When it just doesn't turn out the way you want....

When I saw this darling pattern, I pictured a very glam selfie in lovely floral print.  The end result isn't so much a glam selfie, but it is still a lovely floral print.  

I cut version B.  The instructions were pretty easy to follow and it didn't take long to stich the pieces together.  However, once I tried on the dress I did not like the way the yoke looked on me.  I forgot to take a photo of the original pattern piece, but the point hit me right at my widest part of my stomach pooch and it was not flattering.  So I got rid of the point.  

And still wasn't happy.  I couldn't decide if it was this pattern in this print, or that the fabric was too thin.  I just knew I didn't like it.  

So I took out the yoke and recut the skirt.  And I voile! It looks about a million times better! 

I opted for a lapped zip instead of a invisible zipper.  I love the way lapped zippers look and I also need to practice the side laps.  You can see where it's not the straightest lap and also where I took some stitches out...shhh, don't tell.  

I added lavender bias tape on the hem, neck facing and sleeves, just to add a little more prettiness. 

Channeling my glam

After my Vogue 8333 never ending blazer, I needed a quick project to help bring the fabric stash down.

And in comes McCall's M7053.

This is my second, er, third time making this shirt.  It's quick, easy, versatile and such a timeless style.  I purchased this fabric last October when I was in NYC for work, it's a stretch rayon from Swan Fabrics.  Swan is one of my fabric shops, they have a great selection and every time I've gone in asking for something, if he doesn't have it, he offers a fabulous alternative. Swan is located at 244 W. 39th st.

This pattern calls for a single layer on the front tie, but my fabric is printed on one side and the underside isn't as attractive.  I doubled the layer to keep it pretty.  Total time to make this was about  2 hours, well maybe 3 - I do get distracted by sparkly things.

The colors in this top will go with several of my blazers, I wore it with Vogue 8333 to see Phantom Threads (have you seen that movie, the fashions...LOVED them!)

At last.....

...I have finally finished Vogue 8333!!! Overall I like this pattern, it fits really well.  Despite the hand stitching lasting what seemed like a lifetime, I enjoyed the process of tailoring. It's on my agenda for sure to make another, and another.  

My muslin fit perfect, and then when I cut the fashion fabric the pattern expanded and I swear it expanded more by the time I added the buttons. Yeah, I'm not sure what happened there. So it's too big, but I am not undoing the lining to take it in now. That will be a summer project, because I need a break from this bad boy.  

The case of the never ending handstitching.

I have completed the pad stitching, but not the hand stitching and I think I have tendinitis.  I've been loading up on the turmeric tea to help with any extra inflammation and claw hand all this hand stitching is causing.  

This past weekend, I took in the seams about 1/4" each, added the facing, stitched the seams to the underlining, added the back stay and finished the hem.  

I drafted the back stay from the pattern.  Measure 8" down from the center back, 3" down from the armhole and connect the dots.  

The directions said to blind stitch the hem, but I didn't see the point since I am adding a lining, so I attached the top and bottom with caste stitching.  

I'm determined to finish this bad boy while it's still cold! Let's say in the next two weeks...ok, well maybe 3, but shooting for 2. :) 

The pad stitching saga has come to an end...

 The pad-stiching has finally come to an end on Vogue 8333.  I would call it bittersweet, but my fingers have been pricked so much I think I have calluses now.  I seriously need to use a thimble next time.  I never understood what thimbles were for until I started pad-stitching.    

Today, I finished the under-collar and collar band. I think my pad-stitching has gotten a bit better - a bit.  Still miles to go in looking neat!  I drew guidelines this go round, and they really helped keeping my stitches somewhat straight and even.  

I decided to use a contrast lining for the under-collar.  I'm not a pop the collar kind of gal, so it doesn't bother me much that you can see the stitches on the bottom.   I pinned the under-collar on my tailor's ham and steamed it like crazy, then let it dry for a few hours.  

The under-collar has a nice roll on it.  I've just pinned it in this photo, I wanted to get the fit right on the body before attaching the collar.  

When I made the muslin, I worried that when I cut the fabric it would be too tight, quite the opposite has happened; it is now about 3 sizes too big.  

When I sewed the pleats and pockets in this fabric they did not give me the blues like the muslin.  Maybe I didn't have enough caffeine when I did the muslin because today, they took no time at all and I did it according to the pattern instead of winging it.   I don't think you can see them in the photo below, I'll get a better pic next time.