Sew Miss Oz

Pattern Picture:

Project Photo:

The dress with the jacket on.

Pattern Rating:

I would say overall the pattern is easy enough for an advanced beginner. For me the dress would have been easier except I decided it needed a lining, therefore adding items that were not included in any of the instructions. The jacket instructions were very easy and simple.

Pattern Description:

From Simplicity’s Hannah Montana Collection - Girl or Girl Plus Cropped Jacket, Cropped Pants, Sleeveless Dress, Mini Dress or Tunic

Pattern Sizing/Sizing Used:

I made a size 12 1/2 straight out of the package with no alterations. I decided on this size by comparing the finished sizes with my dd’s actual sizes. If I make the dress again (before she changes sizes) I would make the full tummy alteration with just a smidge of extra room for her. This size turned out perfect for her, any larger size would have made the armholes too deep on the dress. If I had made the size the pattern had suggested the dress would have been too large.

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

I think it is a close resemblance of the pattern picture. Of course, the pattern picture does not reflect the items on any plus size little girls.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were decent, typical instructions for Simplicity on these types of patterns. It is imperative that all dots are transferred with the dress on this pattern to match up the tie, bodice front tie piece, and the yoke pieces.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I didn’t have really any dislikes about the pattern. The jacket is lined per the pattern for the back and front pieces. I added lining to the ruffled sleeve pieces because I thought it would look more finished on the sleeves. After all the work to line the rest of the jacket lining this portion of the sleeve that would easily be visible only made sense.

Fabric & Notions Used:

The dress is made from a top layer of 100% rayon (very fine, thin rayon), along with lime green satin, both purchased from Fashion Fabrics Club. The black dotted 100% rayon turned out thinner then I had imagined when I ordered it, therefore I felt it needed a lining. I used a black silk weight powder dry knit from Malden Mills. The jacket is lightweight cotton twill with lycra, lined with a light lime green stretch lining again both from Fashion Fabric Club. This is one of the things I like about Fashion Fabrics Club, putting items together, matching fabrics up to the pattern, doing it all at one time at one place! I actually sit with my Paint/Photo program open laying the pictures of the fabrics together, matching them up, deciding what goes where. This works most of the time, occasionally the colors from the fabrics will be slightly off.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

On the dress, I made two alterations and/or design changes. As mentioned previously I opted to line the dress. The lining is a repeat of the dress, attached at the armhole, the neckline (yoke), and the bodice tie front. The lining side seams and hem are separate from the dress, giving the feeling of two dresses, one laid inside the other. The second design change I made was with the armholes, which since I lined the dress I could have even done differently than I did. The pattern uses purchased bias binding on the armholes, putting the binding on the inside of the dress. I decided it would give me a chance to add that punch of lime green just a little more! I cut bias pieces from the lime green satin scraps, bound the armholes, flipping the binding to the outside of the dress for visibility. I personally found problems with the yoke and the pattern instructions. The directions have you flip the second (inside) layer of the yoke to the inside, press up bottom hem allowance, then stitch from the outside (top stitching) catching the backside yoke as stitching. I believe part of my issue was that darn satin! It was entirely too slippery to complete as the instructions suggested. I trimmed the hem allowance with pinking shears, pressed up, then I hand stitched the yoke inside down (together). I ended up doing more hand stitching on this dress then I’ve done in a long time. I also hemmed the rayon fabric (top fabric) of the dress by hand as I felt if gave a better appearance then a machine stitch.

On the jacket, the only change I made was to add the lining to the ruffled sleeve portion of the jacket.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

This is another Simplicity Girls Plus pattern I would definitely recommend. Technically, I finished the dress within a day, except I decided to hand stitch the hem. The jacket took even less time, with the only hand sewing being the buttons we had chosen.

Tips:

This definitely needs a fine fabric with a nice drape to give all the front gathers a nice fall instead of a poof. In other words, save the cotton unless it is a fine, thin cotton like a batiste. Use a nice thin interfacing in the yoke, I opted to do a sew in interfacing to make sure I received no bubbling under my satin.

Conclusion:

I am saving this pattern, as I see this might be made again next summer! My dd loves the dress, seems to think it is so much like RTW complete with the lining.

Here is a picture of the back, showing with the jacket on.

The dress without the jacket from the front.

The dress without the jacket from the back.

So many family things going on right now, getting kiddos ready to start school (next week!), and getting myself ready the 25^th of this month! I will guarantee that once I start school my sewing really diminishes since free time becomes so scarce. I am trying to finish the projects I have cut out from my last post.

Completed is the black/lime green/baby blue outfit made from Simplicity 3515 . The outfit is in the wash to clean up all my markings, as soon as it washed I’ll get a picture of it on T, and do a complete review here and at Pattern Review.

Almost done is the black/fuchsia outfit made with Simplicity 2944. The dress is complete; the vest is on the sewing machine. I should have this done in just a few hours of dedicated time!

While I was sewing, I have been listening to books on my MP3 player. I had wanted to try this for a longtime, but the house arrangement made it hard to accomplish. Now that we have re-arranged a few things, and I bought dedicated speakers in my sewing area, I can plug my MP3 player into the speakers and listen while I sew. I listened to John Grisham’s book The Summons, then I listened to James Patterson’s book Honeymoon, and am presently listening to Mary Higgins Clark’s book No Place Like Home. The Mary Higgins Clark book is much bigger obviously, as it had 9 CD’s compared to the 5 & 6 of the other books. I like the unabridged books, so it is word for word as if reading the book. I am really enjoying listening to the books! I so miss reading, that putting two my favorite pastimes together is wonderful. I bought these books a couple of years ago, just never got it worked out to really listen to them. I hated having earphones in while I was sewing as they kept getting in the way! I’ve been looking at some sites that allow you do download books for your MP3 player or computer, so I can keep listening to them! I say that now, but once school gets started I always have so much to read and reading that isn’t on any audio formats :cry: spoiled huh?

In a few days I’ll update my completed projects with pictures!

I promised to show my fabric purchases and my sewing agenda. Maybe if I actually show what I am committing to I will stick to the plan!

Here is Simplicity 3546 to make for T. The main part of the dress will be the rayon fabric on the right, with the red rayon/poly blend as the accent color. I am a little disappointed in the colors of the fabric, the red turned out in person a little more orange red then I anticipated from the monitor. Since the red is more orange red than blue red, it isn’t quite the perfect match I wanted. I can be anal about that perfect color match, but shopping online has made me curtail the anal side of it. If I could shop in real person for the types of fabric, I would love it!

Another one up is Simplicity 3515. The black polka dot was listed as rayon at Fashion Fabric Club, but I question that it might have some polyester. The fabric is more like a sheer polyester fabric, nothing what I thought it would be. Luckily, I have some silk weight powder dry in black and white that will work as a lining to help with the sheer aspect of the fabric. The black dotty fabric is for the main portion of the dress, with the bright green satin for the trim of the dress. In the lower left corner is a light blue twill for the jacket, coordinating with the light green for the lining of the jacket.

My other sewing project is Simplicity 2944. The dress will be the black with the white & pink flowers. This knit is the “ITY” knits from Fashion Fabric Club. This knit was also a disappointment, as it is very thin, meaning almost sheer thin. After buying these types of knits from Gorgeous Fabrics previously this knit is just sad. I just couldn’t find anything kid cute at Gorgeous Fabrics. Luckily, like the other fabric I will line this with my white silk weight powder dry. On the left of the picture is a nice piece of fuchsia linen for the jacket. The linen piece of fabric I am pleased with.

These two fabrics I just bought because I liked them and I never seem to have enough knits. The knits in my stash always are sewn up first, possibly because they are so quick and easy to put together. The left is a nice jersey knit that I’m pleased with, the right is another “ITY” knit. This “ITY” knit isn’t as bad as the black/fuchsia knit. This knit appears to have a little more beef to it than the other does.

I am glad I purchased the fabrics for T, and generally, I like most of my fabrics from Fashion Fabric Club. It just seems I always have a couple of pieces from Fashion Fabric Club that either is the weight, type, and/or color that it was represented as. I am assuming this is the price I pay for the cheaper place.

I am excited to sew these patterns! I flat checked the finished measurements with T’s measurements, and was shockingly surprised that there were no alterations. Either the pattern companies have finally understood a plus kid has a larger waist area comparatively to their bust and hips versus the regular girls; or T has slimmed enough through the waist that an alteration is unnecessary. I have Simplicity 3546 cut out and ready to sew, now I just have the other two patterns to cut out and prep. I find I enjoy cutting several items out then spending time simply sewing!

I will have to see how much sewing and/or cutting out I get done in the next few days. I have house items to catch up on after all the work on the house! My garden needs me, the yard needs mowing, and T has a friend spending the night tonight! Therefore, breath with me, I think I need some Zen habits!

What have I sewn lately? Nada, nothing, zip is completed! We’ve had so many personal things going on that I haven’t found time to do much sewing at the machines. Then when I did decide to sew the fabric I selected was atrocious, this was truly vile fabric I picked up years ago from the Wal-Mart Dollar table. The question is why I even cut the shirt pattern out from the fabric, a real what-was-I-thinking issue here. To somewhat defend myself I have this penny-pinching idea that if I bought something I have to use it! I mean after all I spent hard earned money on that item, therefore it has to be used, right? I decided not for something like this. It was not worth more of my time in the construction for this nasty fabric. I must have not noticed all the bleeding, spotty issues on the fabric when I purchased it, or maybe I didn’t care enough about my own product. Enough already, the fabric is in the trash, DH isn’t getting a new shirt right now, and I feel better that I didn’t create something that was horrible just because of the fabric selection. Lesson learned cheap fabric does not produce quality items. This doesn’t mean a good sale can’t be a sewer’s best friend :-smile-:

I did purchase more fabric; did you hear me fall off the wagon? It is all fabric for T, that has patterns all lined up. When digging through my stash it is apparent fabric I buy for T is completed into it final destination. Fabric for DH or me is questionable whether it will be completed. That is okay, T needs that fitting, DH and I can generally find RTW that works unlike some of the items for T.

In the next few days I will get my new fabric purchases posted, yep I have even already received the fabric. In fact, it is washed and prepped to cut out. While I waited to receive the fabric, I traced the patterns for T that I will use these fabrics for. To get my sewing bug under control I have slowly been working on a two-year-old UFO. I cut out Burda 8072 two years ago, right before I started Weight Watchers. I never constructed the garment as my weight loss was changing my size rather rapidly. As those that know me, I lost those 40 pounds, only to put them back on. So now 2 years later I wear that exact size again, a non-smoker though :-wink-: This dress is really going together very easily, and would be fast if I spent dedicated time to it! I am at the invisible zipper spot (something I am still working at mastering). When I started the dress two years ago, I picked out a light pink colored suiting fabric from JoAnn’s. This fabric is all wrong really for a nice summer dress, especially for my lifestyle today (non-corporate), and the color is all wrong too! :-mad-: I realized I have learned a little in the last two years. One item is the type of fabrics that work with my casual lifestyle. This dress would work in a fabric with more drape, lighter weight, a rayon, or lightweight cotton/poly (I don’t like 100% cotton - :-eek-: ironing!). I also noticed more recently that my going natural with my hair color has changed what colors look good on me. I have always known I was a ‘winter’ style type, but had gotten away with lighter colors when I wanted. However, with my silver-white hair light colors give me a washed out and drained look. When I tried on those deep jewel tones, I got color back to my face, and my silver-white hair looked better! Now to clean out my stash fabric :-lol-:

I’ll put together another post to show the fabrics I bought, patterns I’m working on for T!

Pattern Picture:

Project Photo:

Pattern Rating:

I like the ease of this pattern, it was quite quick and painless to put together. Now that I’ve made it this once, I know it needs alterations, therefore not a straight out of the package pattern :dreamin:

Pattern Description:

This pattern is for a blouse with front and back darts, a back tie, with or without a fold-over (not collar stand) collar, and with sleeve variations

Pattern Sizing/Sizing Used:

The pattern itself comes in a range of Misses sizes 8 – 18 in one package. The size range is one thing I love about New Look patterns. I have a tendency to flex my weight, and in the last few years it has been a 40 lb flex. I put the 40 lbs on, get frustrated, take the 40 lbs off, back and forth I go. Been doing these 40 lbs now since my 30’s and giving birth to my second daughter! I should maintain a size range of clothing from size 6 to size 12 in RTW! On this particular pattern I decided to sew a size 18 straight through based on the finished bust measurement given on the envelope. As you might notice that was a mistake.

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

Although the pattern website shows a photo with the pattern the actual pattern does not have a photo, only pencil style draws all colored in. I resembles the drawings though!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were straightforward although I noticed they left some item out of the instructions. Although I’ve been sewing for a long time, I was still surprised that nowhere in the instructions did it say when to do the button, buttonholes, etc. I also don’t know why I didn’t understand what they wanted me to do with the back neck-facing piece, the written instructions were sparse on this, and the picture was slim. In the end, I skipped the back neckpiece because I’ve made other shirt similar, on those shirts the collar was folded down, hem folded up, and then stitched in the ditch from the right side to close up the collar. I stitched in the ditch on the shoulder seams also to hold down the facing to be tacked. I don’t like to hand sew anything!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the ease of the pattern. I don’t like the fit at this moment. Using a size 18, the armholes were too deep, the shoulder seams are too long, and the overall fit is just too big. I think I need to start with a 16 then see if I need a full-bust adjustment. I also noticed the shoulder seams don’t fit me right, I’m not sure what the deal is with that, I could dig out my fitting books The shoulder seam next to the shoulder socket is in the right location, but by my neck it is 1 inch to far forward. It is almost as if they tried to do a forward shoulder adjustment in the pattern, but is too much of an adjustment for me. You notice that it is even too full in waist for me, although I like my tops fuller in the waist since I’ve had three kiddos. I did adjust the darts for the right location!

Fabric & Notions Used:

A 100% cotton shirting, but looser weave purchased through a coop several years ago.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

Absolutely no design changes or alterations made, this is kind of my muslin! I like to have wearable muslins if possible. Now I’m trying to decide if I want this one again, just making my noted alterations.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I’m not sure if I want to try again on this or try a similar one, New Look 6952 . In the end I’ll probably do both because these are the type of tops I love to wear, sleeveless, short-sleeve, and long-sleeve. I want several to wear with skirts.

Tips:

I really don’t have any tips except skipping the back neck facing. I have looked at my RTW blouses like this, none have a back neck facing! I completed my neckline similar to those I found in my RTW shirts.

Conclusion:

I’ll probably wear this shirt even if it is a little big. Too big can still be worn, too small cannot Next time I’ll try a size 16 with alterations.

I have those times that blood gets on the clothing in my house. Anybody that has kids knows that blood happens with those childhood accidents. I knew a good way to usually get blood out, but the other day I really got to put my method to the test. T had a bloody nose the other morning. There was blood down the front of her shirt, and a blood filled washcloth (white of course). The worst part was T didn’t clean the blood out of these items, being a child of 8 years old it really is to be expected. But to top things off she threw these bloody items on top of a brand new pair of white Capri’s I had bought (I hadn’t even worn them yet!). A few days later when I was sorting clothes all these bloody items were found, all dried now. I set them aside, had truly believed that was the end of those items, including my new white Capri’s with a big blood dried spot on the upper leg. Yesterday I just decided to tackle a save on these items. I had found that cold water and regular dish soap were the best cleaners for blood, even on my clothes. I put dish soap on all the blood spots, then threw them in a pail, filled the pail with cold water. From there I’ve let that pail sit for the last 24 hours. I just pulled out the clothes to see if I might need to do some scrubbing – nope! All the blood was rinsed out completely with just some simple soaking! Gee, I’m so glad I gave that a chance!

For whatever reasons I have decided I would like some aprons, maybe it is that whole June Cleaver thing. Actually, I like the idea of wearing an apron keeping my clothing clean when I need to cook, especially when it is something like getting a meal together for the Crockpot. In my search for a good pattern for myself, I started with this one from Simplicity.

Pattern Picture:

Project Photo:

This is the first apron I made from this pattern.

Pattern Rating:

I found the pattern very easy to put together, along with being very quick.

Pattern Description:

Child and Misses Vintage Apron

Pattern Sizing/Sizing Used:

All sizes; A one-size fits all

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

Besides the different fabrics used and lack of my button additions, yes I think the finished product looks like the pattern photo.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Actually, the instructions were very good. I only had two problems with the instructions. My first problem came with putting the right side to the wrong side when sewing, for whatever reason I just was dyslexic every time I read that instruction. When I made the apron, I wanted to do the right-to-right sides, which caused the ripper to come out once! The other problem is the way the instructions have you attach the shoulder/neck pieces to the rest of the apron.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the design of the apron, giving a chance for fabric coordination. I also like the look of the apron. I enjoyed the fact there was no hemming for this apron, all the edges are incased within the production of the apron; I was either sewing or flipping edges to the inside, topstitching, or folding and ironing the edges in than topstitching. My only dislike was the way I was to attach the shoulder/neck pieces. After incasing all the edges on this apron, on the shoulder/neck pieces they simply have you sewing / attaching it to the main pieces, which would leave raw edges on the backside for this attachment only. I opted to sew the pieces together except where they would attach. On the edges where it would be attached I folded and ironed the seam allowances down inside. I then sandwiched the edges of the apron into the two layers of shoulder/neck pieces, topstitched the pieces to the rest of the apron.

Fabric & Notions Used:

100% cotton fabric. The first one (purple & white) I made from cotton from JoAnn’s. The second one I made from 100% cotton fabric from Wal-Mart.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

No alteration and/or design changes made.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I did sew it again. My mother-in-law seen the purple/white apron as I finished, she absolutely loved it. She really wanted an apron, stating it had been years since she owned one, that she use to always wear them. I guess an apron is not an item easily found in stores anymore. As a surprise gift for my mother-in-law, I made this one:

Tips:

No real tips on this pattern; this is an easy pattern to put together in a matter of a few short hours.

Conclusion:

Although I really like this apron pattern I am interested in trying another one I picked up too, Simplicity 3544, which is a Vintage Retro pattern. Now I just need to find the right fabric to go with this apron pattern.

I thought it was way past time to write a review for this pattern, I realized I have made this pattern for my dh 5 times prior to making it this time.

Pattern Picture:

Project Photo:

This is the most recent shirt finished from the pattern. This shirt I finished within the last few days.

Pattern Rating:

This pattern is not easy, but produces good results. As I have increased my sewing knowledge, I realize this is not the really a tailored shirt, and have not decided which pattern to try next. I do recommend this as a great stepping-stone for learning to make men’s shirts. The one thing about Kwik Sew is their fabulous directions that enable one to learn!

Pattern Description:

Men’s dress shirts have a left front tab, double yoke, a collar with a collar stand, patch pocket and a shirt-tail hemline. View A has long sleeves with cuffs and sleeve plackets. View B has short hemmed sleeves.

Pattern Sizing/Sizing Used:

Men’s S-M-L-XL-XXL ; Neck 14 1/2 to 18 1/2 ; I used an XL with a 17 1/2 neck size.

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

I think it usually does, much depends on the fabric choices.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

One of the most wonderful things about Kwik Sew patterns is their instructions. Some items seam confusing, but as I just followed the directions I was able to understand what I was accomplishing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the pattern, if I did not I wouldn’t have made it so many times. After making the pattern several times though I now would like something a little better fitted. As you notice in the picture the yoke falls off the shoulder instead on the shoulder.

Fabric & Notions Used:

This time I used a cotton shirting fabric I believe I purchased a couple of years ago from Ressy’s Coop. I have used cotton shirting, cotton poplin, and good old-fashioned flannel in prior adaptations of this shirt pattern. Here is a quick picture of the other shirts I have made with this pattern.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

So far, the only alteration I have made to this pattern was to length the sleeves for my dh’s long arms.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I would recommend this to anyone interested in trying the sewing techniques into men’s apparel. This is a great starting point for men’s dress shirts. As far as sewing this pattern again, well you can see how many times I’ve made it!

Tips:

The biggest tip I can say is to take plenty of time on this. With all the details, all the topstitching, this shirt takes several hours to complete. The good thing is after you have made it once or twice it goes together much faster!

Conclusion

This is a decent pattern for a man’s’ dress shirt with excellent directions! My dh actually loves all these shirts I made him, by just giving him the extra length in the sleeves he needed made him feel it was tailored. I have another shirt cut out for him now; I have also bought a Simplicity dress shirt pattern I would like to compare this too.

Pattern Picture:

Project Photo:

Dress with Jacket

Dress Only

Pattern Rating:

I personally thought the outfit was an easy put together, it would probably be classified more of an intermediate with the jacket.

Pattern Description:

Girls or Girls Plus Dress, Mini Dress, Tunic, Top, Jackets and Scarf: Hannah Montana Collection

Pattern Sizing/Sizing Used:

Pattern Sized for Girls 7-14, and Girls Plus Size 8 1/2 to 16 1/2. For plus sized girls’ the Simplicity pattern lines are the best! I love the sizing, the added room in the waist, etc. I actually made a 10 1/2 in this for my dd according to the finished garment measurements. Even with a 10 1/2 the additional I needed to add to the tummy for the front was so minimal I really enjoyed it. For me the sizing on this made it almost a straight out of the package!

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

I think it looks similar, different fabric and all. They show the tunic with the jacket, where I made the dress with the jacket.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The directions were fine for me to understand. I did a few things different not suggested in the instructions, like using a binding for the inside edges of the jacket to give it a more finished look, same with the inside edges of the dress.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I really don’t have any dislikes with this pattern so far. I think I may have to make the outfit again, at least maybe the dress as a top with different fabrics. I also like the inset piece is a separate entire piece within the dress, using ribbon or twill tape to attach at the shoulder seams.

Fabric & Notions Used:

The main fabric is a rayon purchased last summer at Vogue Fabrics, the navy blue is also from Vogue Fabrics, but I don’t remember the fabric info.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

Almost none! I did not alter the little jacket, the dress I added a smidge on the front for my dd’s full tummy at the waist area.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I will most definitely sew this again! It is a cute little dress; the style looks fabulous on my dd.

Tips:

When making this stay with a lightweight fabric, something drapey and what I consider airy, it makes the dress flow nicely. Check your sizing against the actually finished garment measurements; I actually used a size smaller than I usually do on this garment.

Conclusion

Cute, fashionable out fit for plus sized girls’.

Pattern Picture:

Project Photo:

Pattern Rating:

Good wardrobe builder, easy to sew

Pattern Description:

Girls’ Purse, Skirt, and Knit Tops

Pattern Sizing/Sizing Used:

Pattern is girls’ plus size 8 1/2 to 16 1/2, I made a size 10 1/2 on the top adjusted, made a size 14 1/2 on the skirt also altered.

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

It mostly looks like the pattern photo; there are the changes I made on purpose though.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Actually, the instructions were fine, personally I didn’t follow the instructions that much, this was so easy peasy to do within a couple of hours

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

DD liked the style of this pattern, I like how easy it was to put together. I also like the fit on this with hardly any alterations.

Fabric & Notions Used:

The top I used a 100% cotton interlock (hence the fading on the top, I believe some how it was washed with some bleach), the skirt is 100% cotton twill, I also included some hot fix jewels on the top. The knit interlock was from Hancock’s, the cotton twill was from Fashion Fabric Club; both bought last summer.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

On the top I altered 2 items; 1) I slashed & spread the front to increase the waist/tummy area for my dd 2) I lengthened the top to an appropriate length for my dd, to cover the tummy even with arms raised high. On the skirt I made a larger size, altering for the waist to be elastic instead of zipper and faced. Here is the inside of the skirt waist; you can see I used a coordinating broadcloth fabric on the inside. I felt that too much of the twill fabric would be too heavy on the skirt and waist.

I also like to adjust the skirts to sit on my dd’s tilted hips/waist, the push down style she likes. This is easiest to do with this elastic waist, besides trying to fit the plus sized girl with a faced / zipper waist just doesn’t sound like fun. I add the elastic waist at the very end. I have dd try on the skirt; we cut a piece of elastic the correct length, then safety pin the elastic into a circle. We decide on the best placement of the elastic, her for the waist, and me the hemline on her. Once we have the placement where we both like it, I chalk the top of the elastic on the outside of the skirt. When she takes off the skirt I know where the top of the elastic needs to line up too. This works pretty well, is mathematical but is quick for us.

I also did a quick hem, which in turn is no hem on this skirt. DD liked the serged look on many of the RTW skirts so that is what we went with on this one.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I would most definitely sew this again! The top is such a perfect fit with such little slash/spread tummy alteration. I really needed a TNT little knit shirt pattern for dd and I think this is it!

Tips:

I don’t have any additional tips on this besides what I’ve already shown. I did the knit with the sewing machine instead of the serger; I used a small zigzag (0.5 width, 3.0 length) using wooly nylon in the bobbin. I used a twin needle for the sleeve and bodice hems on the top. It is simply my preference to use the sewing machine on the knits, and wooly nylon in the bobbin. I have used my serger on knit many times, but I feel like I have more control with the sewing machine.

Conclusion:

Simply cute and easy to sew little outfit. I actually had enough fabric to make the little purse too in the twill fabric, which DD loves.