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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: katie_burke
Date: 03-13-2007, 10:19 AM (1 of 19)
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Hi! I am new, new, new to sewing. I have sewn an A-line jumper for my daughter (which I am proud to report did NOT fall apart in the wash!), but that is about the extent of my experience at this point; although, I have found that I am already an out-of-control packrat when it comes to collecting ideas, patterns, and fabric. LOL! I found this pattern online and I love it! I am wondering what level of difficulty someone with limited sewing skills would have trying to construct it. It is Simplicity (Threads) Design 4180. http://cgi.ebay.com/PLUS-SIZE-TRENDY-BOHO-RAVE-TOP-COVER-UP-PATTERN-16-24_W0QQitemZ160093379250QQcategoryZ11801QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem I am particularly interested in the "C" pattern, the red shirt listed on the left-hand side. It has sleeves to cover up my "turkey neck" arms. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks so much! You ladies are great! Katie Burke 
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User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: temom
Date: 03-13-2007, 10:54 AM (2 of 19)
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That is Simplicity 4180. If you go to Simplicity.com, and search for 4180, that will bring it up. I couldn't figure out how to link it here. On the envelope, it states "Step by step to sewing success!", so I think it would be a great pattern for a newbie (But then, I'm fairly new at sewing also). However, before you bid on it, you should know that Joann Fabrics puts their patterns on sale every couple of weeks for $1.99 USD. This week they have Butterick patterns on sale, and Mar 22-24 it is McCall's and Vogue (Vogue will be $3.99) - so that means Simplicity is next! If you run into any problems with it, just post here, and I'm sure someone will be able to help you with it. Oh, I almost forgot - do you know that pattern sizes have nothing to do with ready to wear sizes? You have to measure yourself and check it against the pattern size to be sure you have the right size. Can you guess how I learned this???? Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-13-2007, 11:46 AM (3 of 19)
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I don't see why you couldn't make it. But you know, as Temom says, those ebay pattern prices are a rip off. Someone goes to Joann or Hancock's Fabric stores when they are $1 or $2 and sells them to you for $6 or $7 plus shipping. Go to the sale yourself and get them for $1 or $2. As for the difficulty level -- it's not labeled easy but it doesn't look too hard. Before you even cut your fabric read the directions beginning to end and try to picture each step. Then, as you go along picture each step before you do it. Basting with long, easy to remove, stitches helps when you aren't sure you are doing something correctly. And, probably most important, don't use your favorite, most expensive fabric the first time. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 03-13-2007, 12:01 PM (4 of 19)
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I don't see why you couldn't make it. But you know, as Temom says, those ebay pattern prices are a rip off. As for the difficulty level -- it's not labeled easy but it doesn't look too hard. Before you even cut your fabric read the directions beginning to end and try to picture each step. Then, as you go along picture each step before you do it. Basting with long, easy to remove, stitches helps when you aren't sure you are doing something correctly. And, probably most important, don't use your favorite, most expensive fabric the first time. Dorothy Thanks, Dorothy! I hadn't planned on actually buying it on Ebay, but that is where I was purusing when I found it. I couldn't figure out how to link to the pattern on the Simplicity site because they are in a pop up window, so I just linked to the Ebay listing. I am going to give the pattern a try! I will be sure to get some "tester" fabric before going all out on it. Thank you so much for responding!! Katie Burke |
User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 03-13-2007, 12:04 PM (5 of 19)
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However, before you bid on it, you should know that Joann Fabrics puts their patterns on sale every couple of weeks for $1.99 USD. Oh, I almost forgot - do you know that pattern sizes have nothing to do with ready to wear sizes? You have to measure yourself and check it against the pattern size to be sure you have the right size. Can you guess how I learned this???? LOL! Thanks for helping me learn from your mistakes! I would have totally ordered by ready-wear sizing. I'll be sure to measure myself (do I really have to face THAT reality???) before getting the pattern. Thanks also for the information on Joann. Do you know, when they run the sale, is it in-store or can you order online as well? I don't have a Joann in my area at all. Thanks! Katie |
User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 03-13-2007, 04:17 PM (6 of 19)
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Katie, If you are close to a Hancocks Fabrics, they do the same with the pattern prices.. They rotate them, usually about once every six weeks they do all of them in rotation.. I never pay full price for a pattern.. (Except Kwik-Sew which happens to be my favorite..) But the Simp., McC., and buttericks, are what I buy for my Grands and I keep them forever.. I usually make sportswear and PJ's and stuff like that, so the styles usually do not change that much.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 03-13-2007, 05:57 PM (7 of 19)
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Katie, I loved the look of the pattern on your picture so I went to have a look at it at http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?ID=14018. I'm a member so got to see the whole review - it costs nothing so might be worthwhile for you to do too. The review and picture of completed project has really turned me off trying it. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 03-14-2007, 07:23 AM (8 of 19)
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Katie, I loved the look of the pattern on your picture so I went to have a look at it at http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?ID=14018. I'm a member so got to see the whole review - it costs nothing so might be worthwhile for you to do too. The review and picture of completed project has really turned me off trying it. Thanks. I didn't even think about checking it out on that website. I just read the reviews. How disappointing!!! I am tempted to try it anyway, but know that mine will end up a mess, so I probably shouldn't bother. LOL! Thanks so much! |
User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 03-14-2007, 07:27 AM (9 of 19)
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Katie, If you are close to a Hancocks Fabrics, they do the same with the pattern prices.. They rotate them, usually about once every six weeks they do all of them in rotation.. I never pay full price for a pattern.. (Except Kwik-Sew which happens to be my favorite..) But the Simp., McC., and buttericks, are what I buy for my Grands and I keep them forever.. I usually make sportswear and PJ's and stuff like that, so the styles usually do not change that much.. There is a Hancock's about 45 minutes from me, but now that you mention it, I think they put their patterns on sale on-line too. I remember seeing some McCall's patterns on their site for 99 cents last week. I'll have to figure out their rotation. Thanks for the heads up! Katie 
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User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 03-14-2007, 09:07 AM (10 of 19)
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Hi Katie, welcome to SWN!! You are going to learn alot here and make some really great friends! I love how eager and enthusiastic you are about learning how to sew and yes, you've definately been bitten by the bug if you already have a stash started! The same thing happened to me too, so you're not alone. The pattern you found is really cute, and it would be something that I would buy for myself. However, the first thing I would have done would be to read the back of the pattern package to see what the recommended fabrics would have been. If it said stretch or jersey knits as the first choice, I wouldn't buy it. I know what my limitations are, and one of them is not being able to work well with stretchy fabrics. It's a shame too--love that long sleeve view without the tie  Maybe in time I'll be up to something like that. I don't want to damped your excitement by any means, so I would suggest that looking at patterns that are easy or simple to sew, or patterns that don't have a gazillion pieces in it might be a good place for you to start. Be sure to read the back to the package for recommended fabric types too. This might help you in your pattern selection, and to gradually increase your sewing abilities!! Good Luck, and let us know how you make out!!! Cookie 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: katie_burke
Date: 03-14-2007, 09:19 AM (11 of 19)
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Hi Katie, welcome to SWN!! You are going to learn alot here and make some really great friends! I love how eager and enthusiastic you are about learning how to sew and yes, you've definately been bitten by the bug if you already have a stash started! The same thing happened to me too, so you're not alone. The pattern you found is really cute, and it would be something that I would buy for myself. However, the first thing I would have done would be to read the back of the pattern package to see what the recommended fabrics would have been. If it said stretch or jersey knits as the first choice, I wouldn't buy it. I know what my limitations are, and one of them is not being able to work well with stretchy fabrics. It's a shame too--love that long sleeve view without the tie Maybe in time I'll be up to something like that. I don't want to damped your excitement by any means, so I would suggest that looking at patterns that are easy or simple to sew, or patterns that don't have a gazillion pieces in it might be a good place for you to start. Be sure to read the back to the package for recommended fabric types too. This might help you in your pattern selection, and to gradually increase your sewing abilities!! Good Luck, and let us know how you make out!!! Cookie Thanks so much! You are so right about this group. It is phenominal and I am SEW glad that I found it. Being self-taught (you should have seen me trying to figure out how to do something other than just plug in the sewing machine!) and having no real fabric stores within miles and miles, it makes it hard, but the support from the ladies here is inspiring. I will be sure to remember that about stretchy fabrics. If I could actually find time to sit down at the sewing machine, I might get something accomplished - even if it does end up being a disaster. I have a cute easy-sew pattern for DD that I think I will try to tackle first and I want to try some burpies for a friend. They are at the top of my list, along with a pair of easy-sew shorts for DS. In the meantime, I still continue to hoard everything I can get my hands on. LOL! Thanks again! Katie |
User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 03-14-2007, 04:12 PM (12 of 19)
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I wouldn't rule out using stretch fabrics as a beginner. What got me started into slightly more serious sewing was inheriting a stash which included tons of tshirt and windcheater fabric. The first couple of things I made were fairly average but very quickly improved. Kwik Sew patterns for stretch fabric are terrific (especially the books) and have very detailed instructions. Maybe try a nightie or pjs for the kids as the first couple of projects. That way if they're not absolutely perfect it doesn't matter and you get some good practice in. My daughter and I have quite a collection of nighties as I'll often do the first try of a technique or pattern as a nightie to start (i.e. first v neck, first gathered under bust line) and then move onto a "public wearing" garment. I find most of the time that stretch fabric is fairly forgiving and you have less construction details (like darts etc.) to worry about. The pattern we liked might have looked better in a small jersey print or even a black (the fitting flaws would probably not have been quite so obvious). Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 03-14-2007, 04:38 PM (13 of 19)
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I wouldn't rule out using stretch fabrics as a beginner. What got me started into slightly more serious sewing was inheriting a stash which included tons of tshirt and windcheater fabric. I find most of the time that stretch fabric is fairly forgiving and you have less construction details (like darts etc.) to worry about. Thanks, Pauline. I will probably just let my heart lead my fabric purchases and pay the price later. LOL! I would LOVE to inherit a stash of fabric! Sigh..... Katie 
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User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 03-14-2007, 08:38 PM (14 of 19)
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Just a note about sizing. I have read numerous times that when you get a pattern from the big 4 (Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, Vogue) and you are making a top, you should measure the high bust measurement instead of the fullest bust measurement and take your pattern size according to the high bust measurement (which is measuring across the upper chest, high under the arms.) With Stretch and Sew, Kwik Sew, Burda, New Look, Style, Neue Mode and Todays Fit (Butterick and Vogue) use the full bust measurement.. I got this out of Sandra Betzina's Fast Fit book which I am loving! Now it makes sense why some patterns fit the way they do and how you can adjust things to fit properly. If I could just get up the courage to attempt a pair of pants!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 03-14-2007, 08:43 PM (15 of 19)
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Just a note about sizing. I have read numerous times that when you get a pattern from the big 4 (Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, Vogue) and you are making a top, you should measure the high bust measurement instead of the fullest bust measurement and take your pattern size according to the high bust measurement .... I got this out of Sandra Betzina's Fast Fit book which I am loving! Interesting! I am going to see about getting that book. Fitting is a mystery to me! Thanks! Katie |
User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-15-2007, 06:49 AM (16 of 19)
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Laura -- As my mother once said "pants are easy." Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 03-15-2007, 03:55 PM (17 of 19)
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Dorothy - you didn't keep the last piccy long enough! I'd barely had time to absorb it. Is it possible to start a gallery of Dorothy avatars so we can all see the progression? It might lead to an over-analysis of the motivations of their choice but it could be an interesting thread. Here's one you might find interesting - partly the illustration although I don't think you could use it for copyright reasons - but also - your namesake maybe? Are there any similarities - other than the obvious?http://www.dorothyparker.com/lost07.html Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-15-2007, 10:16 PM (18 of 19)
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I've always been partial to Dorothy Parker. Partly the name I guess -- mostly the attitude. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 03-21-2007, 09:48 AM (19 of 19)
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HI! Thanks for your help on this. I was finally able to find something I liked and should hopefully be able to work with for my top. It is Simplicity 3838. I'll be sure to post when I get it completed. Thanks again! |
User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
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