Bat wings, anyone?

This is my first in a series of reviews of various views of Simplicity 4020. I've sewn a handful of tops from this pattern and admit it is a favorite of mine.

I'm doing taxes and developing a software project right now so sewing isn't in the forefront, but I'm managing to progress a bit each night.

I came across this Metallic Dolman Top on Nordstrom's site and immediately knew it was a marriage made in heaven between view A and a Textile Studios rayon modal knit sitting in my stash. Egads, I love this fabric... just look at the sheen. Ah! I have another cut in smokey blue waiting for inspiration.

What tickles me most is the money I saved. I paid $15 and some change for 1.25 yards and made this $200 top! WOO HOO!! That is why we sew. Oh, and because it is challenging, and rewarding, and fun (especially when there is a contest to enter... oh, and don't tell anyone it is really on sale at Nordy's as that just ruins my fun LOL.)

I cut a wide V judging on the depth of my dress form's bust. I turned down a 3/8" allowance, top stitched the neckline, then trimmed the excess from the wrongside. I'm second thinking my construction choice.

I am not sure the neckline will hold up over time. I'll likely approach this with a different game plan if I make another top like this. I think it might be better to cut a second front bodice or made a V facing as it would benefit from the structure.

Live and learn. It is wearable, so all is not lost.

This is really comfortable although a bit 80's bat wing throw back, but that is okay. It also pairs well with my KS3115 cami!

Adjustable straps

I have a little black RTW top with shelf bra that is completely worn out, so I modified this TNT pattern to make a new one.

I really like the adjustable straps on the old top and cannabalized the rings to reuse in my new top.

I also like the back of the old top. It isn't cut straight across like this pattern is, but rather mirrors the front. I tended to wear it under other tops like a camisole. Too bad I wore it out.

I put together this tip for anyone who doesn't have a RTW top hanging around to look at. It is simple to do and comfortable.

Click each picture for a larger view.

Materials needed:

1/4'' bra strap elastic (plush) or 1/2'' fold over elastic
(4) 3/8'' Strap Rings
(2) 3/8'' Strap Slides


1) cut (2) shoulder straps 11-12 inches (mine are 11 3/4'')

2) After applying elastic around the armhole, leave extra elastic to attach rings to the top. These raw elastic extensions on front and back of top are about 1 1/4'' long.



3) Attach plastic ring to each raw elastic strap extension on front and back of top and tack down with straight stitch



4) Sew one slider ring at one end of each shoulder strap



5) Feed strap up through front ring with strap wrong side up, top right side up and pull strap through lower slider



6) Pull strap through upper slider



7) This is how it should look



8) Slip strap through back plastic ring and secure with straight stitch, try on and adjust to fit



I used cotton lycra from Seattle Fabrics for the shell and 11oz rayon/lycra jersey for the shelf bra from EOS

Probably the only problem with this top is the elastic application.
I ignored the pattern instructions and sewed the shell and shelf bra wrong sides together and then turned to the right side. It was a bit bulky after applying the elastic on top, so I'll go back to following the pattern instructions next time.

I cut the front and back from the front piece on the fold. This is how the back looks!

Next time I will remove 1/2'' from the center back before cutting on the fold. I really like this back better than the pattern drafted back piece but it is a tad too wide.

I also added 2'' below the waist so I can tuck it in.

Crop pants

I like good quality cotton lycra pants to wear to the gym and make most of my workout pants with this pattern already. It is my TNT pattern for nicely shaped yoga pants plus I also make both top views frequently as well.

I always buy cotton lycra from Seattle Fabrics.

The crop pants I've seen around are so comfortable looking so I decided to mix it up a little and make myself a pair like these Lands End sport capri pants and set off to modify KS3115.


I retraced the pattern and adjusted the inseam length to 17" but no other changes initially. Then I basted the legs and thought they were too wide at the knee. So, I decided to thin the leg by removing 2'' from the outside leg seam (1 inch from each piece) and 1.5'' from the inside leg seam (3/4 inch from each piece). This was accomplished by tapering from zero at the widest point of my upper thigh, down to the full amount at the hem. Then I transferred the adjustments to the traced pattern so the next pair will be fast to cut out and sew.

I used wooly nylon in the upper looper and clear elastic in the crotch seam.

I also added an outside leg slit for comfort.
Inseam: 16"

Fashion plates

I found this gem on eBay last week and couldn't believe my eyes. Yes, this is how it all started way back when. Someone gave me this toy for Christmas when I was 11 or 12. I loved this toy! It is the only toy I remember from my childhood (after this came 12 for 1 cent albums by mail LOL) and I remember spending all my time making rubbings and plastering my bedroom wall with my creations. Mixing it up... this top with this skirt, this top with that skirt. You know. I even made rubbings inside my peechee of cute little outfits.


I am sure there was only one pair of pants and the rest were skirt plates. Travesty. Anyhow, this set eventually sold for $55 and I wasn't the high bidder. Who knew a) anyone still remembered this toy enough to bid it that high b) anyone still had intact sets and could get that much for them, or c) no one played with this set enough to lose all the pieces like I did... I mean wear them out like I did.

Great news: I am back in action with a camera so I have tons to work on review wise! I have at least 10-12 pieces to review (at least, if not more) and I'm itching to trace more of my HotPatterns on the old "TO SEW" list and finish up the second pair of chinos :)

New home

Welcome to my new home! I decided to make it easier to find my blog.

It has been a long day of moving stuff around but hopefully you'll bear with me. I have fun stuff to show you this weekend...

Please update your bookmarks and links... and any links that I need to reciprocate, please let me know!

:)

L

Trim trouble

This dress is haunting me. I have had it on my list for a while and keep coming back to it. Every so often I go online to search for the perfect trim. I've looked around all the trim sites reviewed on PR and haven't had much luck until last night.

So, I'm asking for your opinion. Mostly because it is fun but also because these trims are at TrimFabric and I don't know if I want to chance it.


Which trim do you like best to go with black fabric? I'm kinda partial to #5 although there isn't enough available (3 yds short) but I could make it work.

#1 probably would look ok. #3 might be too costumey.

Truly, non of these are PERFECT but it is so hard to find trim.

Maybe I should just sew it without the trim and be done with it. I think it is such a flattering design :)