Going Green with McCall 3830

This skirt pattern is slowing starting to become a TNT pattern for me. When I want a basic pencil skirt, especially if I only have a yard of fabric to play with, I've been turning to it.

Last Thursday was St. Patty's day and I wanted to show my love. Most people wear their green tops or sweaters. I didn't want that. I looked in my stash and found a yard of green cotton stretch twill fabric. To jazz it up, I sewed a panel of lace on it. The skirt was a hit. I got quite a few compliments at work. It is amazing how one small change can make such a big difference.

The top is a solid color version of BurdaStyle 1/2008 #106 which I made back in January for Karen's wedding. Yes Carolyn, I took your advice and made another one. I love this top.

Did anyone get a chance to walk outside and see the moon Saturday night? It was gorgeous and so bright. I've never seen anything like it before. Mr. D took this picture from outside of our home.

In other news, I joined Sherry's RTW sew-a-long in the hopes of moving my butt along on finally making a spring coat for myself. I just finished gathering everything I needed on Sunday. The hardest thing for me to find was the sleeve head wadders. I finally found them at a tailor shop called Charles Zarit on 5th Street in Philadelphia. If anyone is still looking for supplies, check him out. He also takes orders online and is very helpful by phone as well. Tell him the woman that stood in his doorway because she had a dog with her sent you. Yes, he(Jackson) hopped in the car and refused to get out. What's a girl to do. That was his first venture to South Street. I have a funny feeling it won't be his last. Next time we'll have to take Mr. D with us so we can shop more freely.

Do I live in a bubble?

I took my sewing machine in for it's yearly service a little over a week ago and picked it up last night. I had a big grin on my face when I saw all the machines on the floor that had come in during the day for servicing. I thought it confirmed to me that sewing was alive and kicking. When I mentioned as much to the repair guy, he said to me "Oh, most of these machines are owned by quilters. Isn't that what you do?" I said no, and that I make clothes. He was actually surprised, thought it was cool and then proceeded to tell me that not too many people did that anymore.

So my question is, do I live under a rock or or are there shades over my eyes?

I have connected with so many people who like to do what I do, but I keep forgetting that in comparison to the big world out there, we are a very small community. It's only through the internet that we have been able to find each other and bridge the gap, making the miles and distance between us seem so small.

I was talking to Sheila last night and we talked a little about this. What we like to do, our hobby is not a normal one, I know we all think differently, but my friends, it is what it is. Nine out of ten times you'll get someone asking you, "where do you find the time", or "Wow, I could never do that". For me, I tend to not sit in front of the television in a vegetative state. Don't get me wrong, I watch what I want to through the internet (Hulu, Netflix, etc..), but I'd rather spend my time creatively.

So my friends, weigh in and tell me about it.

Vogue 1179

The first time I saw this dress was on Eugenia blog, and I thought to myself, "I like that". Then, she went and made it again, and then I was like, "I want that." Originally, I wanted an all black version, but I didn't have enough fabric to complete the dress so I opted for what was in my stash and went with a gray herringbone with black. I love this dress, and let me tell you, on the days I feel like wearing something loose, this wardrobe piece fits the bill. Plus, it doesn't hurt that there are only 3 pieces to this pattern, and it works up really fast. Here's my PR review on the dress:

Pattern Description:

DKNY, very loose-fitting, pullover dress, above mid-knee length, has pleated front, cowl collar and wide stitched hem.



Pattern Sizing:

6-12 or 14-22.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes it did.




Were the instructions easy to follow?

This is a very easy pattern, and a good pattern for a beginner to work with.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

It's a DKNY pattern. Anything designer is good.

Fabric Used:

Sweater knit in a herringbone pattern that I purchased from Fabric Warehouse a couple of years ago.



Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

The pattern called for a drape type knit. I was a little worried about using a sweater knit, but I used 1/4 seam allowances instead. I probably still would have been fine sewing 5/8 seams, being that this is not a fitted dress.

I jumped right in and made this dress before reading any reviews on it. A few reviewers had complaints of the armholes being a little tight or snug. I would agree with that, but it's okay. I am working with it, and I know for the next dress, I'll just cut the armhole slightly a little larger.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, I plan on making it again for Spring/Summer in a much more slinky knit.

Conclusion:

I love it, plus I'm wearing a designer piece for mere pennies of what it would have cost in the store. You can't beat that.


On a closing note, these pictures were taken at like 2 am in the morning, hence the shiny makeup, plus I'm really tired. The little boy(one of Jack's various nicknames) was missing me and had to get in on the photo op. Or more like just wanted some loving.
Happy Sunday everyone. More reviews coming up!!