Little Black Dress McCall’s 7833

McCall’s 7833, this dress is EVERYTHING. I know I say I love all my dresses, but this one has stolen my heart. There are 4 variations of this dress on the pattern. View A is a short sleeved short dress, View B is a long sleeved short dress, View C is a long sleeve long dress, and View D is a sleeveless long dress with a thigh high split. I will be making View D next in Red of course.

I made view A for my dress. With me being short, I went for the short version, this way I didn’t have to spend much time on alterations to the length. I was happy with the results. The fabric choices for this pattern are Two-way Stretch Knits (50% Cross Grain): Velvet, Jersey, Interlock, and Rayon Spandex. I used a Black Velvet fabric from Hobby Lobby that can be found Here. With the Holidays fast approaching, I thought it was fitting to make it in Velvet. I made a size 12 and it fits just the way I imagined it in my head, now to find somewhere to wear it. Who’s having a party? Can I get an invite?

McCall’s 7833

I paired the this dress with Red accessories, lips included. Shoes are Jessica Simpson, worn only for the sake of these photos.

Handbag $8.99 at Burlington Factory. The jewelry I am wearing was a Christmas gift from my Granny Sammie about 3 or 4 years ago, it is priceless. My Granny has always had style and class. I learned from some of the best women on how to be classy without showing too much. I come from a family of strong women.

 

Bye for now, time to go Sew Something!!!

 

McCall’s Fall Pattern Review

Hello Sewing Beauties,

Just wanted to do a quick blog on a few of my favorites from the Fall McCall’s Pattern line. I’m on vacation, celebrating 21 years of marriage to my hubby this week in beautiful Coronado, CA., small, busy, beautiful island, right outside beautiful San Diego, CA. If you want a quiet vacation, surrounded by good food, beautiful views, and beautiful weather, I highly recommend stopping here.

This is the view from my patio this week. I could sit here all day long and be happy, all I need is my sewing machine, serger, a few quick patterns to make, and I would be happy everyday of the week.

1. M7837-Loose fitting top with side details. View A is my favorite view for this one. The fabric choices for this one is cotton blends, poplin, crepes, and polished cotton. I will be picking a cotton blend, just to get some more experience using cotton fabrics. I tend to lean towards the stretchy knit fabrics. If I expect my skills to grow, I will need to get out of the comfort zone of using stretchy fabrics.

2. M7834 – Semi-fitted front dress with elasticized back. View D is my choice, why? I love a maxi, it’s one of the garments that I make and wear all year long. In the summer a maxi can be worn with sandals or wedges, in the fall/winter a maxi can be worn with boots and an overcoat. The pattern fabric choices are crepes, cotton blends, challis, and charmuese. I am thinking cotton blend again, for this one as well. I haven’t constructed an all cotton dress. The fabric choice is going to depend on the prints that are available. I may have to order online to get something pretty. The Joann fabrics close to really on,y specializes in knit and cotton fabrics.

3. M7848 – Fitted lined coat with front zipper closure, side seam pockets (it has pockets) and neckline, sleeve and length variations. View D is the one I have fallen for. The long overcoat is one that I love. You can wear anything under this coat, pantsuit or dresses/skirts. A coat in View D makes me think of Olivia Pope in Scandal. Her outfits and accessories were always very fashion forward. The pattern fabric choices are Wool Blends, Wool Flannel, Brocades, and Tweeds, plus the lining fabric. I am definitely going to need to do some research on these fabrics for the correct needles to use and how they should be sewn. I have not worked with either one. I am thinking a wool blend, just because I love the look of a nice Wool coat, so classy.

4. M7836 – Fitted pullover top with dropped shoulder and sleeve variations. I like View C in this one, nut to be honesty, I like all the variations. Not a big fan of the seam down the front, but that can be fixed by cutting the front on the fold. If I were to make View D I would close up the keyhole, just because it’s a Fall top. The sleeves on View B are amazing, so you may see a couple of these from me in the Fall. I do not have enough tops and find myself wearing cardigans with everything. The fabric choices for this pattern are Moderate stretch knits (35% cross grain), Cotton Knit, Sweater Knit, Ponte, French Terry. I have a couple of Sweater Knit fabrics that I think will work great with any view for this top.

These are my top 4 patterns of the McCall’s Fall patterns. I have a list of 16 that I put on my wishlist, but will need to go through the list again to pick my top 10. The handbag pattern is on my wishlist and I am thinking it will make it home. There are so many possibilities to make with this pattern.

Bye for now, time to go Sew Something!!!

McCall’s 7755 Misses’ Romper, Jumpsuit, and Belt -View D

This jumpsuit is everything. I made it twice and fell madly in love with this version. I think the fabric made the difference. This loose-fitting jumpsuit has a neckline with and encased drawstring, front and back neck slits, and POCKETS!!! Yes, pockets.

This is another one of McCall’s Learn to Sew patterns. The instructions are easy to follow and very detailed. Its exactly what a beginner would need to start with, if they are interested in making this Jumpsuit. Depending on which view you plan to make, you will learn the following skills:

• Learn to sew a slit
• Learn to sew a curved hem
• Learn to sew drawstring casing

 

I made one adjustment to this pattern , yep you guessed it, for my height, I cut off 4″. It fits perfect. I did not close up the front or the back opening on the bodice, I am wearing a bandeau underneath. If you choose to, you can close that up, it’s your choice. 😉

The pattern suggested to use a cotton knit, interlock , gauze, or challis. I choose to use a lightweight knit that I purchased at Angel’s Textiles last Fall. I buy a lot of my fabrics Los Angeles during my vacation time. This a beginner pattern and I highly recommend that you try it. Who doesn’t love a fabulous jumpsuit? I can’t wait to wear this to dinner for my 21st Wedding anniversary next Wednesday

 

I can thank my daughter for always taking photos of me in newly made garments. She does a great job!!!

This was the first Jumpsuit that I completed. I wasn’t in love with the print on the fabric after I made. I may need to dress it up and play around with accessories like different shoes, earrings, bracelets, and a Fancy handbag of some kind.

Bye for now, time to go Sew Something!!!

McCall’s 6700 Misses’ Dress and Belt

I fell in love with the flowing photo on this envelope packet a few years back. I have had this pattern which seems like forever and finally I cut it, it sat for about 2 weeks, as I searched my stash for the perfect fabric. I shop my stash a lot, it’s a large stash and I am trying my best to sew it down. So far it’s working.  I think because it doesn’t all fit in my sewing space anymore.

 

I did have to adjust the bodice, so that there wouldn’t be any accidents of anything falling out the front. Overall I love the outcome. I did not add the shoulder ties or the back neck tie. It would have been easy to add bought, but it was a personal choice for me. 

Pattern Description: Misses’ Dresses and Belt

Pattern Size: 8-16

Did it look like the photo on the envelope? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow: Yes

What did you like or dislike about the pattern: I liked that it was easy to follow and the dress fit.

Fabric Used: ITY Tie Dye Knit from Michael Levine’s in Los Angeles, CA

Pattern Alterations: I did not add the shoulder or the back neck tie, personal choice, and I had to cut off 4″ from the length. As you can see I am not very tall.

Would you make this again? Yes, I plan to in a solid color.

Would you recommend this pattern to others to sew? Yes

Conclusion: A great pattern for such a simple, but classy maxi.

McCall’s 6700 Front

McCall’s 6700 Back

 

Goodbye Valentino Ready to Wear Challenge 6 month update

It has been 6 months since I joined the Goodbye Valentino Ready to Wear Challenge. I thought it would befitting that I provide you with a half way mark update. Well, I La Riesha Simmons have NOT, I repeat have NOT, bought one single item of ready to wear clothing during this time. I am so proud of myself. Before joining this challenge I would purchase something clothing related at least 4-5 in a month. That’s just ridiculous. My shopping was more of a want and not a need.

With this challenge I have paid off some credit card bills I created, I am able to save more, and the best benefit of all is that I am sewing more and learning new things about my sewing machine, the Babylock Aria, that turned one year’s old this month. I just love her. Happy Birthday Aria.

As you can tell I am enjoying every single minute that I get to sew or share my creations on my blog, instagram, and facebook. I am proud of myself, if I can’t be proud of myself, I can’t expect anyone else to be proud of. I am my own cheering squad. 🙂

So, what have I made during these last 6 months? Well here are my makes so far for 2018. There are lots more to come, some easy, some intermediate, and I have my eye on an advanced piece that for sure will help me to increase my skills.  Happy Sewing Everyone.