Making the Ruched T (Angela Wolf Patterns)

I have been looking at this pattern for a long time. I’ve seen so many nice versions of it using the basic pattern as a base, that I really wanted to give it a try. So I finally bought it. The thing I like about Angela’s patterns is that they are made to make as is, or can be pretty easily hacked.

For this one, I made some adjustments to get the look I wanted, although for future makes, there are a couple more changes I want to make to the pattern.

The pattern has sleeve variations, so for this one, I made a sleeveless tank. I left off the ruching and shortened the length by about 3″.

This was the same adjustments but adding the sleeves. I do think the neckband should be a bit more narrow (a change I’ll make next time). and I’ll change the neckline a bit on the sleeveless one to give it more of a tank top look. But I’m very happy with the fit and so happy I got this pattern. I figured out how to make a bust adjustment on a knit pattern with the help of this book from Colette patterns here .

My goal is to make this one of those TNT patterns that I can use. I’m still working on the adjustments as mentioned, but I also want to encourage you to give something a try that you’ve always wanted to do. Sometimes as sewers, we are so busy making something for an occasion or client that we don’t take the time to experiment or try something that could end up benefitting us in the long run. I’ve been trying to improve my garment fitting and selection this year, so I’ve been getting a lot of practice in those areas. I encourage you to take the time, if you can, to have some fun and try something new (at the very least, new to you)!

*Here is an affiliate link for the Ruched T if you would ike the PDF or the print version of this pattern: https://www.angelawolfpatterns.com/the-ruched-t-aw1123-digital-pdf-version/

https://www.angelawolfpatterns.com/the-ruched-t-top-aw1123-paper-pattern/

*Use code DENISE10 for a 10% discount on either pattern!

Modified Burda Style Shorts 6812

This is a pattern that I’ve used before, but I made some other modifications in order to get a better fit. About a month ago, I went through all of my patterns. I got rid of some and organized what was remaining (still a lot). I’ve been trying my hand at pattern hacking/altering so that I can get the look and fit I want without having to buy more patterns all the time.

With this pattern, which includes pants, coulottes and shorts, I made View C which is like a “city shorts” or “walking shorts” (at least that’s how we used to refer to these).

While the pattern has front pleats, I removed those and made them flat-front. I didn’t like the way that the pleats add volume where I really don’t want or need it. But I do like how the pattern is very easy to sew. so, rather than finding another pattern, I use this one and changed it. I pleated the pattern, then redrew the front piece as if the pleat was never there (I hope that makes sense). Here’s the post I wrote about it a while back here

As far as getting a better fit this time, I shortened the crotch seam by about 1/2″, then lengthened the center back seam about 1/2″. The only other change was to use a snap instead of a button.

This is made from a gray polyester suiting I had in my stash. I think I’ll use this pattern in the future to make the pants. This is pretty easy and straightforward in terms of pants-making. Once you get the fit the way you want, it should be easy to make some other changes.

BurdaStyle 6812

Summer Dress and Sewing Plans

This is something I planned on making for about the last 3 months or so. I wanted to enter a contest and this was one of the patterns that could be used as an entry. Since I already had it, I thought “no problem”. The entry wasn’t due until July 1st. That was before I got sick in June which put my sewing off for about a week or so. So, on June 29th, I decided to go for it. Miraculously, I made this in 2 days!

Simplicity 8384

This is Simplicity 8384. I used a stretch cotton twill that’s fairly light-weight. This is View C which is the shortest of the dress lengths. I was concerned about making the handkerchief hem (I thought it would be much more difficult), but everything worked out well. As you know if you’ve been reading my blog for a while, I love pockets so this was another reason for me to love this dress.

The dress features elastic in the back to help hold it in and give it some shape. It just helps to accentuate the waist. Otherwise it would be fairly shapeless and I don’t wear garments like that. It’s just not a good look for me. Since I’m sort of rectangular shaped, I like anything that makes me look like I have a waist!

I didn’t need to change the pattern in any way. The only thing I did differently was to use sew-on snaps instead of buttons. It just seemed that there was enough going on with the polka dots. I didn’t want to add anything extra to the dress.

This is a perfect little casual day dress that’s great for summer.

Now as for future sewing plans, I’m in the process of making myself some shorts, then on to a couple of T-shirts. I have a new pattern I want to try for that. I feel like I’m getting back on track with my sewing and blogging so I need to continue and forge ahead. I made good progress for the first half of the year. Now that we are into the second half (unbelievable), I want to continue working towards my goals and sharing my journey along the way.

Until next time…