Sharon Sews

We've been blessed with quite mild weather so far this fall season. Mild enough that we do not yet have snow on the ground, nor have we had to break out the heavy wool coats, leather gloves and winter boots. This coat - McCall's 5987 - is perfect for this mild weather . It is unlined, does not have any closures, and has an attached collar that doubles as a scarf to make a fashion statement. The collar can be worn down, tied in front or tossed over one shoulder. With no front closure, I find tying the scarf helps keep the coat closed While the coat went together very quickly (there are only six pattern pieces and it is unlined) I found it to run large. This coat is a size 12 with no pattern adjustments and I found it to be too big . If I sewed another one for myself I would go down one size . If you're thinking about sewing this I'd suggest measuring the pattern first, something I did not do. The fabric was a lovely wool that had been in a wool bundle ordered fr

I've been participating in the Month of Tops sew-along. Well, more accurately, I signed up to participate in the MOT sew-along but haven't been too active in actually sewing any tops. However, I did manage a sew a couple and I still have a few more days before the end of the month. This is one I completed last week. It's Simplicity 2501 , a top with separate pattern pieces for B, C, D cup sizes. I gotta tell ya, even though it really only saves me five or ten minutes, I love not having to do an FBA on a pattern. Does anyone else feel that way? The skirt shown is my new little black skirt from McCall's 5984 . This particular top is view D with the collar from view C. While I do like tie collars (as shown on view D) I liked the trendiness of the faux bow collar. The collar is a wide round collar (think large peter pan collar) that is not sewn to the front neck edge. The loose ends of the collar are inserted into the attached loops forming the "bows".

After sewing the perfect little black skirt - and it appears most of you agree that a LBS is a must-have addition in your wardrobe - I moved onto the jacket from this Palmer/Pletsch "perfect wardrobe" pattern. The pattern, McCall's 5984 , is a fairly new offering. I gotta stop here and just mention what a fan I am of the Palmer/Pletsch patterns . Everyone that I've sewn I've met with success. They appear to be well drafted and the instructions are exceptional. This pattern is no exception. The fully lined jacket has a slight swing shape and features front seam pockets, a collar that can be worn up or down, two piece sleeves and a center back pleat. Large snaps are used for the closures. Collar worn open And for those of you who prefer garments displayed on a dress form, here is the jacket with the collar open on GiGi. Collar worn up I didn't expect to like the collar up, so I didn't add the upper snap. However, after trying it, I've changed my m

I'm sure you've heard of the LBD - the little black dress - and that every woman should have one in her wardrobe. But what about the little black skirt (LBS)? I think every woman should have at least one of these in her wardrobe also. In my closet there currently resides three little black skirts - two that I sewed and one purchased at TJ Maxx. The latest little black skirt is this one sewn using McCall's 5984, bringing my total of black skirts up to four. This pattern is a great basic skirt. I personally prefer contour yokes to waistbands, which is why I decided to sew this one to begin with. The skirt is slightly tapered, hits just above the knee, and has a walking slit in the center back. The one thing this skirt didn't have was a lining. So I added one. It was a good use for some ugly silky fabric that's been hiding away in the stash for a few years. I used the front and back skirt pieces as my pattern and sewed the the lining to the yoke facing. The lining i

One Yard Wonders Kitschy Kitchen Apron Originally uploaded by Sharon Sews Project number three from the One Yard Wonders book - the Kitschy Kitchen Apron. Another cute, yet easy-to-sew, apron. This one was sewn from an Amy Butler print and trimmed with an odd yellow colored lace trim purchased on clearance at Hancock Fabrics. The lace didn't match the fabric I had intended it for, so I was delighted that it coordinated with this fabric perfectly. This project was designed by Mother's Apron Strings, a mother/daughter trio (no blog listed in the book.)