Sharon Sews

I'm a sucker for any knit garment that includes a drape or a twist. In fact, I've sewn quite a few over the years. Unfortunately I don't have many photos of them as I've misplaced the zip drive that held the pics of many of my sewing projects.  When the McCall's fall 2022 patterns were released, I knew I'd purchase this one when it was on sale.  Why? Because of that twist front! The dress pattern is McCall's 8339.  There's no description provided with the pattern, so you have to look at the line drawings for details.  Oh wait, I checked the website.  It is described as: Fitted twist-front dresses have different lengths and sleeve variations. View B and View C have front slit. At least this pattern included finished garment measurements, making it easier to determine how close-fitting it's designed.   For example, the size 14 body measurements are 36" Bust, 28" Waist, 38" Hip. The finished garment measurements are 39-1/2" Bust (3-1

Everytime Linda Lee wears a Helix top on one of her Facebook Live videos (also posted on their YouTube channel) I tell myself I need to sew a Helix!  This past week I finally sewed one just to test the fit.  I bought the pattern quite some time ago, but whenever I would think about sewing it, I'd wonder about sizing.  If I used my full bust measurement (which is what Linda Lee usually recommends) I would sew a size large.  However, my upper bust measurement puts me in a small.  I know from experience that many Sewing Workshop patterns are oversized, so I chose to sew the size in between - the medium.  The finished bust measurement for a medium is 46", which gave me 6" of ease.   It is larger than I like.  Even as I write that I chuckle, because I am always saying how I don't like my clothing to be tight or form fitting :-)  But in this case, the top feels a bit sloppy and I think I'd be happier with a slimmer fit.  The finished bust measurement for a small is 42&q

Nearly a year ago I purchased the Itch to Stitch Sabalito Top *, with plans to stitch one up right away.  Ha, ha, ha! Judging from my laughter, you know that didn't happen. As soon as I downloaded the pattern, I printed and put it together, traced my size, and tucked it away.  I pulled that pattern out at least a dozen times over the past eight months but for some reason I was never motivated to actually sew the top.   Until last week. This is the fourth year that I've experienced the East Texas fall weather, and I'm still not used to it!  When you spend the majority of your life in a state with four very distinctive seasons, it can be hard to believe that the end of October can produce summer-like weather.  The warm fall temps catch me off-guard every year.  To me, it's warm enough to wear my summer clothes, but everyone here wears flannels, sweaters and booties!  I want to wear "fall" colors, but can't stand thought of bundling up in a flannel shirt or s

Have you ever sewn something simple and when you wear it you're amazed at how many  compliments you receive? That's what happened to me when I sewed this simple pullover top. I wore it to church soon after finishing it and I couldn't believe how many women wanted to know where it was purchased! The top is the S yle Arc Selina Woven Top .   It has an a-line shape, with a small ruffle on the sleeves and hem. It pulls over your head, with a faced neckline.  The front is slightly shorter than the back.  There is a back yoke with gathers. I don't know why, but in my mind I thought this was going to be longer and looser.  But now that I look at the line drawings, my version is pretty true to what is shown.  I sewed it using a fabric purchased from Emma One Sock. It was described as "Blue jeans floral drapey viscose woven".  I think it was the perfect choice for this top. It was lightweight enough to wear during the summer and will transition nicely into early fall.

During the month of July, while in the midst of a long stretch of 100 degree + days, I sewed this simple sleeveless knit top. I liked that it provided more coverage than a tank top, but would keep me just as cool.    The pattern is top 119 from the July 2022 BurdaStyle magazine.  I found the drape below the armhole opening interesting, but wasn't sure if it would feel or look awkward when worn.  I knew the design needed a soft knit, like a rayon knit. Not wanting to use one of my "good" rayon knits until I was sure I liked the top, I used a lightweight floral knit that I purchased as a precut bundle from Walmart.  This one was two yards for four dollars.   I'm sure it's a polyester, which was fine with me as I only wanted to test the pattern. Turned out I liked it enough that I wore this top frequently during the heat wave.   The top has a two dot rating. According to the magazine, that means "easy to sew, but more time-consuming".  I think that depends

Even though the calendar tells me it's early September and the stores are filled with "It's Fall Y'all" merchandise, it's too early to pull out the sweaters and cardis.  And I've never been a fan of Pumpkin Spice :-)  Because the temps will be warm here for quite some time, I'm beginning to transition to fall by sewing a few easy-to-wear tops.   Right now, that means loose-fitting, woven tees.  Such as this one, the Melrose Top from Itch to Stitch. The pattern was released in 2019, I purchased it soon after, and am FINALLY sewing one!  It includes a dress and a longer version of the top, each with an elasticated waist.  I was most interested in View C, a relaxed-fit top with a bias bound round neckline, dolman sleeves with cuff, and a bottom band.  Many of the Itch to Stitch patterns offer cup sizes, this pattern included.  I've sewn quite a few from this designer, and know I can trust the measurements provided. For this version, I choose to go up