Get the Spring RTW Style with Sewing Patterns

We have another installment of my Get the RTW Look with Sewing Patterns. Are you ready?!

Lets start with Banana Republic shall we! I love Banana, love the styling, they are doing it right.

TENCEL Linen Shorts - If you don’t have a pair of shorts these are it. These shorts retail for $60. It has an elastic waistband, front pockets, back pockets and 4” inseam. They are rather nice if you ask me. You can use Simplicity S9549 . Just keep in mind that Simplicity’s pattern goes up to size 18 and a 45 1/2” hip. If you need a larger pant pattern consider the Dani Shorts from True Bias.

Banana Republic TENCEL Linen Shorts

You can use the SAME Sewing Patterns if you wanted to get yourself a pair of longer pants from Banana Republic.

The Wide Leg Pant from Banana Republic - Retail for $110. You can use Simplicity S9549 or the Dani Shorts. You can use the exact same patterns for a longer length.

Heritage Linen Dress from Banana Republic. I must say its beautiful and I’m pretty sure most of us have made a button down shirt dress. I love the details in the sleeves with the roll-cuff and made out of linen. BR has three color ways for this dress. White, Bronze and Black… and it retails for $160.

You can use McCall’s M8031 with View C and D for the belt, and if you must have those fun front pocket detail you can borrow them from S8830. You may have to do cut the pocket corners at an angle but I’ve shown you in earlier video how to do this so your pockets look beautiful and they match by using a pocket template.

Heritage Linen Dress from Banana Republic

Fitted Ribbed Tank from Banana Republic - We talked about this earlier this week. Can’t pass up on a good ribbed knit tank top. BR has this in an assortment of colors. Each one retails for $30 to $29.50. You can use the Blooma Tank from Paradise Patterns ( Remember if you sign up for their newsletter you can get this pattern free as a PDF download) or you can also use B6848 and use the crew neck band for the neckline.

Fitted Ribbed Tank from BR

Let’s look at a few looks from Ann Taylor, they have some great spring styles and some lovely colors.

Floral Tired Lace Ruffle Yoke Shell - This retails for $84.50 and its beautiful. You can use two different sewing patterns. But you will most likely will have to modify both of these so you only have a keyhole back vs. button down with a placket as the patterns are shown.

First one is the Nina Lee Bloomsbury Blouse - You will have to do bias tape finish and omit the sleeve on the pattern OR you can use V1809 which is a re-issue of a vintage pattern similar to the Nina Lee pattern with a Peter Pan collar. I would suggest a rayon challis for either one of these patterns for that flowing and summery look.

Floral Mix Media Ruffle Sleeve Tie Neck Shell from Ann Taylor - Its a ruffle sleeve neck tie top with ruffled sleeves. It retails for $54.50 on their website. Its quite lovely and screams spring with the strawberries print.

Try using Simplicity S9469. Just omit the sleeves and add a flounce for the sleeves. I also suggest you use a rayon challis or perhaps a viscose fabric.

Here is another fun summer staple… the wrap skirt. Perfect for a beginner. Flounce Wrap Midi Skirt from Ann Taylor. This item retails on their site for $119. You can dress this item or or down.

You can use McCalls M8259 or you can also use Simplicity S8606

Ann Taylor Wrap Skirt with a Flounce

Do you guys like Boden? I love their styles, love their prints! I wished we could find who sells their dead stock fabric because I would be all over that. They make some simple styles in the most gorgeous fabrics.

Trim Detail T-Shirt Dress - with grown on sleeves which I will add are HUGE this spring and summer. I must say I love Boden because they have large sizing. This dress goes up to size 20/22 on their website and retails for $85. You can wear a pair of sandals, grab a tote and you are ready to run errands or head on over to the pool.

To make this style I suggest you try the Max Tee from Chalk and Notch. It was just released in mid April and this is one of those patterns that will be a tried and true. You will use it again and again and again. It comes with a crew neckline, mock neck or you can even make it into a V-neck. You can also extend the bodice on it and make it into a t-shirt dress. The Max Tee sizing is 0 to 30 and with 2 bust cup options…. and double bonus its just a few pages to print. If you are worried about showing too much arms (perhaps your arms are as juicy as mine) no worries just cut a larger size by the arms so they extend a little more for more coverage.

Max Tee from Chalk and Notch

Notch Neck Tiered Dress from Boden - Fun summer dress, you can throw this one over your head or perhaps do a keyhole neckline like they do on Boden’s website. It retails for $120 and you can get it in two color ways. A fun woven summer dress to go about. Its brand new on their site and they say it sells “like hot cakes”. So funny! But I must say its a nice summer dress.

You can use Simplicity S9265 to copy this dress. I suggest you cut one of the tiered in half so you get the shorter version of this dress and close to Boden’s garment.

Boden Notch Neck Tiered Dress

Me Made May and Summer Tank Tops

May is here and with that comes the start of Me Made May… and what is that exactly?! It’s a challenge to get people like you and me, who sew to wear their garments and also develop a better relationship with their handmade clothes. SO in other words a challenge to get you wearing the clothes you make and that you already have. Don’t get me wrong nobody is going to stop you from making more clothes if that’s what you want, but its a good way to remind you that you should wear the clothes that you already have. Even if it’s a mix of Ready to Wear clothing with Me Made clothes. There are lots of sales of patterns, fabrics, so be on the lookout for those this month. I know True Bias had a sale, Chalk and Notch has a sale, Love Notions is having a 40% off sale, Closet Core Patterns had a 20% off sale so if you have been eyeing something now is your chance.

My husband encouraged me to clean out my closet about two years ago of clothes that I didn’t like, don’t fit or haven’t worn in forever. I made a pledge to post my makes every day on Instagram… and if you aren’t following me on Instagram my handle is @amassonlifestyle

But today’s post is also about looking at Tank Tops. Its seems like one of those things that you don’t even think about because its so simple, and most of the time we rather just go get it at a store but there are a ton of Tank Top patterns out there. They usually hide within the T-shirt patterns and of course you can always draft one yourself but why not let someone else do the math and the drafting work and get a pattern.

I love using them during the summer to wear with skirts, shorts or even wear them under a zip up jacket or cardigan in a chilly summer evening. So here is what I found:

Butterick B6874- Brand new pattern from Butterick’s 2022 Collection this is a t-shirt pattern with a back peek-a-boo and random some buttons on the sides, but within the pattern is a tank top.

Buterick B6848 - This is another t-shirt Pattern from Palmer Pletsch but within this pattern is also a tank top with a V-neckline or you can also do a crew neck.

Line drawings for B6848 from Butterick

B6797 - This is a blouse pattern and tank top, the difference from the other two patterns is this pattern is for woven fabrics.

Butterick just keep giving us those simple wardrobe tried and true patterns. Here are two more…

Butterick B6751 - This is a loose woven top or you can also use a stable knit fabric.

One more from Butterick, and Butterick B6718 is pretty good one because its part of a wardrobe pattern with a jacket, pants, dress, skirt and tank top with gathers at the neckline for woven fabrics.

But I told you I was going to look at Indie Pattern makers too if you are into that, I am a little into Indie Patterns these days and there are some good ones out there.

Blooma Tank from Paradise Patterns - You can purchase this pattern on Paradise Patterns Etsy shop OR you can sign up for their newsletter and get it for free. We like free! Especially a good way to try out a new pattern designer and make sure you like their instructions and drafting. It goes up to a size 16 but looking at their measurements, it fits me and it goes to a 44” bust.

Another favorite in the sewing community is the Lola Racer Tank Top by Stay Stitch Patterns. This is also drafted as a dress and you can get it from their Etsy Shop.

Lola Racer Tank from Stay Stitch Patterns

Last but not least…

Saybrook Tank from Cashmerette - Can’t forget about Cashmerette and their larger bust and extended sizes patterns.

What is your tried and true tank top pattern?

Tiered Skirts Sewing Patterns and the Mothers’ Day Maxi Challenge

I had mentioned in one of my earlier videos, I am an Ambassador for the Mother’s Day Maxi Challenge, if you haven’t entered consider this your reminder to get off your duff and make yourself something to wear for Mother’s Day. Need more motivation?! There are prizes for this challenge. The rules and listing of prizes are in this blog post!

I knew I wanted to make a maxi tiered skirt and I found two images that gave me loads of inspiration. One is a tiered skirt from Carolina Herrera, its made out of taffeta (which is not going to happen because taffeta can be so loud when you move about and I’m not going to a party any time soon!) and this beautiful image from Heather Lou, the Owner of Closet Core Patterns, who self drafted this skirt with a paisley pattern. I loved her skirt. LOVED IT. So I went on a hunt for yellow paisley fabric.

After all spring and summer will show up soon… the weather just needs to get the memo to start warming up in Chicago.

Carolina Herrera - Taffeta Tiered Skirt

Heather Lou from Closet Core Patterns - Love her skirt! LOVE it all!!

Anyhow, I knew I wanted something yellow and I wanted a paisley pattern. So I got this fabric from Mood Fabrics. It is described as a poplin with stretch… perfect, its a poplin. I got plenty of poplin fabrics around here. I’m good to go!

Fabric arrives…. it’s the right shade, I love the pattern. Not enough swish / drape for a tiered skirt. It can be done for a skirt but I need more drape.

So you know what they say when life gives you lemons… make some lemonade and in my case that means go get more fabric.

So I took a trip to Vogue Fabrics and needless to say I headed straight for the rayon challis and the deadstock fabrics. Love it there but I will be honest it can be overwhelming at times. But I was able to find something.

Mave Skirt from True Bias

I also downloaded the Mave Skirt Pattern from True Bias, however you can also use a pattern from the Big Four. They have quite a few for a tiered skirt.

Butterick - B6749

McCalls M8066 - This is a learn to sew pattern. Tiered skirts are perfect for beginners and learning about gathers.

New Look - N6516 - I’m trying to find out if I can find this pattern. Mainly because the gathers look a lot like the Carolina Herrera Skirt, and of course, you know what they say… you can’t have too many skirt patterns.

The Maxi Challenge ends on May 9th, 2022. Don’t forget to Tag BOTH Challenge Hosts Tea @teacrumpetsandsewing AND Crystal @crystalsewandstuff on Instagram with a picture of yourself wearing your garment along with the hashtag SewMaxiForMothersDay

Making the Dani Shorts by Trie Bias & Upcycling

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. It was a busy one around here as the kids had different schedules. Some days there was school and other days no school. But I got to sew and I was able to finish my Dani Shorts from True Bias. They are amazing!

I did make two toiles on it to try and check the fit as I made the first toile I realized the pants would have looked too big based on my fabric choice. Which is a Kaufmann stretch Twill (it is actually quite nice!), it doesn’t drape or behave like the usual twill that drapes just a little more. But it has a little bit more body since it stretches ever so slightly. So I went down a size and then made another toile, I decided to go down to a size 16 for these shorts and I’m glad I did. Although they have an elastic waist they fit JUST the way I want them to. Keep in mind the Dani shorts pattern are meant to be a lot looser around the hips and the waist is meant to be a lot more gathered with an elastic. I kept the elastic but since my fabric was a little “stiffer” I decided to pull things in quite a bit.

If I make it in shorts again, I will most likely do a linen and go up a few sizes so it drapes a tad more. If you want to do a pair of similar shorts try S9549… but beware the sizing goes up to 18 on this pattern, and that’s it. Hence why I returned the Simplicity pattern and I went with the Dani shorts. They go from 0 - 18 and 14 - 32.

I may try making a longer version later on but I will do a toile again to make sure I like how the legs taper and such. I added a button the back pockets as I didn’t want them to pull out as some pockets do some times. It was not hard to do at all. I may even do a rounded corner next time.

I’ve also been looking thru some of the leftover fabrics I have…. some are really just that scraps! Then there are some other nice pieces that you can call remnants that are just sitting in the fabric stash. I was looking at this dress… that I love but that I don’t wear and thinking, can I “up cycle” and repurpose this in another way. Sure enough I did. Do you guys remember this dress? I made a sew along for it! Great dress but I don’t wear it, honestly I don’t know why. Perhaps because its now too big on me.

So I decided to detach the bodice to the skirt and make a wrap with the top and different top with the bottom portion along with my scraps of fabric.

You could use either the Pearl by Tilly and the Buttons to create something similar or you can also use S8424. Both patterns are similar. I will say the Pearl pattern has three different sleeves and its perfect for a beginner as TATB are great at explaining things in detail.

I still had some more fabric left… plus around 3/4 a yard so hey why not keep going since that skirt is good fabric. So I also made M7812…. I think its still a tad big on me around the neckline and I can most likely pick a smaller size.

Fell down the Indie Patterns Rabbit Hole

Its been a minute, the week before I talked about the new patterns I had purchased, thrifted or just ordered off of Etsy, and I mentioned how disappointed I was in Simplicity’s new Spring release. Still no Butterick’s Spring Collection (and I’m no longer holding my breathe for that one) so I had a chance to watch Inside the Hem’s first Impression on this release and reading all the comments it seems I’m not the only one who feels this way.

After my video I took some time to take a look at a lot of other indie pattern designers. Lots of other indie pattern designers. I knew they were there, I had seen their patterns time and time again, but last week I fell down the indie patterns rabbit hole and let’s just say that for now, I’m not coming out.

I’m officially out of ink on the printer and out of glue sticks but here is what I downloaded or have made again, and I’m pretty sure you know about some of these!

Closet Core Patterns | Pietra Pants - I have made these time and time again. I found a yard of fabric around my studio as I was cleaning linen and told myself I would make another pair and sure enough I still love this pattern. The instructions are top notch and guys if you have been holding back. There is a sew along on You Tube from a fabric store. It goes a little quick but she teaches you how to make it if you are worried about the pockets which is perhaps the most challenging part. I used a Botton weight linen from Joanns. You only need a yard for these shorts, I no longer see it on their site but this fabric is similar..

True Bias | Dani Shorts - I have looked at True Bias numerous times but I felt that some of their patterns I can make them with a Big Four pattern to the point that its close enough and I didn’t need to purchase an indie pattern. But when Simplicity dropped those shorts in a smaller size range I realized it was time to go check out True Bias one more time. Sure enough the Dani Shorts fit the bill and not only would I get shorts, I had two different styles along with shorts AND long pants. I’m working on a muslin right now but so far, so good and I’m happy I got the pattern. I’m using a stretch twill for this from Fabric.com and for the pockets I’m using a fun rayon challis print

Dani Shorts from True Bias

Dp Studio | Le 4004 - Always lusted after a vintage Big 4 bias spiral cut Skirt pattern. It was one of those elusive ones I could never find on Etsy. Lets face it, I’ll never find that pattern in my size either so I needed to move on. BUT I have DP Studio’s coat pattern (in paper thank you very much… I just have to make it), anyhow I was checking out their site and loved this skirt. The instructions are in English, not the best instructions ever but I know what’s going on and it’s pretty straight forward. Looking for a striped linen fabric for it as I type! It will be perfect for summer.

Dp Studio Le 4004 Bias Cut Skirt Panels

Stay Stitch Patterns | The Sofia Sweetheart Top - Downloaded that one too, Its been printed, cut and awaiting me to get going on it with my ivory rib knit from Joann’s. Keep seeing tons of people wearing it so it will be worn for spring and summer whenever that shows up.

Jennifer Lauren Handmade | The Esme Batwing Top - I was a tester for this pattern and I actually love how Jennifer Lauren Handmade does her PDF patterns. You print out the least amount of pages which I appreciate because as I said, I’m out of ink! The pattern comes in a Original and Curve version so pay close attention to which one you need. Needless to say a soft lightweight knit is ready to go and my pattern is printed! My fabric is now out of stock but a lightweight or mid weight knit would work for this pattern.

Tammy Camisole | Etty Handmade - I love this pattern, I added a dart and widened the straps so I can wear a bra with this one. Love it the scalloped neckline. It will be perfect under a cardigan. I changed some things in the order of construction so I don’t have any seams in the facing but other than that, its a relatively easy sew. Tammy also did a You Tube Sew Along for her pattern. Remember this pattern is free of charge and a pretty good one if I may add. I made this pattern with remnant lyocell denim fabric that I had from another top.

I also tested a pattern for an Indie Designer which should come out pretty soon and I will say its a REALLY good one. Once it comes out I will do a separate review on it as I made all the views.

Last but not least I’m checking out Sinclair Patterns’ Journey Zip Up Hoodie. If anyone has any words of wisdom on this one let me know! Fabric is on the way as I want to make a zip up hoodie and this looked interesting. I was also looking at the Rory Jumpsuit from True Bias, I think it will be a fun one for my daughter and perhaps make it in a Ponte since she loves to stretch and move around.

So what have you been making?! Any indie patterns that I should take a look at? I hear a lot of about Love Notions and Itch to Stitch… anyone else that I should look at besides the usual suspects?

4th Annual Maxi Challenge

Hi guys, I’m an Ambassador (..in Training) for the Sew Maxi for Mother’s Day Challenge. This challenge is being hosted by Tea from Crumpets Tea and Sewing alongside Crystal from Crystal Sew and Stuff.

The Challenge is open from April 1st until May 9th, and your garment is to be made during this time.

Here are the rules!

• Garments must be made between April 1st thru May 9th, 2022.

• Finished makes must be a statement garment with an oversized collar, voluminous sleeves, tiers or ruffles. Tops, dresses, skirts, trousers or jumpsuits only. If you are entering a skirt or a dress it has to be maxi length!

• Bold print fabrics and / or color blocking can be used to make a statement garment.

• Post a picture of your garment on Instagram by the deadline May 9th, 2022 using the hashtag SewMaxiForMothersDay AND make sure to tag the hosts of the challenge @crumpetsteaandsewing @crystalsewandstuff.

  There are prizes of course!

And of course check out the other ambassadors on Instagram for ideas on what you can sew for this challenge!

Tea @crumpetsteaandewing HOST

Crystal @crystalsewandstuff HOST

Nateida @sewnaturaldane

Talisha (Tee) @creativitieebyt

Rochelle @rochelle.handmade.designs

Andra @andramakes

Renata @twighlightstitcher

Late March Pattern Haul and Where is Butterick?

I’ve purchased some patterns at the store but my buying has slowed down to a trickle these days. I have gotten a few items off of Etsy and a few things I have thrifted (which is rather surprising I found these) as I’m honing in a little more into what I want to make, and I have been waiting and waiting for Butterick to release a new collection, and with that starts my question for today’s video…. Where is Butterick?

So it looks like Simplicity is about to release another collection of patterns and we are starting to see the changes in the envelopes. Bigger size range with inclusive sizing, finished garment measurements in the back of the envelope (can I get a Alleluia?!!!!), and some fun designs. I will be sure to pick up a few, but this leads me to ask… Where is Butterick? What happened to a Winter or Spring release for Butterick? We usually see two collections a year from them. I will say this, out of the Big four I do love Butterick and Simplicity the most. Mostly because they fit and I have to make the least amount of adjustments to their patterns, but I’m surprised that its almost end of March and we have yet to see another collection from them. The last one being in Fall of 2021 and if you are keeping track, that was 8 months ago when the last one was released back in July 2021 and Spring 2021 was released back in early March 2021.

You start seeing the changes coming your way slowly. Elisalex from By Hand London mentioned in her blog she is no longer offering printed patterns for now as the costs to print patterns is exorbitant and it really eats into her overall profit once all costs are taken into account to release that ONE pattern. Here is a link to her blog and I can understand as a former business owner (I remember I had to pay big amounts to pay just to be able to dump garbage! it drove me nuts paying that bill) and all the costs you have to take into account. OR if the majority of your sales happen thru PDF patterns then perhaps that is the way to go. So it makes sense.

Closet Core Patterns just released new patterns, its called the Chez Moi Collection. The Celine Bralette, The Ananis Undies, the Simone Slip Dress and the Veronik Robe… all are available individually or as a bundle. All are only offered as a PDF format.

I talk about these two indie brands because they have always for the most part released printed and PDF patterns. So is PDF patterns the way to go for indie pattern designers? So it seems, and as the options that catch my eye seem to dwindle down for the Big 4, I have to look at some of the indie pattern companies for new designs or look back into vintage patterns from the Big 4 for a pattern that is perhaps out of print but that I want to make.

I’m not going to lie it also becomes a cost issue, once you start printing more than 40 some pages to put together at home it starts to be cumbersome and it looks like more and more that I will have to send some of these indie patterns out to a pro printer to get them printed in a large scale format printer adding the shipping and you have paid between $20 to $25 for a pattern to get printed including paying for the actual pattern download. Ouch.

So with all that being said… sounds like PDF patterns it is. Not entirely thrilled about it but it is what it is.

Summer Tops by Indie Pattern Designers

We are what I like to call transitional weather, what does that mean? Seventy degrees and sunny today… and 30 degrees, gloomy skies and sideways rain. Its that time of the year when you need to have your sandals, shorts, short sleeve shirt, winter coats, long pants and beanie hat ready. Sunny today and nasty tomorrow. Which has given me pause for what I need to start sewing next and rapido.

Here is what I’m thinking:

1. Etty Camisole from Tammy Handmade. Great little camisole with a scalloped neckline. It gets better, Tammy has made this pattern available FREE. Cue the angels music because you can’t beat free and its a good one. She even has a sew along on her You Tube channel. Its perfect for beginners.

2. The Yellow Shirt Waterfall Top. But I got it once I signed up for Bernette’s newsletter. They have some quilting patterns but also some great apparel patterns. This is called the Yellow Shirt Bernette waterfall Top. It is an asymmetrical knit top. You are meant to make it in your serger/overlooker but guess what this one will be made on my beautiful sewing machine and finished in my serger. This pattern is a free download. Again… Free Download! Its been around for quite some time.

3. The Sofia Top from Stay Stitch Patterns. Quick download from Etsy and you get this great little pattern. Everyone looks amazing in it. Everyone! Different body sizes, shapes, they all look great. I’m making it in a Ponte de Roma, you see lots of pictures online saying you can make it Rib knit but Ponte is it for this girl.

4. The Esme Top from Jennifer Lauren Handmade - I love this pattern. I actually helped test the pattern when Jennifer was grading her patterns for her Curve sizing and she has great patterns. Double bonus she ensures you print a small amount of pages for your PDF patterns if you are printing at home and its usually less than 13 pages. Can’t beat that.

5. Alek Rib Top from Just Patterns - this pattern is brand spankin’ new. it was just released last week and I can’t wait to try it. I will have to raise the neckline so I can wear it with a bra but it looks like a great pattern for summer.

6. Adrienne Blouse from Friday Pattern Company - I have made this now two times and it is in heavy rotation. I love this blouse and you can make it with 1.5 yards of fabric. I usually decrease the amount of volume on the sleeves which you wouldn’t even know about it but I do, and it is a beautiful blouse.

So that’s it! I will be able to wear these with just about everything! Shorts, skirts, jeans (which I’m so delinquent in making) and just about everything else. Know of any summer tops that I MUST try…. let me know all about it.

Sew Along for V8959 a cape and a pattern review

At first glance Vogue 8959 looks somewhat intimidating but I assure you its a great pattern if you are a confident beginner want to take a shot at learning how to work with wool fabrics and how to put a lining in. I used a boiled wool from Minerva and for my lining I used a Rifle and Paper Rayon Challis from Fabric.com

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved this pattern, as I was making it I can see how many people could ditch the lining and just use bias tape to finish off the seams.

Does it look like the photos/illustrations on the pattern envelope?
Yes it does.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions on this are two pages and yes I looked at them. I made some changes to the way I did the hem as I didn’t want to create a lot of bulk in the hem as I’m using a boiled wool. If I make it again I would most likely add 1.5 inches to the fabric and keep the length of the lining the same as the pattern pieces so I can just bag the entire lining and leave a small opening on which to turn the lining and just slip stitch. The two hems are a lot of work! Hence why I only did one.

I also extended the hand openings about 2 inches, so I could move freely.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I took in the shoulders once I had the cape sewn. Most of the other reviews mention to check the shoulders and sure enough it has a weird look that you can’t even see when you do a tissue fitting. You have to use the boiled wool to get an idea on the drape.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes but I would most likely use a completely different fabric like an athletic knit that doesn’t need to be lined and make a lot of changes so its something I can just slip over my head and go about my day. I will say the boiled wool is nice and warm. It will be perfect on a fall day when its not too cold or too warm and I just want something to throw on.

Forgotten Patterns - Some good and others not so great

As I look at all the new pattern releases so many of them are just not exciting to me. At the time I write this blog post I have yet to see any new releases for Butterick or New Look Patterns (they may be released this week… or not!) and trying to keep with my goals for this year which are:

• Buy only patterns that are flattering to my figure and that I will in fact sew- I’m doing pretty good on this one!

• Buy fabric for the exact amount you need and make sure you have a pattern selected for it BEFORE you buy it. If I’m giving myself a score on this one its 9/10. So far I’ve purchased one fabric for the pure joy of loving it and no pattern selected. But its bright red, orange and fuchsia so I better find a pattern soon because it screams summer!

• Don’t bite more than you can sew and sew slowly. I’m for sure sewing slowly… super slow if you ask me. A little bit slower than I would prefer to be honest. I’m my defense I’m really looking at the details and making sure the finishes are exactly what I want them to look like, at times this means taking out the needle and thread … and finishing things by hand, or ripping stitches out and going back at it again.

• Don’t be a perfectionist. I’m failing at this one and that’s why its taking me forever to finish anything. Trust me I’m working on it, but it’s hard.

It just leads me to ask you… what amazing patterns do you have in your stash waiting for you to make them? Is it a Vogue Pattern, that may be a little complicated but give you that feather in your cap that you will learn something new, is it a Simplicity pattern which I must say some look simple but they are quite the opposite, is it a Vintage Pattern in all its single size glory, is it a, perhaps a Butterick pattern, there are so many great ones! Or is it McCall’s pattern that perhaps may look a little youthful and no longer fits. Or is it one of the many Indie patterns that are released. I have a list of ten I want to get but I have very little time on my hands these days so I’m trying to be a little bit more selective on what I’m choosing and buying. At $20 per indie pattern the costs on these can add up rather quickly.

As I have been doing a hard pass on some of the newly released patterns; a lot of them just don’t sing to me. I have been looking back on some of my much older patterns that have a great styles but they have just been collecting dust and mostly forgotten. I came to this Cynthia Rowley dress and jacket combo S2443 (see picture of the cover below). I loved the colors and I felt it was a great transitional piece between winter and early spring. I love the dress and although the fabric on the jacket was quite the interesting one to sew, I actually like it after I added buttons. Lets just say I didn’t feel that way two thirds of the way, but now I do love it.

S2443 - This Pattern is almost ten years old, hence why its out of print

S2443 Cynthia Rowley Dress and Jacket

I also worked on The Romy Dress by Tilly and the Buttons. I believe this pattern may be two or three years old. There are not a lot of reviews of this pattern out there, perhaps because it looks as a rather simple sew (and it is) but fitting the pattern to your shoulders is key.

Romy Dress from Tilly and the Buttons

What are some of those older patterns, that are just waiting for you? Perhaps its time to shop your pattern stash and come back to some of those really good ones. Check out Sewing Pattern Review and see what others have to say about it before you dive in.

How to sew curved pockets that look beautiful and match

Do you ever go, oh man these curved pockets look awful. They never seem to match, sewing that curve is like taking a sharp turn going 90 miles in your car… it gets done but it never looks pretty. I have a little trick for you….

First thing, first make a template out of the original pocket pattern piece without the seam allowance. I usually make mine out of cardstock or a thicker paper because I will be using this to press and also I can use it again and again.

Pocket Pattern Template use cardstock and take out the seam allowance… In my case 5/8”

Next do gathering stitches 3/8” away from the raw edge. Make sure to back stitch at the start, but leave your threads long at the end.

Do gathering stitches 3/8” away from the raw edge. Lock in your stitches at the start with a backstitch… but leave your threads long at the end.

Now set your pocket piece on top the cut pocket fabric piece. Gather those stitches. The fabric will encircle the pocket template… now its ready to be pressed!

Now that you gathered the stitches, take it to the ironing board and press it

If you have a fold line, like I do in my pockets use the template to fold it at the same spot too. Fold the fabric and template… Press!

Voila! You have a beautifully finished curved pocket. Double bonus if you need to make more than one they will match!

You now have a beautifully finished curved pocket

Capes - Inspiration and Patterns to try

So as I finally got my fabric to make a cape for Vogue 8959 a beautiful boiled wool (although I’m waiting on the lining fabric but that’s another story) which I have to get pre-treated before I start working on my sew along. I thought it would be good to talk a little bit about the inspiration for making a cape. I’ve been seeing pictures of capes now for quite some time. I have to say almost a year ago I saw this picture of a red cape by Red Valentino. It has this beautiful Valentino red, and I’ve seen it in different colors… blue, black, etc. But I digress.. the front and hem is scalloped and the inside is equally as fun with an animal print. These pictures really pulled me into the cape trend.

I also saw this casual French Terry capelet from Cynthia Rowley as an ad on Instagram. I’ve told you all that the folks at Instagram serve me with some pretty darn good ads from Cynthia Rowley all the time and I saw this one. It’s a casual look but I think I could self draft this one for sure. They are just about sold out in my size range and it retails for $265. The description states it has ribbing on the neckline and side openings for your arms along with the hem. It is also available in black and I saw a few of them on Farfetch.com with studs on the sides or rhinestones embellishments.

Cynthia Rowley

Capes were also all over the recent runways for Fall 2022. Burberry, Oscar de la Renta and even Carolina Herrera had a few capes on the runway. Talking about Carolina Herrera, look at this beautiful purple cape.

Carolina Herrera

Without a doubt capes have been around for quite some time let’s look at a couple of sewing patterns that you can use besides V8959 to make a cape or perhaps self draft one.

V9288 - Cape with a front button closure along with pockets and a tie belt.

B6603 - Short cape with a placket and buttons and a short collar.

McCall’s M7477 - Mid length capes with different views one featuring a hood and a tie belt.

Kwik Sew K4224 - All Kwik Sew patterns are out of print but you can still get your hands on this Learn to Sew Pattern thru Amazon, or my personal favorite Etsy.

Simplicity S8264 - It has four styles, pockets, button front with stand up collar and a fun fur detachable trim.

New Look N6535 - Longer views and a capelet with sizes ranging from 6 to 24.

Don’t feel like getting a pattern for this? Well you can also download the free pattern from Threads Magazine, they have a great tutorial online for capes without a lining using bias tape. Here is a link to it.

How to change an elastic sleeve cuffs to sleeve binding

So we made S9469 earlier this week, and it is a great pattern! On my first version I had made a change to it. Mostly because I don’t care for elastic sleeves cuffs. There is nothing wrong with elastic on your cuffs but I just don’t care for it, they are actually somewhat uncomfortable for me. So today I’m going to show you how to change the elastic on your sleeve cuffs to a sleeve binding.

First things first, you need to remove the stitches on the sleeves and also the elastic. So get your seam ripper out and remove those stitches. Give your sleeve a good press.

Time to take out that elastic and rip out those stitches. Give it a good press once you are done.

You will also need to do two rows of your longest running stitch on your machine as you want to create gathers as we have quite a bit of width on the sleeve cuffs.

Add two rows of gathering stitches… longest running stitch on your machine. Leave those threads long and don’t lock your stitches!

Next measure your forearm! Grab the measuring tape and measure the circumference of your forearm. That is the length of your forearm.

Length of Forearm + 1/2” Ease +6/8” Seam Allowance (3/8” per seam allowance and you have two) equals the total length of your pattern piece

Cut a 2” wide ( 5cm ) and use the length of your forearm plus 1/2” ( 1.27cm ) for ease and an additional 3/8” ( .95 cm) for seam allowance. Remember there are 2 seam allowances so you need to add 3/8” for each one… so 6/8”. That will give you the length of the pattern piece. In addition, this piece needs to be cut on the BIAS. I repeat, this sleeve binding pattern piece you are creating from scratch needs to be cut on the bias because it needs to stretch.

Self drafted sleeve binding pattern piece

If you are not a lover of self drafting your own pattern pieces you can also use pattern New Look 6471 and a sleeve binding piece is included with this pattern. HOWEVER, you should measure it and see if you need to add a little length to it so it fits your forearm.

Now you need to stitch the sleeve cuff together. So with right sides together you have a 3/8” seam allowance. Press the seam allowance open!

Line up your seam with the seam on the sleeve. Pin. Pull your gathers so its the same opening width as the gathers on your sleeve binding. Pin. Remember you are pining on the outside (right sides together) because we are going to fold this towards the inside.

Stitch at 3/8” seam allowance all around. Don’t forget to back stitch at the start and at the end.

Now trim the gathered seam allowance down to 1/4” on the inside of the cuff and press your cuff towards the outside, and then press towards the inside 3/8”..

Now you need to slip stitch the inside of your cuffs. You can also stitch in the ditch (this is if you rather use your sewing machine!) but if you do make sure you catch the fabric inside the sleeve with your sewing machine…. hence why I like to use needle and thread and do it by hand. Give it one final press and you are done!

Which one do you prefer? Elastic cuffs or sleeve binding? I prefer sleeve binding, it elevates the look of the blouse, both are perfectly acceptable.

Love, Love, love my blouse! Now that I switched the elastic cuff with sleeve binding, it is also a lot more comfortable.

And better yet, I can put my arm on my hip, off to the side or even bend my elbow all the way and it doesn’t pull on my blouse!

Yes, it does take a little bit of extra work and time but I feel that it is well worth it.

Simplicity S9469 - Sew Along

You asked for it so it was fitting that I gave you a sew along video tutorial for Simplicity S9469. It is a great pattern to have in the stash. I didn’t even talk about all the ways you can hack this pattern and I should in a later video but it’s one of those must have patterns so you can make it over and over again in all the colors.

I used a rayon challis fabric from Vogue Fabrics in Evanston, IL before they moved to their new warehouse space. I tried finding a link for you online and I can’t find it. But any rayon, challis or even cotton lawn fabric would work for this pattern.

I wrote a pattern review for this pattern earlier as this is my second time making it in less than a month. Here is a link for it.

Mid February Sewing Plans 2022

Trying not to bite more than I can chew this year (remember one of my goals!) and as I’m juggling quite a few things last month ( as they say kids, pets and life) and into this month I’m trying to sew a few things and February is going the same way. I still think my plans for last moth were ambitious so lets see if I can scale things back a bit.

So here is what I’m planning for this month and I suspect into March because as you know its a quick month.

S9469 - I was itching to make this pattern so bad that its already done! If you haven’t picked up a copy of this pattern, you must. Easy and quick sew. I used a rayon challis and a cotton lawn would also work for this pattern. I wrote a blog post about it and the only thing I changed on it is the sleeve cuffs / binding that have elastics. Elastics be damned! I drafted my own sleeve binding pattern piece and changed it. I’m very happy with the outcome and I feel it finishes off the sleeves a lot better.

Rayon Challis and S9469 Pattern

Romy Pattern by Tilly and The Buttons - This pattern has been in my stash for a good couple of years. I started working on it and the fabric that I had picked at the time wasn’t working out so I just put it off to the side and casted off along with the pattern. But I actually think its a great simple dress and some times I just need a palate cleanser or what I like to call an easy sew. So this is what I’ll be doing for that. I picked this beautiful mint striped French Terry fabric from Minerva. They have it in a few different color ways. What I really like about it is the thin sparkle stripes within the white stripes. Its just enough and I think it will be a fun one. I’ll be doing something a little different with the back tie pieces as I suspect they may get in the way if I’m wearing a light jacket or cardigan over it.

Mint Striped French Terry and Romy Dress pattern

N6644 - I love those New Look Patterns, my only complaint is that their sizing is not inclusive at times, but We get what we can get that fits. This is a pattern for cargo pants. I have this fabric in my stash from Joann’s. Got it about a year ago and hoping to make a top that goes with it using the top shown on the pattern.

New Look 6644 pattern

V8959 - A cape, and they are on trend right now. I keep seeing capes all over the place. If you were looking at some of the fashion shows you will see them, and they are all over the place. Because I’m sure you are also getting bombarded with the clothing ads. So I’m sewing a cape and we are doing a sew along for it, because why not. I’m using a boiled wool from Minerva.

Boiled Wool and Vogue 8959 Pattern

S8334 - This pattern is out of print, but it is a Mimi G Pattern with snaps on the neckline and snaps on the sides. I have mentioned in my “Get the RTW designs with sewing patterns” video there is a dress from Altuzarra that I loved and felt this pattern was a great way to hack it, to get that look. See the picture of the dress below on the right… see the picture of the pattern on the left. Yup, not the same but its pretty darn close. I won’t do snaps all the way but half way.

I’m still waiting for my fabric to arrive but I picked this emerald Green pique Fabric from Fabric.com. I got it on a Friday were they put several things for 50% off or some much lower price, and I can’t wait for it to arrive. Lets hope its everything I wanted with the color, weight and feel.

Emerald Green Pique Fabric

So tell me, what is on your sewing table? Any fun things?

February 2022 Pattern Haul

I told you that when I started the year I was going to really take a look at the patterns out there and ask myself, am I really going to wear that? Do I want to make it? Will this be a flattering style? If the answer is no, I’m not getting that pattern. Sure enough I got a few patterns but not as many as I would have in the past.

Vogue and Simplicity’s spring patterns are out and lots of great patterns, others I’m indifferent about and quite a few that are a hard pass. Pleated pants… hell nah. Can’t imagine that style looking good on anyone.

So here are some of the patterns I got along with a few vintage patterns.

S9463 - Mimi G’s Dress, love view B. After making M6696 I’m ready to make something with a flounce and this would look great in a linen. Can you tell I’m ready for summer?

B6845 - This pattern was sold out on Something Delightful’s website but I was able to find it at my local fabric store. Its a re-issued pattern and I wanted to get it because it includes all sizes (its a Palmer Pletsch pattern) and also it will walk me thru fitting pants. Fun and scary all at the same time.

V9181 - Another pants pattern… but this includes “Custom Fit Bottoms” for Flat, Average and Curvy Figures”.

S9426 - A dog coat pattern. My two little beagles are going to be stylin’. Hoping I can get this tackled before winter is over.

S9469 - A top from Simplicity’s newest release. I love that large keyhole detail right by the bust. I already ordered fabric and I think this would be a great pattern to do a sew along.

V1874- Loving view A for a top. I think its a perfect spring or summer top. View B looks great as a tunic with a pair of skinny jeans.

V1859 - This Rachel Comey pattern is what sewing dreams are made of. It is their Chrsytana Dress. It has Hong Kong seams, lined bodice and some lovely details. I can’t wait to make it. I love the coral hue the model has now I just have to find fabric for it.

V1645 - It is another Rachel Comey pattern. It is a jumpsuit and I think its a fun one. It reminds me of the Zadie Jumpsuit by Paper Theory Patterns. I’ve seen a lot of people who have made that jumpsuit and it looks great in so many different body styles. Fingers crossed it the same way with this pattern.

And lets talk about how Etsy loves me…. They love me so much they keep sending me emails to spend more time on their site. I have been pretty good at resisting and then other days I just cave like a house of cards.

V1343 - An out of print Tracy Reese dress, and I already have fabric for it. Such a fun fabric too with flowers, snakes and bugs. I know a little unconventional but I think its fun.

Vintage Butterick 5865 - its an A line dress with a really fun detail and a slight v neck. It was available in my size (and for a vintage pattern that is a rainbow unicorn if I ever saw one) so I grabbed it.

Vintage Butterick 6091 - Fun knit raglan sleeves dress and a cape. The front illustration is beautiful and it gives me so much inspiration. I already got fabric for this dress too and waiting on fabric for the cape which is in route.

Vintage Patterns

Not a big pattern haul but I must say I’m excited about it. We shall see what the McCalls and Butterick pattern releases bring. Fingers crossed they are good!

Simplicity S9469 - Pattern Review

S9469 Simplicity Sewing Pattern

If you didn’t grab Simplicity’s S9469 when it was released, you should go get yourself a copy of this pattern. It is an easy sew. This pattern is a woven top with a keyhole neckline or v neck line with tie strings with three quarter length balloon sleeves that are gathered with elastic.

Pattern Sizing: Pattern has one size range from 6 to 24. I cut a size 22 but I could have cut a size 20 based on the amount of ease at the hips and bust.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes looks exactly like it does on the pattern envelope.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes the instructions very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the pattern, I wouldn’t say its a quick sew but at six hours total I can say its fairly easy and relatively painless to sew.

Fabric Used: I used a rayon challis from Telio Fashions purchased thru Fabric.com.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did view C with the three quarter length sleeves. I also didn’t do the elastic cuffs. So I drafted by own sleeve binding cut on the bias and used that instead of the elastic. I like that finish much better.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, and I will be making View A next with the V neckline. I just need to find the perfect cotton lawn fabric for it. It’s the perfect summer top.

Simplicity S9469 Sewing Pattern, a quick and easy to sew shirt

Top 10 classic patterns to always in your stash

Have you ever thought of ten patterns that you should always have in your stash. The ten patterns that you can make over and over with different fabrics and never tire of them? I’m partnering with Ana Luisa Jewelry on classic jewelry and patterns that will have timeless staying power. They are having a great Valentine’s Day Sale. Its going on now and it ends on February 15th, 2022. So go check them out. https://shop.analuisa.com/zl-massonlifestyle I’m wearing the Ursa White Necklace, Celine Ring and the Elise Earrings.

Here are my top ten classic patterns…

M8058 - Perhaps one of my favorite patterns ever! I may have to go get another copy just to have laying around! Its a body con dress to be used with knit jersey. Why do I love this pattern so much? I can make any view with 2 yards of fabric. I can make it in one day and it has six different views with a v-neck, crew neck, sleeveless, long sleeve and we haven’t even gotten to making it tea length or above the knee. I can dress it up with a jacket, a beautiful necklace and heals and be ready for a night out with friends. OR I can make it in a fun print and just wear it with sandals, a fun pair of earrings and be ready for an outdoor picnic in the middle of summer. It is also one of the most reviewed patterns on Sewing.PatternReview.com

M7893 - This pattern has been around for quite some time. It is a wrap dress, which also makes it a quick and easy make.. I even did a sew along for this one! I made it with less than three yards of fabric. There are quite a few other wrap dress patterns out there and so many of them are wonderful such as V8379, B5030 (that Diane von Furstenberg knock off!) or S8925. You can’t go wrong with a wrap dress, they are flattering to so many body shapes.

S8925 - Talking about this pattern, it IS a wrap dress, but it also has a top a skirt and a pair of leggings. I like this pattern so much that I’ve made that pretty dress twice! I’m sure you’ve seen me a few times with it. I believe the fabric is now back in stock at Joann’s as part of their spring / summer collection.

S9373 - Cardigan pattern, this is a new pattern from Simplicity. It has four different views with a duster, a tunic length, and a shorter crop cardigan. You can wear it with a dress, over workout clothes after the gym or even a pair of jeans. So many great uses for this pattern.

S8982 - Great pattern with a top with gathered sleeves, a body con dress, a skirt and two different skirts. It’s one of those patterns that you can use to make a wardrobe capsule.

V8772 - I researched button down shirt patterns for quite some time and some times you just want to make a classic button down shirt. This pattern has quite a few variations of it with a pussy bow collar, sleeveless or a traditional collar. It is fitted so make sure you do a muslin before you make it.

B6841 - You all know I love a good button down shirt, and I’ve had my issues with this pattern mainly for the lack of finish garment measurements on the back envelope but I’m not going to dwell on that. Don’t pass up on this pattern. Its one of those palmer pletsch fitting patterns and its a good one! yes it is oversized and perfect if you want to use it to make a shacket or a slightly oversized button down flannel shirt. I’ve now made two button downs with this pattern and there are so many more in my future.

N6644 - I’ve entered the year of making pants and as a recovering former florist I love pants with some side pockets to put a phone, a floral knife or a piece of paper that I can reference again and again. Plus this pattern has an elasticated waist…for those days when you have to work but also make a quick trip to the buffet and a v- neck top. I’ve mentioned time and time again how hard it is to find a sweater pattern with a v-neckline… and this is it!

Pietra Pants by Closet Core - Business in the front an party in the back. I love these pants. I made a pair last summer and lets just say I wore them out so many times I may have to make two more pairs for this coming summer and a dressier pair for work. Easy to fit, easy to make… and trendy with slanted pockets at the front. Double bonus it has a high waist.

Last but not least…. S9187 - It is an oversized coat, and if you are a beginner its perfect! There are no sleeve heads, no canvas fabric, no pad stitching! None of that. It is a great pattern for a coat. It even has a few pieces if you want to do a little bit of trim on the fur and triple bonus you have a snap as your closure.

One common thing on all these patterns… you can make them with 3 yards (2.8 meters) of fabric or less.

The link above contains a commissionable link. That means that get a small commission if you make a purchase from Ana Luisa at no additional cost to you.

What is your top sewing pattern… that you know it almost feels like you are stealing because you have made them so many times but still love them just as it was the first time.

Sew Along M6696 - Part 3 The Plackets and Collar

I can see the end of the sewing tunnel, and I’ve been taking my sweet ol’ time with this dress. We can all agree that there is a lot of slipstitch asked of us in this pattern, but luckily you can either grab needle and thread and spend some quality time sewing by hand or you can top stitch. Our final video of this sew along has you making choices (which is really the beauty of sewing your own clothes), do you want to slip stitch or do you want to top stitch.

We ended our last video doing a narrow hem, which I have to say I’m all for tackling those hems early on because I don't like leaving the hem for last. So we are on to the plackets or front bands as they are labeled in the M6696 sewing pattern.

I interfaced only half of my placket pattern pieces as I’m using denim fabric and I want to make sure things don’t get too bulky and stiff. In goes the plackets and yet again I have to grade my seams. If you are using a light weight fabric such as challis or linen. You might not have to do this but since I’m working with denim… I have to grade those seams! Those extra little steps make a huge difference.

Notice how just half of my placket is interfaced, this is to avoid it being too stiff as I’m using denim

Once the plackets are in I can finish off the bottom of the hem which would encase the side seams. This is one thing I love about this pattern. You could potentially French seams the sleeves and the sides and have a dress were you don’t need to use your serger at all, as all your seams would be encased. That’s what I call a beautifully drafted pattern.

So lets move along. You will have to slip stitch or top stitch the plackets to finish them off by stitching in the ditch… I choose to top stitch and they look great!

Use a stitch in the ditch as your “top stitching” for a beautifully finished look in you forgo slip stitching.

I’m thisclose to finishing this dress. Next up is the collar. Always stay stitch that collar area, you will be working in, pinning, easing in the collar and stitching so you want to make sure it doesn’t stretch on you. As always start in the back center and work your way up the sides to the front when you stay stitch.

Collar “sandwiched” in between the collar band

Stitch the collar and “sandwich” the collar between the collar band pattern pieces as I shown in the picture above. I mention in the video that I don’t tend to press in the collar pieces because I want to make sure the collar wraps around my neck. So I usually tend to grab my tailor’s ham and steam the collar/collar band around it so I get that collar stand to lay nicely.

The image on the left is the collar as I’m about to steam it around my tailor’s ham so it curves around my neck nicely, the image on the right is once it is steamed. It stands on its own. It’s ready to attach it to the dress.

Once I do that I stitch in the collar to the dress.

Nothing like a good collar to finish off your dress

Lastly, I stitched in the ditch the collar so I finished attaching it to the dress. One thing to note, I usually slip stitch this part. I always do but today I decided to just go with a quick stitch in the ditch and I’m okay with the way it looks.

The dress is ready for buttons and its done!

M6696 Sew Along Part 2 - The Skirt and Waist Band

Phew we made it thru that bodice and that always feels like quite the accomplishment, but we are moving along with the skirt and the waist band for part two of sewing pattern M6696.

There is darts all over the place in this dress and just like the top we have four of them. Two in the front and two darts in the back.

Press the front darts towards the back, and press the back darts towards the center back.

Moving right along into the pockets. If you recall in my adjustments video I mentioned that I didn’t care for the pockets as drafted but would use S9251 to create that round slash pocket and use those pattern pieces in lieu of the ones in the pattern.

When using denim, avoid cutting pocket facings made out of denim to minimize the bulk. I used printed cotton fabric for mine.

I’m using denim and as always trying to avoid bulk so I’m using a printed cotton for the pocket facings. It’s just one way to have a little bit of fun with your clothes. You can do this for pocket facings, plackets and even inside yokes. They will most likely never be seen but you will know they are there.

Once you are done with the pockets and top stitch, go ahead and join the two front pieces to the back. You now have a skirt.

Its time to join the bodice to the skirt and we will use the waist band for that. The waist band has single notches, double notches, it has seam lines… it is pattern markings galore BUT here are a few things to remember. Start at the center back. Center back of the skirt, center back for the bodice and center back for the waist band. For the bodice you will see two circles in the back. If you gathered the back bodice or did a pleat (like I did) these need to meet and match with the waist band. Now grab the skirt and match the center back for the waist band and the center back for the skirt. Once those are all matching you can keep going.

Match the side seams for the bodice and the skirt for both side seams! Lastly match the darts for the bodice and the skirt. If you are like me and you made a few fitting adjustments along the way this is the best way to make sure they are all aligned.

Match the side seams and match those bodice darts to the darts on the skirt!

Its important that you do this, and I will say it again. Match those seams! This is the difference between a homemade looking dress to one that others will ask “Where did you get it?”.

Lastly for sew along number 2 is the hem, and I must say I’m glad the pattern is asking for the hem now because I despise hems and some times its the last thing I want to do. So turn up your hem 1 - 1/4” and then turn inside a 1/4” for a clean finish. I’m using denim and I don’t want any bulk on my hem so I will just finish my raw edge with my serger and turn up 1 -1/4” and then top stitch.

Topstitched hem, not quite finished but we have to do it before we do the plackets.

We are done with part two of this dress….