Monday 22 January 2018

Sew Over It bonanza

I've had a quite productive sewing time since Christmas and it starts with a bit of a splurge on Sew Over It patterns.


First, and my favourite,  the Sew Over It Joan dress.  This is a pattern for wovens, but I though it would be more comfortable in knit and this is in some lovely wool jersey from my stash (from Fabrics Galore Nov 2016 - great fabric).



I had to make a lot of changes.  Cutting a size 12 didn't work and I had to make all the side seams and back 7/8" to get the fit.  I also took 1/2" from the shoulder width and moved the darts in by 1" (they also need lowering by 3/8").  I normally need to take the wait up by 1", but didn't for this dress and as you can see it is sitting a bit above my natural waist, so that might be an issue for those with a longer body.



Construction was quite easy.  I didn't need the zip.  The kickpleat wouldn't work as per the pattern as there were too many layers of thick fabric, so I just made a 6" slit and then topstitched.  I accidentally sewed the neck on the wrong side and so had to take 4" of one side, but I think this looks good.  The only problem I have had is that the neckband is slipstiched in place and on a stretch fabric, this does pop.  I love this dress and have already got lots of wear, it is lovely and cosy.  I will definitely make another.




Next the Sew Over It Cowl dress.  This is a pretty easy pattern.  Only 4 pieces and with a belt it is quite stylish.  The cowl is just a wider unfaced bit with a narrow hem that flops, and I'm not sure if it feels finished enough for me.







Nothing much more to say.  I love this fabric which came from Stoff and Still, but was again from my stash.  I would use the fabric again (the colour is a sort of marled dusky rose), but probably won't make the pattern again as I prefer a more significant cowl.



Finally the Vintage shirt dress made from Liberty Cord (bought for £4.50 a metre).  I'm still deciding on this one.  Perfectly wearable, but I think possibly my style has changed and I definitely prefer the Joan dress on me (60s rather than 50s, who would have thought). 


I cut a 12 grading to a 10 at the waist, and even with another 2/5" off at the side seams it is still a bit roomy.  I would cut a 10 grading to 8 another time.  I took 1/2" from the shoulders and because I don't like gathered sleeves I changed the sleeve cap to a smoothly fitted one, and this seemed to work.



It was fairly straight forward to make.  Though as I don't want to fasten right up, you can see the lapels are sticking out a bit, so more pressing needed.  The bodice fits quite well at the bust.  It's quite nice and I know lots love this pattern, I can see why ... and lovely for a swish!



So I've made a good start to 2018.  I don't really make resolutions and don't want to have too many enforced plans, however, I am going to take part in selected Sew My Style challenges.  I also want to try some new techniques;  a Sophie swimsuit, a bra and finally get trousers beaten!  I have been trying to make progress with my too large stash, however, what I have realized is that generally it is full of summer-type fabrics, so that means I don't feel too guilty about buying winter fabrics .... any excuse! 

13 comments:

  1. you've been busy - great dresses but the joan really stands out! brilliant dress - looking forward to your new sews

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    1. Thanks so much. I've worn the Joan lots!

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  2. That's an excellent start! I love your Joan dress!

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  3. Wonderful dresses, and I also favor the Joan. It really does suit you. The color is brilliant!

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  4. I love all your dresses! I think they look amazing on you :) I'm a big fan of the Sew Over It patterns too but the styles don't suit me (I made the Ultimate Shift in a jersey that I wear all summer long). I've looked at her ebook but I'm not a fan of PDF :) I always enjoy Lisa Comfort's videos on youtube - do you watch her?

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    1. Hi Kathleen, yes I love Lisa's vlogs. I met her a couple of years ago, she was lovely.

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  5. A trio of lovelies! I think perhaps the Joan is my favourite as i love the tie collar and the yummy mustard shade.

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    1. Thanks Diane, I've not seen this darker mustard in any other fabric and I love it.

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  6. All fantastic dresses on you Mags! What a run of sewing successes!
    Making the Joan dress in a heavy knit is such a great idea. I made it in a woven and it is pretty restrictive. Well done for battling on with all those alterations, well worth it as it is a stunning dress and I can see why you love it
    You've made me look twice at the cowl neck dress too, love that fabric! I'm wondering if it might work in some jersey I picked up at sew over it last week

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    1. Thanks Fiona, I'm going to make the Joan again, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more wool jersey. A ponte would work for this. I can see you in the Cowl dress!

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  7. I've yet to buy any Sew Over It patterns but you are changing my mind... your Joan dress is perefection despite, or perhaps because of, all the changes you had to make.
    You've been busy Mags and you have some lovely items to prove it!

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    1. Thanks Ruth. I've made a lot of Sew over it patterns. Not the best drafting in the world and not always easy to make the insides neat, but lovely styles

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