4 years ago
Happy July Sewing friends! The last few months have been CRAZY. I am a planner girl, but with all the doctor visits lately my organization skills have definitely been kicked up a notch. I’m hoping that also applies to blog writing. I have been sewing like crazy as a stress reliever, but am so slowly getting around to take photos of my projects, which is what it’s about right? Last time I left you I had a lot going on with my health. I still do, but some things have improved.
For starters, I am no longer considered pre-diabetic. Yep! I have gotten my glucose levels under control. Walking with Jack Jack in the mornings has been helping a lot to increase my exercise daily. We do a brisk walk together when it’s not too hot. I am still a vegetarian and have seen some great results with it. I picked up a new book for meal ideas so be sure to keep a look out for those on all my social media channels. Oh and I started a YouTube channel. I am super excited for what the future holds and to take you with me on this journey. Now let’s talk about Simplicity 8177.
First off, I am in LOVE with this jacket and vest pattern. I made a coat last year out of bouclé fabric and wear it everywhere. Naturally, I had to make a summer version, which was the vest. I don’t go to many places in the summer, but I will be dressed up to every doctors appointment. It screams I mean business, which is exactly what I want to portray so that I am taken seriously. Now let’s get into some details.
Pattern Review of Simplicity 8177 using Lady McElroy Soft Polyester Crepe Fabric
Pattern Description:
Misses’/Women’s Pants, Unlined Coat or Vest and Knit Top
Pattern Size Chosen: 16
View: E
Color: Black & White
Fabric Options: Crepe, Faille, Gabardine, Linen types, Bouclé, Brocade, Light Weight Denim, Sateen, and Ponte.
About the Fabric: The fabric is super soft and drapes nicely. Be careful using pins because you can easily pull a thread. I would suggest using wonder clips. For pre-washing you can dry clean or use a cold wash cycle. I always hang dry my delicate fabrics, I would put this in the dryer. It also frays so be sure to finish all ends.
Sewing Tools Needed That Aren't Mentioned:
Erasable Ink Pen or Tailor’s Chalk
Scissors or Rotary Cutter
Shears for cutting thread
Silk Organza for interfacing
60/8, 65/9, 70/10 HM or HJ Needle
Embroidery or cotton thread
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you finished sewing it?
Yes, except I didn’t add the pocket flaps. I may change my mind later down the round and add them, which is simple enough to do, but I like the vest as is.
Are the instructions easy to follow?
Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Liked
I liked the length of the jacket for winter/fall.
Disliked
Nothing, removing the pocket flap was a creative choice, which I included in the coat version that I made.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I refrained from adding the pocket flaps as mentioned earlier and I shortened the vest because it was too long for summer. Oh and I used bias binding for the armholes instead of the pattern piece that was cut because it wouldn’t lay right.
Would you sew it again?
Yes and yes. I’m thinking of an autumn orange coat for winter. And in case you’re interested I made the pants to the pattern as well. You can find a review here https://www.minerva.com/posts/1017842
How long did it take? 2-3 evenings after work.
Tips to avoid the sewing patterns Simplicity 8177 from taking as long and other advice
When matching plaid, make sure to figure out if you want it to line up under the arm or down the sides. The darts in the from make it hard to match up each row with the back, so take your time and draw the lines on the pattern see where they’ll go. Also, if you are having trouble getting the markings out try a little pretreatment with dawn soap/dish soap. You should see the marks come out after gently rubbing the fabric together.
Until next time…
XOXO,
Ashley
For starters, I am no longer considered pre-diabetic. Yep! I have gotten my glucose levels under control. Walking with Jack Jack in the mornings has been helping a lot to increase my exercise daily. We do a brisk walk together when it’s not too hot. I am still a vegetarian and have seen some great results with it. I picked up a new book for meal ideas so be sure to keep a look out for those on all my social media channels. Oh and I started a YouTube channel. I am super excited for what the future holds and to take you with me on this journey. Now let’s talk about Simplicity 8177.
First off, I am in LOVE with this jacket and vest pattern. I made a coat last year out of bouclé fabric and wear it everywhere. Naturally, I had to make a summer version, which was the vest. I don’t go to many places in the summer, but I will be dressed up to every doctors appointment. It screams I mean business, which is exactly what I want to portray so that I am taken seriously. Now let’s get into some details.
Pattern Review of Simplicity 8177 using Lady McElroy Soft Polyester Crepe Fabric
Pattern Description:
Misses’/Women’s Pants, Unlined Coat or Vest and Knit Top
Pattern Size Chosen: 16
View: E
Color: Black & White
Fabric Options: Crepe, Faille, Gabardine, Linen types, Bouclé, Brocade, Light Weight Denim, Sateen, and Ponte.
About the Fabric: The fabric is super soft and drapes nicely. Be careful using pins because you can easily pull a thread. I would suggest using wonder clips. For pre-washing you can dry clean or use a cold wash cycle. I always hang dry my delicate fabrics, I would put this in the dryer. It also frays so be sure to finish all ends.
Sewing Tools Needed That Aren't Mentioned:
Erasable Ink Pen or Tailor’s Chalk
Scissors or Rotary Cutter
Shears for cutting thread
Silk Organza for interfacing
60/8, 65/9, 70/10 HM or HJ Needle
Embroidery or cotton thread
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you finished sewing it?
Yes, except I didn’t add the pocket flaps. I may change my mind later down the round and add them, which is simple enough to do, but I like the vest as is.
Are the instructions easy to follow?
Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Liked
I liked the length of the jacket for winter/fall.
Disliked
Nothing, removing the pocket flap was a creative choice, which I included in the coat version that I made.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I refrained from adding the pocket flaps as mentioned earlier and I shortened the vest because it was too long for summer. Oh and I used bias binding for the armholes instead of the pattern piece that was cut because it wouldn’t lay right.
Would you sew it again?
Yes and yes. I’m thinking of an autumn orange coat for winter. And in case you’re interested I made the pants to the pattern as well. You can find a review here https://www.minerva.com/posts/1017842
How long did it take? 2-3 evenings after work.
Tips to avoid the sewing patterns Simplicity 8177 from taking as long and other advice
When matching plaid, make sure to figure out if you want it to line up under the arm or down the sides. The darts in the from make it hard to match up each row with the back, so take your time and draw the lines on the pattern see where they’ll go. Also, if you are having trouble getting the markings out try a little pretreatment with dawn soap/dish soap. You should see the marks come out after gently rubbing the fabric together.
Until next time…
XOXO,
Ashley
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