Colour Blocked, Patent Leather Ostrich Leopard*

Hi! I’m back, again. The past few days have been long and exhausting and yesterday was no exception.  I was determined to get some photos taken. After a 14 hour work day, I swiped on some lipstick and roped my son into taking a few snaps. They’re not the best quality, but I’m alright with them.

Pattern Description: Loose-fitting, pullover top and dresses have seam detail. Narrow hem on necklines, and slits D. Designed for medium weight moderate stretch knits. Though I think it could be sewn with a woven, if made to the original size and you installed a zip.

Pattern Sizing: 8-16, I cut 10.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. I even wore it with purple tights and shoes. The finished length is between view C & D

Were the instructions easy to follow? Absolutely! The pattern has many tips for making all sorts of alterations, sewing the corners (I used a bit of interfacing and small stitches), etc. I used the facing pieces, but you also get instructions for using a binding.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It seemed like a comfortable, easy dress but the colour-blocking dresses it up a bit. It is *very* loose fitting. I did measure the pattern pieces to help determine which size to use. I went with my usual size but could have gone a size or two smaller.

Fabric Used: Rayon poly jersey knit.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Sway back adjustment. I used my French curve to give shaping to the side seams (otherwise they're straight) and the centre-back seam.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Maybe as top. Yes.

Conclusion:  I really like this dress. This is my idea of relaxed.

Since Jungle January is over, it's on to Ferocious February!

Up next is Butterick 5285. 

Pattern Description: Skirts A, B, C, D have side seam pockets, back zipper and waistband. A: front and back gathers. B: front and back pleats. C, D: front and back stitched pleats. C: contrast hem band. A, B, C, D: length is mid-knee

Leopard Mix

Patented Ostrich

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Easy to sew. Pockets!!!

Fabric Used: The leopard is actually a mid-weight denim and the black is ostrich embossed patent leather with a faux snakeskin band inserted. Heavy weight satin for the pockets.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I used view B for both skirts. I changed the large pleats into smaller ones (about 1.5-2 pleats per each large one).I increased the initial length by three inches. There’s a 1.5 inch hem on the leopard print that brings the final hem to my knees! Even though I was using a patent leather for the other skirt, I still wanted it to be elegant.  I didn’t have enough to make it the midi length I wanted so I used the band from view C and a piece of matte faux snakeskin to make the insert. I finished the hem and waistband with red bias binding and zebra grosgrain.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I might sew it again. In a moiré taffeta I have in the stash. I would definitely recommend it. This is an on trend pattern. It shouldn’t be OOP.

Conclusion: Chic and feminine and trendy. What’s not to love?

And finally, since we're Stash Busting for Someone we love. Potholders are the last thing on my mind when I go shopping. My son has asked for some over and over again and since he does quite a bit of cooking, it seems fair that I finally honour his request. I quilted two layers of batting between each of the fabrics. Trimmed the double sttiched seam twice. Turned them inside out and attached the binding and loop in one pass. He loves them!

*Sorry, this is not a new species.