New Cabinet...

I have been waiting for a while for this piece of furniture.  The carpenter (DH) is sometimes busy with other things and more often than not it is something that I have requested.  So, I looked around for a piece of furniture that was big enough to put my husband's albums in.  There were 3 small moving boxes full.  I wasn't able to find anything that I was willing to purchase.  So, off to the Ana White site to see if there were any plans that would work.  Here's what I found:

This is the Planked Wood Sideboard.   The inspiration for the design came from Restoration Hardware and retailed at just under $3000.  The design as is is 84" long x 36" high x 18 1/4" deep.  That is big.  In fact, bigger than my space.  So, DH reworked the plan to fit the space we had and fit the albums that he has.  Here are the results:

This piece is approximately 54" long and just fits all of his albums.  It's a good thing he most probably will not purchase any more albums.  Here's a little look at the inside:

Unfortunately, this is only part of the music. There is a lot more still in boxes.  I think that there are 3 boxes of CDs.  Yep, he loves his music.  So, the plan is to make fabric baskets for the CDs.  I have not actually counted the number of CDs but I have calculation the size of a container needed.  So, I will be making fabric baskets to put on the shelves.  Each basket should hold around 32 CDs.  I've been working out the pattern. More on that later.

For those who might be interested, the cabinet color is called Bay Teal from Lowes.  We used a furniture paint with a matte urethane finish.  Now, I just need to get it accessorized.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Jacket

This particular jacket silhouette has become a favorite. 

This is Lafayette 148 New York Kerrington Long-Sleeved Zip-Front Trestle Weave Jacket.  Price Tag: $748.00.  This can be found at Neiman Marcus for a closer look.

It's the fabric that pulls you in on this jacket.  The zippers are nice details and it looks like each seam has trim or has been satin stitched.

This is Silhouettes pattern #1350 - Janie's Jacket.   This is such a classic jacket style with many designers using it.

Don't forget to add pants or skirt or both and a tank or blouse so you'll have a complete outfit.

Hope you're inspired to sew something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Juki MCS-1500...

There has been a lot of excitement here this week because I have wanted a cover and chain stitch machine for years and finally got one. When I purchased the Juki MO-1000, it was with the intention of getting a cover stitch machine sometime in the future.  Here's the blog pose when I got the serger (link).  Here's my box with the cover stitch machine:

I waited three long weeks for the Juki MCS-1500 to arrive as it was on back-order.  It felt like forever.  I felt like a little kid at Christmas. Here's my new baby out of the box:

Isn't it a pretty little machine?  You know the first thing I did was find fabric and pull threads through to get the how the 3-thread cover stitch worked.  It looked pretty but I'm not certain that it is perfect.  Here's one of my first tries:

To my eye there is a tension issue with the right needle.  Sigh!  I knew it might not be easy but I was hoping it would look beautiful right out of the box.

Here's pictures of front and back.  The one with the gray is all Maxi-Lock thread being used.  The one with the red is Maxi-Lock and another brand of the thread.   I changed to the all Maxi-Lock thread just in case there was a difference in the weight of thread.  It didn't seem to be the case.

Join me on my new adventure as I figure out how to use this machine and possibly attachments.

Happy Stitching!
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It's All About Koos...

I have long been fascinated by the work Koos van den Akker. So for Christmas, my nephew purchased this book for me:

It didn't take me long to read it from cover to cover.  Even my nephew seemed to be interested in the techniques that are offered in the book.  I would think that it takes time to figure out the whole concept of combining fabrics that are pleasing to the eye.  I'm not sure that the rest of the techniques are actually difficult.  They just take time.

There is a particular style of jacket that seems to prevail in the book.  It is a simple jacket and he usually does it reversible. As luck would have it, Vogue had a new Koos offering with the winter release:

This is V1608.  It is a reversible jacket pattern and a classic pattern for Koos work.  I think I'm going to give this a try.  I have no idea how long it will actually take me to create.  The one thing I do know is that I won't be purchasing leather for the jacket trim. 

In going through my pattern stash, I found that I also have this Koos pattern:

This is V1227.  Very different looking jacket than the first, don't you think?  I know I purchased this pattern because it appealed to me.  I wonder if it would over whelm me.

Both of this patterns are available at Vogue.  If this sort of work appeals to me, join me while I work on a jacket.  I'll try to give updates from time to time.

Happy Stitching!

A Little Re-purposing...

Today is about a little project that used an old bath towel.  We hand wash a lot of the items in our kitchen.  Don't get me wrong, I do use the dishwasher but not for everything.  Here's the area to the left of my sink where stuff is usually placed after washing:

It's not a large space.  I mentioned something to my husband about perhaps making a mat to put the dishes on before leaving.  He must have liked the idea because when I came home he had drawn up a pattern:

Okay, the pattern is flipped the wrong way but I think you get the idea.  I had a old bath towel that was just taking up space and some left over cotton fabric from a previous project.  Here's the results:

There you have a little mat that fits in the funny little spot perfectly.  Things that I did:  

1.  Added 1/2-inch all the way around for a seam.

2.  I did trim the toweling out of each of the corners so that when I folded the corners there would be less bulk.

3.  Stitched 1/4-inch edge stitching to close up the opening for turning.

4.  I did minor quilting every 4-inches replicating the edges.

Now, the little mat needs to be washed and it will be ready to use.  I would put this in the quick and easy category.  It is satisfying to stitch something that is relatively easy.  I think this took about an hour to stitch total.

Happy Stitching! 

Inspiration...Printed Dress

I'll admit that January seems a little early for the next silhouette but if you start early, your wardrobe will be ready in time for warm weather:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Rudy Sleeveless Lyrical Curves Printed Dress.  Price tag:  $498.00.  You can get a closer look at Neiman Marcus website.

Doesn't that seem like a lot for that simple little dress? If you've been following along with the inspiration posts in the blog, you've probably noticed that I use a lot of the same patterns.  Once a pattern is fitted, shouldn't we using it over and over again?  You're going to recognize the next pattern suggestion:

This is the Gallery Tunic + Dress pattern by Liesl + Co.  This isn't a perfect version of the inspiration dress but you do get the neckline.  As far as being sleeveless, you just need to transfer you favorite sleeveless armhole to the pattern.   The silhouette of the inspiration dress is much more sheath like.  However, if you already own this pattern and it is fitted, then it's the perfect spot to start.

This is Simplicity 8258.  This pattern has more of the sheath dress look with the pockets.  However, the neckline and collar would need to be figured out.  If you have an older polo shirt pattern, that information could be transferred.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Fifth Avenue Cape...

I'm finally getting around to the Fall Silhouette patterns.  Yes, I know I've been taking my time.

So, I'm starting with the Fifth Avenue Cape in the following knit:

This is the Black Honeycomb Double Knit from Fabric Mart.  When I first received it, I thought it felt too synthetic but it was much nicer after washing.

I found a new-to-me stretch thread that I decided to use with this project.  It's Eloflex thread .  Here's my testing with the thread:

Above you can see my test strips.  The first picture shows 10-inches of the fabric and the second picture shows that I can stretch it to 15-inches.

Here's the test seam.  You can see that it stretched ever so slightly.  The 10-inch area is now about 10 1/4-inches long. 

In this picture, you can see that the test seam was able to stretch just as much as the fabric without the seam.  I thought that was pretty impressive.  It is so easy to pop a hem in a t-shirt that has been sewn on a sewing machine.  Maybe I will invest a little more in this type of them.  I really do like being able to sew knit on the sewing machine without have issues.

Now back to the cape pattern.  Several people have made this little cape/jacket, whatever you want to call it.  To me, it is more of a jacket than a cape.  There has been a lot of discussion regarding this pattern and how it is put together.  Peggy did a youtube sew along recently using this pattern - here.

Here's my version of the Fifth Avenue Cape:

This is the cape with the collar unzipped.  It seems like the collar is a little over whelming.

Here's the jacket with the collar zipped closed and it has been washed.

The is the cape with the collar partially zipped.

Here's my conclusion of the pattern:

1.  This is not a beginner pattern.  Be sure to view the youtube sewalong.   Be sure to check all the directions before starting and make notations of pattern markings on the fabric.  Also be aware that not all the markings are on the pattern and you will have to put them in yourself (i.e., pockets).

2. I'm not sure how I feel about this cape/jacket.  It is certainly different.  The fabric is a little spongy which made the zipper application a little difficult.  There was a lot of hand basting involved which really slowed it down.  It was suppose to be one easy session. Hah!  This may very well be a good example of fabric and pattern not matching up well.

3. I might make this again in a light weight drapey fabric that can be pressed and in a much smaller size.

What are your thoughts of this pattern?  Have you made it?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shirt Dress

Even though it's January, it's time to start thinking about a warmer weather wardrobe.  I think this dress will be a good start:

This is Lafayette 148 New York Eleni Artisan Bouquet Short-Sleeve Stretch Cotton Midi Dress.  Price tag: $598.00.  Check out the Neiman Marcus website if you want a closer look.

What do you think of the midi length?  I think I'm loving it.  Notice the other details is a hidden placket, cuffed sleeves, and a self belt.

Here is a similar dress pattern:

This is McCall's 7351.  This isn't an exact match for the inspiration but it does have a view with the cuffed sleeve.  Required changes would be the hidden placket, a soft fabric belt, and length.

Happy Stitching!

Elastic thread...

Have you tried any of the elastic threads?  I have tried few like Wooly Nylon, Polyarn, and Maxi-Lock Stretch.  I worried a bit about Wooly Nylon and Maxi-Lock Stretch melting because they are nylon.  I have successfully used the Maxi-Lock Stretch in the bobbin when using a twin needle.  The Polyarn is polyester and has a much higher melting point.  It also comes in many colors.

I was watching a video on youtube on Working with Fold Over Elastic and she was using an elastic thread to stitch the elastic to the fabric edge.  Here's another video just on the EloFlex thread.  Here's a blog post on the EloFlex thread at Make It Coats Blog.  Here's a video from J Stern Designs on making yoga pants using this thread.  She gives a lot of information on using the thread and it is definitely worth watching.  This is really great information for those who do not own a serger or for those who don't really want to always use a double knit when hemming knits.

I will have an upcoming blog post when I use this thread in some of the seams.  I do own a serger and will use it where appropriate.  In general, I always have an issue with straight stitching on a knit.  Hopefully, this will be very helpful.

I was able to get a spool at the local JoAnn Fabric and Craft store with a 50% off coupon.  The Make It Coats blog states that there are 21 colors but I don't think the local store has that many colors in stock.  I was happy that they had 1 spool of black.  The regular price at the JoAnn store is about $4.00 a spool.

In digging around, I found the Create For Less website also carries the Eloflex thread for almost half the price per spool.  This would be a great buy if you purchase several spools.  The Sewing Place carrys Eloflex thread also.  There are a few options for ordering.  This would definitely be a great add-on item when ordering on-line.

Have you tried the Eloflex thread?  How did it work for you?

Happy Stitching!
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Lounge Pants - Simplicity 8519

While my son was here at Christmas I asked if he was interested in another pair of lounge pants.  Surprisingly, he jumped at the chance.  I had a plaid fabric that I not sure exactly what it was.  It was fuzzy like a flannel but I think it was a very firm knit.  There was 5 1/2 yards so I jumped at the chance to make 2 pair of lounge pants - one for my son and one for my husband.  So, I checked the pattern stash and couldn't believe that I didn't have a pattern for lounge pants.  Walmart to the rescue with Simplicity 8519:

Yep, I paid full price for it.  Well, Walmart prices anyway.

Things that I chose to do:

1.  I made an XL for both guys.  If there is a next time, I will make a L.
2.  Lengthen leg by 3 inches.
3.  No attempt made to match the plaid.  I think that a printed plaid isn't the best thing to match.

Son's pants:

Yes, I purposely cut his head off.  That's for his privacy.  I think the pant will be comfy and hopefully warm.  His studio apartment is apparently very cold.

Hubby's pants:

My husband liked the pant but thought that they might be a little baggy.  Evenings hanging out around the house will be comfy for him.

Conclusion:

This is not a beginners pattern because of the fly instructions.  I don't generally read instructions word for word but look at the pictures.  This is not the first time that I made a fly of this sort but it is the first time that I was totally confused by what was being shown.  Just be aware that there are a lot of fiddly pieces to the front.  It should be very easy to convert to just a pull on pant without all the little pieces.  The waistband would need to be converted.

Overall, this is a nice lounge pant pattern and I will most likely make this again in a L for my husband and son.  I'm also considering making a pair for my Dad in a M.  We'll see what happens.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Leather Jacket

Here's a lovely jacket to start the new year out with:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Janelle Front-Zip Plonge Leather Jacket.  Price tag:  $1098.00.  You can find this at the Neiman Marcus website.

I have noted many of this style of jacket in the past.  If you have created your own version of this style of jacket, it will be easy to use the same jacket pattern.  If not, this is one of the patterns that I would consider:

This is the Silhouettes pattern #1350 - Janie's Jacket.  It is a very versatile jacket pattern.

Have you worked with leather before?  I haven't made a garment with leather.  Maybe someday I will get the courage to make something out of leather.  Have you worked with garment weight leather?  How did it turn out?

Hope you're inspired to created something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Looking Back on 2018...

The sewing in 2018 has been much better than the previous year.  It was a busy year but I still found time to sew which felt really good.  Here is my favorite pattern from 2018:

This is The Magic Pencil Skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns.  I made this skirt three times this year.  Once in a herringbone knit, one in a stretch woven, and once in a cotton jersey.  In all three cases, I made a size medium.  The herringbone skirt is a little bit big.  The cotton jersey is too big and I intend to take it apart and restitching to make it smaller.  The stretch woven skirt is really my favorite.  It was the last skirt that I made and the change that I made is I took larger seams fitting it a little bit closer.

My least favorite item this year was: 

This is the Uvita Top pattern by Itch to Stitch.  This is a free pattern.  I used a really nice knit that I found in the stash and thought that it would be perfect for the pattern and it was kinda.  My issue with my top was that it wouldn't stay put.  It wanted to move upward.  I did make a change to the top by adding darts instead of making a muslin I just sewed it up.  I think this may have been part of the issue. In general, this type of issue would indicate there wasn't enough room.

The most requested items that I had this past year was shopping bags.  I made bags for my son and my husband.  The pattern used was from The Creative Thimble website and is listed under the freebies.

This year I joined up with a group that had a goal of sewing 50 yards of fabric for the year.  I didn't think it was possible but I did end up sewing around 70 yards of fabric.  Unfortunately, I purchased around 57 yards.  At least, that is what is on my spreadsheet.  My actual goal for purchases was zero but sometimes you just don't have what you're looking for in the stash.  I will say that I was much more mindful on purchases this year.  I'm happy that I actually sewed a little more than I purchased.  I will be following this group again for 2019.

How was your 2018 sewing?  Did you accomplish what you wanted to accomplish?

Happy Stitching!