Make Nine 2022 Update

We're halfway through the year and my Make Nine is surprisingly (for me) going pretty well. I've managed to complete and/or work on 8 of 9 items. One of those items was muslined a few years ago, so maybe that shouldn't count. I re-read the instructions for the pattern so that's something, right?

Top Row

• New Look 6560:  I finished this a couple of months ago (mentioned briefly here). I really like the top, but definitely could have used an FBA. I'll definitely need to wear a camisole underneath and add a snap to keep the front from gaping.

• New Look 6968:  I really wanted to like this top after I saw some versions on IG and YouTube. The issue here is that it's just too big. I got lazy with not wanting to do an FBA (knowing full well that I need it) and cut a size 18 all around. The neckline/shoulder area is just too big for my frame and it shows. You can see the size of the neck opening on my dressform.
  

 

Each pattern size is printed separately, so there was no easy way to blend sizes. I'm sure I could have figured something out, but I chose haste over proper fit. Meh. I'll wear it a few times and probably let it go.

• Simplicity 8948:  This pattern has been in and out of rotation many times and I've finally taken time to work on it. I cut size 14 everywhere and made a 1-inch FBA, rotating the dart to the shoulder pleats. I also added a 1/2-inch broad back adjustment. I worked through a second muslin with the changes and don't think it looks that good. It's too tight across the back and something is wonky with the neckline pleats. So this pattern is a fail for now. I need to protect my fragile sewing mojo and working more on this is not a good idea. =)
  

Middle Row

• wild card (fabric purchased abroad): I bought a cut of bouclé from Eurokangas whilst in Finland in 2019. It has the most wonderful colors, but is also hard to match with other fabrics. Weird. This purple wool knit is the best I could find for now.
  

The skirt pattern is Burda 2-2020-108. I cut a size 42 and added one-inch side seam allowances (ended up not needing the extra room). I also cut two inches off the overall length because the skirt was too long for my height. The skirt is lined with rayon Bemberg and the waist is faced with 1.5"-wide petersham.

• Oro Rosa Catalina cross-body bag:  This was a replacement for the Oro Rosa Magdalena circle bag. I love this bag so much - even with all of its flaws. More thoughts on this bag and pattern are here.
  

• Ottobre 5-2011-11:  This is the pattern that was muslined some time ago. Like with New Look 6698, I tried avoiding an FBA by cutting a larger size. Given that this is a coat, having the extra room isn't a bad thing, though there are some areas (sleeves, side and center back) that can be taken in. I think I'll do a second muslin with a smaller size and an FBA.

Bottom row

• McCall's 7627:  This is the only pattern on this grid I've yet to tackle. I made view B  from this pattern in 2018 and wear it regularly. I'd like to make either view C or D, but after reading my old review, I'm not sure I want to fool the wrap-tie area again. I have to look at the instructions. If it looks like the same hassle, I will replace this pattern with something else.

• Simplicity 8014:  Welp, I've tried this version twice...no...three times and it's no for me.

I cut a size 16 and made a 1-inch FBA, converted to shoulder princess seams. Still, the bust is a bit tight and I'm over it. I think the fault here is in the fabric. It's a medium-weight chambray with no give and just not suitable for this design. I've already put this in the donation pile. Maybe someone can wear it as a duster.

• Vogue 9299, view B: I LOVE THIS TUNIC. OMG. Listen. I do not know what took me so long to make this. Well, that's not true. 😅 I was lazy with making the FBA. I've got it in my mind to just take the time and make the adjustment because I know I need it.

I traced a 14 in the neckline, shoulder, and upper armscye - transitioning to 16 in the lower armscye and everywhere else. I also made these adjustments:

• 5/8" FBA, converted to shoulder princess seams
• removed 1/2-inch in length between shoulder and bust (on front and back)
• removed 1/2-inch across the sleeve cap to match the last adjustment

I'm almost finished with a second version of this tunic. I'll write a second blog post about both versions when I've finished the second. Suffice it to say, I will be making many more tops/dresses from this pattern!

That's all for the update. I'm happy to have completed 2/3 of the grid so far. Ideally, I'd like to finish the pea coat before it gets too cold to wear it.

 

I'll probably switch gears to sewing for the upcoming PR Mini Wardrobe contest. The rules haven't been posted, but I'm sure there will at least be some combination of tops, bottoms, and perhaps a topper. I'm working on muslins of intended garments and will share some details soon.

(I don't know what's going on with the font formatting. Blogger can be finicky. Apologies if the text sizes are off.)

L