Saturday, July 18, 2009

Kwik Sew 3523 and 400th post



Description: Misses’ tops and tunic have scoop neckline with gathers at center front and center back. Armholes and neckline are finished with narrow bindings. View A is tunic style with contrast empire inset and bindings. View B is gathered to wide band at bottom edge. View C is hemmed at bottom edge.

Why I bought this pattern: Oldest daughter had purchased a tunic from Express just like the one on the model, I thought I would make her a couple more tops. I never seemed to get around to that. While looking through all my patterns, I rediscovered this pattern and thought the tank top would be great for the summer.

Sizing: XS to XL

Instructions: Like I always say, Kwik Sew instructions are terrific. I do wish they would update their pattern envelopes, probably would help with pattern sales.

Likes/Dislikes: I like the look of the tank top but with this pattern you get a few extras to make the tank top a bit more stylish. I also like using up my less than 1 yard pieces of knits.


Changes: The first time I made this in a medium and it was too big. The second time I made a small, much better and then the third time, I made the small again and decreased the bottom band by 1”.

Fabric: Three knits leftover from other projects.

Conclusion: I cute tank top that is perfect for hot summer days. Since it is loose through the middle it seems to be cooler and more comfortable in Missouri’s heat and humidity.

I might make the tunic for the twins, I have the blue and white pointelle (from yesterday's Jalie pattern post) and then some white ribbing. This would be a very cute tunic and I think it would look great on them. I better ask first, before I sew it up.

Okay here is the pink one on me. Three pictures were taken by dd#3 and in each one I had my eyes closed! So no head shots this time.


Side view:




Front, I didn't have enough fabric to bind the top with the pink/white knit, so I used white ribbing. This is the one I took 1" off the band.




This is the first one, wrong size, knit doesn't have much recovery. As a result, this top will always be worn under a cardigan or jacket. I do like the colors of this knit. I am going to try to wash it in hot water and then a hot dryer, that should help some.




Last one, I had enough fabric to cut the binding on the bias.




Podcast is up, yea!! Off to sew a BWOF blouse. Hubby is working on the Habitat for Humanity house in our town, then we are heading for some shopping this afternoon. I am looking for a couple of chairs, we will see.
In honor of my 400th post, I am going to have a giveaway. It will be a surprise, either a book or magazine from my library of sewing books. So leave a comment, let's see, what is your favorite garment I have made. I will draw next Tuesday. Thanks all for reading and commenting.

17 comments:

  1. That's hard because you make such great stuff. If I had to choose one...I'd say the Vogue 8571 turquoise dress. Happy 400th post!

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  2. You've been sewing up a storm lately--well, since the wedding is done! Great tops.

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  3. I don't know that I've ever commented before, but I love seeing your creations! It makes me think about sewing a lot more. I'll keep working on that. I have to agree- Vogue 8571 dress is my latest favorite!

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  4. Lori,
    You have been doing a lot of sewing! I went through the back issues of your blog and found 3 favorites.
    One: Simplicity 2850, top. You made it from that cool border print that Cidell and Gigi both made fab items from it.
    Two: New Look 6823, dress. Love the fabric!
    Three: Vogue 2614, jacket. Just an awesome biker jacket!
    Thanks for sharing your sewing with us!

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  5. Great quick knits- I love them! I love your lace jacket....but I also love your strip skirt...and many others

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  6. Nothing beats finding a pattern that works and running with it for a few garments.

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  7. kathy9:07 PM

    I can't just choose one favorite!I learn something from everything you make. keep the blog and podcast going.

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  8. I like the blue pointelle knit shirt posted on 7/17. Looks very cool for summer. I'm ALWAYS amazed at the amount of quality sewing you get done!

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  9. Happy 400th post! It s hard to choose a fave... but recently I would have to say the bathing suits that you have made. I can never find one that fits me the way I want so I may have to try to make my own. Love the tips you give when you review patterns. Thanks!

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  10. Anonymous9:06 AM

    my favorite was the BWOF 5/2008 #104. I'm always inspired not only by what you sew, but how well and quickly.
    Congratulations on the wedding; the photos were great.

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  11. You have made so many beautiful things it's hard to pick just one. I love both of your Amy Butler bags, but if I have to pick just one it would have to be the Sophia bag. I love it!

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  12. Susan P7:07 PM

    Lori, I think the bathing suits you made for your daughters are just adorable. The fit is great and the choice of fabrics wonderful. What an inspiration!

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  13. Hi Lori,

    I think I have to pick the green lace jacket (BWOF 2/2009 #116)that you worked so hard at until you finally had a style and fit that really works for you. That jacket turned out so cute in the end, and I loved seeing how you kept working on it. That really inspires me for those times when what I initially make isn't as flattering as I'd like it to be. Thanks, Lori. You continue to inspire and encourage through your sewing adventures.

    Blessings!
    Karen

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  14. Dinah, IN7:56 PM

    Great post, Lori. You are an inspiration to me! I have a hard time narrowing it down to one favorite garment that you've made. I guess I'm like so many of your podcast guests... my favorite one is the most recent one you've sewn!

    Dinah

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  15. I look forward to seeing what you have made next. I've been gone for five days and you have been very prolific. My most recent favs are the blue turquoise Vogue dress and the BWOF green blouse.

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  16. Actually, I am "anonymous". Don't know how it happened.

    Anyway, my favorite was the BWOF 5/2008 #104. I'm always inspired not only by what you sew, but how well and quickly.
    Congratulations on the wedding; the photos were great.

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  17. Katherine-wvsewista9:09 PM

    I like the stripey kwik sew 3523, view B. Very nice, and fun with the bias binding.

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