Kwik Sew 3453 Puffy Vest - Item 7 Completed

This was a fun piece to make. The pattern is  Kwik Sew 3458 and I used a fleece back quilted nylon that I bought from Fabric.com.

Kwik Sew 3453

Pattern Description:  Misses' close-fitting vests have side panels, stand-up collar, armhole bindings and forward shoulder seams. (From back of Kwik Sew Pattern). I made View A with the zipper.

Pattern Sizing: XS-XL. I made a S.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, although I did not use a contrast fabric and I finished the armholes with a satin bias on the inside rather than the armhole bindings they suggested.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, I really like Kwik Sew instructions. I found them to be clear and concise. As I used a different fabric to their suggestions, I did have to think ahead about how to finish some of the seams to avoid my fabric fraying.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like the pockets on this vest as they are easy to construct and a decent size. I also like the side panels - they give the vest a nice shape.

Fabric Used: A fleece backed quilted nylon purchased from Fabric.com.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I changed the collar finish because if I left it as it was, you would see the inside seam when I had it unzipped and that would look a bit messy. So I ended up folding over a seam allowance and handstitching this in place to give a neater finish. I also used satin binding on the inside of the armhole as this fabric had very minimal stretch and I didn't think the binding method suggested would work well on my chosen fabric. In hindsight I think I should have allowed slightly more seam allowance when I cut it out as it is made for a polar fleece type fabric that has a bit of stretch to it and my fabric did not stretch much at all.  Also, the seam allowances on this pattern are 1/4" so no room for error really.  Still it worked out fine, but a little more snug :)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  This is the third time I have used this pattern, so I probably will again.  I would recommend it to others. I made no alterations with the length so a taller person would need to add more length.

Conclusion: A great Kwik Sew pattern.

I'm looking forward to cooler weather to try this vest out with my other Wardrobe Basics.

 I only have one more item to go now - the dark skinny jeans.  I am going to use a pattern I have made before (pictured here) Jalie 2908 - the mid rise version altering the leg to make it into a skinny (not too skinny!) jean.

Sewaholic 1201 Renfew Top - Item 4 Completed

The next item that was on my list for the Wardrobe Basics SewAlong was Item 4, the Black Turtleneck. Turtlenecks are not a flattering look for me at all, so I decided to give the Renfew Top a go seeing as I do really like cowl neck tops.

Pattern Description:  The perfect basic tee! The Renfrew Top is a fitted knit top with sleeve and neckline variations. View A has long sleeves and a scoop neckline. View B has short sleeves and a deep V neckline. View C has a dramatic cowl neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. Mix and match any of the sleeves with any of the neckline options for unlimited possibilities! (From Sewaholic Website)

Pattern Sizing: 0-16. I made an 8.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes. I made View C.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are very easy and I think a beginner sewer would really enjoy this project as it is easy and fast to construct. Also, the bands are easy to put on, so there is no need to worry about how to hem the knit fabric.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like how the cowl sits and also that the cowl is not low cut, so no revelations are made when leaning over! 

Fabric Used:  A black Ponte De Roma Knit purchased from Lincraft.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the top by 1" when I originally cut it out.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, absolutely.  I am looking forward to trying the other versions too.   A very easy and quick pattern.

Conclusion: I think I will get a lot of use out of this top. Great pattern - give it a go!

The next item on my list is the Puffy Vest. I have some great fleece backed quilted fabric that I bought from Fabric.com so I'm looking forward to sewing this one up.

Simplicity 2054 - Black (Grey) Dress - Item 9 Completed

For the next item in the Warbrobe Basics SewAlong, I decided to make a grey dress instead of a black one. I used Simplicity 2054, View A:

Living in a hot climate, I've had to use my imagination of cold weather to work out how to wear this one. I really like how the dress and the cowl are seperate pieces so you can wear them with other items. 

Pattern Description:  Misses' knit dresses and cowl - collar sewing pattern, Cynthia Rowley Collection. (From Simplicity Website)

Pattern Sizing:  6-22. I made a 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes. I made View A.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are very easy as the dress is just 4 basic pattern pieces rather like a t-shirt dress really. I didn't follow the instructions the whole way through as they have you hem the sleeves before setting them in the sleeve and I wanted to check the length of them after I had done this as I knew they were going to be too long. I coverstitched all the hems and the neckline. I also constructed the whole dress on my overlocker without using the sewing machine for the seams.  I think if I made this again, I would put the sleeve in on the flat rather than using the set in method. The cowl instructions as very easy and make for a neat finish.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like how you can use the dress and the cowl seperately. There is not much shape to the dress but i think I'm ok with that.  I made a 14 as I didn't want it to be tight across the back and not too fitted.

Fabric Used:  Sophia Double Knit purchased from Fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shaved off 1cm from the armcycle and shortened both the sleeves and bottom hems by 6cm.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I think I might sew the cowl again as I think it would be quite versatile. Still thinking about whether I would sew the dress or not. I'll have to wait for the weather to get colder to see how much I wear it.

Conclusion: Another item completed for the Wardrobe Basics SewAlong. Easy and quick pattern.

I'll be back soon with another completed item from the Wardrobe Basics SewAlong the Black Turtleneck.