Instant Gratification: M5248

Geisha Girl flannel PJ pants

 

While working on V8815, I desperately needed something to go my way, enter McCall's 5248.

  I've worked with this pattern before, so cranking out these pajama bottoms took no time and it was a perfect IGP (instant gratification project).

I picked up the fabric just before the holidays when Jo-Ann's was selling flannel for 1.99/yard.  It's very cute.

 I finished this project is under two hours, a record for me.  I guess I'm getting good at pajamas!  Now, back to that peplum top...

Vogue 8815: The Muslin

I'm taking an online class on fitting with Craftsy and the sample pattern is Vogue 8815.  It's a peplum top that I probably wouldn't make if it weren't for the class. 

Vogue 8815, View A
 

Depending on how this all goes, I'm thinking of using this pattern for a white eyelet top I'm planning to make for the spring/summer.  I would underline the bodice with cotton batiste and perhaps leave the peplum unlined.

I made the muslin, using the methods from the class, including a full bust adjustment.  The bust adjustment added side darts.  Here's the front view:

It's not bad, but I'm having issues with the waist darts.  The armscye is too low in front, so I'll need to add on to that.  I made the usual adjustment for my sloping shoulders.

The back darts seem okay but I need to curve the back seam.  I knew I'd need to do that but I wanted to insert a zipper first to get an accurate look at the front fit.  I guess I'll take out the zipper now and curve that seam. 

I posted these photos to the class forum and asked for help with fitting the front, but I have yet to hear back.  In the meantime, I'm making a pair of flannel lounging pants for my lounging daughter. :)

Simplicity 1934 Christmas Apron

I saw this Mickey Mouse fabric at Jo-Ann Fabrics and knew I had to make an apron for my niece.  She loves to cook and loves Mickey Mouse - perfect gift.

I decided upon Simplicity 1934, View C because it's just so pretty and feminine with the ruffles and gathered bodice, very nice.

The fabric is cotton, but very thin cotton, so I chose to underline it with muslin.  I thought it would be a good idea especially for an apron that will probably get lots of use.  To underline, I cut the bodice and skirt pieces from both the Mickey Mouse fabric and the muslin and basted them together  before constructing the apron.  With underlining, the two joined fabrics are treated as one.  Here you can see the inside of the apron:

The contrast fabric is green and red holly on a white background, which I thought would work well for ruffling.

 

Gathering the ruffles was a little time consuming, but the most time was spent on all of the narrow hemming.  Basically, every edge of the apron is hemmed.  I was afraid that the muslin underlining would add too much bulk for the narrow hems, but it was fine.  I wonder how the apron might look with a bias tape edge instead of a narrow hem?

 

Well, I consider this project a success.  I was happy with the result and, more importantly, my niece loves her apron.