Monday, May 14, 2012

A Happy Hoodie



This Vogue 8006  hoodie is my entry in the PR Natural Fibers contest. My review of it is below the photos.

It was fun to make and is my homage to the maxi-dress of the 70's. Which, by the way, I wore then... Scroll way down to the bottom to see yours truly at Pat O'Brien's in 1972 when I wore a sexier version... But for now...fast forward MANY years...







And here is my review of this pattern:

Pattern Description: Fitted dresses A, B (semi-fitted through bust) have self-lined hood and bodice, side slits, front zipper, narrow hem and two lengths. A, B, C, D cup sizes. My comment: With the exception of the bodice, I am baffled by why Vogue describes this as a fitted dress. It is shapeless, sacky and baggy below the bodice, which is what you'd expect from a casual hoodie but they are calling it a fitted dress.
Pattern Sizing:
6-14
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, I think so.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Typically Vogue, fairly straitghforward. Although it was not printed in the instructions, the graphics showed topstitching along both sides of the seam going up the hood. I attempted this from both the lining side (printed fabric on mine) as well as the fabric (solid orange) side and I quickly found that whichever side I topstitched on I was not going to be happy with the result on the other side not being neatly aligned to that seam so I left that detail off.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes: the cup sizes first and foremost. I probably wouldn't have given this pattern a second look were it not for that. I liked the fully lined bodice giving the inside of your garment a nice finish. The drafting on this pattern was exceptionally good, the hood and bodice went together very nicely. No dislikes!
Fabric Used:
I am entering this in the Natural Fibers contest and I decided on cotton for my fabric. For the solid colors I used Robert Kaufman Kona cotton in tangerine and curry purchased online at the Fat Quarter Shop. Last week I wrote a review on that fantastic buying experience that you can read
here. The print is quilting cotton purchased locally at High Fashion. This was the dream project as far as fabrics go...good cotton is so awesome to work with. It does need a good press, though, but I'm one of those weird-os who loves to iron...lol

During my search for the perfect cotton I learned that not all Kona cottons are created equal. I read many reviews on the Kona that Joann sells citing major shrinkage and color bleeding. With the Robert Kaufman Kona I had virtually no shrinkage and no color bleed.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I cut a 12 D and graded out toward a 14 at the hips but ended up taking that back to a 12.

I did nip the waist in a bit to give it a little more shape.

I shortened the upper skirt portion 3". If you make the long version you will want to be sure to make your lengthen/shorten adjustment on the on the mark given for that above the waist. If you make it on the lower skirt portion, or at the hem, it will distort the proportion of that color in relation to the bodice. It think that's an important detail that should have been pointed out in the pattern somewhere.

It has been quite some time since I have inserted anything but an invisible zipper so after staring at Vogue's instructions and then the zipper package for a while I found a great tip in the Threads Sewing Guide which is poorly reproduced
here. Basically, you baste your seam. Align the zipped teeth to the seam, baste or fuse in place (I used Steam-A-Seam Lite and it worked great) then on the right side lay down a piece of 1/2" Scotch tape with the seam in the center of it and then the tape provides a perfect template to topstitch around and you can see what you're doing as you go. Brilliant!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I do recommend it and I actually might make it again. My original intent for making this one was to wear to the club when I swim laps. The longer I sewed on it the more I liked it and the less I wanted to be sitting around in a wet, chlorinated swim suit on this beautiful cotton. I might make one out of a synthetic for the pool!
Conclusion:
Is it me or is the envelope for this pattern the most uninspiring thing you've ever seen? Even the model photos on
BVM are dull. Like I said, the cup sizes called my name and then I saw the contest coming up, and then when I saw that the bodice and hood were lined, the wheels started turning thinking how cute this might be in some fun fabric...well, anyway, this is what was in my head... which is sometimes a scary place to be!


And now...if you've read this far you must really want to see that 1972 flashback...

8 comments:

  1. What fun! You always find the most wonderful fabrics and colours. And love the flashback pic ;-P

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi there, I love this on you! I am so glad to see this made up so beautifully. The cup sizes called to me also - but I hesitated because of the lack of shape. I think this is perfect for the pool or beach. Beautiful colors!


    Andrea
    Satinbirddesigns.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. How fun is this!! You transformed the Manchacha package into a festive summer frock Great job on the zipper and the hoodie lining is super.! I think it's ideal for the pool regardless of the chlorine!
    Wishing you the best of luck in the Natural Fibers Contest - you'll certainly get my vote!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, this is super darling. I bought the pattern and want to make it up in some stripes...as in "striped djelleba" (Crosby, Stills and Nash).

    ReplyDelete
  5. The fabric you've used is wonderful. Just your colours and I raced to see the flashback pic. Just brilliant.
    Best of luck in the contest.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks so much for the details! I just got this pattern; like you I wouldn't have looked twice except for the cup sizing. I will be attempting it for the PR One Pattern, Many Looks contest, but using view A (short sleeves) and cutting the length at the bottom of the zipper.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is so very kewl! Love your version of this pattern and its inspiring me to make my own version!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love your fun dress! I just found your blog via Goodbye Valentino and we share locations. I live in Atascocita (NE of Houston) and I grew up in Webster Groves, MO - small world, eh? I also share your coloring and love your fabric choices. Do you belong to any sewing organizations in the area like ASG?

    Karen

    ReplyDelete

Hi...thanks for stopping by...I love reading your comments! If you have questions and would like a personal response, please email me at artattack77024@gmail.com. Now...go sew!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.