Bargainista Fashionista McCalls 6992

I decided to join a challenge over on Pattern Review titled the 'Bargainista Fashionista' which entails you to create your own garment that is inspired (not exactly copied) from a RTW garment. In addition to creating the garment you then have to state the percent saved by sewing the garment in comparison to the RTW garment if purchased.

I began to ponder what to make.. It was a toss up but I eventually decided to make a quick top.
Every since last season I have been smitten with the leather front sweatshirts (even making one from NL6230 in Jan. 2014). They are snazzy but still casual, can be dressed up or down and can be worn by men and women. 

I decided this time on McCall's 6992 here's a collage of some of the inspiration tops that I love and pinned.






Here's my version and my review:

Designer version Vs. my version

Pattern Description: Fitted, pullover tops have neck and sleeve bands, and hemline variations. A, B and C: lower band.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, for the most part it was the same idea.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Instructions were pretty simple but for some reason I got mixed up on the arm cuffs (around steps 10-12)and it took a bit of extra time AND some seam ripping to get those on correctly but it was totally me and not the pattern instructions

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
-I love the raglan sleeves. I've never done a dart in a sleeve before but I love the way it makes the sleeve fit.
- I love that there are only 6 pattern pieces

Fabric Used: I used a white Ponte knit and a animal print moleskin (with no stretch)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:. I did not use knit for both fabrics which limited the amount of stretch in the completed garment. I used 1/2 inch SA instead of the recommended 5/8 to allow some extra room I lost by not using a stretch material for the bodice.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I would sew this again using different colors and patterns and possibly a different view. I definitely recommend this pattern.

Conclusion:  Its a bit more snug than I prefer but it works! I'm a really slow sewer and I cut and completed this top in one afternoon. I love it.


Cost to make: Pattern 1.99 (on sale)
                        Animal print fabric $3.50/yd (used less than 1/2 yd) = 1.75
                        White Ponte knit $7.80/yd
                        Grand Total=  $11.54
                        Total Savings=$324.46 

What you think?
What knock offs have you made lately?

What I wore and Whats up Next: B5985

Hey Y'all
I must admit when I find a pattern that's pretty simple to put together, doesn't require a lot of pieces, time or fuss I seem to make it over and over and over again. If you get tons of compliments while wearing it that's always a plus!
One of those patterns for me is V1314. I absolutely love it. I've made this dress 3 times.

This one made in late 2013 and worn to my Company Xmas party in December 2013 and again to church this past Sunday. I LOVE ruching.

This one made in December of 2014 and worn out with the hubby for our Anniversary dinner

This one made in September 2013 worn to a friends "Fabulous and Forty" Party.
Can you tell I love this dress and cant make any promises that I wont make one in 2015..

NEXT UP!
In sticking with one of my 2015 Sewing goals to sew with more woven fabrics:
Currently on the cutting table is  Butterick 5985 View A. In a pretty blue shimmer cotton sateen


The model photo on the envelope is horrid( in my opinion), the line drawings are better but the lone 2 reviews I saw on PR gave me hope. Lets anticipate a success!

Happy Sewing!

2014 Top 10 in Review

Hey Y'all
Initially I was not going to do the typical year in review type post because well...if I did I would have to post more fails than success' and more waders than wearers so I decided instead I would just post my top 10 favorites from 2014 in no particular order.

#1.  V1314 and  #2. "faux fur" vest

#3.  V8825

#4. M6752

#5. M6886

 #6. NL6230

#7. M6844 (made this 3 times) 

 #8. S1524 (sew simple) my only pair of pants

#9. S1613 & M6654

#10. M5400

Taking a look back at 2014 I came up with a few 2015 Sewing goals for myself:

• Increase my use of woven fabrics for more tailored pieces and less knit pieces (although I love a good Ponte knit)  
• Take a chance at making pants (since I typically only make skirts and dresses) 
• Attempt buttons/buttonholes and fly front zippers(goes back to that pants goal above) 
• Still deciding if I need a fabric buying restriction goal. I'll get back to ya on that one

Question: When do you no longer consider yourself a newbie to the sewing community? I received my sewing machine in November of 2013 but didn't start cranking out garments until 2014 and by cranking them out, I mean in a snails pace kind of way. I guess I still consider myself new because there are so many techniques I still have not attempted. Perhaps, I'm just a slow learner or a scared learner? 

I'm curious.. How did you learn to sew and do you consider yourself a beginner, intermediate, or advanced sewer and why? 

Let me know, 
Happy Sewing!  

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Hello All and Welcome 2015!

Hello Y'all and Welcome to my little piece of the blogisphere. I'm new to blogging (This is my 1st post).  I have been putting off starting a blog forever. I constantly stalk others' blogs and enjoy and have learned so much from so many wonderful people. I always talked myself out of blogging because I didn't think I had much to offer. However, I decided to do it anyway! New Year... New adventures!
This blog will consist of my adventures in sewing (and petitioning your help when I get stuck), pattern reviews, recreating inspirational ready to wear garments, possibly crafting, finding my fashion sense, and a bit of sporadic randomness here and there. That pretty much sounds like I have no idea what this blog will be about huh? If you said "uhhh Yeah!" Well you are correct.
Just hang with me and we'll figure this thing out together. I will leave you with pics of me on NYE before I was heading out to get my praise on!

 That shadow makes me look like I have a "ghost" twin or a whole lotta extra junk in the trunk. Which by the way I'm not opposed to, I need a little extra!

Happy 2015! I cant wait to get sewing.