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Pattern Review: Vogue 1579

Do you ever see a pattern and just know you have to make it? That was Vogue 1579. It is so classic yet on trend with the cape detail. I made it very early this year but planned on debuting it on Easter Sunday for church. Unfortunately, we all know COVID had different plans. So I have yet to wear this lovely dress out. Now that Texas is open we can go back to church but have to wear a mask. I don’t know if I can stand the thought of ruining the look with a mask. Oh well. Until it can be fully appreciated it will get an adoring look as I look through my closet.

This is a fully lined close-fitting dress by Badgley Mischka. The only thing I was not a fan of was the belt. I am just not a bow kind of girl even though this one is quite subdued. I made a size 14 and did not have to make any sizing changes except I did add a couple of inches in length due to my 6’ height. ( Note the final pictures don’t fit as good as they should because I have since lost weight and by rights am now a size 10/12 in Vogue). It is such a beautiful feminine dress and it feels good on.

I have two complaints about this pattern. The first is, the directions to put the cape on are impossible. The idea is that there would be a finished seam underneath the cape but how it was made to that point it becomes impossible to do that. I later found this same complaint in a review on www.patternreview.com here: https://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/145474. I just attached the cape with the raw edge between the cape and dress. No one will ever see it anyway so it is not a huge issue.

The second complaint is more annoying than anything. It is just such an awkward dress to put on and take off. The zipper is on the side seam and since the waist is fitted it is just awkward. But alas if we want to look great in a dress sometimes you make sacrifices! ?

Non-Affiliate Pattern Link:https://mccall.com/v1579

While I know it does not truly fit perfectly anymore I will still be rocking this dress. I may do a slight alteration from the back seam or I may find a belt I do like with it and wear it to cinch in the waist a bit. I am tempted to make this again in maybe a less formal look and a bit shorter. It is a great pattern besides the cape attachment issue. Here is my video review for the dress.

Pattern Description:
Close fitting lined dress has attached cape and side back invisible zipper. Belt has bow and snap closures.

Pattern Sizing:
I made a size 14 and just added length due to my 6’ height.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Most of it was except the cape insertion instructions do not work how they have it to leave a finished seam on the underside. I had to just insert it and have raw edge underneath the cape. Not a big issue since no one will see that part but made me feel crazy that I was not getting it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Disliked the cape insertion and love everything else. I did not do the belt because bows aren’t my style.

Fabric Used:
Crepe

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Just my normal lengthening a couple inches for my height.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely and I think I want to in a more winter weight fabric or a more casual version. Yes but not for a newbie.

Conclusion: I love this dress and am thinking about making a winter or Christmas one.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Elevated Basics: Using Simplicity 8300 and Butterick 5526

I purchased my embroidery machine earlier this year. I had been wanting one and had a million ideas for it. When I got it I was excited but then it fizzled out because all I saw was people using it for children’s items and things that just were not my style but mostly home decor items. Don’t get me wrong they are some lovely things but I wanted to make something that was more my style…. yes a bit over the top.

I saw my inspiration on Pinterest and had to recreate it. Now I see more fashion applications for my embroidery and am truly having fun. Stay tuned for more items coming up. 


For the skirt I used Simplicity 8300 View A in size 12 but should have sized down to 10 because I had to take a bit of the side seams especially at the hips. This is such a simple sew so the time consuming hard part was putting all the embroidery together.

I found a floral motif with several variations that would work. I laid them out several ways to find the best placement using print outs of the design. Then I marked the center of each design on my skirt. I knew I wanted some flowers to go over the side seam so I put the back on at the side seams. If you try this be sure to give your designs enough room to hem it.


And then it was time to embroidery. It took about 3 or 4 weeks doing a stitch out here and there between work and other projects. I love how it turned out. Almost better than I imagined. While it is still a bit of a playful floral I think the short skirt took it up a few notches. 


For the top I wanted to get a similar look to another Pinterest inspiration with a very flowly black button down blouse.

I used Tencel fabric from Joanne’s and it was a dream to work with. The pattern is Butterick 5526 View B. I made a size 14 to get the oversized look I was going for and it was perfect.

For a bonus in this look is the Boronia Bowler bag by Blue Calla and is available here.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Upcycle: From Trash to Treasure

Have you seen those cute sheer dresses with cute embroidery flowers on them?

They had been very on trend and I wanted one but never could find one. I found one at  local thrift shop and grabbed it up even thought it did not fit that great. I thought why not modify it and make it better. It sat in my closet for a long time. I finally had that “cute” sheer dress with cute embroidery flowers and I hated it. The shape, the color. I just was not feeling it anymore.

I found some inspiration on Pinterest of an outfit with similar looking fabric but in black as a skirt and top and figured I would try a similar look. 


First I dyed the dress using DyeMore Rit Dye which dyes polyester fabrics. I can’t even remember the last time I dyed something but now I remember why I don’t do this often. It was not the most fun process. It was hot and smelly but it did give me a color I was going for.

Keep in mind it also dyed the flowers dark so if that is not ok with you then this won’t work. 


After dyeing I went at it with scissors cutting the top off for a crop top and enough fabric in the bottom for the skirt. I did not have to do much to the top after I cut it off. I did cut off the elastic at the wrist to make it more free flowing. 


The skirt I used pattern Simplicity 8300 View A and added a stretch woven as my bottom layer. I made a size 12 and really needed a 10 because I had to take quite a bit off the side seams.

Now this look is obviously not for your faint of heart or for everyone but for a night on the town post COVID this will be a great fun look. I topped it off with another Upcycle. A blazer I picked up at a thrift store and put on this really cool skull in the back. 


So pull out your ugly dresses, sweaters, pants and see how you can remake them.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Introducing Posh Bracelet Bag

Who does not love a new handbag!! A good handbag tops off an outfit beautifully. I own a lot of handbags from mid range to designer, I have made so many handbags over the last few years many of which were helping pattern designers test their bags.

I love a lot of different types of bags from the practical to the just for fun to those for special occasions. I think you need some of everything. One thing I found I wanted was more bags that push the envelop on style. Something more cutting edge of fashion and even items you may see carried down the runway. That’s why I really wanted to start designing my own bags. 


Last week I lived that dream by launching my first bag pattern. Posh Bracelet Bag. She is a small wonder. She was designed to give you that “posh” look, something a bit special that you want to wear when you don’t want the usual oversized, overwork tote but also with a crossbody so she can still be practical for running errands.

Posh is approximately 8 inches wide and 7.5 inches tall but don’t worry she can carry everything you need while on the run. I stuffed in there a small wallet, sunglasses, compact, ChapStick, sunglasses, and of course courtesy of Corona a mask. She can be made with cotton, vinyl, cork and soft leather. 


Check out my testers bags and pick up your pattern here. Don’t worry more bags are coming. 


If you are interested in becoming a tester for my patterns please fill out this form. 

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Summer Dreaming Dress Series: McCalls 7745

Ahh we are at the end of the Summer Dreaming Dress Series. I hoped you enjoyed the dresses I made and loved wearing this summer. Next year I hope to post them earlier in the summer so you can have the time to possibly make them your self. 


Our last dress is McCalls 7745 view D and she is a beauty. And lovely enough she is still in stock on the McCalls website so check her out here: https://somethingdelightful.com/m7745 You can put her in your stash for next year. 


The description describes it as, “Close fitting wrap dresses have neckline and sleeve variations, and ribbon ties. A, C, D:Shaped hemline, wrong side of fabric will show. Includes separate pattern pieces for A/B, C, and D cups.” 


She is pure loveliness. Very feminine and summery. I loved view A and B but I wanted a dress I could wear that would be a bit more covered up. With a cami underwear I can wear this to church. 


I really liked that this pattern had the different bust sizes included and it was a great fit when I made it. Now just like the other dresses it is a bit big. Yes I know you are tired of hearing it but just in case next year someone comes back and is confused I want them to know it is too big in the pictures.


I have had this fabric for years and it was from Joann’s but I did happen to find it again recently so check for it. It was a light crepe fabric and lined the bodice with a Rayon. Yes it can be a little warm for outdoor activities but inside it is a beautiful and comfortable dress.


Well this concludes my Summer Dreaming Dress Series. I hope you enjoyed.

You can read the Pattern Review Version of this post here.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Summer Dreaming Dress Series: Burda

Well today is not technically a dress… Oh don’t worry you will love it. It’s actually a skirt from Burda Style Magazine. No wait don’t leave. I know a lot of people have a hard time with Burda patterns. This one is super easy and I am also planning on doing Burda sewing lessons. Comment below or on my social media if you’re interested.


This skirt is from Burda Style magazine May 2020 issue. You can find most of the Burda magazine patterns on their website to so don’t worry about finding this magazine.


So this skirt actually started with the fabric. I got this large floral boarder print when I visited my sister in Hawaii earlier this year. My favorite flower is the bird of paradise so I had to have it. I knew it would be a lovely skirt but I wanted something pretty basic so it would not distract from the fabric.When the May issue came in I knew it was the pattern.


The pattern is a perfect easy sew. I did my normal lengthening because I am 6’ but that was it. I made the size 44 but  but had lost weight before taking these pictures so it is a bit big now. 


This print just makes me happy though and it is a fun easy skirt to wear through on a black top or pull out one of the colored in the flower. 


Remember to check back tomorrow for the last dress in my Summer Dreaming Dress Series.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Summer Dreaming Dress Series: McCalls 6884

McCall’s 6884 Sewing Pattern Make

Can you believe it is already Fall? Summer is long over now!! But this summer girl still wants to hang on to a bit of summer. I am already dreaming of next summer. 2020 has been a crazy year for everyone. Although I felt a bit defeated at times during the COVID pandemic I was determined to get some great summer dress makes in. Even if I was only going to wear them around the house, to eat and to family events. So I am going to show three of my favorite today, tomorrow and Friday. So check back each day.


McCalls 6884 is such a sexy little number with the slim fit around the waist and the slit in version D. For this summer look I wanted the coolness of the sleeveless version.

The pattern described it as, “MISSES’ DRESSES: Close-fitting, pullover, mock wrap dresses have right front variations, tie ends and narrow hems. C and D: gathered right front. Designed for medium-weight moderate stretch knits. SUGGESTED FABRICS: Jerseys, Cotton Knits and Novelty Knits.”

Honestly when I saw the cover picture shown I was not that impressed. While it is a good basic wrap style dress it was not what I was going for. But then I realized D had that look I was going for.

I found the fabric in my stash from Pretty Posh Prints from about a year or more ago. It is a super soft Double Brushed Poly. It topped off the look with a sexy island girl look. The dress is super comfortable and I may make another one in a solid.


Unfortunately you wont find the pattern on the McCalls site anymore but check out Ebay and I am sure you will. My tip for buying patterns on Ebay is to put the pattern name and number into a saved search with an alert and as soon as someone lists it you will get an alert.


I made a size 14 in this but had lost weight before pictures were taken so I could size down now but it was true to size when I made it. 

Find my PatternReview.com review here: https://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/168213

See you tomorrow!

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely