The Limeade Dress

This dress is proof of the constant inspiration and support I get from my Instagram sewing community.

Last week, I watched Rachel from Maker Style attempting to hack one of the gorgeous new patterns by Paper Cut Patterns. Watching her (via IG stories) make her version of a drop shoulder knit top with a ruffled sleeve made me want to make one too but the thought of making anything with knit/stretchy fabrics intimidated me.

I had tried sewing with stretchy fabrics in the past and my sewing machine had made it clear to me it did not approve of me using that type of fabric. For some reason, I sent Rachel a message and told her how much I wish I could make one of these. She was so sweet and sent a long message back explaining how to go about it and made sound like it was the simplest thing to make.

Clearly, I took up the challenge and grabbed this gorgoeus knit from my fabric stash. I have had this fabric for over a year and had enough to make a dress instead of a top so why not? I used Burda 6721 to help with the basic shape of the dress and cut out two rectangluar pieces for the ruffle sleeve. I initially wanted to make a drop shoulder but forgot to do that when I cut the fabric.

I’m so happy I took up this challenge. This dress is far from perfect (you do not want to see the inside of the dress haha!) but I regret nothing. I appreciate all the support and inspiration Instagram and the social media platforms provide. I must admit I still have a long way to go when it comes with sewing with knits (can you spot the unfinished neckline? hehe). I made a limeade dress and I love it! I hope you do too 🙂

Sylvia

The Ravel Out

XOXO

 

 

Denim + Polka Dots Vibes (M7573)

I knew I had to make this ruffle top immediately I saw the pattern. What is there to not love? The pattern and my fabric choice checks all my boxes.

Ruffles ✓

Flowy & fun ✓

Denim & polka dots ✓ … you get the idea.

This pattern has different styles and ties options including an off-the-shoulder option but I decided to make the simplest version which is View D. I think that suited the fabric I was using a little more. I encountered a few issues while making this pattern and had to make some adjustments which I will talk about in the review below.

M7573 Review

Pattern Description: 
Misses’ Ruffle Tops with Off-the-Shoulder and Tie Options. Please note: I made View D so some of the feedback I give especially with the adjustments to the pattern may not be necessary for other views.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes it did look just like the photo on the pattern and the instructions were easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the style of this pattern. It’s flowy and fun. However, I had a little issue with the sizing. I cut my regular size but that was way too big for me which made the top look ill-fitting initially. I had to make a couple of adjustments to get a better fit.

Fabric Used:
Rayon

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I took the sides in by about 2.5 inches in total. The sleeves were also way too big especially tapering towards the edge of the sleeve. I think it’s supposed to have a bell shape to it but it didn’t look great in combination with the ruffle so I took that in about 2 inches on each sleeve to get a better fit.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would but I’d go at least one size down.

Conclusion: 
I think this is a great pattern overall. It fits perfectly into the current ruffles trend. If the picture below doesn’t show how I feel about this top, I don’t know what does 🙂

Sylvia

The Ravel Out

XOXO

 

 

The Butterfly Dress (V9021)

It feels so good when a dress comes together quickly and beautifully. This was the case with this Vogue 9021 pattern. I fell in love immediately this dress was done and knew I made a good choice. It is a fitted dress with front and back extending into sleeves, has low armholes, a back zipper, and a hemline slit; I simply call it the butterfly dress.

I wasn’t entirely sure about this pattern initially because the pattern did not have a model showing off the dress. It only had a drawing which I usually don’t like because I feel it doesn’t show off the fit on an actual person but after making this dress, I can vouch that it looks exactly like the pattern drawing.

I used a thrifted fabric so I’m not sure but I suspect it’s some form of a suiting fabric. Thanks to my wider hips, I had to grade a couple of sizes bigger than the bodice size. I didn’t make any other alterations. Once I posted this dress on my Instagram page, I got a lot of questions about the underarm coverage. Now that I have tried it on and worn it to work (it was such a hit at work), I can give some feedback on that issue.

The pattern has quite the exposure in the underarm area (pictured below). The exposed underarm means every time you lift your arm, you will be flashing your bra. I personally do not mind this feature (I actually love this, especially with the summer weather). But for those who have an issue with this, wearing a cami or slip is a way to resolve that issue. If you are like me, wear your prettiest bra and you’re good to go! I personally think this pattern is too pretty for that to stop anyone from making it.

This is a great pattern for all levels, from beginners to experts sewers. The instructions have been written very well, making it easy to follow and doesn’t need any complex sewing skills. It’s basically making darts, sewing seams, and inserting a zipper. It can’t get any easier than that!

I think this is a great pattern for everyone. It has a great fit and silhouette. This is now a valuable pattern in my sewing stash. I hope you enjoyed my review of this pattern.

Sylvia

The Ravel Out

XOXO

 

 

 

 

Spring Ruffles (McCall’s 7566)

Ruffles are definitely getting some attention this year and with the weather getting warmer, I had to celebrate by making this gorgeous fit and flare ruffle dress. I am obsessed with dresses, and McCalls 7566 just made my list of great dress patterns. I made View A of this pattern, which has a fit and flare fit with a ruffled V neckline.

I’ll be writing a blog for Fabricville with more details about the fabric and pattern used in this project so stay tuned for that.

Thank you for the fabric and notions, Fabricville!

 

Sylvia

The Ravel Out

XOXO

 

Blue Skies, Blue Dress

Have you ever loved a clothing item so much that you wished you had a hundred of them? That was the way I felt when I bought the most comfortable sleeveless shift dress from a local thrift store last year. So of course, I proceeded to make a new one (with sleeves) last weekend because I can! 🙂

It turned out great! However, on my next shift dress, I’ll need to figure out how to get a better fit in the neckline area. I paired it with a simple sleeveless black vest which showed off those gorgeous sleeves. It was a beautiful day so there was no need to wear a jacket.

The original dress I copied this from (not pictured) is sleeveless but I decided to add some trendy sleeves to this one because why not? I’m actually working on another one right now with different sleeves.

The fabric I used for this project is a linen viscose. This was my first time using this type of fabric but it will definitely not be my last. I loved working with it and I love the way it holds it’s shape without being overly stiff either. The print is also gorgeous and says spring without screaming spring (get it?)

Sylvia

The Ravel Out

XOXO

 

Spring Shift (DIY Dress)

It’s so refreshing to start making spring projects so this time, I decided to make a simple yet trendy spring dress.

Off-the-shoulder Dress – check!

Cute Sleeves – check!

I decided to make McCalls 7543 which is an off-the-shoulder dress with elastic shoulders, split-and-tie sleeves, and a shaped hemline. I made it in this gorgeous 100% rayon fabric.

I paired this dress with these cute strappy, mustard heels. Wearing it with heels definitely elevates this simple dress.

McCalls 7543 Review

Pattern Description: 
Pullover tops, tunic and dress have elastic on shoulders and sleeve variations. A: Straps. C: Shaped hemline.

Pattern Sizing:
Regular. Size 12. View C

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, exactly like it

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy to follow

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Roling the edge of the sleeves was so difficult due the curves. Next time, I will serge and fold over just once.

Fabric Used:
Rayon

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did not add the pockets

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Working on my second. This time, a top version

Conclusion: 
This is a great pattern for everyone and a great addition for the spring time

Sylvia

The Ravel Out

XOXO

 

Stripes & Wax Prints (DIY Skirt)

I don’t wear mini skirts much but when I do, they are made by me. I felt the urge to make this colorful African wax print fabric because spring has decided it won’t be showing up on time this year.

I used New Look 6103 for this skirt. Since I made a version of this skirt last year, I will not be reviewing the pattern again. My favorite thing about the skirt has be the hem. It’s different and I love different.

The review for this pattern can be found here.

Things I did differently with this pattern: I used bias binding to finish the waistband instead of facings.

Things I’d do differently in the next skirt: I would like more ease in the hip area and would add an inch or two in my next make.

Sylvia

The Ravel Out

XOXO

 

 

Spring Forward (DIY Dress)

It’s almost that time of the year! I can’t wait for the flowers to blossom, the dresses to come out, and the coats to be put away. But for now, I am enjoying my new DIY dress with this gorgeous green coat.

I made this dress using McCalls 7091 and a 100% rayon fabric. It’s a 12 paneled dress (Yes, 12!). It has a close fitting bodice and flares out at the bottom, which I love.

Things I did differently from the pattern: I did not line the bodice and used bias binding to finish the armholes and neck instead.

Two things I’d do differently next time:

1. I’d go down one size from my regular pattern size as it run a little too big for me.

2. I’d also love to use a medium weight fabric with a nice drape. I felt the rayon was a little too light for this dress. It was windy when I was taking these photos and struggled to get a good shot of the dress as it kept hugging my body in weird places. This is the best photo I got of the front view.

Sylvia

The Ravel Out

XOXO

 

Peek-a-Boo Top

Hello!

I thought it would be appropriate to make a cold shoulder, peek-a-boo top as we continue to celebrate the month of love! I made this top using McCalls 7510 and loved it so much I made one for my mum as well. I have decided to write a review for anyone interested in this pattern.

PATTERN REVIEW – M7510

Pattern Description: 
Tops fitted through the bust, cold shoulder details, back hook & eye closure, with sleeve and hem variations.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes. I was pleased that it looked exactly like the photo. I made View A.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I was surprised and loved how easy this pattern was considering the cold shoulder detail. I had never tried it but I’m glad I did. Don’t be intimidated beginner sewers.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved the sleeve variations and the cold shoulder detail. I didn’t think the lining was necessary (in my opinion) so I skipped it. I wanted my top slightly flowy and thought lining would give it more structure. I also think this is such a basic top why bother with lining?

Fabric Used:
100% Rayon

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I skipped the lining all together and also made a button and loop instead of a hook and eye closure.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I’ve made two tops already and I’m working on hacking the pattern to make a shift dress for my mum.

Conclusion: 
This is great for beginners who want to sew something simple yet trendy. It’s a great wardrobe addition for all levels of sewers. I highly recommend this pattern!

Below is the one I made for my mama.

Sylvia

The Ravel Out

XOXO

 

 

The Seamstress Tag

Last week, Erica from The Handmade Wardrobe nominated me for the seamstress tag which is a questionnaire for sewists started by Ms. Jenny Homemaker.

1) Who are you? My name is Sylvia. I recently completed my MBA (I’m actually graduating this week) and love to sew as a hobby. I currently live on Vancouver Island but have also lived in the United States and grew up in Ghana.
2) When & why did you start sewing? I took up sewing seriously after I completed by bachelor’s degree in 2014. There were so many uncertainties in my life at that point and I needed an outlet to release some stress. Although I had attempted some DIY projects in college, I definitely took it way more seriously during this time.
3) What is your favorite or proudest make? My McCalls 6891 shirtdress (pictured above)  is my proudest make of all time. It fit me so perfectly! It was a challenge for when I made it because it had buttons and a collar which I was not very good at making at that point. My cascading coat is however, my favorite make of all time. It’s gorgeous and so easy to make.
4) What is your most disastrous make? I have too many disastrous makes to pick just one! I’ve made clothes that didn’t fit at all or didn’t fit right. I’ve made things that looked down right hideous. I prefer not to take pictures of my disastrous makes.
5) Where is your favorite place to go fabric shopping? Fabricland. It’s pretty much the only fabric store in my town so I really have no choice. It has a huge variety of fabrics so I find pretty much everything I need. I’m scared to try buying fabrics online (I love to feel fabrics when buying) but i’d love to try that one day.
6) What is your most used pattern? Burda 6721 semi-fitted shift dress. I have made this pattern with knit and woven fabrics, I’ve hacked the pattern into a top, among others.

7) Your most dreaded sewing task is cutting/tracing out patterns and cutting out fabric for a project. Ugh!! Once that is done, I’m in a happy zone!
8) And your favorite sewing task? Hand stitching buttons on a clothing item. It’s so relaxing.

9) What is your favorite ‘sewing entertainment’? Binge watching anything on Netflix or catching up with my TV shows while sewing. Basically, watching anything interesting will do it for me.
10) Printed or PDF? As much as I print out a lot of PDFs, I do prefer good old printed patterns.
11) What sewing machine do you use? I use a Brother SQ9130. It’s a computerized sewing & quilting machine and is perfect for my current basic/intermediate sewing needs.
12) Do you have any other hobbies?I love to read! I don’t read as much anymore (thanks to sewing) but it does feel good to just kick back and relax with a great book.

Enjoy the rest of the week everyone!

Sylvia

The Ravel Out

XOXO