Sharon Sews

Before I begin, let me b e clear that this sewing fail is not because of the pattern.  I still love the design, the pieces were drafted correctly, and the instructions were clear. So why is this a fail for me? Let me explain. As soon as McCall's 7727 was released (2018) I knew I wanted to sew the tunic. I realize not everyone is a fan of the hi low hemline, but I like the look. I even had the perfect fabric already on hand! And so, in March 2018, I began sewing the top. The fabric proved to be quite challenging as it raveled easily.  I ended up sewing French seams, pressing them to one side, and top stitching them in place to help control the raveling. I can't remember why, but I sewed the entire tunic to the step where I needed to add the collar band and collar. I guess I got busy with work, and teaching fitness classes, and other sewing projects. However, I packed it with my sewing supplies when we moved. I unpacked it recently and decided it was time to comple...

"It's too cold to wear that outside!" My hubby's words of wisdom as I donned this off-the-shoulder tunic for an outdoor photo shoot. With temps hovering around 30 degrees F,  I figured I could brave it for five minutes. Which I did - barely. Hot Patterns Metropolitan Urban Gypsy Blouse Embroidered Denim It's not sunny out, but I had Lasik surgery a few days ago and am not allowed to wear eye makeup yet, thus the sunglasses!  Yea, I know, I'm vain, LOL.  Hot Patterns Metropolitan Urban Gypsy Blouse Embroidered Denim That's it for pics of the top on me! It was too cold for more, so you'll get to enjoy the pics I took on GiGi, my dress form,  a few weeks ago. The fabric is a gorgeous denim with an embroidered border that I purchased this past June from Emma One Sock. Photo from EmmaOneSock.com I knew the fabric needed a simple design to let the beauty of the embroidery shine, so I sewed the Hot Patterns Urban Gypsy Blouse.  This was th...

About a year ago, while browsing fashions at a local boutique, I spotted a basic black tunic with a cowl and sleeve bands in a contrasting fabric.  I was intrigued enough to try it on. While the price ($59) was not unreasonable, it was more than I wanted to spend. Especially when I realized how simple the construction was. Oh darn, that meant I had to go fabric shopping... Off I went to my favorite fabric stores. I purchased black ITY knit from Hancock Fabrics and a mesh print from SR Harris Fabrics and promptly set about recreating the tunic. Just kidding. Life got in the way, as it frequently does, and the fabric sat for a few months.  Lucky for me because during that time Simplicity came out with a tunic with a large cowl and contrast sleeve bands eerily similar to the tunic I wanted to recreate. Whoop! I  didn't even have to think about what pattern to use. I sewed the tunic the end of summer 2015.  I photographed it the end of December 2015.  I...

This black and white knit tunic was sewn about nine months ago using Butterick 5923 . It was another favorite warn weather top that I paired with leggings. (and my oh-so-fashionable surgical shoe!)  It's a loose-fitting pullover that is actually designed for woven fabrics, such as Crepe De Chine, Voile, Jerseys, Chambray, Broadcloths.  However, I used this lightweight black and white chevron print knit and it worked beautifully for the design. The front is bias cut forming a deep drape with a stay layer underneath.  That stay, which is cut on the straight of grain, helps keep too much from peeking out when leaning forward. The bottom front is sewn on as a separate piece, so the front consists of three pieces (stay, bias front and bottom front). The back is two pieces, the upper and lower back.  It has a hi-low hemline, which I still really like. The side also has a small slit. The 3/4 sleeves are rolled up and held in place with a tab and butto...

"What's that thing hanging down in back?"     Ha!  Not exactly what I expected to hear when I modeled this for my hubby.  Yea, the back is long and asymmetric, and yea, I do care about his opinions. But I still like the oddness of this tunic and plan on wearing it this summer.  The pattern is Butterick 6172 , view C.  The pattern is described as a loose-fitting, pullover top or tunic has narrow hem and shaped hemline variations.    One thing I take into consideration when purchasing patterns is how simple it will be for me to do an FBA (full bust adjustment).  This pattern showed darts in the illustration so I knew it'd be easy to adjust. Except, that top layer does not have a dart.  Soooo,  do I debated if I should add one or if there would be enough ease with out the dart. I choose to alter the pattern and add a dart.  Rather than alter both sides I traced one half of the top, did my FBA and traced...

Wouldn't YOU want to sew for her?   I don't have the opportunity to sew for little ones much so when Once Upon a Sewing Machine asked for volunteers to test their re-sized Peasant Dress I quickly sent off a request, thinking of sewing one for my great-niece (who turned three today - you'll get to see what I sewed for her in the next post). Turns  out the sizing wasn't quite right for my great-niece, so I immediately thought of my favorite little Miss O!  She's the daughter of one of my friends (and co-Zumba instructor) and an absolute delight to be around. I love sewing for Miss O -  I always get a big smile and hug when I make something for her.  Totally worth it!   The dress took me about 45 minutes to sew. I used an Amy Butler cotton print for the main portion, a fat quarter for the sleeves and pocket and 1/2 of a jelly roll for the pocket ruffle. Be sure to keep an eye on Once Upon A Time 's blog for the free downloada...

Remember last month when I in my casual comfort sewing zone?  I sewed two cute tunics (Vogue 8817 here and Vogue 8831 here) and was pleased with both looks.   Deciding I must be on a roll, I quickly traced, cut out and sewed the Burda angled ruffle top #130 from the August 2012 issue. See how cute this looks?  Loose fitting for comfort yet ruffle details for style.   Image from Burda (http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/angled-ruffle-top-082012) Um... Well... Hmmm... After trying it on and then laughing hysterically, I took a few photos!  I guess I'll let the photos speak for themselves. A big old #FAIL!  And I do mean "big", LOL. Goodness there is so much ease in this baby.... Thank goodness I used an old knit to try out the pattern before I cut into my silk jersey! So, should you decide to go ahead and sew this one , be sure to take a few minutes to measure the pattern.  I didn't and by doing so I ...