to a babysitter, so I went to the two nice fabric stores in downtown Tampa (that I know of), Couture Fabrics and Design and Queen's Fabrics.

From Couture Fabrics and Design, I purchased this really unique open-woven silk, enough to make a dress for my mom and a dress or top for me. The color is actually a rich red.
I also got this cute polka dot silk chiffon for an airy blouse. I can't resist polka dot silk. I was very sad when the owner told me that she is closing shop very soon. She's just not getting enough business. :-( The only good part was both fabrics were 25% off.
At Queen's Fabric, which is located in the Marisu Moda design studio, I found the perfect navy lace I've been wanting for a dress for a wedding this fall. Of course, no sooner do I get home than I see these photos of Jenny-wannabe Mrs. Prince William sporting navy lace. Guess my vision is not as unique as I thought!
Finally, I went in Hancock's in downtown Tampa - the closest one to me and not the nicest Hancock's I've been in. They had quite a bit on sale, and I picked up some things for my mom (I'm about to attempt to sew her a few things, obviously) and myself.

For my mom, a skirt from the left poly chiffon-type fabric and a top from the right interlock.
Then I saw this open cotton sweater knit stuff for $3/yard and thought I'd try it out. I also got some white interlock since it was on sale and felt nice.
Finally, I got this dark purple linen print for a skirt for mom or maybe a loose dress. I didn't see any off-white beefy knit for a top, so I'll look for some at JoAnn's. My mom said she trusts my judgement to pick some fabrics and patterns, so we'll see how this goes. :-)

Voge 2907 muslin

I just made a muslin for Vogue 2907. I must have made 5 versions of these pants, but Jennifer Stern Haseman is doing a pants Sew Along at Sawyer Brook, so who am I to deny free advice!? I'm always up for improving. Here she is:
I think a small crotch curve scoop is in order to take care of those folds. The back looks fine to me, but are the wrinkles under my booty due to some type of twisting? I'm quite certain I cut on grain. Plus, some of my other versions of these pants do that too.

Speaking of other versions of these pants, here are few of mine:

McCalls Fall 2011 pattern picks!

McCalls' fall patterns are up on the site, and there are some I really like! I'm sure I'll be picking these up:

6402 - I especially like the softly pleated views.


6408 - I wore this shape cardigan a lot last winter. This would be perfect if only I can find some nice sweater knits or beefy interlock.


6391 - Is it wrong I love this shape skirt so much... even though it's for little girls? I can still buy it for ideas, right? And there may but a lucky little girl acquaintance in my life.


6393 - I like all the pieces of this for my boys. This will be first on my list to hunt down.


6410 - I really like the messenger bag/briefcase!

Anything cute I overlooked?

White Michael Kors Dress

Must make this dress by Michael Kors! (that color-blocked dress is the closest I could find on the MK website)


I even found the perfect fabric from Sawyer Brook:

RTW Contest

If you're a member of Pattern Review, go vote in the Knock-Off Contest!
There are 39 fabulous entries, including my own humble submission. :-)



As a sidenote, I'm on a little vacay with my parents in PA, so I won't have much to blog about for a week or two. Promise you'll wait for me!