Description: Wrap front dress has soft pleats, side tie, and sleeve variations. Dress B has collar.

If you've been reading my site for a while, then you would know that I LOVE wrap dresses! I had been reluctant to buy this pattern for the longest. I just didn't see the point because it was so similar to the Kwik Sew patterns that I had done last year. But, I had seen great reviews on it and thought, "What the heck?" So I decided to give this one a shot... what could it hurt?

Let me tell you what I liked about this pattern: I like the 3/4 length sleeves. This is the perfect wrap dress for early Fall and Spring. However, I love the full length sleeves of the Kwik Sew pattern. This dress was a little shorter than I would normally choose, but since I knew that I would be wearing it this Fall, I kept it at this length and added tights. I will probably make this again, maybe the short sleeve version for summer. But if I had to choose, I would definitely pick Kwik Sew 3489 for my TNT wrap dress.

This is Vogue Pattern's version of Badgley Mischka's pants from their Fall 2007 collection. When this pattern was first released, I knew I would make these pants. They have great details that really made them unique. After looking at the line drawing, knew right then that I would add my own special touches. I made my usual pattern alteration of lengthening. I added 5" to the length. I also took in the CB seam on the pants and waistband 3/8". Also, 3/8" on each dart.

These pants have those great front pockets that most of us love... the ones that connect to the center front. This keeps the pockets lying flat. The pocket seams are finished with seam binding.

I find it interesting that the pattern recommend tweed and wools and didn't provide instructions for a lining. I like all of my dress trousers, especially those of the wool variety, to be lined. I decided that I only needed a partially lining... in places that would be itchy and to prevent baggy knee. I cut my lining 5" below the knee. I cut the lining on the cross grain and used the selvage for the hem. I used "Easy Guide to Sewing Linings" as my reference.

I made my tabs and piping from leather I recycled from an old leather skirt. I made my piping by cutting leather strips on the bias and using postal twine for my cording. I used "High-Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World's Best Designers" as my reference. Since it was leather, I used a lot of glue to assist me. I sewed the piping using my zipper foot. I made the tabs by gluing two pieces of leather, wrong sides together and then cutting them out. I topstitched and trimmed close to the stitch line and made machine buttonholes. For the belt loops, I followed the instructions and applied glue as I folded. Once the glue was dry, I used a warm iron and a pressing cloth to flatten so the leather would be more pliable. Then I topstitched.

I recommend these pants if you'd like something with a little more style to them. I think these would look great in linen also, so I'll probably make these again next Spring.

Description: Semi-fitted, unlined jacket has princess seams, collar extends into front band, slightly dropped shoulders, pocket, French seams, purchased trim and two-piece sleeve.

This is my first completed item for the Mini-Wardrobe Contest. I've got to get on the ball!

This is my second time making this jacket. I made version one January 2007. Even though I *thought* that I would only make one jacket of this type, I loved the original one so much I had to make it again. Again, I differed from the suggested fabric of gabardine and denim. I wanted this unlined jacket to have a bit of a cardigan feel to it. Even though it is unlined, I wanted it to have a bit of structure, so I underlined it with silk organza.

The instructions suggested french seams. They are edgestitched and topstitched like denim, which created a faux flat-felled finish. This time I left off the pockets. Since I've made this jacket before, I knew for a fact that I would not use them. Also, the darts are topstitched. When I topstitch, I use a 4.0 mm stitch.

I took the waist in a tad bit so the jacket would be fitted instead of "semi-fitted" for a more tailored look. I did have to move the front darts over about half an inch. I also opted to leave off the trim. I used an eye and hook for closure. Also, I love the fact that it has 2-piece sleeves. I think I'll be retiring this pattern... THIS time!

Must give a big ole thanks Monica (CreoleinDC) for picking this fabulous, fabulous fabric at Metro Textiles!

Here's my "masterpiece"! LOL The picture is a martini with olives. I like cosmos, so that's what I painted!

On the sewing front: I've been working on my Mini-Wardrobe and I will be reviewing those pieces soon!