SewFit

Simplicity 2497....A Cynthia Rowley dress

2012-01-18T06:00:00.006-07:00

My latest Simplicity 2497 dress, just like every other Cynthia Rowley patterns, she really knows are stuffs. I love patterns with few tissues, easy to make and flattering on every figure. I was looking for an evening dress for an event coming up this weekend and this fits the bill so perfectly.

close up of the ruffle

Fabric: Soft satin fabric, this has been in my stash for about 3 years, from Fabricland I guess.
Pattern Description: Misses' dress in three lengths with neckline variations.
Pattern Sizing: I cut size 14 for the bodice, but didn’t have enough for the skirt so I folded the remaining 46” fabric into 2 to make the skirt. I had barely enough to go round my hips.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: Pretty close
Were the instructions easy to follow: Absolutely easy to follow. However, instead of hemming the ruffle, I used my narrow hem foot to make the hem; this technique not only makes the hem faster to do but neater as well.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did ½” FBA, lengthened the bodice by 1.5” and raised the neck by 1". The pattern called for 3.5 meters but I had just about 3 meters fabric for this style so I improvised a bit on the skirt as stated above. Also my skirt is about 3 inches longer than the pattern suggested for view C but I love the length this way also did not add the pocket...
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like everything, nothing to dislike at all. I just need the right spanx because of some problem areas showing…..lol
Would you recommend it to others? Highly recommend, if you like this style.

Enjoy the rest of your week everyone, it's been brutally cold here in Calgary, the lowest yesterday was -36 degree , presently it's -32 degree celcius......we are in for a cold week!!!!

Butterick 5498 + M5523......

2012-01-05T06:00:00.001-07:00

My first sewing project of the year Butterick 5498, simple, easy and stylish.
I used 1 meter leopard print knit from fabricland, wanted to make the 3/4 " sleeve but didn't have enough fabric so I lengthened the short sleeve by 2", cut size 14 and lengthened the bodice by 2". Eveything took about 3 hours from start to finish .
Here is how I wore it with my M5523 skirt yesterday.....

Conclusion: All in all a great pattern to start the year with.....Highly recommend

Happy 2012

2011-12-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

WISHING YOU ALL A PROSPEROUS AND A HAPPY 2012......

ALL THE BEST IN THE NEW YEAR

....Simplicity 2599

2011-12-21T06:00:00.002-07:00

Just a show case of what I wore yesterday. This is the fourth top from this same pattern, I just love the simplicity of it. I have made it before here and here so nothing much to it, just a quick and easy pattern.

So dear bloggers which is your favourite look, with or without cardi?

Enjoy!!!!

O Magazine inspired....Kwik 3625 & NL 6901

2011-12-18T13:09:00.001-07:00

This has been pinned on my cock board since I saw it in the October edition of Oprah Magazine. Have had the pant fabric for almost two years from Walmart for $1.99 a meter and in my stash not knowing what to use it for, but immediately I saw this style I knew what it was destined for. The top fabric is mettallic stretch suede from Fabricland reminant basket...'buy one get two free', so I grabbed it for $6.40 for 0.8 m (originally $27/m) and get 2 others free....That is a score....
The pants is the same one I made here and the top same one here

from O' magazine

I love everything about the pant fabric, it's soft twill and super compy, all these pictures were taken after whole day wear and no wrinkles......

Enjoy!!!!

Vogue 1250....in snake print

2011-12-01T06:00:00.013-07:00

Quick, easy and second time around. One will never be enough , even two maybe three...Please enjoy my new Vogue 1250 dress in Snake Print Matte Jersey fabric. For this Winter season of course, I will be wearing with my high knee boots.

Stay tuned for more!!!!

Mcalls 5523....Misses straight skirt

2011-11-27T06:00:00.001-07:00

A wardrobe staple Mcalls 5523. I completed this project last weekend but didn't have time to finish the hem. Another quick and easy project
I love everything about the pattern, very easy and flattering, it’s officially my TNT. I made a wearable muslin from old denim that’s been in my stash forever, and that too is going to het lots of wear.

Fabric: 100% wool, and lined with Bemberg lining
Pattern Description: Straight skirt, mid-knee length, has side zipper and faced waistline; Skirt A has shaped lower back flounce; Skirt B has pleated lower back; Skirt C has gathered lower back with self-fabric ruffle; Skirt D has two lower back flounces
Pattern Sizing: 12-14-16-18 , I cut between 12 &14 at the waist and graded up to 16 just below the waist
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: Pretty much, but love mine better…wink
Were the instructions easy to follow? Absolutely, I only checked for the pleats direction
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: My usual alteration on pants and skirts as shown below.
I added 1” wedge, so that the back wont be jumpy when I wear it, and I lined it as the pattern didn`t call for lining.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like everything , more importantly I can wear it with any top....

Stay Tuned for more!!!!!!

Butterick 5488.....

2011-11-25T06:00:00.002-07:00

Another easy and simple dress. The only thing I dislike about this pattern is that it runs so big, I cut my usual size 14, but removed at least 4" total to make it look flattering and I lengthened by about 2", no other major alteration, every other thing was straight from the envelop..... few hrs later I was done . Another wardrobe staple to be worn with tights and high boots.
Here is my version: I used a knit polyester fabric that's just a bit over 1 m.

Worn with cardi

No Cardi

I guess I like it more with the cardi. I wore it to work today, our weather has been so nice since Tuesday with the chinook , but I am sure it won't be around for long, I better enjoy my dresses now......

Enjoy!!!

Butterick 5260.....

2011-11-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

I am gradually coming out of my shell...... I used this B5260 to jumpstart the mojo, less than 3 hrs project...Hopefully it stays around for a long time because have got nothing to wear.....This pattern is actually an OOP tunic pattern, I have made it before here so all the review is available there. I just lengthened the pattern to make a dress instead.

I wore this to work today with tight and knee-length boots.......

Stay tuned for more!!!!!!

Missing-In-Action

2011-09-13T12:43:00.000-06:00

for over a month.....what can I say? The mojo left unannounced and have been struggling to catch up since then. However, I have been wearing at least one piece of what I made everyday and this makes me feel good. I have also been taking inventory of what 's in my wardrpobe, what I will be needing for fall/winter and planing my fall/winter wardrobe (on paper), hopefully I will get to share with you soonest.

So dear readers, any plan(s) for fall/winter yet or summer sewing still going on? Please I need inspiration , suggestion and anyway you can help to bring my sewjo close to home......

Have a wonderful sewtime.

S4653....+S2599

2011-07-21T07:00:00.001-06:00

This is what I wore on Monday...., and I was feeling kinda cool in this color...lol. The top as already been reviewed, and the skirt is a piece of cake, I can't remember how or when I got the pattern, but it's been in my stash forever , I guess is now OOP. I barely have enough fabric for the skirt , I lined it with a tricot knit, used non roll elastic for the waist, put 1/2" interface to stabilise the hem and .....viola, Did I mention how much I love this skirt???.......Super comfy

S2599....Take three.

2011-07-19T07:00:00.002-06:00

Three new tops on a Sunday afternoon.......that's more than a score.. An easy pattern , and flattering on every shape, no wonder it makes best 2010 pattern. Sincerely nothing more to be reviewed, fits right out of the envelop, trust me one version will never be enough...lol. I noticed almost everyone who's made this has made more than 1 version....

Fabric: Gauze and 100% cotton eyelets. All the fabric were from Walmart (when they used to carry fabric..)
Pattern Description:Misses Tops With Trim Variation: Separate Patterns For B,C,D Cup Sizes
Pattern Sizing: 12-20.. I cut 14 and graded to 16 from waist down.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened by 1.5", and didn't bother to put back slit on 2 of the tops because the neck is wide enough and thought it won't be necessary
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing to dislike
Would you recommend it to others? Highly recommend. Great stash buster, and very versatile . I got lots of compliment when I wore the orange top on Monday...More on that later .

Have a great week!!!

Vogue 8581

2011-07-15T07:27:00.000-06:00

This's one of Vogues' very easy pattern... Nothing complicated at all. I just wanted to make something quick and V8581 called my attention.

Fabric: Some kind of knit from either Walmart or Fabricland, has been in my stash for sometime

Pattern Description: Tunics A, B, C have front and back upper gathers, neck binding, lower elastic casing and raglan sleeve variations. A: sleeves with elastic casing. B: three-quarter length flared sleeves. C: gathered sleeves and sleeve binding. I made view C

Pattern Sizing: B5 , size 8-16. Cut my regular 14

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

Were the instructions easy to follow: I didn't follow the instruction . These are what I did differently, based on Sharon's review
(1) I sewed the back, front and sleeves together and then pull for gathering
(2) I folded the neck facing into 2 sewed it in and serged the seam allowance together...Viola very simple

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I raised the neck by 1" by popular review and lengthened by another 1"...

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing to dislike

Conclusion: Easy patten, and a few hour project.. Not sure if I will be making it again but highly recommend.
This will get a lot of wear in the winter because is hot around here now however I wore it on Wednesday when the temperature was a bit low and really loved it.

Have a great weekend!!!!

Butterick 5491...in a woven fabric

2011-07-07T21:21:00.001-06:00

A Suzi Chin knit pattern made with 100% African cotton fabric.....Sweetttttttttt....wink

Fabric: 100% African fabric

Pattern Description: Loose-fitting, flared dresses A, B, below mid-knee or evening length, have lined, gathered v-neck bodice, neck band, front draped midriff and back zipper.

Pattern Sizing: I didn't use the pattern sizing to cut this fabric, I cut based on the client's measurement
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: I really can't say, but looke so superb on the client when she tried it on

Were the instructions easy to follow: I did't use it for most part, but very straight forward

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I lengthened the dress to floor length,
I lined the bodice and
lengthened the neck belt so that it will drop down when tie in the back
I sewed both the lining and the fabric as one piece right-side together and turned outside for a neater inside

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Absolutely love the style and everything about this pattern. Nothing to dislike

Conclusion: A very nice pattern, easy to sew and very flattering. I will surely be making one for me as well.

Enjoy!!!

Butterick 5600....Just because

2011-07-04T20:03:00.000-06:00

it's my birthday today . Here is a beautiful dress I made for me yesterday. I fell in love with this fabric immediately I saw it, and I knew it's destined for a dress shirt. It's a 100% Micheal Miller cotton from Fabricland , has a feel of linen to it and sews like breeze.

Pattern Description:Semi-fitted, straight, above mid-knee dresses A, B, C have front darts, back pleats, self-faced yoke front and neckbands, side seam pockets, outside casing with elastic, self ties and stitched hem. A: sleeveless with self ruffle. B: short, gathered sleeves with elastic casing. C: short sleeves with stitched hem and self tab with nonfunctioning button
Pattern Sizing: I cut size14 and graded up to 16 from waist down
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: Not really because I didn't put the elastic
Were the instructions easy to follow: Easy I guess, I didn't follow it for most part , I really don't like the sewing sequence suggested by the pattern, so I just did my thing
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: As always, I lengthened the bodice by 1" and the hem by 2 " and I didn't put the pocket. I guess next time 1/4" FBA will be needed, but I let out 1/4" around the armhole to get some room
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing to dislike
Conclusion: I love the fact that it's a dress shirt and can be worn as you wish..

Enjoy!!!

Vogue 1250....Yes!!!!

2011-06-29T20:04:00.001-06:00

Yes I jumped on the bandwagon to boost my sewjo.... This is one quick and easy pattern, no wonder it's everywhere in the blogland. I truly love the drape neck... Here is my review

Please, pardon my pictures...

Fabric: Matte Jersey from Fabricland

Pattern Description: Misses close-fitting dress.

Pattern Sizing: 6-20. I cut 14 and graded to 16 from waist down

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: Absolutely, but mine is prettier...wink

Were the instructions easy to follow: Very easy

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: As usual,
I lengthened the bodice by 1" , and
The skirt by 2"

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I absolutely love everything, nothing to dislike

Would you recommend it to others? I guess everyone in the blogland has this pattern already...If not, please get one, Vogue patterns are on sale now....

Conclusion: easy, quick and most importantly very flattering ....

Enjoy!!!

Still here!!!!

2011-05-04T21:58:00.000-06:00

Hi folks, I am still very much around, just life as usual...However have been trying to read some of your lovely creations in the blogland. I hope to catch up soon. Miss you all dearly.....

Have a great one!!!!

10+1 .......Anniversary

2011-04-20T14:24:00.000-06:00

Today marks the 11th year of my marriage to the world's most wonderful, loving and caring man . I thank God for keeping us together, for unending love, and for a happy home. I pray for many more years in good health and fulfillment of our good desires.

I got a surprise call from my office switchboard this morning that I have a package at the front desk....Hubby sent this in to be shared with my colleagues.

Thanks dear...We all enjoyed the fruits....

courtesy of Edible Arrangements

Vogue 1224 Dress Fabric....For Sale

2011-04-15T18:45:00.000-06:00

In response to some emails I got regarding my Vogue1224 dress. Here is the fabric I used and the "Navy Blue" color of the same fabric. please email me at asewfit at yahoo dot ca for further information. Thank you all for stopping by and have a great weekend.....

Vogue 1224 Dress......

2011-04-12T20:18:00.000-06:00

Finally something for me………Vogue 1224, Tracy Reese beautiful dress pattern. Really nice for the warm weather we are having now and combine with a good sandal you are good to hit town. For work, I belted it and truly love the effect. Good pattern to jumpstart the sewjo.....

Here is my review;

Fabric:Matte jersey I got few months ago

Pattern Description: Partially lined, pullover dress has short dolman sleeves elastic waistline and neckline with tie ends, stiched hems and above mid-knee length. Purchased stoppers for tie end

Pattern Sizing: BB, 8-14. I cut 14 and added 1" to both sides of the hip

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: Pretty much, but mine is a bit longer

Were the instructions easy to follow: Super easy , didn't use it for most part

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Here are few alterations I did
(a) Lengthened the bodice by 2.5"
(b)Lengthened the skirt by 3.5"
(c)Used the seam allowances of the bodice & skirt to make the casing for the waist.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?Nothing to dislaike , a simple and beautiful dress, and a staple for summer, very easy to make as well, with all the alterations I did, it took me roughly 3 hours to finish

Would you recommend it to others? ….Highly recommend if you are into this type of style. The pattern runs short though, I guess that’s the intent, but I lengthened mine enough to be appropriate for work.
I might sew it again, because am presently on fabric diet so another one will be a good stash buster…..
PS:
Please PM me at asewfit at yahoo dot ca if you are interested in this fabric. I still have some left. Available in navy blue as well.

Enjoy the rest of the week!!!

Sewing Skills??

2011-03-22T18:37:00.000-06:00

It's been so difficult for me to blog these days. Life has been super busy (good busy) to say the least. However, I have been doing a bit of sewing by the side, in fact I got emotional with one of my recent projects.

I recently made a blouse for a client who is a cancer survivor to wear to a fund raising program. No pattern was used, she brought an old top and asked me to copy the style. I managed to make a pattern from it by measuring/ drawing method, did a muslin and asked her to try it out, and oh boy it came out better than I expected with just a little tweakling.

However, it didn't hit me until she came for the final fitting and said "Aminat thank you so much, I really love this, it will accentuate my shape and make me look elegant". Then I felt so good and happy that I could put a smile on her face.

Sometimes we take for granted our God given skills/talent, we underestimate what we can do with it, but if we try harder and push ourselves out of our comfort zone, we might be able to make someone or the world a better place.

Thank you God for my sewing skill , I pray/ hope to get better and do better things with it.........
I have been seeing lots of beautiful projects going on the blogosphere, you guys rock!! and have always been an inspiration. Hopefully I catch up with some sewing for me soonest....

Have a great one you all!!!

Skirt + Top Combo (KS3140 &S4401)

2011-02-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

This combo is also for a client and the fabric also form my African fabric collections.The top is a modified KWIK SEW 3140 and the skirt is a 6 piece Simplicity 4401. I cut the top front pattern on fold to omit the buttons, raised the neck area for modest, inserted side zipper viola a lovely top was made .

For the skirt, nothing was done except that I just added a lining and lengthened by 1" .. The total result was lovely..... My client was so happy when she tried it on and I love it too.........

So here is the review for the top.....The skirt is pretty straight forward

Fabric: Another beautiful 100% cotton African fabric

Pattern Description: Long sleeved peplum top with buttons up the front. Sleeves also have flounce.

Pattern Sizing: XS-XL..Cut Large for client

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?:Nope made a completely different top with side zipper instead of front buttons

Were the instructions easy to follow: The instructions should be super easy I guess, but didn't use it, I just glanced through it and made it my own way

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Cut the top front pattern on fold to omit the buttons, raised the neck area for modest and inserted side zipper

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing to dislike, really love it and easy and simple to make

Would you recommend it to others?Highly recommend and great for beginners

Please enjoy!!!!!

Another dress....S2584

2011-02-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful dress for another beautiful client..... Cynthia Rowley dress made from African fabric....The result is a simple and stylish dress...
Here is the review

Fabric: 100% African fabric

Pattern Description: Misses Dress, Tunic and Headband Cynthia Rowley Collection. I made view B with sleeve A

Pattern Sizing: P4 12-20. Cut between 14 and 16 for the client

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: Not really, because client wants it to hit her knee so I lengthened and didnt make wide hem band.

Were the instructions easy to follow: I didn`t follow the instuction because it`similar to African men garment I learned to sew when I went home last year so I just used the same technique.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened by 2 inches and didn`t do hem band

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Client chose it because she loves the style and I love it too. It`s a simple and stylish style to sew... Highly recommend and should be straight forward for a beginner as well

Enjoy!!!

A dress....Simplicity 3503

2011-02-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

This dress is for one of my clients and the fabric is from me.... one of the African fabrics I have for sale. This particular fabric is from Ghana (West Africa) and its called AKOSOMBO. It's a very nice one, feels like linen and sews effortlessly...I love it. I will be posting the newest African Fabrics I have for sale soon. The camera is not doing justice to the color, its a beautiful combination of black, orange and blue.

I used Simplicity 3503, with modification. Since the fabric is cotton and the pattern is drafted for knit so I did flat measurement and draped it on the dress form first . Here is the outcome.

Fabric: African Fabric 100% cotton

Pattern Description: Misses' knit dress in 2 lengths with bodice variations

Pattern Sizing: (R5) 14-22. I cut size 14, usually I sew size 10 for this client but after the flat measurement it falls on 14

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

Were the instructions easy to follow: Super easy , no wonder this pattern is rated best pattern of 2009, so easy to sew .

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I lengthened the strap to make a criss-cross back, just a little touch to the style
Did lat pattern measurement for fit
Used the selvage edge of the fabric to make the midriffsand
Put side zipper.......

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like everything ...Lovely and stylish. Highly recommend and great for beginners.

Enjoy the rest of the week...

Dress..NL6429 again

2011-02-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

I have made this dress several times and will not be reviewing it anymore, here is a link to one of my previous reviews. This one is made in another beautiful color .....Me love, really getting ready for Spring/Summer

Enjoy the rest of the week!!!!