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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: LeahRenee
Date: 03-19-2005, 12:05 AM (1 of 16)
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I am almost done making my daughter's Easter dress from Simplicity 5650. It's a "So Easy" pattern. Well I disagree. I didn't realize when I picked it out it was going to be such a trial. Part of this no doubt is because it's been about 15 years since I sewed. But seriously, this design has set-in (I think they are called that) sleeves, a lined bodice, etc. etc. And I dumbly decided to make it out of the world's worst fraying fabric. I am going to post a pic when it's done. It's come out pretty well, but it has been tough going. I really don't think this pattern should be called easy. Or maybe easy for an experienced sewer. Is there a post someplace that summarizes what one can expect from the various pattern companies? I've only ever used Simplicity. I know Vogue has a rep for being a bit more difficult to figure out. But what about the others? Thanks! Leah |
User: LeahRenee
Member since: 03-12-2005 Total posts: 7 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-19-2005, 07:33 AM (2 of 16)
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There is a pattern review web site. I don't have the address but perhaps a Google search will help or somebody else might post a link. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-19-2005, 09:55 AM (3 of 16)
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Here's the link. I know that you can post and ask questions on the general board without paying a fee, but you may have to pay a fee to post a review on machines and patterns, I don't know. http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/sewingclasses/board.pl pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 03-19-2005, 05:21 PM (4 of 16)
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There is no fee to post a pattern or sewing machine review. It is a really awesome site! Its so very helpful to see what people have encountered with various patterns, and there is a bevy of useful tips and info.  Jen in CA |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 03-19-2005, 08:00 PM (5 of 16)
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I just looked over the pattern online. It's a pretty dress. I would say (and I think sewers who know me would agree) that the times I've sworn the most have been times that I chose my fabric poorly! I think if you tried this again with a simple cotton weave of a summer searsucker, you'll find the pattern's not too tough. Lining and sleeves make it a little trickier than some. How far have you come with it so far? Did you find any solutions for the problem of fraying?
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: LeahRenee
Date: 03-20-2005, 04:48 PM (6 of 16)
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I'm almost done with it. I still have to put in the hems, and I'm sewing a beaded trim around the bottom of the jacket to "fancy it up" for her. I solved the fraying by buying some pinking shears and using them to trim all the seams. I know the fabric choice wasn't the greatest for me to use, but she wanted something drapey etc. for Easter so I gave in. I'll put up a pic when it get it done. Oh and thanks for the link to patternreview. It is very helpful to read comments from other people on different patterns! |
User: LeahRenee
Member since: 03-12-2005 Total posts: 7
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 03-20-2005, 09:06 PM (7 of 16)
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I'm glad to hear you're making progress. Sometimes we just have to hack our way through it!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: LeahRenee
Date: 03-28-2005, 01:04 AM (8 of 16)
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I have pics! My daughter wore her dress today for Easter. I thought I was not going to get through this project but in the end I was very happy with the results. I really took my time with it. It's not perfect but came out way better than I thought it would! http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/LRB1/easter05/front_full.jpg http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/LRB1/easter05/detail_jacket.jpg http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/LRB1/easter05/back_full.jpg This might have been called an easy pattern, but I would not recommend anyone try to do a crazy thing like I did and sew this as their very first project. Something like that could put a person off sewing forever!  The best part was hearing my daughter's friends complimenting her, and my daughter saying "My mom made it." Woohoo! Leah |
User: LeahRenee
Member since: 03-12-2005 Total posts: 7
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-28-2005, 07:15 AM (9 of 16)
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Very nice. I love the trim. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Debby215
Date: 03-28-2005, 07:31 AM (10 of 16)
Hey Leah, the dress is gorgeous, I am writing down the pattern number, I would like to make one for my grandaughter, I know she would love it, especially with the beaded trim. I bet your daughter was very proud to wear such a lovely dress for Easter. Great JOB!! 
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611 
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From: paroper
Date: 03-28-2005, 07:45 AM (11 of 16)
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Congratulations! It looks very nice. I'm so proud of you because you didn't give up!!!!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MaryW
Date: 03-28-2005, 08:33 AM (12 of 16)
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The dress is lovely and your choice of trim was perfect!
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 03-28-2005, 09:45 AM (13 of 16)
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Leah, If you hadn't posted that this was your first attempt at sewing a garment, I would NEVER have believed it. It really shows that you took your time. It is absolutely gorgeous. I love the color, and the trim and buttons. It does inspire me to make this pattern up for my oldest dd. You did an AWESOME job!!!! Congrats! Happy sewing! Jen |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 03-28-2005, 07:54 PM (14 of 16)
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nice going! That's a nice gentle nudge to get me back on track with the hard project that I took a break from earlier this month
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: shediditagen
Date: 03-28-2005, 11:08 PM (15 of 16)
| The dress is a real show stopper, you should be very proud of yourself. Now I want a picture of the "really hard" project you are going back to ?????? The dress and jacket weren't hard enough? Betty |
User: shediditagen
Member since: 03-15-2005 Total posts: 28 |
From: Serenity
Date: 04-01-2005, 07:17 AM (16 of 16)
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You did an excellent job and you should be very proud. You have learned so many lessons and your next project will reflect some of the things you learned from this time. The nice thing about sewing is just like any other thing you do, perserverance. And you stuck with it and it shows. Job well done! Arub(Serenity/threads_40) Happy Sewing "The struggle is not greater than the goal". Be blessed. Stay encouraged.
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User: Serenity
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 85 
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