Surgery Recover Stuff Part 2...

In my last post, I blamed the cats for my missing thread.  I found the thread with the lava sand. So, I followed this tutorial and made the heating pad.  Here are the results:

Yep, I used the same fabric so the pillow.  This type of fabric makes be happy.  I did test the heating pad by warming it for 50 seconds in the microwave.  Not bad.  

The tutorial says that it takes 45 minutes to make the heating pad but for me it was more like all day.  I would work on it a little bit and then go do something else. So, my sewing was my relaxing time.  

If I were to make another heating pad, I would probably do things a little differently.  This used 1/4-inch seam allowances.  I will increase the seam allowance.  The smaller seam allowances on stuff like this makes me nervous.  To be fair, I did make 1/2-inch seam allowance on the end that was used to fill the tube with the sand.  The heating pad is fairly heavy.  I do not like the idea of a seam failing and ending up with black sand everywhere.  Otherwise, it is a good tutorial.

Happy Stitching!

Surgery Recovery Stuff...

 I am having surgery at the end of month.  There is so much to do and think about.  Honestly, I am trying hard not to think about the surgery.  It is highly recommended that you have a pillow when traveling and just in general during recovery.  I have cats and they will be very interested in spending time with me.  So protection will be necessary. I found this youtube video and related blog post.  This is my starting point.  Digging through the stash resulted in this find:

It feels like a 100% cotton flannel.  It just happens to be in one of my favorite prints.  Here is the pillow:

For the neck heating pad, I had to order 100% cotton thread and the lava sand.  Both are available on Amazon.    Did not make the neck heating pad.  The cotton thread disappears and I am fairly certain that my younger cats had something to do with it.  I was not willing to pay another $10 for a spool of cotton thread.  Some days, I do miss JoAnn Fabrics just so I can go pick up thread when I need it. 

Hopefully, the pillow will be helpful during recovery.  Two days till surgery.

Happy Stitching!

Seamwork Bryn Dress...

 On a whim,  I decided that I needed another dress that was somewhat loose.  Just so I will have something to wear after my surgery.  So, I picked the Seamwork Bryn Dress.  Here is the line drawing:

I did pick it because of the loose silhouette.  I really wanted to use just stash items for this dress which was a challenge all by itself.  I finally found a remnant of royal blue fine wale corduroy which was pretty much perfect.  There was just enough for the outside of the dress.  I picked a plain black cotton for the facings, and a wild leopard print for the lining.  For the pattern, I cut it out and followed the advice of Katrina at Lifting Pins & Needles and checked all the lengths of the pattern.  Made all my crazy adjustments.  When I was finished with all the lengths adjustment through the body, I made sure that the actual length of the dress was going to be good.  I do not really need to be wearing dressing at mid-thigh.  Down to the knee is fine with me most of the time.  Then, I realized that the bust point on the pattern was no where near where my bust point was.  The level was correct but not location.  It was 3 inches off.  Folks, that is a lot.  The pattern apex to apex was 14 1/2 inches.  My apex to apex is 8 1/2".  Then, I had to figure out how to move a curved dart horizontally.  Not a fun experience but I think I did it.  Here is the resulting pattern:

You can see the dart movement along with where there was shortening and lengthening of the pattern.  I did not make a muslin of the changes.  I am cut out and see what I end up with.  If it does not work, it will be just a bit of wasted time and fabric.  Here is the finished dress:

The darts did turn out to be a challenge not just because they had to be moved at the pattern stage but when I made the dress the dart was just too long.  I had to alter the dart twice.  It is not perfect but wearable.

The changes that I made to the pattern are minor.  It was mostly length changes to match my measurements.  I did move the bust dart horizontally.  I also added a bit of length to the dress to make it long enough for me to be comfortable.

I think overall this is a fairly good dress. However, the balance seems off. I am wearing legging under neath which could be causing a little bit of issue but not sure.   If I had made a muslin, it probably could have been addressed but it is what it is.  Wearable.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Iguazu Top PDF Pattern...

 Itch to Stitch's newest top pattern is here.  Here is the line drawing:

This is The Iguazu Top pdf pattern.  This pattern has the following features:

• Regular bust and full bust options for an excellent fit
• Waterfall-style draped cowl neckline
• Semi-fitted silhouette
• Sleeve options: cap, short, ¾, and long sleeves
• Designed for light- to medium-weight knit fabric with drape 

The sewing skill level is beginner+.  The size range is from 00 to 40.  The Iguazu Top is on sale through October 27, 2025. All discounts apply.  So, the more you purchase the more you save.

Check out the testers' version of the Iguazu Top here.

Think of those fabulous fabrics that will make this cute little top.  Quick and easy holiday looks.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!

Itch To Stitch Anniversary Sale!...

 Itch to Stitch is having an 11th anniversary sale.  Everything is 30% off from November 8 to November 11 except Orio, Clemente, and Sorata patterns are 20% off.   Here are some of my favorites:

This it the Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt line drawing.  This is a lovely, a-line skirt with princess seams.  It is probably one of my favorite skirt patterns.  I have made at least four of these skirts.  Two for fall/winter and two for spring/summer.

This is the Itch to Stitch Foz Top line drawing.  This is a lovely v-neck knit top.  It can be worn as a top or as a second layer.  I have made three of these tops.

This is the Itch to Stitch Soller Top/Dress line drawing.  This is a lovely v-neck top/dress.  I have made two of the tops and one of the dress.  It is a great top/dress.  Easy to make.

This is the Itch to Stitch  Azores Top & Dress line drawing  I think a challis would be perfect for this pattern.  The top would work equally well with a skirt or pants.  This one is on my list.

This is just a small list of the patterns that are on the Itch to Stitch website. There are lots of lovely patterns.  Go check it out.  I have found that the patterns have been well drafted. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!