Vogue 8553 • Zingy Summer Dress

 Pattern Description: Fitted (through bodice), cap sleeve dresses
A, B with sash have gathers, front and neck bands, pleated skirt, flared and mid-knee length. A: contrast sash and bands.

Pattern Sizing: AA(6-8-10-12), EE(14-16-18-20) Mine was a 14 bodice and an 18 skirt. I ended up taking 2" off each side before construction was through. I guess I thought I'd need more "give". It really didn't.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? It did! (with mods)

Were the instructions easy to follow? They were, but that darn facing was SO fussy! There's really got to be an easier way, folks, but I haven't found it yet.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that the bodice fit perfectly and the skirt is super-twirly. Just have to make sure not to pull a "Marilyn" when you do twirly-whirlies.

Fabric Used: I searched high and LOW for the perfect fabric for this dress. The search took four months, I kid you not. I LOVE the colour combination and I think it's just zingy!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added 2-1/4" to the bodice and forgot to add it to the facings initially, so had to re-cut those with the scant fabric I had. In the end, I'd totally forgotten how heavy this would be, and probably didn't need to do the adjustment. I would have rather had the waistline at the highest part of my waist, rather that the lowest.

I really, really HATED the sash that came with the pattern it was fine in the back, but drooped in the front and didn't cover the waistline seam, so I cut it apart and made a circular cummerbund that I pull on over my head. I'm thinking it'll look cute over a tunic top, too, so it's a two-fer! The neckline on me was dangerously low for my comfort, so after construction, I stitched it up an inch.

Can I tell you how much I hate hemming dresses? Thank GOD for my serger, that does a nice rolled hem. Between the lack of hem and drape of the dress, it falls to just the right spot.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would! It went together really fast (an apparent hallmark of my projects), it's comfortable, and I love twirling in it.

Conclusion: It's a great summer dress that skims over the lumps and bumps. It makes me look thinner, and there's NOTHING wrong with that!

Simplicity 2550 • Stained Glass Dress

There's nothing I love more than getting inspired by fabric. Seems like I'm on a 60's – 70's kick these days, and this stained glass fabric was no exception. Like most sewers, I've got *enough* fabric in my stash, but is enough ever ENOUGH, really? (You already know the answer to this…)

I was on my way out of JoAnn's one afternoon (buying supplies/notions, I'm sure) when I saw this darling fabric. I just couldn't leave without it. The pattern was already in my pattern stash, so I whipped this little confection up.

Pattern Description: Misses' dress with bodice variations sewing pattern. Inspired by Project Runway. Mine is sleeveless.

Pattern Sizing: 4–20. Mine is a 12 in the top, 16 on the bottom

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow? They were.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It's a flattering dress, no matter your size.

Fabric Used: 100% static-lovin' polyester. Quick tip: use a dryer sheet to "wipe down" the inside of your garment and outside of slip to negate static cling.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: FBA, High-round back, added extra length to skirt.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I love this dress. I think it's really rockin' the 60s vibe. No worries about matching up prints, either. What's not to love?

Conclusion: I adore this dress. It looks great with a cardi or a jacket over top (for work). Looks swell both in tall boots and summer sandals. It's a keeper!

Kwik Sew 3790 • Asymmetrical top

Pattern Description: Close fitting tops have asymmetrical front neckline finished with facings, front shoulder inset with gathers, and gathers on left front. View A has cap sleeves and armholes are finished with self fabric bindings. View B has dropped shoulders and full length sleeves.

Pattern Sizing: XS-S-M-L-XL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Mine's cuter!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Totally easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Like all Kwik Sew patterns, it was quick! And really easy to sew.

Fabric Used: 100% poly knit from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Just like "needs more cowbell", I need more rusching! I just can't get enough, so I added additional length to both sides to accommodate it -- maybe 6 extra inches on either side. The armholes are a little high on this one, so I'll be taking .5" off those next time. I'm also planning to lower the neckline a bit. It's a little high to wear anything but a short necklace with. I'd like more flexibility for my vast necklace collection.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definitely sew this again. I've already got more fabric in my stash ready for it. I plan to make the long-sleeved version in emerald &/or deep purple this coming fall.

Conclusion: This simple asymmetrical top with rusching is a blast to wear! It's comfortable, flattering and easy to sew. It'll look great with my collection of cute summer skirts! (Thank you, "Sew What Skirts"! > http://www.amazon.com/Sew-What-Skirts-Fabulous-Fabrics/dp/1580176259/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277219128&sr=8-1

Butterick 5386 • Knockoff Sweater

I loooooove catalog shopping. I get great ideas for future sewing projects and get to scoff at the prices because, as a sewer, I know I can make it: 1) cheaper than the listed price, 2) to fit me perfectly, 3) quicker than the catalog company can ship it (when I'm inspired).

This $89 sweater called to me from the pages of a Gap-owned athletic catalog, and I knew I just had to own it. I'd never worked with sweater fabric before. Heck, I never knew they MADE sweater fabric before this project, but I'm here to say, this project was quick, easy and with a few mods, perfect for me.

I'd also never rusched with elastic thread before. With some practice, it was surprisingly easy. I plan to use this technique again in the future as a design detail.

Pattern Description: Multiple options for a fitted top. I made view A that has a V-neckline and long sleeves.

Pattern Sizing: BB (8-10-12-14) I cut a straight 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? It's definitely in the ballpark. I think a less busy print would highlight the center ruching better.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I don't think I even read them. I inserted the sleeves flat and they went in like a dream.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? When Butterick says a pattern is Fast & Easy, they really mean it!

Fabric Used: Lightweight, loose weave polyester-lycra blend sweaterknit from JoAnn Fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: This pattern required very few changes.
• 1/2" added for the high round back
• Deepened the V-neckline by 3"
• Added slight bell curve to sleeves, lengthened 1".
• Added 2" to side seams below bust to allow for looser fit and accommodate ruching with elastic thread.
• Skipped the facing and used self-fabric to enclose neck seam.
• Didn't feel like hemming so used roll hem on the serger to finish off sleeves and hem.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'm going to make it again in a solid sweater fabric. I plan to wear the heck out of it when I travel.

Conclusion:  I love it! You will, too.

Spicy Bean Salsa (or Cowboy Caviar)

'Tis the season for pignics and get-togethers! This is a quick, healthy dish that satisfies the masses (and has them begging for the recipe.) It can stand on its own as a side salad, tops grilled chicken with panache and can hold its own on a sturdy tortilla chip. Extra bonus: you make it the day before the event. How's that for stress-free?

• 1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas or pinto beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 package frozen corn, thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (green, red, white)
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 jalapeno peppers, diced (optional)
• 4 roma tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 c. fresh cilantro, rough chopped

Dressing:

• 1/4 fresh lime juice (3-4 limes)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3T olive oil

1. Rinse and drain beans.
2. In a medium bowl, combine all beans, onion, green bell pepper, jalapeno peppers and tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients, add to rest of salad; mix well. Cover, and refrigerate overnight to blend flavors.   

• 150 cal./serving. Serves 24.
   
  

Get Popping with DIY Microwave Popcorn

Fake microwave popcorn butter has to be one of the grossest smells wafting through my office on a regular basis. It's right up there with Korn Nuts for me. (blech!)

Did you know you could make your own microwave popcorn? I came across this idea the other day (thank you, Alton Brown!) and thought I'd share. No more fake butter smell! It's less than 200 calories! And it's cheap, cheap, cheap to make. Hurray!

DIY Microwave Popcorn

• 1/4 c. popcorn
• 1 tsp. olive oil or peanut oil (optional, but it makes the toppings stick to the popped corn better)
• 1/4 tsp.  salt
• Paper lunch bag

Toss the popcorn with the olive oil and salt in the paper bag. Fold the top of the bag over twice to close. Place the bag in the microwave and microwave on high for 2 minutes to 3 minutes, or until there are about 5 seconds between pops.

Other topper options:

• Kettle Korn: 2 T. sugar

• Chocolate popcorn: 2 T. powdered sugar, 1 T. cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/8 tsp. cinnamon 

• Cajun: 2 tsp. paprika, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1 T. garlic salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1 pinch cayenne pepper

• Southwestern: 1-1/2 tsp. chili powder, 2 T. salt, 1 T. ground cumin 

• Italian: 1/4 c. finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

• Curry: 1 T. curry powder, 2 T. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, 1 tsp. turmeric, 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Enjoy!

McCall's 5974 • Mosaic Print Dress

Does this fabric look familiar? Why of COURSE it does. I bought seven yards of this ITY mosaic-print knit when it was on a killer sale (like $4 a yard). This is the last project you'll see with this fabric, I promise!

Pattern Description: Dresses A, B, C, D have bodice variations with front pleats, neckline variations, self-faced midriff, pleated skirt front, back zipper and sleeves in three lengths; dresses A, B have scoop neck; dress A has short sleeves; dress B has long sleeves; dresses C, D have wrapped bodice, “V” neck and self-ties; dress C has three-quarter length sleeves; dress D has long sleeves; dresses A, B, C, D length is 1" below mid-knee.

I made view C.

Pattern Sizing: B5(8-10-12-14-16), RR(18W-20W-22W-24W)
Mine was a straight 14 (woo-hoo!)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Better, I think!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Super, super easy. I like that the pattern included tissue fitting instructions. I took the pattern alterations class thru the Palmer Pletsch school of sewing and found the pattern instructions to be like a mini-course. This would be VERY helpful to folks who haven't tissue-fit before.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? That darn zipper! Who puts a zipper in a knit dress? I mean, really. That had to go. Also, the ties extend from your armpit down to your high hip. That wasn't going to work for me.

Fabric Used: ITY Knit Jersey. This busy print covers up a multitude of sins. A solid might not be so forgiving.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: This dress required far fewer adjustments than I normally do.
• 1/2" added for the high round back
• Added 8" to the ties to ensure that they'd be long enough to wrap around me
• Cut the side tie width down 2" so that it would focus attention on my high waist, not my high armpit
• I left the waist markings at the skinniest part of my waist (high waist?) so that the fabric would flow out from there. It makes me look thinner and I love that!
• I cut the back piece on the fold, ensuring that the neckline wouldn't gape. This reduced the amount of fabric in the hem of the skirt. It may not be as twirly, but I like the streamlined back a lot.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I HIGHLY recommend this pattern. It only took about 3 hours to sew, once the pattern fitting was completed.

Conclusion: Just make it. This is a great go-to dress!

I really DO cook! • Baked Eggs in Tomato-Parmesan Sauce

This is one of my favourite, easy, cheap go-to meals. It's tasty, quick and freezes really well. Pair it with a salad and some crusty bread, and you've got a meal that will fill you up and keep you going.

 From: Everyday Food (http://www.marthastewart.com/everyday-food) This is a website I HIGHLY recommend, especially if you're looking for quick, new cooking ideas.

Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

296 cal./serving

Serves 4 (or 6, depending on your ramekin/ovenproof bowl size)

• 1 T. olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes in juice — the ones with Italian spices work really well in this dish
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 c. grated Parmesan
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 8 large eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Set four 12-ounce ovenproof bowls or ramekins on a large rimmed baking sheet.
2. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add garlic and rosemary; cook, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Add diced tomatoes (with juice), crushed tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 2 to 4 minutes. Season tomato sauce with salt and pepper.
3. Divide tomato sauce among bowls, reserving 1 cup. Crack 2 eggs into each bowl. Dividing evenly, top with reserved sauce and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Bake until egg whites are just opaque (yolks should still be soft), 24 to 28 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through.

Simplicity 2447 (View E) • Denim Gap Shirt

I don't know exactly what it was about working at the Gap in the 1990s that I loved SO much. I got to fold clothes all day, chat with strangers about current fashion and run around returning merchandise to shelves and exchanging sizes. And I worked in downtown Seattle, so the people-watching was incredible. I loved this job.

As anyone who's ever stepped foot in a Gap knows, there's a standard Uniform for the job: the denim shirt and khaki pant combo. The denim shirt came in colour ranges from stone washed (hey, it was the 1990s) to dark denim with white topstitching (classy!). Sometimes The Uniform was worn with Doc Martens (best for being on concrete all day), sometimes worn with flats.  It was a classic combination that I loved and wore often. The only problem with The Uniform was that, oftentimes the denim shirt was shapeless and baggy. Simplicity 2447 solved that problem. The shoulder princess seams add shaping to the front and the shirt-tail hem extends to my hip, making me look slimmer. And you know, if I lose weight at any point, I can always cinch it with a belt!

Pattern Description: Misses shirt in two lengths with front, collar and sleeve variations. I made view E (short sleeved, shoulder princess. No ruffle.)

Pattern Sizing: 6–14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes! But without the precious front ruffle. (It was too "countrified" for me.)

Were the instructions easy to follow? As an "easy-to-sew" shirt, this pattern was incredibly easy to follow. Great for a beginner who has never made a button-up shirt before. I put the sleeves in flat, before sewing up the side seams – a technique I employ often. I think the sleeve caps ease in better this way.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Likes: The princess seams are easy to adjust (with help from "Fit for Real People"). Dislikes: The back didn't work for me. The center pleat made the back of the shirt hang funny, so I divided the pleats and made two smaller pleats located closer to the sides. It solved the wonk.

Fabric Used: 100% Cotton denim in scratch wash which I've been seeing all over the place in fashion mags right now. It's very 1920 "working man's" cloth.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Graded the 12 to a 16 in the hips (my usual), high round back and full bust adjustments. Adjusted the pleats in back.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't know that I'd sew this shirt again since I have another pattern in the stash that's includes princess seams extending to the back. This project was quick, easy, and delightful to sew. It'll be a workhorse in my summer wardrobe.

Conclusion: I'll be wearing this shirt for years to come! But never again with pleated khakis.

Simplicity 2599 (View C-ish) • Gauzy Tank Top

 After the Chanel jacket v.1.0  fiasco learning experience, I needed a palette cleanser. I'm really pleased with how this turned out!

Pattern Description: Tank top with button closure and bust darts.

Pattern Sizing: P5 (12–20).

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes! Although I didn't make their ruffles.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't even read them. I take this as a sign that I'm improving as a sewer – instructions, shmanstructions!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The bust darts add some nice shaping, otherwise it's a pretty standard pattern. Went together in about 3 hours.

Fabric Used: Variegated polyester gauze from the stash that shreds like crazy. I'm thinking I spent about $3 for all of it. This top was based on a design I saw one of the "What Not To Wear" (UK) ladies wearing a few years ago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: High round back adjustment and added 2 inches to the length. I graded the 14 out to a 18 in the hips. I made MILES of bias strips to ruffle and roughen up for the "carnation" ruffles in the front. I basically played with the variegated fabric until I was happy with the results. I skipped the neck and armhole facings and bias bound them instead. All of the exposed edges are "roughed up" for a more deconstructed, modern feel.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I'd recommend it to anyone. It was quick and easy.

Conclusion: It's a modern, fresh, fun spin on the classic tank top. I'll wear it with everything.