Tip Top Tank #2 // Maker Maker [Free Pattern]

PROJECT DETAILS

Status FO
Started 6/8/2022
Completed 7/16/2022
Pattern Name Tip Top Tank
Designer Maker Maker
Size M
My Measurements Bust: 35" Waist: 27" Hips: 38.25"
Yarn Galileo // Sport Weight Yarn // Knit Picks; 4 balls, 131 yds./50g, Color: Lunar (5623)
Needles US 3 (3.25mm) // US 4 (3.5mm) 40" Circular

NOTES

This is my second Tip Top Tank, and I’m sure there will be more.

MODIFICATIONS

  • 1x1 tubular cast on for both hems

    • Used Andrea Mowry’s Cast On

    • After Cast On, 1st Row: Purl, Slip 1 knit stitch (as if to purl); 2nd Row: Knit, Slip 1 purl stitch; Row 3: Purl, Slip 1 knit stitch (as if to purl); Row 4: Knit, Slip 1 purl stitch Be sure that the stitches (purl and knit) are not twisted on the needle. If they are knit, purl, or slip into back leg to untwist.

  • Used a genius modification by Recreates (on Ravelry) to raise the back by 6 rows

  • I also added some extra rows for the length.

RESOURCES

Final Thoughts

Another lovely summer top. I look forward to wearing this top in 2023.

Ravelry Project Page

M 7974 Dress #1: Jelly Bean Dots // Modified View D // Size 10 (2022)

PROJECT DETAILS

Status Finished
Started 6/27/2022
Finished 7/4/2022
Pattern Name McCalls 7974, View A
Designer / Company McCalls
Size 10, To fit: 32" upper bust, 35" full bust, 26 3/4" waist, 30 3/4" High Hip
Fabric "jelly bean fabric" Purchased at Mood
Notions All Purpose Thread, 13 buttons (pattern states 1/2", I used 7/16" for this dress: Red, Spectrum Warm, 5 buttons each, Made in Thailand, purchased at Joann), TBA yds of fusible interfacing
Machines Sewing, Serger

Notes

I’ve seen so many versions of this dress online. I decided to give it a try. I was a bit worried about the fit of the bodice on my bust. And indeed that was a problem area for me for this pattern.

Modifications (from muslin #1)

  • Back Piece: 1” Swayback adjustment, tapering from 1” to nothing at the side seam (started 3” above bottom edge); added 1” length at lengthen lines to match adjustments to Front Top Bust Piece

  • Front Top Bust Piece: Added 1” to bottom edge; used gathering stitches to ease into place; added slightly raised wedge to accommodate an extra button and to add a bit more coverage

  • Bodice Facing: Added matching, slightly raised wedge to match the top bust piece

  • Skirt Front + Side Back and Front: Shortened by 5”

  • Skirt Back: Shortened by 4”; took in 1” at side seam (to match skirt side pieces) and tapered out to full 5” at center back [to accommodate a full seat)

  • Used the following construction methods as outlined in the Sewing Therapy tutorial:

    • Staystitched all bias cut areas

Resources

  • Cutting and sewing dress facings // Pattern.Scissors.Cloth // Website

  • M7974 Sizing, Tracing, and Altering the Pattern // Kittenish Behaviour // Youtube

  • M7974 Sew Along Tutorial // Sewing Therapy // Youtube

  • M7974 Sewing Tutorial: Raising the Neckline // Paige Handmade // Blog

  • How to Sew a Bias Tape Finish // Professor Pincushion // Youtube Tutorial

  • How To: Manual Buttons // Made to Sew // Youtube

  • Reddit // Recommendations around Automatic Buttonhole issues // Reddit Thread

Final Thoughts

The deep v-neck is really low for how I’d like to wear the dress. Next time I would make adjustments to the bust pieces to raise the v-neck. Also, the bodice fit was very difficult for me to nail. After I ended up truly analyzing the bodice fit, I realized that there was significant gaping. I hastily made some (not pretty on the inside) adjustments and ended up turning a dud (in nice fabric) into a wearable summer dress.

Next time, I would also lengthen the skirt a bit more.

Here are some tutorials I may use for next time:

  • Altering McCalls 7974 // Enchanted Rose Costumes // Youtube

  • How to Raise a Low V Neckline (M 8020) // Inside the Hem // Youtube

N 6669: Knit Dress 1 & 2 // View A // Size 10 (2022)

PROJECT DETAILS

Status Finished
Started Dress #1: 5/31/2022; Dress #2: 6/18/2022
Finished Dress #1: 6/4/2022; Dress #2: 6/26/2022
Pattern Name New Look 6669, View A
Designer / Company New Look
Size 10, To fit: 32" upper bust, 35" full bust, 26 3/4" waist, 30 3/4" High Hip
Fabric 90% Polyester / 10% Spandex
Notions All Purpose Thread, 1 1/4 yds. of 3/4" wode elastic, 5/8 Tricot lining, 7/8 yds of fusible interfacing
Machines Sewing, Serger

Notes

I really ended up loving this dress. It had so many hidden, amazing features (not fully detailed on the pattern company website but luckily detailed by Youtuber, Vivmom Sews). The main feature is the internal bra.

I wear a 30 E-F bra, and once I adjusted the elastic band length to match my bra band length, everything about this dress came together.

I didn’t think I’d like the tie straps, but I love them. They are easy to adjust and are perfect for a hot summer day.

Modifications (from version #1)

  • Interface tricot lining before cutting (may try two different interfacing types)

    • Pellon 180 // Knit-N-Stable

      • A versatile sheer and fusible knit stabilizer; offers lightweight lining support that stretches with movement; great for stretchy seams and stabilizing collars, necklines, and hems; ideal for fabrics like silk, chamois, lame, satin, and spandex; and will not change the drape or hand of fabric once fused

    • Pellon Ek 130 Easy-Knit

      • Adds shape to collars, necklines, front facings and cuffs while maintaining drapability

  • will trim 2-4mm from neckline and armhole facings (per this tutorial)

  • add length back to pattern pieces for side, back, and front pieces

  • correct full butt issue with hem pulling up in back

  • shorten bra front and back by amount of length shortened on pattern pieces

  • make adjustments to elastic band length

Resources

  • Cutting and sewing dress facings // Pattern.Scissors.Cloth // Website

  • Install an All-in-One Facing // Threads Sewing // Youtube

Final Thoughts

  • This dress pattern is a keeper and a possible TNT. The princess seams, the ties at the shoulder, and the internal bra make this dress extremely wearable and flattering. Love it!

Vanilla Hand dyed, Handspun Socks

PROJECT DETAILS

Status FO
Started 5/5/2022
Completed 6/25/2022
Pattern Name Vanilla Handspun Socks
Designer Me
Yarn 76 grams // Hand dyed, Handspun // Paradise Fibers Premium Sock Blend
Needles US 1 // 2.25mm, 40" circular

NOTES

These are my first hand dyed, handspun socks. It was quite the process, but I must say that I feel very cosy when I am wearing these time intensive socks.

PATTERN NOTES {Vanilla Toe-Up Socks]

  • CO 8 (Judy’s Magic Cast On)

  • US 1, 2.25mm, two-at-a-time socks, magic loop

  • Alternate between Increase rounds [M1R, M1L (both needles)] and Knit rows until 44 stitches (22 stitches each needle)

  • Knit rows until foot reaches 7.5”

  • Fleegle Heel (used the tutorials under resources)

  • After heel rows, add increases to each needle (every other row) until there are 48 stitches (26 stitches each needle) — to best fit my ankle width

  • Knit until I like the sock length (or to use up as much yarn as possible)

  • Finish with a 1x1 rib and use tubular bind-off for stretchy rib finish

RESOURCES

Final Thoughts

This is my go-to vanilla sock pattern. One change to consider, if I could do it again, I think I would add 4 more stitches after the heel to give a bit more room for the 1x1 rib or go up several sizes of knitting needles after the heel.

Ravelry Project Page

Vogue 8146 V2: Dress

PROJECT DETAILS

Status Finished
Started 4/11/2022
Finished 5/30/2022
Pattern Name Vogue 8146
Size 10 [final],12 [muslin #1]
Fabric Thrifted Mystery Polyester Twill Fabric
Notions Thread, zipper
Machines Sewing, Serger

NOTES

I decided to take a break from pants making. And so, on a fabric buying whim, I decided to start sewing V 8146.

  • First try: Traced and cut out a straight size 12 dress. There were some fitting issues: gapping under arm seams and neckline; bust darts too high; petite dress fold lines; and swayback

  • Second try: Traced and cut out a straight size 10 dress.

  • Third try: Size 10 with modifications:

    • Reduced the length of the slit from 10” to 7.5:”

    • Bring in back french darts to account for swayback

    • Adjust neckline by 1/2” on back piece; Actually, I think I have a rounded back and I decided to follow the rounded back adjustment tutorial I found on Youtube

Resources Used

Modifications

  • Petite adjustment (above the waistline only)

  • Rounded back adjustment

  • Added 2” at lengthen line

  • Shorten the split from 10” to 7.5” and adjust the circles

  • Move the first circle up by 1.5” and then stitch above the metal stopper

  • Place zipper tape higher and ensure that it starts near the top zipper stopper to prevent a gap at the neckline

  • Added 1/2” at hip

FINAL THOUGHTS

I originally bought some beautiful, easter feeling tweed. Alas, I got overwhelmed with matching the fabric pattern. So, I decided to use up some mystery polyester twill-ish fabric and to just get this thing sewn.

I was able to work through my sewing block, and I ended up liking the end result. I made the dress long, which means that it works best with heels. If I make a future version of this pattern, I will make one that is shorter so I have more shoe options. The black fabric (pictured) is sitting in my stash and waiting for another go at this pattern.

Tip Top Tank // Maker Maker [Free Pattern]

PROJECT DETAILS

Status FO
Started 5/17/2022
Completed 5/25/2022
Pattern Name Tip Top Tank
Designer Maker Maker
Size M
My Measurements Bust: 35" Waist: 27" Hips: 38.25"
Yarn Galileo // Sport Weight Yarn // Knit Picks; 4 balls, 131 yds./50g, Color: Calliope (T065)
Needles US 3 (3.25mm) // US 4 (3.5mm) 40" Circular

NOTES

This was a breeze to knit. This is also my first “summer” knit garment. Summers in Anchorage, Alaska are pretty mild, so I can wear sweaters year round (especially on cooler summer nights). However, as soon as I saw this tank I knew that I would like to try to knit it.

MODIFICATIONS

  • 1x1 tubular cast on for both hems

    • Used Andrea Mowry’s Cast On

    • After Cast On, 1st Row: Purl, Slip 1 knit stitch (as if to purl); 2nd Row: Knit, Slip 1 purl stitch; Row 3: Purl, Slip 1 knit stitch (as if to purl); Row 4: Knit, Slip 1 purl stitch Be sure that the stitches (purl and knit) are not twisted on the needle. If they are knit, purl, or slip into back leg to untwist.

  • Used a genius modification by Recreates (on Ravelry) to raise the back by 6 rows

RESOURCES

Final Thoughts

This pattern is one of the best. Free, fun, and a breeze to knit — I loved wearing it almost as much as I loved knitting it. Almost.

Ravelry Project Page

Vanilla Fingerless Mitts - Malabrigo Lace Yarn

PROJECT DETAILS

Status FO
Started 5/8/2022
Completed 5/13/2022
Pattern Name Vanilla Fingerless Mitts
Designer Me
Yarn Malabrigo Lace // Leftovers // Pearl & Pink Frost
Needles US 4 // 3.5mm, 40" circular

NOTES

I have so many bits and bobs when it comes to left over yarn. So, I decided to knit my own vanilla fingerless mitt pattern.

PATTERN NOTES {Vanilla Fingerless Mitts]

  • CO 36 (Crochet Tubular Cast On, two-at-a-time)

  • US 4, 3.5mm

Final Thoughts

  • These came out a little short, but are very well-used. I didn’t take the first “FO” photo until after I had worn them almost daily. They are pilled, but still lovely, soft, and warm.

Ravelry Project Page