Sugarplum Fairies

If there ever was a fabric that reminded me of Sugarplum Fairies, it's this one.

It's got pink, it's got flowers, it seems Russian with the intricate design in bright colors on a dark background.  

Or maybe it's just that it's reeeallly cold out.

Details: 

Pattern: Burda 6984

Fabric: Art Gallery cotton voile 

Notions: one 3/8" button, Fraycheck

Temperature outside: 6 degrees F (-14 C)

Notes:

Oh, Burda.  You are just like that cute boy in school that you think is really cute, but who is just so obtuse, that you never really know if they like you back.  Or maybe that they LIKE you, they just don't LIKE-LIKE you.  You live in bewildered yes/no/idunno for a couple of weeks before ultimately deciding it's just not worth it, and you move on to liking someone easier.  

This pattern is for the most part, pretty straightforward...I don't know why they never give button sizes on the envelope, though.  Granted, it's not hard to hold a button up there to look and see if it will work, but if you're sifting through a random button tub, a little guidance would be appreciated.  A sign, or something, guy? For what it's worth, the binding at the neckline is 3/8" wide; I used a 3/8" button.  

1/4" button would work, too

The neckline is what drew me to the pattern, honestly.  I did squint and see that the neckline pleats go over the top of the drawing, but totally did not get from the 2"-high technical line drawing that the neckline pleats have an exposed raw edge at the neckline.  Huh.  That part of the instructions is on page 3, by the way.  The neckline is bound, but the binding weaves under the pleats.  I played their game with the binding, but decided in the end to fold my extra seam allowance over the top of the binding to tuck the raw edge inside.  

Fray-checked that edge...

You know why I had so much seam allowance to do that?  The printed patterns kindly include 5/8" seam allowances everywhere, but at the neckline and sleeves, you're instructed to cut them off.  Huh. 

Ooookaaay.

I did.  And it was fine.  But way to be all-or-nothing, there, Burda.

Anyway, it was fun while it lasted.  

I think.

Happy 2015! (+ new stuff)

    I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and spent plenty of time with family and friends!  The past two weeks of break have been much needed, and I absolutely loved that I was able to see everyone over the holidays.  2014 seemed like a rough, long haul there at the end! Between my youngest starting preschool and my husband's shoulder surgery, blogging took a back seat over the past couple of months. 

 And I'm okay with that.

So this is not a Year in Review post.

This is a...

Top 5 Things I've Made Since My Last Post and Haven't Yet Shared
Post

#1 Details

Pattern: Simplicity 2060

Fabric: Tula Pink Prince Charming cotton voile

Notions: 7 buttons from magic stash

Time to complete: who knows?  

Notes: 

This is like the billionth time I've made this pattern.  But the first time I'm happy with the fit.  I went up a size, and the arms fit much better. They're still drafted with a relatively high sleeve cap, which freaks me out a bit.  I actually made this blouse once before in this fabric, and when I just couldn't deal with the tight armscye fit in the other version, I bought more of this fabric on etsy.

Seriously, I know this is a busy print, but I swear, it goes with 90% of my closet.

Also, I added an inch to the sleeve length to account for monkey arms, completely changed the cuffs (drafted my own), and conquered sleeve plackets using this tutorial from threads.  I also completely admit to making 3 samples, and having to print off an extra paper copy to origami fold so I could figure out what was going on. Who knew they were so tricky?

Movement is not restricted, but you can see what I mean about the close fitting sleeves. I need to slash and spread at the bicep a squidge.

Asymmetrical buttons, and not too shabby button holes.  3 on shoulder seam, 2 on each cuff. Found in a unmarked baggie in the button drawer.  Weird.

Sleeve Placket achievement unlocked!

#2 Details

Pattern: Simplicity 2054
Fabric: bright green ponte from Girl Charlee
Notions: none
Time to complete: probably not very long

Notes:

Eh, it's a big long t-shirt.

I need a slip.

I did bring in the side seams a bit at the waist.  Next time, (if), I'll taper in the sleeve seams between the elbow and wrist, too.  They're a bit too loose to push up and stay.

Crazy back/side view, and I have no idea what I'm doing with my hand.

#3 Details

Pattern: Burda 7123
Fabric: Theory medium weight stretch cotton sateen (Mood, I think)
Notions: interfacing for waistband and an invisible zipper
Time to complete: a couple of evenings to fit, involving a run to mom's for wrinkle assessement

Notes:
There are only three pattern pieces, so there's not much too much to say construction wise.  I started with a size 16ish, and skinnied everything but the hips.  I consulted a number of print sources for wrinkle-diagnosis on the back thigh, but to be honest, these are super comfortable to sit in, even criss-cross-applesauce. The hems are just serged, folded up once, and invisibly stitched.

Considering no one is going to be staring at this view, it's not as bad as it looks.

I took in the seam allowance on just the back inseam, and it marginally helped, but taking in too much screwed up the fit across my rear and through the rise.  I will keep at these, but I honestly don't believe these are meant for a smooth, wrinkle-free view, and I wasn't aiming for a jeans-fit.

Side view

Interior view

#4 & 5 Details

Pattern: Jennifer Lauren Vintage Bronte Top
Fabric: Kaufman Laguna stretch jersey (gray), cotton lycra blend or something from Girl Charlee (blue)
Notions: none
Time to complete: an evening and a bit for each

Notes:
I honestly can't remember which shirt I made first, but I remember struggling a bit with figuring out the sleeve, and where the center top should line up with the shoulder-no-seam. I did not lengthen the sleeves, and they are perfectly cozy.  My measurements put me between sizes, and I chose to go up. And I'm glad I did.  The blue version has that length of sleeves because that's exactly what I could get out of one yard.  Damn Girl Charlee and their whole yard purchasing requirement.

A smart person would just order two whole yards, but I prefer remaining stubborn.
I don't wanna have extra leftovers.

I did not put buttons on the bands, even though I think they're cute, because I just couldn't pick any.  I may yet, as I think they would help tack down the band to help it lay more smoothly, and not flip up when I get all excited with my arms.

So that's that.  My goals for the new year are to keep on keepin' on.

Happy New Years!