Muslin Butterick 6166

Well, the dress has been started.  Here's the line drawings:

My thoughts were to do dress B with the sleeves from C at a 3/4 length.  After examining the pattern, I decided to start with a size 18 as a base dress.  I have never chosen to start with a dress in this size before but my thinking was that I should start closest to my bust/hip size.  I have a not so flattering knit it stash and decided that it would be a good muslin fabric.  So, I cut out the base dress which isn't shown as an option but it's there.  If you take away the gathered piece at the waist and the overlay, there's a very basic knit dress.  If I can get that part to fit the rest will be easy.  I'm also guessing that the dress will need a minimum of 3 inches to be correct length but that can be added later.  Here's the first effort on the muslin:

Not too bad for straight from the envelope with really quick and dirty sewing.  I didn't hem anything here.  My first thought was the the shoulder line fell too far off my shoulder but when I looked a picture of the dress, I'm not so sure.  Here's a picture of the sleeveless version:

I do think that the neckline is too wide on me when compared to the pattern picture.  Other changes that I see from the picture is that I need to change the angle of the shoulder line just a bit, maybe a 1/4".   So, here's my little list of things to do:

1.  Change the shoulder angel just a bit.  This I can do to the existing muslin.
2.  Change the shoulder length just a bit.  This I can do to the existing muslin.
3.  Remark the waist so I can see it in the pictures.  This I can do to the existing muslin.
4.  Double-check the neckline against the information provided on fit in the pattern.  I think it said that it was 5/8" before a jewel neckline.  This can be done on the existing.
5.  Check the back shaping.  This can be done on the existing muslin.  (I didn't provide pictures of this because my down and dirty sewing wasn't so good here, lol.)  --  do darts, check waistline.
6.  Double-check hem-line length.  It's hard to decide that looking at these pictures.  My son is almost a foot taller than me.
7.  Adjust sleeve length.

Hopefully, the next time you hear about this dress it will be finished and not tossed as a wadder.  I'm hoping that the overlay and the banding will be nice to my belly.

The subject for the March monthly get together has been decided.  We will be working on different techniques for binding.  This will mostly be for quilting or home-dec type items.  Specifically, we will be working with a binder that my friend purchase and has never been able to get it to work.  Have you ever been to a sewing show, saw a demo, purchased the item, and then couldn't get it to work?  I'm hoping that we can get this working for her as she spent a lot of money on this particular binding system.

Happy Stitching!

More Denim On It's Way...

Oh, yes, I have 5 yards of denim headed in my direction sometime in the future.  I had signed up for the notification at Close Case Patterns for when they were getting some more of the Cone Mills denim.  I did search high and low to see if someone else was selling the Cone Mills denim.  Unfortunately, the denim isn't made here in the US and that is what I was actually looking for.  I'm sure that it will turn out OK.  The denim is still a top brand of denim but it is produced in China.  I suppose that is part of the reason for the long wait.  I did end up with the jeans pattern from Close Case Patterns as it was part of the package.  The question is should I attempt that pattern or go with the Silhoutte's version.  I haven't fitted either pattern.  Hah!  Maybe I will try both and the stash will continue to get smaller.  I do have a small stash of denim.  I just don't know how good the actually denim is.

The weekend plans are to attempt to fit a knit dress pattern.  If the muslin works out well, maybe I will get the dress made as the fabric has been washed and is ready to go.

Happy Stitching!

Spring McCall's...

I see that McCall's has another Spring collection.  Maybe the first was really called Early Spring or Late Winter.   Regardless, there are more new patterns.  I noticed a new to designation on some of the patterns - "Learn to See for Fun".  I'm not particularly interested in any of the patterns for myself and the pattern stash/cabinet thanks me.  LOL   Here's the first one of interest:

This is 7155. A nice collection of dresses (3 lengths), tunic, and leggings.

This is 7129.  This is nice little wrap skirt with two variations and each variation has two lengths.

This is a Palmer/Pletsch pattern 7132.  It is an interesting unlined jacket.  As you can see, there is piecing going on with this one.  It could be fun depending on the fabric that was chosen.  I am a little tempted by this one.

What are your thoughts on this release of new patterns?

Happy Stitching!

Spring Wardrobe Thoughts...

I had mentioned earlier about joining in on the 6-pac Spring Sew-along.  I haven't even made any plans yet but here are the items in the list:

1. Jacket or covering layer in a mid-to-dark neutral
2. Jacket or covering layer in another or lighter neutral or favorite color
3. Bottom in the same mid-to-dark neutral
4. Bottom in a second neutral
5. Top in one of the neutrals or a "white"
6. Top in your favorite color or a print that mixes

Sounds pretty basic doesn't it?  But where to start?  I suppose the best place to start is the existing stash of fabric and patterns.  I have been purchasing new items recently and really need to think about using as much of it as I can.  So, with that being said, here's a list of patterns that I am going to consider:

1.  Silhouette Yoga pant (in stash)
2.  Silhouette Yoga skirt (in stash)
3.  Silhouette Sweater Set (in stash) for one or both of the tops.  T-shirt style. Perhaps a cardigan, also.
4.  Silhouette Classic Blouse (in stash). This is a maybe.  It depends on #3.
5.  Silhouette Shelia's Jacket (in stash).  I've had issues with this one in the past.  Peggy sent me a corrected draft.  I just need to try it again.

Ok, the patterns seem to settled and it looks like it is Silhouettes all the way.  I don't think there will be much of an issue with the yoga skirt.  It just has to fit my high hip.  All the remaining items will need to be fitted.  Happily, this will use up stash as I will not purchase anything to make a muslin.

Now, I'm off to see what is in the stash that will work for muslins and the actual garments.  I'm hoping to not purchase anything but a stash doesn't always carry the colors you're looking for. This should keep me busy for a few days.

Happy Sewing!

Puzzles....

Every winter we put together one large puzzle.  This year, we started on January 3 with this lovely puzzle:

The extreme cold over the past week had the whole family planted in the same room as the fireplace and the puzzle.  The puzzle was worked on for many hours and is finally complete.  Here are the results of our hard labor:

It was satisfying to put in the last piece.  It will most likely stay out for a few days so we can admire our handy work.   Since it is still extremely cold, this one may not stay out as long as it normally would.  I have a couple more puzzles that need to be put together.

On the sewing side, I just got notification that the patterns had shipped which means that maybe this weekend I can start working on a muslin for the Butterick dress.  My fabric order isn't expected to ship before 2/23.  I was thinking about trying the Silhouettes Yoga pants pattern this week.  I have both the fabric and the pattern.

Happy Stitching!