New Wrap Top for Spring--New Look 6560

It's high time to do some Summer sewing.   Temperature wise, we're still having Spring but it will be Summer by the end of the week with temps in the 90s and the cicadas due out any day to begin their humming.  I had this wonderful, summery yellow floral chiffon just begging to be used.  (I got it from one of Fabric Marts recent sales.) I decided on New Look 6560.  I made view B, a cute little wrap top with a ruffled neckline, flutter sleeves and a tie belt. It's just such a feminine look.

The pattern comes in sizes 8-20; I made a size 20. I also made several changes to the pattern based on several reviews at Pattern Review.  It's short, so I added 1½ inches to the length so it would come to my hip.   I also interfaced the belt to give the chiffon a little more body and be a more effective tie.  The front yoke pieces are doubled, encasing the gathers and lending more support to shoulder area.  I didn't want facings showing thru the chiffon so I used bias binding on the neckline.  I omitted the button closure on the front, I didn't think the chiffon could support it and this way it can adjust to my weight fluctuations.  It's held in place by the tie belt quite well.  I also omitted the back darts as I wanted this to be a looser fitting top.

In the pictures, I'm wearing the top over a yellow cami and with my very wrinkled linen trousers, Simplicity 8138 from last summer.  

I'm finally out of my sling and working on improving range of motion and strength.  It's amazing how much strength and endurance I've lost these last few months.  So, I'm still off work, going to Physical Therapy and sewing like a crazy lady.  I could really get used to this stay at home stuff!  Happy sewing!

Birthday Party in Simplicity 8138 and Vogue 8926

It's been a minute or two since I've blogged or sewn.  July was such a busy month with a trip to Texas and couple of camping trips taking most of my sewing time.  A family birthday and the Endless Combinations contest urged me into the Sewing Room.  The result being this outfit:

The pants are Simplicity 8138 and are so comfortable!  I've made this pattern before in an oatmeal colored linen.  They're one of my favorite things to wear in the summer.  They have an elasticized waist band and pockets, so you know they're uber comfy but still practical.  

The fabric is a soft linen from Fabric Mart.  The pattern itself is clear and well-written; no problems there.  I had to make some adjustments to get it to fit though since I'm so short waisted and have a very rounded derriere.  First I folded out 1" at the front crotch; then I lowered the center front 1½ inches tapering to nothing at the sides.  Then for the back, I raised the center back ¾ inch and added ½ inch to the back inseam at the crotch to extend the seat a little.  The weave on this linen is looser than the other slacks, so I might have been able to make it in a size smaller.  Something to consider next pair.    Yes, I love  this pattern so much there will be another pair someday. 

The top is Very Easy Vogue 8926 and it lived up to its claim.  It was very easy to assemble.  There are many markings and dots to keep track of but as long as you do, the top goes together quite easily.  It's made from a poplin shirting also from Fabric Mart.  I seldom sew with cotton and I always wonder why once I do because it's such a pleasure to sew with. 

I noticed when wearing it that day, and in the pictures here, that there's quite a bit of gaping at the underarm area.  I had to take that in by about 2 inches to make it fit nicer.  It's perfect for the hot, humid summer we have here.  

Simplicity 8138 and Shopping

I'm not posting much but I am sewing.  Simplicity 8138 seems to be out of print. This surprises me because the tunic was rather popular and its  copyright date is only 2016.  Oh well, here's a picture:

I made the pants instead of the tunic because I had some lovely linen that cried out to be some long-coveted linen slacks.  These were so super easy to do.  They have slanted pockets with a yoke and an elasticized waistband.  I like the somewhat fuller leg on this.  Skinny jeans/pants make me look rather like a lollipop

I cut a size 22 and made some alterations.  I have a full butt so I cut the crotch a little deeper, extended the inseam at the crotch about ½ inch and added 3/4 inch to center back seam.  The center front was way too tall on me so I ended up removing 1½ at center front top tapering to 0 at the side seams and ½ inch at the front crotch.  Does this mean I have a tilted pelvis?

I love these pants!  They are oh so comfortable to wear!  Granted, they're linen so they wrinkle like a fiend but they're a classis for a reason.  They feel fabulous and look great even with the wrinkles.  I may have to make another pair next summer.  It's time to think fall now. 

Joann's had Simplicity patterns on sale for this weekend and I had quite a few on my wish list.  Here's what I came home with:

Lots of  patterns for Elaina, the granddaughter-to-be, who's due to join us in November.  I'm currently working on a crib quilt for her for the baby shower.  I was thinking a sprinkling of handmade outfits and sleepwear would be nice, too, after the shower while we await her arrival.  I think I'll get good use of the patterns--they go up to size 18 months most of them.  And they're so cute!

Well, back to the quilt so I can get it done in time for the shower in late September.