Showing posts with label knits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knits. Show all posts
Colors of Korea Formal Simplicity Dress

Colors of Korea Formal Simplicity Dress

October 29, 2022


My husband and I recently took a trip to Sweden and attended a formal gala themed "The Colors of Korea." We were asked to wear colors from the South Korean flag and I didn't have a dress for the occasion, so you know I made one!

Over the course of the next year it is my goal that each new make of mine uses a fabric and/or pattern from my stash. I needed to purchase a fabric for this dress since I didn't have one in my stash that fit the dress code so I searched my stash for a pattern I already owned and found Simplicity 2580. I originally thrifted this pattern for a very inexpensive price since it looked like something I would wear, but I didn't have any specific plans for it. Glad I grabbed it when it was available!

Working with this fabric was a breeze, even when I needed to unpick seams a few times. However, I really struggled with the sizing and ease of this pattern. My measurements had me in a size 12/14 but I am usually a size 10 in Simplicity patterns so that's what I cut. I ended up taking three inches out of the bust in a number of increments and could have taken a bit more out. But the hips were a good fit so I graded from the under-bust to the hips. Thankfully there was elastic in the center back to help hold the dress up.

This view of the pattern called for a tie closure behind the neck but I decided to trim down the ties and sew them together at the center back to create a more formal look. To get into the dress I really have to shimmy my head through the opening. This may not have been the best idea, but it was the quickest fix. I also cut an additional three and half inches off before the bottom of the skirt before hemming it.

Ultimately the dress looked great and I felt comfortable eating in it. However, the weight of the fabric pulled the dress down as the night wore on and I needed to readjust the tension at the front of the neck multiple time throughout the night. It was choking me! I may wear this dress again because I've already made it, but I honestly wouldn't make View E again.

Pattern: View E of Simplicity 2580, printed in 2009
Size: 6-10
Fabric: 2 1/2 yards of matte jersey knit fabric with 50% stretch, 94% polyester and 6% lycra, machine wash and line dry
Time: 4-5 hours due to fit issues, it should have taken much less time

Cost to Make:
pattern - $1-5, I can't remember the exact cost
fabric - $8.99/yard, for a total of $22.50 (but it often runs 30%)
*elastic and thread from stash
TOTAL VALUE: approximately $25
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Marissa
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Cher Top in Minerva Linen Viscose

Cher Top in Minerva Linen Viscose

October 26, 2022


My husband and I recently took a trip to Sweden. The weather was cool and called for a moderate amount of rain so I packed lots of layers, including my new Cher Knit Top in Minerva Core Range Linen Viscose Sweater Knit. I felt both comfortable and stylish in it, a travel win! Head over to my Minerva profile to read all about this make and purchase your own linen viscose here.

Fabric for this make was gifted to me by Minerva in exchange for a post on their site. This post contains affiliate links and I appreciate your support!
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Marissa
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Maroon Cotton Lycra Westminster

Maroon Cotton Lycra Westminster

October 06, 2022




I've had the Styla Westminster on my to-make list since it came out, and I can't believe I waited this long to make it! I love that this single piece can elevate my whole outfit. It has truly become a staple in my fall wardrobe.

I used maroon cotton lycra jersey knit from The Fabric Fairy in my perfect shade. This fabric is gorgeous and has stood the test of time and multiple washings. I think I need shirts in every color.

To create a square neckline the Westminster is self-lined, creating a shapewear effect. I made the long sleeve view with an elastic channel and love the visual interest these sleeves offer. One critique I have of this pattern is that the inner sleeve seams are longer than the elasticated outer seams and I find myself pulling up the inner sleeve seams throughout the day as I wear the top. If I were to make this top again I would size up one size, make the scoop neck version and use a single layer of fabric on the body finishing the neckline with a band. I would also make the shorter sleeve version and potentially add elastic to the inner seam as well as the outer seam.



This stylish new Westminster was the perfect addition to my fall wardrobe. I can wear it casually with a pair of jeans or dressed up with a plaid skirt. The sleeves add visual interest without adding too much bulk allowing me to layer over this top well. I'm getting a lot of wear out of it!

My goal for the next year is to make garments using a pattern and/or fabric from my stash. I had the Westminster pattern printing and waiting to be made and was able to use a fabric featured in my calm summer palette. This make is fitting all the bills.

Pattern: Styla Westminster
Size: 4 
Fabric: The Fabric Fairy maroon cotton lycra jersey knit, 2 yards
Time: 4-5 hours

Cost to Make:
pattern - $11 value (gifted to me)
fabric - $20 value, plus $9 shipping (gifted to me)
*elastic and thread from stash
TOTAL VALUE: $40 value

The Fabric Fairy fabric and Styla Westminster pattern were both gifted to me. I'm genuinely loving this top and am sharing my honest opinions in the post above.
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Marissa
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Stanton Hoodie 1/4 Zip

Stanton Hoodie 1/4 Zip

September 14, 2022

 



It's September, I'm officially moved, and the weather in Michigan is cooling off at night. That means its time to start sewing snuggly things!

I recently had the pleasure of joining Cashmerette in sewing up the 1/4 Zip option for their Stanton Hoodie expansion pack, this month's Cashmerette Club pattern. The 1/4 Zip was a quick and rewarding sew and my new sweater is perfect for this transitional weather. I really appreciate how detailed Cashmerette pattern instructions are, even down to the pattern piece numbering (sew piece one to piece two, then piece three...). The instructions even include a suggested stitch length for each step. Plus all my seams matched up perfectly. Slow clap for this pattern.

To make a coordinating set I used the True Bias Hudson Pants for a pair of jogger shorts. I widened both the front and back pieces by 1/4" at the base of each side seam to give more ease around my thigh. I also elongated the outer seam by 1/4", but wouldn't do that again. There was just barely enough fabric for these shorts, but I'm so glad I was able to make it work!

To complete the outfit I made a StayStitch Pattern Lola Tank in white cotton interlock. It was quick, easy, and so stylish - a perfect naptime sew!

Packing up everything in my last sewing room, fabric and patterns and notions, forced me to take a long hard look at everything in my stash. For a while now I've been purchasing fabric and patterns more quickly than I could sew the garments I've been dreaming of. But I really want to make those garments, that's why I've purchased all the supplies! So over the course of the next year I plan to only make garments with a fabric and/or pattern I already own. I want to focus on using the items in my stash that I love. 

For this outfit I already owned the Stanton Hoodie pattern and was gifted the expansion pack. I already owned the Hudson Pants patterns and have made them several times this year. And I won the Lola Tank pattern in an Instagram giveaway! My main fabric, the French Terry, was gifted to me from the Fabric Fairy and I already owned the pocket lining fabric. I only needed to purchase the ribbing from Minerva. I was also gifted the white cotton from Fabric Fairy. This set is a perfect match for my "calm summer" color palette and I feel great wearing it.

Patterns: Stanton Hoodie and 1/4 Zip Expansion Pack, Hudson Pants, Lola Tank
Size: 4 in the Stanton, 4 in the Hudson, 
Fabric: 1 1/2 yards Candy Pink Cotton Lycra French Terry knit from Fabric Fairy, 1 meter Minerva Core Range Tubular Rib Stretch Knit in Bright Pink, 2 yards Light Pink 3/8 Cotton Hoodie Drawstring Flat Tape, remnants for jersey knit from my stash; 1 1/2 yards Bright White Cotton Interlock from Fabric Fairy
Time: 4 hours for Stanton Hoodie, 3 hours for Hudson Shorts, and 1 hour for Lola Tank

Cost to Make:
patterns - Join Cashmerette Club for as little as $9, this month, and get the Stanton Hoodie plus expansion pack, $18.50 Hudson Pants pattern (which I used multiple times), $16 Lola Tank pattern
fabric - $17 French Terry, $1.50 Flat Tape, $15 Cotton Interlock (plus $9 shipping) from Fabric Fairy; $13 Tubular Rib (plus $5.50 shipping)
*interfacing, pocket lining, thread, and zipper from my stash
TOTAL VALUE: $104.50

The Fabric Fairy fabric. Cashmerette Club pattern, and Lola Tank pattern were gifted to me for these makes. And I sure an thankful, because I've been wearing this set weekly! All opinions are my own.
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Marissa
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[name=Marissa] [img=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgft-3vDDqLpq4lxEo2Wx4YkE4-TQNU7SAldhEeqsnJ5NGKN48OSU2c-E6TmDZGf5IPiR6oTsNR332bRJ3dZZcIO7bkMkNpuXcp1K9AtFQ5rlu0kfvBzzjk-gyIKt6lGyYAM1HQ5b-z1Xg/s355/NielsenFamily19Final-11+%25282%2529.jpg] [description=Hi, I'm Marissa, a hobby seamstress. Thanks for joining me on my journey as I create a handmade wardrobe. Like and follow via the social media links below to see my newest makes!] [(instagram=https://www.instagram.com/sew_help_me)] [(facebook=https://www.facebook.com/SewHelpMebyMarissa)] [(bloglovin=https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/sew-help-me-19274771)]