Vogue 8825

Lady in red....is dancing with me..... it's stuck in your head now, isn't it? Your welcome.  Brings me right back to junior high school sock hops in the gym... Well you know what? This dress belongs back there  in 1986 with Chris de Burgh too.  All it needs are some ginormous shoulder pads!

Oh my gosh.... I want to L-O-V-E love this dress but there is something stopping me....those dang big sleeves. Not the upper part of the sleeve, everything's just fine there...it's at the cuff. I find that they detract from the best parts of this dress. I really love the neckline, for a faux wrap, it stays close to the body with no wardrobe malfunctions. I like that I can tie the sash in the front or the back of this dress. With the large belled sleeves though, I prefer to tie it in the back so it doesn't look so busy from the front. Of course then there's the fabric choice...crepe knit in a perfect red. I love this fabric. It's heavy and warm for the winter yet doesn't wrinkle badly and can be machine washed. 

This is Vogue 8825, very easy Vogue. True to its claim, this was a super easy make. Here is my review.

My Review: 

Pattern: Vogue 8825

Fabric used: Heavy Knit Crepe in a gorgeous red

Instructions:  So simple! Another raglan sleeve... I am on a roll with this sleeve lately.

Changes I made: None. Changes I should have made... removed the cuff and make the sleeve slim to the wrist!!! 

          

Repeat worthy? Yes...with changes.

Sorry about these over exposed pictures....it was the best I had of the back of the dress. 

On a side note... I think that my son did a great job taking these pictures for me. It was really cold out and he suggested that I not breathe when I smiled for a picture because he could see my breath. So smart! Now there's a photo tip for those of you living in colder climates like me!

So what do you think? I'd like to know. Keep the sleeves as they are in all their glorious puffiness or remove the cuff and make them slim to the wrist? I think you already know what I want to do :)
But maybe you could change my mind...

Workhorse: Simplicity 1699

There are some garments in my wardrobe that are in heavy rotation and this peplum top is one of them. It just looks good with everything. I particularly like it with a cropped jacket or cardigan with the peplum peeking out the bottom.

My Review: 

Pattern:  Simplicity 1699

Fabric used: Ponte Di Roma in ivory ( I'm a little disappointed that it has pilled so quickly) 

Instructions:  So simple!! Especially with no sleeve to set in... raglan sleeve for the win!

Changes I made: I didn't make any changes to the pattern but I did omit the collar. It wasn't my thing....

                          Oh!... and of course I used an invisible zip instead of a lapped...

Repeat worthy? Yes. I really want to make the longer sleeve version for winter!

Top: self made Pants:Target Jacket:thrifted Shoes: Franco Sarto

This was such a quick and easy make and I really love that the peplum isn't too overwhelmingly poofy... it has just the right amount of flounce...

On The Run: McCalls 7026

You guys! I made some running gear and I am so happy with it! I have been a little afraid of sewing knits but when the right fabric and pattern are married it works out great. This outfit is perfect for this time of year when the temperature fluctuates so much. 

My Review: 

Pattern: McCalls 7026 View C

Fabric used: I found this fabric in the price cuts section and other than knowing that it is a polyester knit and has the weight of a ponte... 

Instructions: The instructions were clear and I didn't have any trouble putting this together.   

Changes I made: I omitted the lace trim and added reflective piping. I also put an invisible zipper in the left side pocket instead of two open pockets.

Repeat worthy? Yes! IF i found the right fabric again.

The piping was a bit of work but so worth it, I love how well it turned out. 

I opted for one pocket instead of two. I will actually use this jacket for running and don't need two pockets but I do need that pocket to stay shut so I put an invisible zipper in.

I really like the the piping detail! I wanted to put in in the front princess seams but when I did the first one, I realized that the piping was too stiff for the front seams and made it to wavy and lumpy. No one wants lumpy bewbs and belly! So I took it out and put it in the seams that I knew would be flatter... the back and front shoulder seams.

More reflective piping in the cuffs...and the thumb holes in this pattern were the icing on the cake for me!!

Now on to the capris...because I didn't put a hood on the jacket as per my original plan...when do I ever stick to my plans...I had JUST enough left to make these capris.  I made these once already and they were too big so this time I went down another size which was good because I had so little fabric left. I think they are almost perfect! I used Kwik Sew 3988. The waist band sits nicely and is not too tight. This pattern also has a crotch and leg gusset. The crotch gusset gives them a really comfortable fit but I would sew them in a different way next time and may share this in another post. The leg gusset would be a perfect place to add a different color fabric for a design element but I think it could be omitted altogether as well...they are a little baggy in this area for me.

I am so happy with this outfit, I thought that it deserved one of my labels....  :)

Action shot! I run a lot and am thrilled to be able to make some running gear...so satisfying!