SMF Designs and Friends

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Pattern Review Vogue 1086

100% Cotton Lawn (sold out)

Other similar fabrics Calming Waters, Marigold Floral Print, Rust/Turquoise Tribal Print.

The fabric sews and presses beautifully. I did not prewash the fabric. I never do because my intention is to always dry clean the completed garments after wearing them. I know some people swear by prewashing for shrinking (especially cottons), but I've never had a problem with shrinking.

I used french seams in the entire garment and didn't line the dress. I thought about it, but didn't like the effect of the skirt. So, I will wear (don't laugh) a SLIP (imagine that!) with it.

The neckline was a challenge because my bust measurement and cup size is smaller than the pattern so I had to be sure that the fit was good. It's still a little roomy at the top.

I also inserted the zipper on the right side of the dress to accommodate my recent shoulder surgery which won't allow me to raise my left elbow to zip up the dress. Lesson here: I always analyze my designs and patterns before layout and cutting to make sure that I have covered my needs for fit. And then after doing that, sometimes the garments still don't fit the way we like them to!!!

Accessories

Jacket Coldwater Creek

Shoes DSW

Necklace from a Galleria costume jewelry store

Thanks Beverly for sharing your sewing journey with us!!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Burda Style February 2011

All Styles at a Glance

Line Drawings

Asian Inspiration

Coat #113

Pants #115A

To color block ........

Dress #110A

........Dress #117B......

......Or not to color block.....

Dress #110B

......That is the question!

Dress #117A

DIY project pleating fabric

Maternity

Coat #124

Pants 125A

Plus Size

Wedding Dress #134

To purchase, go to www.smfabric.com

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Pattern Review Vogue 2624 (out of print)

82% Cotton 18% Rayon
(sold out)

The fabric was very easy to sew-no nap-and I didn't worry about matching the print. In fact, I used the reverse side for the front facing just for added interest. The side opening pockets were fun to construct.

Pattern alterations: I did increase the size of the sleeves-this is a modified kimono sleeve so I had to allow for my large upper arms and the area around the elbows for movement and tapered it back to the wrist.

Interfacing: I used medium weight woven fusible just for the collar and front opening.
Lining: I used the cotton batiste in turquoise (sold out) from Sew Much Fabric. There are no buttons.

Accessories from Talbots Outlet

If you still have this fabric in your stash, here is an inspiration on what the fabric could become!
Thanks Beverly!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Last Fabrics for December 2011

Sku #SC2171

Peach/Ivory Tropical Print

57"

Silk/Cotton

$19.00

This luxurious silk/cotton lawn is a perfect kick off to spring. The fabric is light, airy and transparent (you'll need a lining or wear a camisole underneath). The print is a large tropical leaf pattern with colors of ivory, tangerine, rust, icy blue, dark brown, taupe grey and lavender. Make a blouse, full skirt or dress.

Sewl Mate

Sku #LR2141

Orange Sherbert/Natural Stripe

60"

Linen/Rayon

$15.00

Sku #L2140

Orange Sherbet Linen

60"

100% Linen

$13.00

Construction in Progress

Silk Organza

Buttons: Pearl and Gold Stud 5/8" $.75

Coral's Eye 1/2" $.35

Gutermann Thread #022, 510, 365, 355, 126, 907

Sweet Inspiration

Burda Style 01/2012 #116B

Pattern Suggestions: Butterick 5486, 5646, McCalls 6506, 6512, Simplicity 2175, 2179, Vogue 1240, 8434

Sewing Tip: Use a size 9 Universal needle.

Sku #W1168

Grey Wool

59"

100% Italian Wool

$20.00

Designer- Adam

This is a classic wool suiting from designer Adam. The fabric is from Italy and is light weight with a brushed surface. The color is a heather nickle grey. Make a tailored jacket, cape, pants or skirt.

Sewl Mate

Sku #P4161

Glacier Grey Knit

50"

100% Polyester

$12.00

Construction in Progress

Rayon Lining Grey

Ykk Invisible Zipper #578

Buttons: Silver Arrowhead 7/8" $1.75

Pop Top 1" $3.50

Gutermann Thread #110

Sweet Inspiration

Burda Style 12/2011 #104

Pattern Suggestions: Butterick 5535, 5687, McCalls 6201, 6211, Simplicity 1942, 2149, Vogue 8751,8758

Sewing Tip: When steam pressing, be sure to let the fabric completely dry before moving.

Sku# SV3169

Silk Faced Abstract Jacquard

54"

Silk Faced/Viscose Backed

$27.00

Designer-Behnaz Sarafpour

This fabric is double faced. The right side is a printed silk and the backing is a viscose jacquard. The fabric is dress weight with a very nice drape. The colors are charcoal grey, mid grey, ivory, citron yellow and pine green. Make a tunic, skirt or dress.

Sewl Mate

Grey Wool (see above)

Construction in Progress

Ykk Invisible Zipper #U892

Buttons: Stone Pearl Drop 3/4" $1.40

Olive Granite Square 1-1/8" $2.15

Gutermann Thread #022, 835, 116, 125

Sweet Inspiration

Burda Style 12/2011 #110

Pattern Suggestions: Butterick 5652, 5707, McCalls 2255, 6117, New Look 6049, Simplicity 2406, Vogue 8278, 8746

Sewing Tip: Use a single fold layout.

Sku #V3170

Pine Green Jacquard

57"

100% Viscose

$19.00

Designer-Phillip Lim

This lovely wood grain jacquard is from Phillip Lim. The hand is silky with a very good drape. The color is a rich dark pine green. Make a blouse or a wrap skirt.

Sewl Mate