Geeky sewing. – Eclectic Seams

Costumes, Geeky sewing., Handmade, Sewing

Harry Potter Robe – Simplicity 8723 Review.

November 6, 2018 eclecticseams

I recently made a Harry Potter robe using Simplicity 8723. I wore this to a couple of halloween events but I’m sure I’ll be wearing this anytime of the year. This pattern is great includes robes, sweater and tie in child and teen sizes XS-L and adult sizes XS-XL. The pattern runs large, I made a small and it was a little to big. I’m 5’4″ and 120 pounds just to give you an idea. I didn’t size down because my children, now taller than me, might want to wear it sometimes.

I used black gabardine and stretch sateen in biking red for the facings and lining both from Joann’s. I bought the iron on appliqué patch at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter store in Orlando a few years ago. I wanted to buy the robe but for a $120 I was like I can made that for half as much. I expend around $50 without thread that I already had and the closure that I removed from a cape I made a while ago.

The only modification I made was adding lining to the sleeves. I wanted to line the whole thing but decided not to since I’m planing to wear it next time I visit Universal Studios. Overall this is a very easy pattern and great for beginners. I definitely recommend it just don’t forget to size down.

Geeky sewing., Handmade, Sewing

McCall’s 6885 Review.

May 31, 2018August 8, 2022 eclecticseams

I have been organizing my sewing space. I sew in the living room, fabric and sewing supplies are quietly invading the rest of the house. So I decided to get rid of my unfinished projects to make space. There were many that only needed minimal work, so I decided to keep a few. Like this one, McCalls 6885.

This is the cutest and easiest shirtdress I ever made! I started it nine months ago (shameless) Back then fall was approaching so I cut view D. Obviously I had to reconsider my choice now that summer is almost here, so I omitted the sleeves. I used this awesome Star Wars printed rayon challis. I bought this one during my L.A fabric shopping trip last year. I paid $3.99 a yard for it! Shocking I know.

This is how I sewed the curved hem. I ran a line of wide machine basting stitches 1/4″ from the raw edge of the hem. Then I folded and pressed the hem using the basting stitch line as a guide. I gently pulled the threads from the stitching line to ease the extra fabric in place as I was pressing. I pressed and folded the hemline a second time before sewing it in place.

McCalls 6885.

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, pullover shirtdresses have pointed collar, collar/front bands, button-up placket, front pleat and narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing: 8-16 and 16 – 24. I cut size 8.

Difficulty: Easy. If you have trouble sewing the placket there’s a tutorial on the McCalls blog here. For the collar you just need to transfer all of your markings and notches.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked everything.

Fabric Used: I used rayon challis from Angel’s Textiles in Los Angeles. Sorry they don’t have a website.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes! Overall this is a cute and easy pattern to dress up or down.

Costumes, Geeky sewing., Sewing

C2E2 2017.

April 28, 2017March 21, 2022 eclecticseams

I wanted to attend C2E2 since forever, but my antisocial ways wouldn’t let me. This year my niece took pity on me and invited me. I attended on my birthday, since I’m not getting any younger I decided to face my fears. I mean Disney had prepared me for this right? How bad could it be? There was a huge crowd but I managed to control my anxiety and I survived!!

I decided to wear a costume like two weeks before, I procrastinate like I get paid, no kidding. Took me another week to start sewing, I had big plans you know but I had to settle for vintage Cat Woman. I used this glittery knit fabric that was super thin, I had lined the whole thing. I also used my first PDF pattern by Mimi G, don’t tell her she might think I disrespected her pattern..😂 Available Here.

This pattern was super easy, took me longer to tape the pages together. I installed the zipper on the back instead of the front, something I regretted on my first trip to the restroom, and I also changed the neckline. Next time I’ll take better pictures since all I see is my donut belly. Something that could have been easily fixed by using compression mesh as lining. Next time I’ll sew this pattern the way it was intended to.

I can’t see my waist but I can see Captain America!

20170422_180739-2 — Can’t leave without a picture of Solo in Carbonite!

The Artist Alley was my favorite part of the convention. There were so many awesome Cosplayers and a huge selection of Comic Books. I just might return next year.