Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Simplicity 2058 skirt finished

I've finished Simplicity 2058 Amazing Fit skirt. I wasn't expecting great results with the fabric I used but I'm quite pleased with the way it turned out and ready to make this skirt in a variety of fabrics.

Here is the review of this pattern which I wrote for www.sewingpatterns.com

 Pattern Description: Misses/Women's skirt in 2 lengths with individual pieces given for slim, average and curvy fit

Pattern Sizing: 10-18 and 20W to 28 W. I made a Size 16 - Curvy.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This is simple pattern which is comfortable to wear and flattering.

Fabric Used: This is a difficult one to answer because I don't know! The fabric has been in my stash for more than 20 years. I think it's got a certain amount of viscose in it.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made the waistline area a bit wider for a comfortable fit.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definitely sew it again in different fabrics. It's the kind of skirt I enjoy wearing. I would definitely recommend it to others. You can chose the length you prefer and it's easy enough for beginners to sew.

Conclusion: A well-designed, basic skirt pattern which can be used to make skirts for all seasons.



                
  I'm still waiting for the two dress patterns I mentioned in my last post to arrive and can't wait to get started on them to take my mind off the freezing, winter weather we are having at the moment.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Recent and planned sewing projects.

Another New Year's Resolution I've made is to get back to my sewing and make the various projects I've been planning over the last few months. 


In November I made a blouse using Simplicty's Amazing Fit 2151 


http://www.simplicity.com/p-6163-misses-miss-petite-amazing-fit-tops.aspx

    


The fabric I used had been in my stash for more than 20 years so it was definitely time to make something out of it. Anyway, here is the result:

 I'm sure it's a bit too bright and flowery for many people's tastes, but at least I used the fabric and it looks quite nice worn with black trousers. Anyway, I like bright, cheerful colours!


I also bought another Amazing Fit pattern - 2058 and hope to make a few skirts using it.


                         
Two new Simplicity patterns also caught my eye. Well, to be honest, I like a lot more of them than that but can't afford more than two at the moment.  The two dress patterns I've ordered are http://www.simplicity.com/p-6746-misses-plus-size-amazing-fit-dresses.aspx


                 


and  http://www.simplicity.com/p-6745-misses-miss-petite-dresses-project-runway-collection.aspx

                                                          
 I'm not sure which views yet but the fabrics I have in mind are two I bought about 10 days ago from a my favourite fabric shop in the Mahmutpasa area near the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul which is full of beautiful fabrics. 


       
Both fabrics are crepe but I don't know exactly what they are made of. Unfortunately the photos don't do them justice. I think I'll use the second fabric to make the Amazing Fit dress shown in the picture on the pattern envelope. Before I attempt the Runway 1913 dresses, I would prefer to read reviews of this pattern, but I'm more confident about the Amazing Fit dress. I know that most of my readers are more experienced dressmakers than I am so I would appreciate your advice and opinions.
                                  

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!

I haven't really made any New Year's Resolutions apart from one and that is to start posting on my blog again. It's more than 6 months since my last post and I'm even not sure if I remember how to write a post! 

We spent the Christmas weekend in Istanbul which is only about 6 hours away by bus. For the first two days the weather was awful - very cold, windy with heavy rain, but the next day even though it was still very cold, the sun shone and we were able to enjoy a walk down Istiklal Street as far as Galata Bridge after which we took a taxi to Ortaköy. (We'll really have to learn how to use public transport there) Winter is perhaps not the best time to appreciate the beauty of the city but in spite of the cold I managed to take a few photos which I'll share with you now.

 
Galata Bridge





View of Boshporus at Ortaköy

                                   

New Year decorations at Taksim Square.

      I'll be posting again soon with more news but until them I would like to wish my readers a Happy and Healthy 2012!