Vogue 8196 - Fitted Blouse Contest

Okay, here goes nothing. My first contest entry!

The pattern was great, it was the fabric that created all the extra work. I used black organza for all my facing to prevent a double layer of polka dots showing through. It fits well, special thanks to my 4 year old daughter for taking my picture! Good job, sweetheart! Just so you know... I have never been more proud of a garment I've made. I could wear this sucker inside-out, all the seams are either serged or enclosed in facings, and my hand stitching is getting so good!

I hope you like it!

Vogue 8472 Jacket

Great design... easy to dress up or dress down, can be worn with lots of different pieces (jeans, dress, skirt, pants). The fabric is a wool suiting recently purchased at JoAnn Fabrics for 40% off, so even with the lining, it's a bargain!
I'm planning on beading the cuff end to add a little pizazz.

The pattern also has a dress included, but haven't got to that project yet!

February Challenges

My goal was to complete 4 projects, but these 2 were my only accomplishments!

The blouse is Simplicity 3535, a Project Runway pattern with sleeve modifications. I purchased the fabric at JoAnn's. It was a long process, placing the pattern pieces so the large stripes would occur at the hems of the sleeves and tunic, and matching stripes along the seams, but well worth it. I made a size smaller than the pattern called for because of the fullness of the blouse. Also, I had intended to have bell sleeves, but again, the fullness in the center with a full sleeve wasn't doing my body shape any favors, so I pleated the sleeve hem and decorated each side with 3 small buttons. I received many compliments when I wore it to work, so it must've turned out well, although I doubt I'll use the pattern again, as it really doesn't compliment my body shape.

The coat is Vogue 2988 made of wool I purchased at the American Sewing Expo in Novi, MI (Sept. 2007). The lining I bought at Haberman's in Royal Oak, as well as the buttons. This is the first "couture" garment I've ever made, as almost every seam is pressed open and hand-stitched down to reduce bulk. It is also fully interfaced with fusible knit interfacing. Another pain, as the pattern called for 60" wide interfacing which apparently doesn't exist in my corner of the world! I modified the sleeve here also, as it was rather short, and very wide! So I gathered the hem, and added a cuff, which makes it perfect.

Anyhow, I produced a couple of very well made garments this month. Oh, and I got to use my custom labels that DH bought me for Christmas (see top).