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.

Vogue 1247 - Camel Skirt - Item 5 Completed

I have finally finished my Camel skirt for the Wardrobe Basics SewAlong.  I used this pattern:

Pattern Description:  Semi-fitted A-lined skirt has front in-seam pockets. (From back of Vogue Pattern)

Pattern Sizing: 6-18.  I made a 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, I think so. Mine is a little longer

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, overall I found the instructions very good. I was a little confused about understiching the pockets as after doing this, I still have a small raw seam there so not sure exactly if this was supposed to happen. If anyone else has made this and has tips on this, it would be greatly appreciated :)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the fit of this skirt and I really like the waistband. The instructions have you finish the seams using binding and although I love how this looks inside, it was quite time consuming. I also love, love the pockets.

Fabric Used:  A lovely wool blend.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I lengthened the skirt by 1"  and it is still fairly short but I like the length. I used a blind hem stitch on my sewing machine to hem the fabric.

Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, definately. I think I'll make the next one in denim.

Conclusion: A lovely, stylish pattern. I think this will be another great addition to my wardrobe.

Next up, I think I'll make the puffy vest or the black (or in my case, grey) dress. Oh decisions, decisions....

Abby Cardi - Item 6 Completed

I just completed the Tie Waist Sweater as part of the Wardrobe Basics SewAlong yesterday. Here is my review:

Pattern Description:  Great jersey cardi to have for all occasions, wear it over your cami or dress, knot it at the front or leave it casually hanging down casually. Optional 2 sleeve lengths. (From StyleArc Website) I made the short sleeve version.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 6-30 (individual sizes purchased seperately). I made a size 10.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, I think so.

Were the instructions easy to follow? This is a quick cardi to put together. However, I did struggle with how to attach the back neck to the outer back collar but I got there eventually with a lovely friend's help . Once again, the Style Arc instructions are like an order of construction and are fairly brief.  After constructing the  collar, this is an easy pattern. I rolled hem the bottom hem and coverstitched the sleeve hems.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like how this pattern can be used as a lightweight cardi which is great for the climate I live in. It would make a nice long sleeve cardi too. The length I think is perfect for me but if you were taller, I think you might like to add some length.

Fabric Used: Rayon Lurex Jersey Knit from Fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I handstitched the facing neck seam instead of using the machine. I didn't trust it to look good with machine stitching.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might sew it again. Time will tell!

Conclusion: The cardigan drapes well and is comfortable to wear. I'm also pleased with the sizing.

Abby Cardi - Tie Waist Sweater Item 6 - Planning

The next item I'm making for the Wardrobe Basics Sew Along is the Tie Waist Sweater. When I ordered my Kate Top pattern from Style Arc, the bonus pattern was the Abby Cardi:

I think I will make the 3/4 sleeve version as I live in a fairly warm climate and think I will get more wear out of this style (but I might still change my mind).  I'm going to use this fabric purchased from Fabric.com:

I have purposely chosen this pattern as it calls for a rolled hem on the hem of the cardi and I really want to get better at this skill on my overlocker/coverstich machine. I've also had good success with the fit of Style Arc patterns so far, so fingers crossed this one works as well too. 

White Shirt - Item 3 Completed

I have finished my basic white top for the Wardrobe Basics Sew Along. I made the Kate Top from Style Arc.   I think this a definately another versatile addition to my wardbrobe. I used Stella Knit and the quality of the knit is very good . It is a good weight for a t-shirt without being too heavy.

Pattern Description:  Long sleeve with rib cuff, round neck top, slightly fitted.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 6 -20 (individual size purchased seperately). I made a 10.

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? The instructions are brief but this is a fairly easy top to put together. They contain a useful diagram on how to do the neck binding.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I really like the cuff detail and also the way the top looks very RTW. I didn't have to do a FBA which is also a great win.

Fabric Used: Stella Knit purchased from Crafty Mamas

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I stabilised the the shoulder seams with a strip on iron on stretch interfacing. I cut off 1 5/8" off the hem and also 2" off the sleeve before attaching the cuff band.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I will definately sew it again - maybe a stripe fabric next time.


Conclusion: A great white top - super comfortable and will be great for winter.