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Here's the link to my blog and I look forward to staying connected with you! When life gets you down, you know what to do? Just Keep Sewing...

Kristine

My Mullet Dress

 

Vogue 8870

This print reminds me of flames. Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow... I think it radiates warmth, and makes me happy.  I found it at Joann's last summer, it's a rayon blend, 60" wide. I bought 2 yards, and it was just enough to make this lovely summer sundress.

Pattern Description:  Pullover dress has loose-fitting, blouson bodice variations, elasticized (seamed) waist, side pockets and narrow hem. Wrong side shows on back hemline. A: mock wrap, front pleated bodice, and two-piece sleeves. Note: no provisions provided for above waist adjustment. B: elasticized upper back.

Pattern Sizing: XS to XXL. I made the Medium (12-14), but probably could've done the Small. My measurements are 36-29-41, and I used a lot less elastic across the back than the pattern called for.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I think so. Just a little shorter than the illustration for dress B.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very! No lining, just a front neckline facing. 2 pieces of elastic, no zippers or other closures. I skipped the pockets, so I had 5 pattern pieces, and knocked it out in a day.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Loose and easy, the way summertime is supposed to be! Could easily be shortened into a tank top. I like the detail of the double spaghetti strap, it's sweet.

 Fabric Used: Rayon blend from Joann's that I bought last year. 2 yards, 60" wide was exactly enough to do the top of version B and the bottom of version A.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Skipped the pockets, and made the waist casing just a 1/2", not the 7/8" the pattern called for. Used 1/4" elastic in the waist, just because that's all I had laying around!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and yes! The "Mullet Dress" is trending right now, so I'm not sure how long it will be until I just trim the hem evenly all around?! Love the cool and loose feel of a sundress this time of year. Like wearing a nightgown all day... :)

Conclusion: I needed a nice and quick sew for myself, and this fit the bill perfectly! I think I'll wear this a lot this summer!

12 weeks of Crossfit... Look at those guns! LOL...

It's a Major Award!

Not really. But, it is a PRIZE and I'm excited to share it with you. My facebook friends won't get it. "There goes Kristine talking about sewing again. Blah blah blah..."

You probably don't remember, but... last summer (oh my, no! It was July 2011!?) I had an epiphany while sorting buttons. Press n' Seal was a key player.  I posted about it here.  I submitted my "tip" to Threads Magazine, and guess what?! It won the "Tip of the Month"!!!  I won 3 (yes, count 'em, THREE) sewing DVDs, and a beautiful hard-cover (heavy!) book!

Can I tell you that I've never watched an instructional sewing DVD before? Apparently, this "old dog" prefers the old trick of "googling" and "youtube", along with the even older trick of "go to the nearest reference book"! Yes, it's ok to laugh, go ahead.  I'm really geared up about the Claire Shaeffer video, as I'm planning on putting together my fall wardrobe this summer, and her jacket construction is amazing! The threads videos I'm sure will be fascinating, as well. Any of you own them?

The book is a big heavy wonderful Sewing Guide, chock full of everything you might ever need to know.  The illustrations and photography is spot on and the explanations look fantastic. I'm really excited to sit down with my morning coffee and flip through it!

 So, when you're flipping through the upcoming issue (#168) and get to the "Press n Seal Button Storage" tip, that's all me. Yup. Does this mean I can tell people that I've been "published"? It's a major award!!! (Name that movie?) And if you're wondering why on earth it took nearly 2 years to make it to print, it's because they actually have to research all the tips before publishing to make sure that they haven't been printed elsewhere. I figured that they just decided it wasn't that good of a tip! Apparently good things come to those who wait?

Swing by later this week, I've got 2 dresses in the making and they'll be ready for sharing very soon!

Strappiness Is...

Simplicity 1607

Pattern Description: Misses' dress with bodice variations. Fitted bodice with criss-cross or scoop neck, side zipper & dropped waist gathered skirt.
Pattern Sizing: 6-22. I made a mix of 8/10 based on the finished garment measurements and they were very accurate. I made view A.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes! It's really unique and very cute!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, I think so. The instructions are clearly illustrated and recommend that you label the shoulder strap parts throughout construction. I pinned little sticky note labels on mine, and worked slowly, reading thoroughly. Once you get through the straps, the rest of the dress construction is a piece of cake!

Back View

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the unique appearance of the bodice, and the dropped waist gathers of the skirt. I thought it was "Sugar" on the bottom, and "Spice" on the top!

Fabric Used: 2.5 yards of rayon challis from Joann's that was purchased about 3 years ago. The weight and drape was ideal for this style, and the print works well with the style, too. I love the pinks/purples of the leopard/floral print.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None. I actually stuck to the rules, for once!
*Caution: If you are long or short in the torso, you may want to muslin the bodice, as the straps won't be easy to adjust.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I would! This was a gift for a friend, so I'd love to make myself one now! Yes, I'd recommend it others with advice to label the strap parts, work slowly, read and re-read, and don't lose your patience!

Conclusion: It turned out exactly how I'd hoped, and my friend is thrilled!