Inspiration...Shirtdress

I really like wearing shirt dresses.  I'm hoping I will find time to make one or two this year.  Here's the latest one that I found:

This is the Eileen Fisher Classic Crinkled Organic Cotton Shirtdress.  Price tag: $188.00.  Actually, this isn't that outrageous for this type of dress but I know I could make one that fits better and for far less money.  Just in case you're interested, this can be found on the Nordstrom website.

Interestingly enough, on the bottom of the page at the Nordstrom website there are links to two helpful hints videos.  One is Dress Fit Fundamentals and the other is The Best Dress for Your Body Type.  I haven't watched either yet but I intend to watch them.  There could be good information there.

Now, on to the pattern.  I think most of the pattern companies offer patterns for shirtdresses.  You just have to pick the one that you  like the best.  Of course, check the pattern stash.  You might already own a shirt or dress pattern that would be perfect.  Here's the one I picked:

This is Simplicity 8546.  This pattern offers several variations which would make it a good option for purchase.  I think View B would very close to the inspiration photo.  It does have a yoke and is most likely not as full as the inspiration photo. 

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Chain Stitching with the Juki MCS-1500

This past week, I completed my first project using the Juki MCS-1500 cover stitch machine.  The project was curtains.  Since the project was just simple hemming, I thought it would be a good first project with the machine.  Here's some pictures of the how I did the hems:

This is one of the side hems pinned back and ready to stitch. I taped a needle package to the base of the machine so I would get even stitching.  Remember you will be stitching from the front.  Here's how I did the top and bottom hems:

Yep, I had to baste a line to follow for stitching.  This was challenging because:

a.  I don't like hand basting that much.
b.  There isn't a lot of room in the harp for this kind of project.
c.  The foot didn't have a good spot to match the basting to for stitching.

Here's a picture of the side hem completed:

Overall, I happy with the chain stitch.  It worked well for this application.

As far as the machine setup, I used the setting from the manual except for the needle thread which I tightened just a little bit.  I think it was about 4 1/2.  The reason I did this is I was using a serger thread in the looper and a Gutterman general sewing thread in the needle.  The Gutterman is a heavier thread.

I may invest in a chain stitching foot in the future.  I need to decide if it is worth the investment and that will depend on how much the chain stitching is used.  If the foot is a bit narrower and has better markings on it, it would be a good investment.  The up close pictures indicate that there is an additional marking to the left of the needle marking on the machine which would make it good for top stitching.  I'm looking forward to trying the chain stitch with some YLI Jeans Stitch thread.

How do you like the chain stitch?  What kind of projects are you using it for?

Happy Stitching!

New Fabric Has Arrived....

Oh, I fell for the active wear fabric sale at Fabric Mart.  I guess that means that I need to figure out how to make active wear.  Here's my purchases:

The two prints with the two solids are mostly meant for me.  Gotta make some clothes for bike riding.  The rest of this is for items for my husband because he also needs that type of clothing.  Total purchased:  13 yards. 

I also indulged in additional fabric for myself.  The left is a white ponte roma which I was hoping would work for a top.  We'll see how this goes.  The right is a thin flannel like fabric for a fall top.  Total purchased:  3 1/2 yards.

I'm suppose to be making the fabric disappear but it still seems to be showing up.  Hopefully, the bike gear will get made soon as it is almost warm enough here to out biking.

Have you purchasing fabric too?

Happy Stitching!

Stitching Curtains...

I enjoy stitching my own curtains.  I have a large window (72" x 72") that I have decided to make curtains.  Here's a glimpse of the window:

This is the picture the realtor sent me when we were looking at houses from Pennsylvania.  The window is more or less centered in this tiny little room and it goes almost to the floor.

I decided that I wanted a whitish linen for the curtains and got an email from fabrics-store (dot) com with a sale for just the right fabric.  It's a bleached 100% linen, heavy-weight.  Here's what it looked like upon arrival:

I took the advice of the reviewers and purchased extra fabric for shrinkage and color uniformity.  I know it's going to shrink but I'm not sure how much.  I washed and dried this a couple of times before making the curtains hoping to get as much shrinkage out of the way as possible.  I haven't actually worked with linen enough to know if this process should be done more than that.

I didn't purchase an expensive rod and I hope that I don't regret it.  Here's the rod that was purchased:

It's an inexpensive rod from Wal-mart and it's not the one that I had picked on-line.  I had originally wanted a 1" rod but when I got there nothing was available.  Hopefully, this rod will have enough oomph to hold up the curtain.

Here's the finished curtain:

For these curtains, I used a 1" double side hem, a 4" double bottom hem, and the top hem is 4" with a 1" turn back.  I did put weights in these curtains.  This is the ones I used:

They are easy enough to stitch in.  However, I did toss my curtains into the wash on gentle cycle before hanging and every one of the weights came undone.  I would say that if you intend to wash your curtains that they should be either enclosed in one of the hems or wrapped in a small piece of matching fabric and then sewn in. 

Curtains are so satisfying to make.  Just a few hems and they are done.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...A Line Jacket

In general, I usually have a black jacket that I wear year round.  However, I love this particular jacket:

This is the Eileen Fisher A-Line Jacket.  Price tag: $298.00.  This jacket is made from a cotton/nylon fabric.  I have never noticed this type of fabric being available before.  If you see it, let me know.  If you would like a closer look, this jacket can be found on Nordstrom.

Here's the pattern I've picked:

This is the Kelly Jacket pattern by Closet Case Patterns.  This pattern is part of my pattern stash and has yet to be used.  Maybe this will be the year that I create something with this pattern.

Hope your inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Just the Beginning With the Juki MCS-1500...

This week I've watched all of the youtube videos for the Juki MCS-1500.  It was as interesting to see the various videos.  Then, I did something novel.  I actually read the instruction book.  Okay, I do realize that is the very first thing I should have done.  I'll admit that generally  I flip through and that's it.  I did find an interesting bit on page 20.  It was the explanation of how to get the needle threads to release.  This is something that I hear a lot of people discussing how to do.  Do all manuals have this information in them?

I'll re-watch the Practical Sewing Chainstitch video on youtube.  I have an upcoming project that will work well with the chainstitch.  So, this project will give me a good practice of using the chainstitch.  I'll share my experiences along with the project.   I'm hoping that there will not be any issues with the machine.

Do you have this machine?  Have you had good luck with it?  I would love to hear your experiences.

Happy Stitching!

Non-Slip Sewing Machine Foot Pedal Pad...

Do you have wood floors and have issues with the foot pedal for your machine(s) moving around?  I certainly do!  Sometimes, it feels like my legs aren't long enough to finish the task at hand.  I found this tutorial and thought it would work well in my sewing area.  Off to the Dollar General to get some shelf liner.  I did go cheap and get the $1 roll and it isn't exactly like the liner used in the tutorial but hopefully it will work.  Next, I measured the Juki pedal that I want the Pedal Pad for and added 2-inches to the width and about 6-inches to the length.  Here's the pattern piece:

Next, I calculated the amount of binding that I was going to need which was about 23-inches and cut 2" width bias strips along with a small piece for the padding on one end.  Here is the results:

Definitely not my best stitching but it will be will be under the table and not seen often.  If I like using this little peddle pad for the Juki, then I will create one for my Husqvarna also.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Kimono Jacket

This little jacket popped up in one of my Facebook group and I had to share:

This is the Neeru Kumar jacket.  It was available at Santa Fe Dry Goods.  Price tag: $335.00.  I like the idea of this jacket.  It is a kantha style garment which is more or less two layers of fabric sewn together.  Here's the pattern that I think is a good match:

This is the Contemporary Kimono Jacket by Indygo Junction. It's a very close match for the inspiration picture.  You would need to add a patch pocket.  The pattern has in-seam pockets.

As far as a fabric goes, I think a cross-dyed cotton would work perfectly.  Equilter and fabric (dot) com both carry cross-dyed cotton.  I would check a local quilt shop and see if they have any suitable cottons.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Meal Planning...

The other night, I was having sleepless night and checking out what was available at BluPrint.  Cruising through the cooking section I found Mindful Meal Planning.  Meal planning is something that I have done for years and can't really imagine going shopping without having a plan of some sort.  So, I was intrigued.  I check the comments and was a little surprised by them.  The first comment said something along the lines of this was a Whole Foods ad and nothing was provided about meal planning or meal prep.  I decided to watch and see what it was about. 

The very first section is about creating a weekly meal plan, following a budget, and staples.  It was basic and maybe that is what the comment was about.  The following sections were about selecting produce, proteins, seafood, dairy, and buying in bulk.  It was indeed good basic information and it was staged inside a Whole Foods. 

Personally, I think you can't really decide on a meal plan without knowing what you're budget is.  When I started budgeting and meal planning, the top amount I could spend a week was $50 for my husband and I.  Fast forward 25 years or so and we average spending $100 a week on groceries.  I will say that eat out once a week, so that is around 20 meals at home a week, each. 

How do you do a meal plan?  I sit down once a week and decide what is going to be cooked.  I get some input from my husband because occasionally he likes to cook.  Once I have a list of meals, I make a list of the necessary ingredients.  From this list, I check to see what is in the pantry/refrigerator/freezer so that I'm not buying too much of any one item.   If the local grocery ads come out before you do your planning, you really should check to see what is on special that week.  It could be that some of the items that are considered staples at your home are on sale.  It can be worth checking this out.  

I found this post at Melly Sews on meal planning.  She plans out a month in advance.  Her post is interesting.  

Indeed, a little advanced planning does allow a little more time to do the things that you want to do. Remember it doesn't matter what store you're going to, a little planning will get you in and out quicker because you know what you're going to purchase. Save time, save money.

There are tons of videos on you tube regarding prepping food for a week.  If you're work week is really hectic, look into those.  You will be surprised at what you can do.

Let me know if you're interested in a more in depth information on the subject.

Remember all that extra time can be used for stitchin'.

Happy Stitching!

(affiliate links included)

Bathroom Window Curtain...

I still haven't finished decorating the "retirement" house.  I set my goal on getting a pretty curtain for the bathroom.  Unfortunately, the window is large and there is a tub under it.  Here's a view from the outside:

This is not a window that will get cleaned often.  It bugs me a little bit so I'm going to cover it up.  Here's a glimpse of the inside window:

I decided something lacy would be good so that the light is totally being blocked.  Here's what I chose:

It's a lacy seashell panel that is 56"x 63".  The width is pretty much perfect.  However, the length is not.  I shorten this panel from the top by 16 1/2".

I used a simple pressure rod to put it in the window.  Here's the final results:

Sorry for the dark pictures but it is amazingly hard to get a picture of this type of window.  I'm happy with this little project.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Basic Blouse

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Russell Long-Sleeve Lightweight Sandwashed Silk Blouse.  Price tag:  $448.00.

Isn't this a lovely blouse?  I would probably not do the pockets for myself but the overall look is very nice.  Here's the pattern suggestions:

This is Grainline Studio Archer Button Up.    View A is a basic shirt pattern.  Once fitted could provide you with numerous shirts.  To get the pop over version like the inspiration photo, you will also need this:

This is Grainline Studio Archer Popover Variation Pack.   You do need to have the Archer pattern to use the Popover Variation.  To get the look of the inspiration photo, just leave off the collar.

This is a pattern that I started working on the fitting and life interrupted me with a move from the east coast to the mid-west.  I did keep everything and I know it is safely stashed somewhere in my sewing room. Hopefully, I can locate everything and get this top fitted so I can have a wardrobe of nice tops, too.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Getting to Know the Juki MCS-1500...

I have started on my journey of getting to the Juki MCS-1500.  The manual for the machine can be found at the bottom of the product page here.

Next with the help of a internet friend, I found this grouping of youtube videos for the Juki MCS-1500 - youtube.  There are also a couple of groups on Facebook that are helpful - Coverstitch Sewing Discussion Group and Juki Serger, Coverstitch, & Sewing Group.

So far, I have threaded my machine so many times that I feel like a pro with the threading.  I'm hoping that I soon feel like a pro with using the machine.

Do you know of any other resources for using a coverstitch machine?

Happy Stitching!
(affiliate links included)