A Tale of Two Patterns

Good Morning and Aloha!  Before I share the latest two patterns and a funky fun outfit, I just wanted to let you all know that I am going to take a two and a half week blogging break for VACATION.  Yay!  Some of the next two and a half weeks will be fun, and some will be work.  But that is okay because part of the work to be done is painting and decorating my sewing room.  I can't wait to share the before and after pics with you.  I have a beautiful gift of sewing art from a fellow blogger in Australia, which will be the focal point of the room.  I can't wait to show you that as well!!  So there are good things to come upon my return!

In the mean time I have completed Kwik Sew 3770, view B and McCall's 6242, view A.  Both are fantastic patterns!

I used a rayon/lycra knit, from my stash, for the leggings and a mystery knit for the the tunic.  The mystery knit was found locally on a flat fold table for $3.99/yard.  I didn't worry too much about trying to match the stripes, since it is such a busy stripe pattern.  I like the tunic and will highlight a few of the details, but the shape without a belt is too boxy for me.  Even though this pattern is rated "easy", there are eight pieces and some interesting seams, so I would rate it a bit more advanced than "easy", although the instructions are very well written so construction goes along just fine. 

The way the collar is drafted prevents seams from showing around the neckline. 

Not sure I like how wide the shoulders and extra fabric under the arm look from the back as far as shape goes. 

Fantastic detail: Gusset for modesty.

The epaulet would also be fun in a contrasting fabric.  It encloses the seams on the inside, keeping it very neat! There are 3 pleats on the front shoulder seam and 3 pleats on the back shoulder seam.

I forgot to mention I cut a size small on the tunic and did not make any alterations.  I cut a small on the leggings too, but they were too big.  So instead of sewing with a 1/4" seam allowance I used a 5/8" seam allowance and it worked out much better.  Also instead of using 1/8" wide elastic for the ruching at the ankles, I used 1/4" elastic.  The waist of the leggings come up to just below my belly button, which I think is a nice height for leggings, but I used 1" wide elastic instead of the 3/4" they recommend.  Overall, I am happy with this outfit.  It's fun, funky, and comfortable! 

I will see you again in a couple of weeks.  Thank you for your thoughts on the last knit dress, I think it is one of my favorites!  Keep on sewing if you can, because I plan to pop into your blogs to see what you all are up to!  Aloha for now!