Simplicity 8304 Completed Pattern Description: Simplicity Babies' Legging, Top, Dress Bibs and Headband Pattern Size: Medium 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 and No. Yes, because the bias tape gave me a hard time. I was going to use the bias tape for this dres, but It did not turn out the way I wanted it to, and besides, I had embroidered on the bodice and did not want the underside exposed. So using bias tape just make it really bulky under the arms. After lining, everything else was easy going. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I liked the style Fabric Used: I used a cotton print and broadcloth Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I decided to line the bodice instead of using bias tape for the neckline and arm holes. I made view B, medium. I still took off about 4" from the bottom and about 8" from the width. The bloomers are McCalls 6912 and the panties are Simplicity 1921. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes, I would. I made two of these dresses for my two nieces. Conclusion: This a traditional baby dress and pants pattern. If you are a beginner and ready to sew buttons (there are only three) then you should not have any problems sewing it together.
McCall's 6913
Completed This is an infant/toddler dress, sizes 1/2 -4 that has two sailor collar variations (one with a tie and the other without the tie). I chose to make view A. View A is sleeveless and has the sailor collar with tie. Pattern Instructions: The pattern is labeled "Easy" While I consider my sewing skills to be somewhere between advanced beginner and intermediate, I would say this pattern is a little bit less than "easy". If your are a beginner, you might find several parts of the instructions a little confusing. The only part that was confusing to me was the button placket. I had never made a placket before, so I had to find online instructions because pattern instructions for sewing one weren't too clear. Pattern Sizing: I made size 1/2 which is about 9 months. This pattern is made for sizes 1/2-4. The range is large, so the pieces for the infant are humungous! What would You Change? The sizing. Size 1/2 should not be included in the toddler pattern. I reduced the size of the tie (length and width) and removed about 12 in of gathering from the bodice, I just thought it was a bit too much. My Opinion About This Pattern. I think it is a cute little outfit. I will probably make it again using the adjustments I made. McCalls 6873
Completed Pattern Description: Infants' vest, shirt, pants and tie Did it look like the photo on the pattern envelop? Yes, it did. Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes and no. The pants were easy. I had never made pants with a cuff, so the instructions were a little confusing for about 5 minutes. The vest was pretty fast and easy until it came time to close it up at the side seams. What did you like or dislike about this pattern? What I disliked most about this pattern is the way you are instructed to close up the vest. I think I must have read and re-read the instructions for about an hour. You are to close up the vest at the side seams, which leaves little room for sewing the main fabric on your machine...sorry, but no pick of inside vest I did find a way to close up the vest on the bottom...waay easier and less time consuming. Fabric Used? Denim for the vest and poplin for the pants. Pattern Alterations: Non, but I did embroider Pooh on the vest instead of sewing on the pocket. There just wasn't a whole lot of room for the buttonhole and pocket. Would you sew it again? Absolutely! Conclusion: I like this pattern. I do think the instructions are somewhat confusing. It does say "Easy" on the pattern, but if you are a beginner, it might take sometime for you to understand what it is they want you to do. Simplicity 2471
Completed Pattern Description: Infants' shoes Did it look like the photo on the photo on the pattern envelope? Yes, I made view B. Were the instructions easy to follow? For the most part, yes. I got stuck on step 12 (attaching inside lining) for about 20 minutes. What did you dislike about this pattern? I just think they could have done a better job explaining step 12. Fabric Used? Broadcloth and a Calico Pattern Alterations? None this time. Will you sew this again? Yes. I plan on making more. See & Sew B5666
completed McCalls 7243
Completed Pattern Description: Misses' Top and Dresses Did it look like the phot on the patter envelope? Yes. Were the instructions easy to follow? It depends on your level. I don't have a lot of experience with patterns, so had to read over the pattern instructions the night before I started this project. Some of the instructions I did not understand until I actually began to sew the garment, if that makes sense. If you are an intermediate beginner, it might take a liitle more time but the instructions aren't so difficult that you feel like giving up. What did you like or dislike about the pattern? I disliked the part where the yoke and collar intersect. You will have fold it under and hem. It was a little bulky, so I had to improvise, (See pic). There is a lot of hemming around the collar, but that is not a dislike, just a side note. Other than that, I enjoyed sewing this. Fabric Used: Moderate stretch Ponte Knit Pattern Alterations: I thought I would be creative and add zippers to the sleeves. Would you sew it again? Yes, I plan on making a black one. I might consider a different knit. The moderate weight ponte makes it a little difficult when taking the dress off. Conclusion: This is a nice dress to have for fall and winter. Instructions are not difficult for an intermediate beginner Simplicity 1519
View B Completed McCalls 7108
Views A without ruffle Completed McCalls 6018
View A, Jacket Completed Butterick 5980, View C
Completed McCalls 6015
Completed Butterick 5585
Completed McCalls 6515
Completed Pattern Description: Did it look like the photo on the pattern envelope? Yes, I made view B. Were the instructions easy to follow? Mostly yes. This was my first attempt at making pants, so I was confused on one part. When it was time to sew the left and right legs together, I ended up sewing one leg inside out. I have learned...when in doubt, just stare at the diagram. What did you like or dislike about the pattern? When it came to top stitching (Argh!) the bottom part of the facing, I just could not get both the inside and outside stitching to be straight and look nice., so I ended up top stitching the outside of the band and hand stitching the inside, see photo. Next time I will handsew the facing first and then topstitch. I think this will give me more control and look nice inside and out. I like that the instructions are not too difficult (It does not take long to figure out what you need to do.) Fabric Used: Gaberdine Pattern Alterations: I had to adjust the crotch by taking off a total of 3 inches, and I had to do a waist adjustment. Would you sew this again and recommend it? Of course. I will probably do view C. I love palazzo pants, and I think this is a perfect pattern to use. I made a size 10. My hips are narrow, so I think I will try a size 8 because the 10 seems to hang a tad bit too loose at the hips. Conclusion: I really like this pattern. It is not a difficult pattern that requires you know any difficult techniques, and the instructions are easy to follow. McCalls 5776
Completed Pattern Description: Dog coats, scarf and legwarmer Did it look like the photo on the pattern? Yes. I made view E. Were the instructions easy to follow? At times, they were confusing, for example, the hem band and the tab closure. What did you like or dislike about the pattern? All the dogs except one is facing sideways which makes it difficult to get an idea of the shirt should look like when completed There was too much topstitching for this shirt, but I think it looks better with it. I did not like that the instructions were a bit confusing just for a dog shirt. Fabric used: Cotton Blend (value fabric at Hancock Fabrics) and broadcloth. Pattern Alterations: I cut two tabs for the front instead of one. I did this because I wanted to use buttons (see photo) instead of Velcro. My dog goes crazy at the sound of velcro being pulled, and I think it looks much nicer than the instructions given, which would have had 1 side with a tab and the other side folder over and topstitched. The instructions for the hem band was really confusing, so I had to place it on like a bias strip and stitch in the ditch. I made sure I made sure the length remained long because he goes outside and likes to brush against shrubs which makes him itch like crazy. Would you Sew it again? Yes,. but my way. Conclusion:. Pattern was a little confusing at times, but can be worked around. You can really get creative and make nice looking jackets for your pet dog. McCalls 3830
Completed Pattern description: Misses Skirt in 5 lengths Did it look like the photo on the pattern? Yes, I made view C. Were the instructions easy to follow? Absolutely! What did you like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern. It is so nice to purchase a pattern that has only 1 page of instructions and only 5 pieces for 5 different views. Fabric Used: Suiting (gabardine). Pattern Alterations? I just used an invisible zipper instead of the traditional zipper. Will you sew again? Yes. I love the fit and love that it is such a simple pattern to sew. Conclusion: This pattern is not difficult to sew for the advanced beginner. It is a great wardrobe builder for church, work, or out for an evening dinner. McCalls 5252
Completed Pattern Sizing: Small 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?? I had to read the instructions several times before starting. I read instructions for view C several times. After I placed the material on the table and began to cut, I decided to do view B instead. Semantics was a tiny part of the problem. Twice I found myself saying, "what??" Otherwise, I found the instructions to be thorough. I like that you are reminded to finish seams after sewing them, good advice for a beginner. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I don't like a lot of topstitching. I think my jacket turned out just fine without this. I do not like that the armscye is sooo large. Fabric Used: Anti pill Fleece Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: For my size, I decreased the length (sleeve and body). I made a lining for the yoke because I embroidered a plane on it, didn't want the embroidery stitches exposed. After the yoke was sewn and serged, I did the lower pocket. When I saw how the inside pocket would be exposed, I had to think of a way to put in lining after my seams were sewn and serged. I did not want to take the entire seam of the yoke apart because I only had about 2/8" left. My solution to this problem was to make a lining by sewing the front and front side pieces together and then sewing bias tape across both pieces. Next, I had to hand sew the bias taped lining to the already serged seam. I think the bias tape inside gives it more character. It gets too windy in central Oklahoma. There is no way I am going to wear this jacket anywhere with pockets exposed. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I made this jacket to match my husband's plane. In September, he will compete the IMAC World Championships. After he saw my jacket, he asked if I would make one for him. So, yes, I will make another one. Yes, I would recommend this pattern to anyone looking for a nice fall jacket or vest. Conclusion: From a beginner's perspective, I found this pattern easy to follow because I read the instructions several times before starting. Do not be intimidated by the zipper. It is a separated zipper. I did not have to use tape to hold it down, just pins. I would recommend you iron the zipper first to get its true length; otherwise, you might end up with uneven sides. Butteririck 5967.
Completed Pattern Sizing:12 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?? I had to redo the bottom because I placed the wrong pieces together. After the second go around I found it much easier. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?? I liked that the Instructions were at my level, intermediate beginner. Fabric Used:Classic Silky Solid Essence (polyester) sold at JoAnn fabric store Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:None Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?. I don’t know if I will sew this again. If I do, I will use a light weight cotton. The silky essence was a hassle to sew with. Conclusion: I think the pattern size I selected was a bit large. I would probably select the next size down. I like that it has princess seams, but I think they would have stood out if I had chosen a smaller size. |
Simplicity 1943
Completed Pattern Description: Misses Knit and Woven Jackets Did it look like the photo on the pattern envelope? Yes. I made view E. I wanted the Cheetah print. Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. As I usuaully do, I read through the instructions before I begin, sometimes 2x. So an intermediate or advanced beginner should have no problem. What did you like or dislike about the pattern? Sewing this pattern went quickly until I got to the collar. Because of the thickness of the fabric (3 layers), it was a little difficult sewing thru the layers, so it slowed me down. You will want to make sure you are sewing a 5/8 seam through all the thickness; otherwise, the front of the jacket will be uneven. Fabric Used: Cheetah print from Joanne Fabrics. Pattern Alterations: I did not have to make alterations. However, If I make it again, I think I would use a lightweight fabric for the under collar to reduce the bulk. Would I sew this again? Yes, because I really love the vintage style of this jacket Conclusion: This is not a difficult pattern to sew. The jacket has both a classy and casual look, and it is a great wardrobe builder. Pattern Sizing: 12
Completed Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. I just embroidered lace between the collar front Were the instructions easy to follow? Pretty much so. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I did not like doing the felled seam on stretch knit, so I just serged Fabric Used: stretch knit, polyester Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?yes Conclusion: Pattern fit just fine without any alterations needed to fit my size. Butterick 5415
Completed (Anime Costume) Pattern Description: Misses Dress Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? No. Were the instructions easy to follow? They look to be easy. Although I used it to make a costume, I am sure I can follow the instructions well enough to make the dress printed on the envelope. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I was not able to follow the instructions completely once I slashed it, but I don't think I will have a problem making a dress for myself when that time comes. Fabric Used: Broadcloth Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Oh, yes. I hacked or slashed this pattern to get the look my daughter wanted. My daughter wanted an anime costume. I purchased this pattern because it was the closest I could find to make the dress she wanted. She wanted a sailor collar, so I had to draft that using the front and back pieces. The cuffs on the bottom of the sleeves I lengthened and added gathers. I also added a ruffle around the bottom of the dress. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I will, but it will be for me Conclusion: I liked that the pattern was what I was looking for. I would recommend it because it seems to be easy after reading the instructions several time. I have seen some of the ladies on this site who have already made it, and I am ready to make it for myself. McCalls M6927
Completed Pattern Description: Misses'/Women's Tops and Tunics Did it look like the photo on the pattern envelope? Yes Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, for an advanced or intermediate beginner they are very easy to follow. What did you like or dislike about the pattern? There was nothing that I disliked about the instructions. I did like that there were separate pattern pieces for cup sizes A-DDD. Fabric Used Pattern Alterations: I thought a contrasting neck band would add a little pizzaz to this plain looking blouse and used same fabric to make the scarf. Instead of the loop and button, I added an invisible zipper. I did not like the tail in the back, so I just eliminated it. I did not like that you are purchasing more fabric than needed. Would you sew it again? Only if I need to. I made this because I could not find what I needed at the mall. Conclusion: This pattern has easy instructions for an advanced or intermediate beginner to sew and can be a nice wardrobe builder. Simplicity 1425
|