McCall’s 7977- A Prairie Blouse

I noticed that there is a #Targetdresschallenge happening on Facebook. Target is selling these Little House on the Prairie style dresses and people (men and women) are posting themselves wearing them outdoors, on a farm, with chickens, etc. It’s hilarious.

But I must say, the prairie look is pretty cute, as long as it’s not overboard. Ruffles on a blouse or dress is a very pretty look. That’s why I really like this blouse. I call it the “Prairie Blouse”.

McCall’s 7977 is described as a loose fitting, pullover top. There are 4 views included with this pattern. There are 2 lengths of sleeves- long or above the elbow. There are two options for the sleeves- with cuffs or elasticized with a little ruffle at the bottom of the sleeve. There are 2 types of yokes- sheer or non-sheer. The back neck has a keyhole with button and thread loop. You can elasticize the waist or leave it as it is. There is also an option to put trim on the bottom.

I recently sewed up two blouses using this pattern. For my first one, I chose view B. Instead of the cuffed sleeves, I put elastic at the very end of the sleeves. Also, instead of sewing up the neck facing, I used bias binding to finish the neck. Although I cut out the keyhole at the back neck, I kept the bias binding all around the neck (not unattached) since I was able to fit my head through. I used a shirting fabric that I purchased from FabricMart. Here’s the finished product:

I made another blouse minus the keyhole at the back neck using black cotton fabric that I had in my stash.

If you’re tired of wearing sweats and T-shirts, these prairie blouses are perfect to wear when you want to feel a little dressed up while lounging around the house. Happy Sewing!

Simplicity 8872- Ruffles at the Bottom

I finished my Simplicity 8872 dress recently. I used a silky type fabric that I purchased at Joanns. It was a doorbuster for only $4 a yard. I used about 3 yards for this dress. I like the color and the little flowers on the fabric.

I sewed up view C which is a mid length (for me) with ruffles at the bottom. It has a few modifications. I did not add the cord at the top which is used to tie the collar together. I had to shorten the sleeves due to my short height. Instead of adding elastic around the waist, I added a tie at the sides long enough so that it can be wrapped to the back and tied at the front. I like how it turned out:

And it has pockets!

I learned how important it is to clip the curves. Especially around the neck collar. If I had not clipped the curves (and corners) of the V neck around the collar, it would have stuck out. Clipping the curves really helped to lay the collar flat.

If I make this dress again, I would like to try either adding on the cording or the trim. Dresses with ruffles make me happy!

Happy sewing!

New Look 6525- a dress with a cowl neck

I made New Look 6525 recently. It’s my 5th time using this pattern. The first time I used this pattern was to make a dress for my daughter. New Look 6525. I also made her a top using this pattern. I used this pattern again to make a top for myself. It was supposed to be a dress but I had difficulty attaching the gathers at the bottom. A good thing that came out of that sewing project was that I learned how to gather using a serger. What a difference! I made a top using this pattern at the beginning of this year as well. New Look 6525- A comfy at home top

This is a swing dress with a cowl neck and cuffed, gathered long sleeves. I used an ITY knit and it was my first time sewing with this type of fabric. I like the feel of it. It’s very soft but I must admit it’s difficult to sew with. Sewing with a serger helped alot but it was still pretty slippery. I had the most difficulty with the cowl neck.

I like the way it turned out.

I like the look of the gathered, cuffed sleeves. They were fun to sew together too.

Happy Sewing!