Life happens Be Positive

Twiluv 46: Butterick 5749

This week I am reviewing Butterick 5749.

 

Pattern can be found here:

Fabric can be found here:

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Pattern Description:

Partially lined dress has bias front pleated bodice, bias midriff, slightly shaped front hemline, invisible side zipper

Pattern Sizing:

I made size 12

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

Yes, it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, these instructions are simple and easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Likes

1. I like the cowl neckline and the facing attached to the lining that looks as if you are wearing a cami

2. I like the gathered midriff

3. I like the one sided gathers on the skirt portion of the dress

4. The fitted bodice and full skirt silhouette.

Dislikes

I close cut on the armholes

Fabric Used:  ITY jersey (see above link)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I didn't use a zipper.

I added 2.5 inches of length to the pattern

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

I will not make it again but I highly recommended it.

 

Pretty Things: A fond Memory

I remember when I was around 18-19.

I was shopping with my Dad in Manhattan and I noticed a group of guys were trying to talk my dad into going into this building.

My dad resisted at first then he motioned for me to go into the building with him.

When I got upstairs, I realized that it was one of those "designer counterfeit buildings" that NYC become very well known for in the 90's.

Now, I realize he must have thought that I've never experience something like this and wanted to see my expression.

I remember my jaw hitting the floor when I saw so much LV, Gucci, Prada Logos, I couldn't believe it.

$10 for a YSL clutch, $35 for a LV carry on pulley...I thought I had died and went directly to Designer Heaven.

I didn't care if it was real or not, my friends couldn't tell the difference.

I knew I had to get something.

I got my dad to get me a "LV speedy" and I kept it for years, ironically, I gave it to my mom, and she still has it, so much for knock offs not being of good quality, lol.

Its in pristine condition - still.

I thought about that today when I was looking at a few new handbags and accessories.

Times have changed, you can still lust for the brand names, but now you don't have to necessarily buy a knock off namesake/logo/designer bag.

Due to the fast fashion industry, lots of mainstream brands are giving you the "look" without the price tag.

If I could go back in time, I wouldn't change a thing, my initial delight in having my "speedy" and all the years of people complimenting me on it, being constantly intrigued by how people treat you in stores when you "look" like you have lots of money to spend.. HA!

Down right priceless.

I won't change a thing.

BCBG Summer Lookbook

Now that's a thought and here's another:

"If you are not taking the time to style your creations to the best of your means and ability, you are doing them a great disservice. You put in a lot of love into them, you should showcase them as trophies, not just as clothes. Every creation should be celebrated, style yourself beautifully."

BCBGMaxAzria does style videos (I think that is very thoughtful of them) for their clothes. Its one of the things I wish more companies incorporate but not so much. These photos are from their lastest collection and this is the link to their YouTube channel for the videos.

 

Exorcizing Demon Patterns

"Need to think happy thoughts"

Last weekend's sewing was almost a total disaster.

I'm still contemplating whether or not I should do a review because I feel like when it comes to a sewing pattern its YMMV (your mileage may vary).

Everyone is going to have a different experience, be it good or bad and not recommending a pattern can prevent someone else from making

something that may work perfectly fine for them.

I really don't know what to do.

I feel like I had to exorcize the demon out of this pattern and I honestly couldn't sleep because I went to bed frustrated.

I like instant gratification patterns, I do a lot of prep, as you all know, so when I start sewing on Saturday morning, its more than often, 2-4 hours for the most.

So when I have a simple dress that takes a day and a half to sew... unbelievable.

On the other hand, when I finally decided on what I want to work on next, I can't find the pattern.

I mean, am I doing something wrong here because it seems like everything is working against me.

I'm truly struggling to keep motivated to get to my goal of four dresses this month.

Anyway, as of right now, I think I'm going to spend this weekend finishing up a dress that I cut out last year and kept in a bag in my closet because I just kept putting it off.

Maybe next week will be better, else I need to take a break to regroup.

Reading List: Straight Talk, No Chaser

Have you read this one as yet?

I've had it in my car for weeks and I've been enjoying listening to Steve Harvey's advice.

Truly, this is a good summer read, I fell out when he said "Not all Sugar Daddys' are sweet"

Yes, there is a full chapter on why you don't want a sugar daddy, hilarious, but definiately true.

Love this book.

Ideas from BCBG

Its Monday:

I agree and I'm definitely dressed to impress today but enough about me, back to the new releases.

Mia Printed Maxi Dress

I really like this print, it looks like a printed scarf I've seen before and I bets is super light and airy.

I can't believe I don't have a maxi dress with slits on the side, maybe next year, I will add it to the list.

Margo One shoulder Dress

The skirt is what really caught my attention with this dress, I would love to know how the back of the skirt is contructed. Very interesting.

Mazie Asymmetrical Top

This is what BCBG is known for, the cut of this tunic just makes the model look instantly modern and updated. I love how the front folds over each other.

Hayley Smocked waist Halter dress

A classic halter with smocking, typical and timeless summer dress.

Bennie open back short sleeve dress

Now this, I would love for my closet, I wouldn't dress it up, it looks like a great dress for flat sandals.

Gigi Tank Dress

I thought this was cute, I like the double layer, tank style of the dress, another cute piece for a vacation getaway or going shopping.

I need to figure out what dress I want to work on this weekend so I can get some prep done, I have one more dress to hit my goal this month, now what will it be....

Pairing Possibilities: Ann Taylor

Carla suggested that M5893 looked just like the Art Stripes Tank Max Dress.

Dede suggested that the Ikat print sleeveless wrap looked like the style arc trixi dress.

 

I can see that, I think that pattern is really cute, great design lines; too bad they don't have a US seller, I'm also weary about the one size pattern thing.

I guess I'm going to have to pass on that one :(

 

Secret life of a sewer: Snoop Shopping

Welcome to the weekend, woo hoo, time to get back to the sewing machine, thank goodness, I need some serious creative time.

So, last week, I was supposed to go to NY&Co. but the weather was playing mind games so I didn't want to get stuck in "Mall traffic" so I came straight home.

Today, beautiful weather, so I had to stop out to check out the NY&Co. Graphic Content Collection in person.

First up, this is not part of that collection but its so pretty in person, it looks horrible online.

Yellow is probably my least favorite color but it just pulls you in, I love the micro eyelet they used. I was so disappointed to find out it only came in one color I was going to get it right then and there.

Back to the collection.

I posted a possible pairing for this dress so I really wanted to check it out.

Its fully lined, so no facings, there is a bust dart and vertical dart for shaping and the fabric is super thin, like cotton poplin thin.

Actually most of their pieces in this line including all the tops are ultra thin.

So fabric and lining probably feels like the weight of cotton sateen,together; which is interesting because I was thinking of using a cotton sateen to make my own version.

This vest, looks very well made, the bodice is lined in black and the lower part is lined with the main fabric. Its very light weight also.

And finally this skirt. that I posted about here.

I didn't notice it has white piping to separate the colorblock, very cute, even in person and the waist section is a double layer of fabric.

Good idea for a maxi skirt, that can really help to keep the stomach down.

I got this blazer for work as I said I would, its 3/4 sleeve and comfortable and you can't beat a 50% off sale.

I will be posting a review this weekend, providing that the weather is okay for recording the video so stay tuned.

Pre-Fall 2013: Narciso Rodriguez

Less can be more.

Fifteen noteworthy pieces instead of 60 kinda good, kinda not so good ones, is definitely preferable.

This angular jacket, is something I haven't seen for the season as yet. I can see it paired up with some skinny jeans and a tank with boots in the fall, the styling with this skirt and boots looks like "one of those things is not like the other".

I remember the first time I looked at this collection, someone had posted photos of this dress and I thought, that is would be such a hard dress to pull off if it doesn't have any stretch. But Gwyneth proved it does.

What I like about these pants are the white stripe that disappears into the seam. I haven't seen anyone else did this on the runway and its a great detail. I think the same idea can be done to any skirt or dress.

Forget about the coat, I love that bag and boots.

I like both dresses, I love the touch of leather at the neckline  and the slivers of black leather on the waistline on the left and the one of the right, the diagonal seams and color block panels.

Another set of fabulous dress. I like the high neckline of the one on the left, the full skirt and the placement of the seam that connects the bodice to the skirt portion, much more flattering here. The V neckline and the two fabric used to make the dress, its simple and timeless (right).

A very androgynous black suit, the fit on the model is immaculate, I love the strong shoulders.

Love the piping and edging on this dress, the high neckline again with full pleated skirt and the fabric choice, I can't figure out if its just a digital print of lace or what.

I like the neckline and the bias panels on the skirt.

I'm guessing that the one on the left is a mixed print, both front and back with a black panel on the sides and black exposed zipper down the back. I also like that leather was used for the waistband of the full skirt. Now, is that a print or does the skirt have godets?

The white and grey dress, phenomenal!

To sum things up, leather and wool, winterize color palette, silhouettes for every body shape, I think its very user friendly. I would have to say, my favorites are the white and grey dress and mixed white and black dress. The bag and the boots too.

Hmm, very tempting.

Ideas from Ann Taylor

New release from Ann Taylor.

They have a few cute dress ideas, all very doable and simple.

I like the colors in this selection, magenta, navy, white and cobalt all good transitional colors.

Art Stripes Tank Max Dress

Empire waist, tank style maxi. I absolutely love this print. Don't you?

Lace Insert Sheath Dress

Now this is interesting, This is a great way to get in a little lace in your closet without committing fully.

Probably the perfect dress for me.

I like that the back has most of it and just a little touch on the shoulder. Great idea.

Side Ruched Jersey Dress.

You know I love this. It would be so easy to modify vogue 1250 to get this look.

Crepe Dolman Sleeve Dress.

When I saw this, I thought, this would be great in a sweater knit for the fall. I like that simple dolman sleeves with round neckline and gathers at the waist. Easy!

Ikat print sleeveless wrap Dress

Oh should I say, faux wrap dress. If you have seen a pattern like this let me know.

Pairing Possibilities: J Crew

Today's pairing possibilities comes from J Crew.

First up, something about this pairing of the pleated chiffon top (regal blue) and the No.2 pencil skirt in bright indigo, I couldn't shake from my mind, where have  I seen a similar dress to this pairing?

Well, I did, kind of, seen something similar and here it is:

Simplicity 1658 may not have the key hole but it has the basic design lines. I would use a double/ponte knit for the skirt to give it the structured look of the double serged cotton.

The next pairing is for the button front dress in roller girl. Just love that print. Its navy and white, I really thought it was black and white at first.

Hmm, lets see.....

I think simplicity 2215 is a good match for this. The neckline would have to be altered but its a quick fix. I actually like it better as a square neckline.

They seem to do a version of this dress every year, this is the other version in Linen. I will be adding this pattern to my collection next sale.