Tim Gunn's Basic Dress - Completed!

This has actually been done for quite a while, but I've been lazy on getting this posted.  This is the famous Vogue 8379 wrap dress.  I made it in a matte jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics, and I lengthened the ties.  I used the flutter sleeves from the Simplicity 4076 top without alteration, and they turned out great.  I tried Nancy Zieman's sway-back alteration, and I think this is the version of that particular alteration that I like the best.

This still needs to be hemmed, but I've been toying with not hemming it (so lazy!).

Cost Breakdown - All Occasion Top

I decided to track a cost breakdown for each item, it might help someone else out (and help me realize how much I'm saving or not-saving in doing this project!).

Fabric - 2 yards of Floral Mesh from Gorgeous Fabrics, $16.00
Thread - Gutterman Sew-All Thread, I don't remember if I got it on sale or not, $1.99 full-price
Elastic - Dritz 3/8" Clear Elastic, I also don't remember if I got it on sale, $2.29 full-price

Total: $20.28, minus shipping and taxes.  Not bad!

Tim Gunn's Any Occasion Top - Completed!

I'm only sort of happy with the way this one turned out.  Maybe later I will update this with a different pattern or material.  I used a mesh from Gorgeous Fabrics, and used Ann's Mesh Tutorial to make the top.  It's very soft and comfy, and I really like the print.  However, the seams get very bulky very quickly.

I used clear elastic in the shoulder seams, front band, and arm scyes.  The elasticated seams turned out very stiff; I hope that it softens after I wash it.  I also sewed the sleeves in flat.

I made my 3" swayback correction in the back, but I think the next time I make the pattern up I'll use a different method that won't warp the shape of the piece so much.

The pattern itself is very nice.  The seams line up nicely and everything comes together very quickly.  You can check out the full pattern review here.

Vogue 8382 Completed!

Well, almost completed.  The photos are pre-hem, and I also need to finish up some things on the inside (end of zipper, raw edges on pleats).

 I think it fits great, although when I make this pattern up next time I will take a little bit out of the center back.  When I made the swayback alteration it looks like there's a third pleat in there.  It also looks like I don't need to add back the entire 3 inches on the bottom that I took out at the waist.

The pieces on this fit really well together, even with my alterations.  I also don't think the slit in front is too low, although we'll see what the boyfriend has to say about it when he gets back.

I was really happy with the invisible zipper job that I did on this; the bodice/skirt seams line up perfectly!  While a few of my other seams don't line up as well, I'm really proud of the invisible zipper I did on this dress.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Twinset

While a twinset is not on Tim Gunn's Essentials list, I already have enough active wear and am substituting the twinset for Tim's sweatsuit alternative.  This is New Look 6735.  I'll probably not make the belt on the cardigan and have buttons instead.  I'll need 3 1/8 yards of 60" sweaterknit for this.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Jacket

I don't have a Chanel or Chanelesque jacket, but I'd dearly love one.  I've heard they're a true luxury to wear.  This is Vogue's 7975, also very popular on Pattern Review.  I'll need 1 5/8 yards of 60" boucle, 7/8 yards of interfacing, and 1 3/8 yards of 45" lining.  I'll also need to come up with some trim.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Daydress

I really like Simplicity 2369, as it looks both comfortable and nice enough for the office.  I'll need 1 3/4 yards of 60" knit fabric for this.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Skirt

I've been meaning to make up McCall's 4783 for a long time; I bought a skirt at a discount store that was very similar which I've been meaning to copy in nicer fabric.  I'll probably make it a little shorter though.  I'll need 1 5/8 yards of fabric (probably the same RPL I use for the pants).

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Any Occasion Top

Simplicity 4076 is another popular pattern on Pattern Review.  I might alter the twist top pattern to make the daydress, but I haven't decided yet.  I need 1 1/2 yards of knit fabric for this; I bought 3 yards of a pretty floral mesh and will double up the shirt front and back parts.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Jeans

Vogue 1034 is supposed to be an awesome jeans pattern.  Sandra Betzina has an awesome tutorial on how to do a fly zipper.  I need 1 3/4 yards of denim, 1/2 yard of 22" interfacing, and 7/8 yard of 45" lining.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Classic Shirt

Simplicity 2339 has all the basic shirt elements that David Coffin mentions in Shirtmaking.  I need 2 1/4 yards of 45" broadcloth, and 7/8 yard of interfacing.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Dress Pants

Vogue 2907 are some pretty sexy Alice and Olivia pants.  Whoever came up with the idea that women could get away with wearing cigarette pants is crazy.  I need 2 1/8 yards of pant fabric (probably RPL), 5/8 yard of interfacing and 3/8 yard of 45" lining.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Trench Coat

McCall's 5525 is a very popular trench coat pattern on Pattern Review.  I'd like to make View E, the long version, and add the gun flap (on the correct side!).  I'll need 3 1/4 yards of 60" raincoat fabric, 2 3/8 yards of 22" sew-in interfacing, and 2 5/8 yards of 45" lining.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Basic Dress

Vogue 8379 is a Diane von Furstenburg wrap dress knock-off.  I have a thin knit jersey for this, so I'll probably line it, but I might find something a little beefier to use.  I need 2 1/2 yards of 60" fabric.