McCall's 5525 - Ponte Knit

The McCall's Trench Coat

Which I have made twice before.  Most recently in a gorgeous teal, see review here and blog post here then I made it back in March 2008, see review here and blog post here.

My latest version is for me.  Lynne and I talk about Cabi Canary quite a bit and she was so excited about the entire Ponte collection.  I liked many of the items and had purchased 3 yards of gray ponte from Fabricmart a couple of weeks ago.  My intention was for a cardigan and a simple skirt, well plans change.  Lynne is going to make the trench coat and said she was looking at this McCall's pattern for her version.  Her enthusiasm was contagious and I fell on the Ponte Trench Coat bandwagon. 

Cabi Canary

I have been reading several fashion magazines and looking online for inspiration and this trench coat look instead of a jacket is seen many places.

Ann Taylor Loft

pinterest

So the information.  I made a size 10, a size smaller than my normal jacket size.  I ended up taking the jacket in more on the side seams, shoulder seams, underarms and top of sleeves. I kept trying on this jacket and heading to the mirror to see what I needed to do for fitting.  I wanted this jacket on the slimmer side, as it looked in the Cabi picture

  My advice would be if using a Ponte knit, go down a size.  I did not line this jacket due to the  many size adjustments I made after some of the construction was complete.  I felt I could not even come close to getting the lining to be the correct size,  so I used some black knit and finished the facings

Here is the ponte on my dressform

Here on me

I will style it quite differently - just came home and put on the Ponte trench for pictures.  

I do think this is a piece I will wear quite a bit and will be a nice addition to my closet.

Thanks Lynne, can't wait to see yours.

Flashback Friday

Paige Preschool Program 1992

A cute romper/jumpsuit garment for Paige made from quilting cotton. 

I don't have the original pattern or a pattern suggestion (not too stylish now).  I do know this is one of the things she would say, "Mom, why did you dress me like that!"

New Look 6628 Again

I made this the first time in August and just finished it for the second time.  This one for Erin in a jersey knit from Fashion Fabrics Club

Used the fabric on bias for the binding

I should of made the bottom piece a bit wider, since jersey doesn't stretch much.  It will be a bit harder to get on but doable!

My Memories Software

I was contacted by My Memories Digital Software to try out their software.  The digital scrapbooking software helps you create scrapbooks, cards, calendars and other items.  A week ago, I downloaded the scrapbook software and started to work on a couple of projects.

I created a scrapbook page about my recent visit with Lynne of Wonderfully Made and I used a bit of her post from our meeting on the page and a picture of her front porch. 

Great ric-rac trim detail included in the scrapbooking software

For a second project with My Memories Suite I made a Halloween inspired project

I really enjoyed working with this digital software package, it includes many layouts, trims and fonts and more.  It is easy to use and there are several videos and tutorials on My Memories Blog

My Memories Suite has offered a great special for the readers of this blog.  Use this code

STMMMS17670

 for a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!)

Now for a really good part they are going to give one lucky reader of my blog the My Memories Suite software.  To be entered for this drawing head over to My Memories  site and take a look around.   Leave a comment on this blogpost and tell your favorite digital paper pack or layout or tell how you might use this software if you were the lucky winner.

I will draw a winner on September 28th, good luck.



McCall's 5477

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted lined jacket, hip length has notched or shawl collar, princess seams, bias side front and side back panels, shoulder pads and centre back vent.


Sizing: 8 to 20

Likes/dislikes:  I liked this pattern the first time I saw it and purchased it right away.  It is OOP now but I am happy finally to have made it.  I think the plaid version would be so fun to make.

I like the fitted jacket style, the bit of peplum look without the fullness. Interesting collar and sleeve variations are more likes.  The only dislike is it takes quite a bit of fabric 2-3/4 yards and it does take some time to construct.  The time is worth it though.

Fabric:  A Vera stretch sateen from fabric.com  I had to be very creative as I only had 2 yards of fabric.  This meant 3/4 sleeve and the front facing is pieced but it doesn't show from the right side.

Changes: Only changes were due to my fabric shortage.  The rest of the construction is followed per the instructions.

Instructions:  Were very clear and concise.  I really like the dart in the front and front facing, makes a natural roll line.  The instructions were also clear on all the pressing direction and the lining construction. Also, the front facing (which extends to side seams) and back hem facing are a nice addition to the lining process and add some structure to the garment and the gathered areas.

you can see the dart here

Conclusion:  Another winner in the jacket sewing.  Again this jacket was made for Erin and she loved it.
We both really like the silver buttons on the jacket and the back tab adds great interest.

I cannot get my dressform to fill out the shoulder area in these jackets.  It just isn't broad enough.

*****************************************************************************************************

Erin wants one more sewn item (at least for the time being) a knit shirt from a New Look pattern.  I do have time to sew for her as my dryer is broken again (second time in a month), this means I haven't been able to prewash any of the fabric from that big box!

One more note - check out the anniversary winners - two people have not claimed their prizes.  The other three were mailed on Friday.

Never Forget

God Bless the USA

New Fabric

I had received an email from Fabric Mart  about their pyramid of savings, then Carolyn posted about the sale and I couldn't resist any longer.  I filled my cart with many pieces, went over my budget, so eliminated a few.  The savings really made a difference and I bought some pieces I had been wanting for quite some time.  Today after a very long day at work, I arrived home to a nice box on my porch.

Here is my fabric goodness:

tops, dresses, jackets, cardigans, shirts, sweaters are my plans.  I was thrilled with every piece.

Fall sewing here I come, after a couple more things for Erin.

September is National Sewing Month

I received an email from Reed at Overstock.com or o.com and he complimented me on my blog and projects (thanks, Reed).  Reed wanted to share with me a graphic from Overstock's blog and ask if I would put it on my blog.

Here it is - some interesting facts:

Here is a link to the blogpost

Please note: I am not affilidated with Overstock, they contacted me to provide this information.

So do you have any plans in celebrating National Sewing Month (other than sewing)?



Simplicity 2313- third time

I have made this jacket for me with the zipper and for Erin with the buttons, and now I made it one more time for Erin.  It is the same view A, with some changes.  I used the sleeves from Simplicity 2256.

I thought these were more of the style I wanted for her jacket.  I compared the two pattern pieces and the caps were the same but the sleeves on 2313 are fuller.  She will be wearing this in the classroom over a top or dress, so I thought she might want a slimmer sleeve.

One other change was to eliminate the gathered collar.  I just cut 2 pieces from the under collar pattern piece.  The fabric is a Vera stretch sateen from fabric.com.  This one seemed a bit thicker than the white I used in her McCall's jacket.

a few wrinkles on the right side (looking at it) I think from the dressform.



I am not through with jackets for her, going to work on another one from red Vera stretch sateen, going to try and squeeze it out of my yardage.  It might become 3/4 sleeve.

Winner of Anniversary Giveway

First the winner of the purse:

MySummerTouch said...



Congratulations with 5 year anniversary! My fav garment is the first EVER dress that I made for my daughter, it was New Look pattern. Instrucuctions were clear until the insurtion of a zipper. I didn't understand them and put the dress of for 1,5 years. i took a sewing cource and only then finished the dress. The good thing is that I took a larger size and it still fits her! She wears it now!

Winner of the 5 x 7 cards:

Ann's Fashion Studio said...



Congratulations on five years! :)))


I've recently started listening to your podcasts ~ I know a little late ~ but I am enjoying them so much. It's great to finally meet/hear bloggers that I have been following, and then be introduced to new people/bloggers and products. You put a lot of effort into your podcasts and it truly shows, they are very enjoyable and informative.


Thank You!


Winner of the cards with wooden dressform on first card:

Jo said...



Congratulations! Your blog has been such an inspiration as I begin my sewing adventure. I appreciate all of your information and find myself checking your blog daily :)

Winner of the cards with the pattern envelope on first card:

vernonfashionstudio said...



Congratulations. You have been an inspiration to us all. Your energy is amazing.
Linda T

Winner of the book:

gMarie said...



Hi Lori, I love the garments you make. They always inspire me to dig out a pattern and get sewing - but really, I love, love your house makeover projects. Your designing is amazing! g

Thank you all for the wonderful and thoughtful comments.

Winners please email me with your mailing address.

Flashback Friday

This is Erin in March 1991, simple romper with elastic cuffs, made from a cotton.  I made this pattern many, many times for Erin and the twins.  I don't have the original pattern, which disappoints me but I think it was truly worn out.

Here is a subsitute:

New Look 6986



Kwik Sew 3776 for the short romper version





McCall's 4644

Don't forget to enter the anniversary contest, one more day is left until I draw for the prizes.