Skirt finally finished!

Pattern Description: McCall's 5523 Straight skirt, mid-knee length, side zipper and faced waistline. Several lower back variations, shaped flounces, pleats, gathers.

Pattern Sizing:Regular Misses/Miss Petite (4-12) & (12-18)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? YES

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very easy...except for one snag when I was putting in the invisible zipper . Some how when I thought I was finished and tried to turn the skirt right side out it was so twisted so I had to rip out one side of the zipper and do it over, that was NUTS!. I love using invisible zippers and I'd never done that before but this is how it ended up.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the straight front and the various details on the lower back I love skirts without waistbands, so I especially liked that this skirt has the faced waistline. Though the skirt is straight it's not extremely fitted like a pencil skirt. The back detail give plenty room for movement. Excuse the bunch up of my top, it's actually a little too long for a skirt so, I'd pulled it up a bit to make sure the back detail showed. It's actually more suited for wearing over pants or leggins.

Fabric Used: Not really sure of the fabric content, I'm assuming Polyester blend.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Yes, I had to make the skirt my size, the highest size is 18 and I'm a 20/22. I forgot to take pictures of the alterations but, I basically added to the side seams and the front panel. I'm short waisted and round in the tummy, so the waist is about size 20, around the tummy I'm a 22, then back to 20 at the hips. Gotta get rid of the gut!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I might sew this one again. There's several variations on the lower back so I'm thinking of doing the pleated version.

Conclusion: It was an easy skirt to make (except for the snag I ran into with the zipper) and a nice style for most figures (in my opinion) so I'm not sure why they limited the size to an 18. I like that it's straight in the front with the flirty flounce surprise in the back, to me that adds a nice touch.

While I was at it I made this tunic/top since the fabric went so well with my skirt.
Pattern Description: Butterick: 5247, Semi-fitted, pullover tops/tunics, mid-knee dresses with cowl-like collar, short or long dolman sleeves and self belt.

Pattern Sizing: Misses-Plus (8-14) & (16-24)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very, very easy. Really nice for beginners.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? How quick and easy it was to cut and sew up. No fussy fitting alterations necessary.

Fabric Used: Poly knit.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: One addition I did, I wasn't able to get the full length of the sleeve on the fabric I used so I decided to simply add a band to make the sleeve the length I wanted, I made it a 3/4 length sleeve

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I'll sew this one again and again. Nice to wear with leggins or pants or make as a dress & it can be dressed up or down. Nice flexible addition to any wardrobe.

Conclusion: Quick and easy to sew up, lots of flexiblity.

Update on this Project

What better way to spend my Birthday!
I finally got some time to sew. I don't think I could have spent my birthday any better way than to finally get some sewing in. Life happens and seem like there has been so much going on, cutting in on my sewing time. So, I spent time working on my next project an OOP pattern (Simplicity 7799), I'm making the two-piece skirt & top in a purple knit as a practice muslin. I made this many years ago (probably 25 yrs) but it is the kind of pattern that's timeless. I actually plan to make a couple, one in this fabric and one in all black mid-weight knit. Since it's been so many year since I've made it I had some altering to do on it. Boy, what a difference a few years make. For me alterations are a challenge but I really want to work on getting a good fit with everything I make...or it's pointless right? It may turn out to be wearable, I'll post pictures soon and we'll see how this turns out.


Here's my update....Help!
Good thing I wasn't particularly fond of this fabric, this project is not going as expected, it's turned out way, way too big and the re-sizing during construction is just not working. This is the back piece.This is the sleeve & front piece.


It turned out that I don't need it as large as expected. So much for taking careful measurements. The pattern is size 18 and I need a 22 on top and 20 on the bottom. I've never altered a top with the raglan sleeves before so I'll need to practice that. Anyone with advice would sure be appreciated. So, I've decided I'm going to start from scratch with another muslin. I love this pattern and don't want to give up on it just yet.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

Today is my birthday and I thank God for another year!!!

More on the sewing front soon, just enjoying my day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! We all have much to be thankful for. Be safe and enjoy your day.

Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama!

Yes We Can! and We (the people) Did!


Let's make our new President-Elect Barack Obama as proud of us as we are of him!