Seat Belt Pillow...

A month or so ago, my Dad had a pacemaker put in.  He was recently released to start driving and such and found that the seat belt was uncomfortable.  I'm not comfortable with him driving with the seat belt under his arm.  So, I went on a search for a pillow to make wearing the seat belt a little more comfortable for him.  Since I sew, I wanted to make this for him.  I found this tutorial - How to Sew a Seat Belt Pillow on youtube.  It seemed easy enough to follow.  I check the cotton stash to see what was available and found something that I hope will make him smile a bit.  I changed the dimensions just slightly due to the size restriction of my fabric.  Here's the finished product:

For those who may be looking for a similar product, there are versions for sale on Etsy.  Here's one that is fairly inexpensive - Seat Belt Pillow.  This would be a great charity item to make and gift.

Happy Stitching!

I Got The Pattern...

I have been very disappointed with Vogue in this post but when the Vogue patterns at the local JoAnn went on sale they had a copy.  So score!  At least, I hope it is a score.  Here's the pattern:

I really like the View A on this pattern and I hope I can figure out how to get it to fit appropriately.  If you know someone who has made this pattern please let me know so I can discuss any fit issues.

Happy Stitching!

Shift Dress...

I'm still trying to beat the heat.  I'm also running a little bit late.  I picked a sleeveless shift dress:

This is New Look 6500. I've selected View D to make.  This is a fairly simple view and if I want the View C pockets they can be easily added.  This style reminds me of the basic Lilly Pulitzer shift dress.  There are a few reviews at Pattern Review.  You'll have to do a search as I was unable to put in a direct link.   Here's the muslin in a size 22:

This is sewn exactly as the pattern is.  I have removed seam allowances from the sleeves and neck.  I'm a little surprised at how well this fits.  I was actually expecting something horrible with this experiment.  Things that I see:

Fitting:
1.  Shoulder angle needs to be adjusted.
2.  Dart needs to be moved and made a bit larger.
3.  It may benefit from vertical darts in the back.  This might be done after construction.

Styling:
1.  Dress needs 3 inches added to the length plus the hem.
2.  Lower neckline by about 1/2 inch.
3.  Adjust armhole.

With the exception of length, I think the fitting changes could me made to the this muslin and then transfer to the pattern.  As far as styling, the neckline changes can be made but the changes to the armhole will depend on what I decide to do.

I'm planning on lining this dress so I went looking for on line resources (why do I have a library?).  Here's one that I found for drafting facing - all in one facing, and for sewing all in one facing.

Here's the pink dress in a Brussels Washer Linen Blend:

I did forget to mention that I lined this dress with a white cotton lawn.  Even though this dress looks a bit like a pillow case on me, I believe I will still get plenty of wear out of when the weather becomes unbearable.

I think I'm going to make one more sleeveless dress and  I might make another version at a later date.  A simple dress with sleeves is always a winner.  Here are some additional tutorials that may be of some use:

1.  Invisible Zipper Installation
2.  How to Sew a Skirt Lining to Your Zipper by Sewing Machine

I didn't do the sewing the lining to the dress.  I kinda chicken out.  Maybe on another version.

Hope you are inspired to stitch something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shirtdress

The pre-fall fashions are starting to show up.  I haven't even completed summer stuff yet. 

This is the Escada Abstract Floral Print Shirtdress.  Price tag: $1695.00.  For a closer look, head over to Neiman Marcus.

There is plenty to like about this dress. Just as there are something to dislike.  Let's start with the likes: general silhouette, length, a-line skirt, the fact that it is a shirtdress.  What's to dislike?  The cuffs!  I suppose there is someone, somewhere that doesn't mind the attention being drawn downward instead of to their face.  This dress would be much better with the contrast at the face.  Note:  Upon closer inspection of this dress, I did find a dilemma.  It's not a true shirtdress as the button front stops at the waist.  I can't figure out how you get in and out of it if the fitted waist doesn't open. Thoughts?

Let's see if we can find any current patterns in this silhouette:

This is Vogue 9345.  It is a classic shirt dress pattern with many options.  I think view D is the match to the inspiration photo.  Since this pattern has many options, it's a great opportunity to create more than one item.

For the price tag of the inspiration dress, you can create many dresses even if you were using the silk satin.  Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Another New Pattern...

So, I ran over to JoAnn's to pick up thread and zippers for a current project or two.  As you know, you can't just walk and pick up the intended items.  You must look at the fabric and notions, etc.  The McCall's patterns were on sale at $1.99.  I had no real intentions on getting any patterns but I did end up with this one:

It is McCall's 7818 - unisex jacket.  I'm sure it will be quite the over-sized jacket but it may be fun to give it a try.  I have no doubt that there is fabric buried deep in the stash just waiting for this type of project.  Here's the original inspiration post - here. 

I think I'm stacking up too many projects for fall.  This is the second planned jacket and the first one will require a lot of hand sewing.

Happy Stitching!

The End of an Era with the Beginning of a New Era...

Over the last 5 years or so, I have slowly ended my sewing magazine subscriptions.  The last one was Threads.  I have been a subscriber of Threads since about issue 8.  Yep, I've been a subscriber since the mid-80s.  Those early issues were full of everything not just sewing but information on knitting, quilting, weaving, dying, tatting, embroidery, etc.  I'm sure I've missed a few things.  As the years went by the magazine became devoted to sewing only.  Sewing is good.  I love to sew. 

However, at some point, it really geared toward beginners or at least it felt like it did.  Gradually, the magazine has become less interesting till finally I've decided to end the subscription all together.  It's kinda sad that the Dec 2019/Jan 2021 issue will be my last.  I still have my collection of Threads hanging out in the sewing.   Yes, I have all of them.  I will be able to read them whenever I want.

So, what is the new era.  For the past few months, I've been subscribing to Seamwork.  I wanted to see what it was all about.  The content of the magazine is free and you can purchase patterns.  As a Seamwork member you have access to other areas of the website - the community, patterns, and design your wardrobe activity twice a year.

Last year, I joined Seamwork as a basic monthly member.  I enjoyed the magazine, downloaded my share of patterns, and worked through the Design Your Wardrobe workshop a couple of times.  I think the workshop (class, whatever you want to call it) is very thought provoking.  For me, it will take more than one time working through it to get a good sense of the wardrobe that I want.  Have you ever really sat down and thought about what you need outfit wise in your wardrobe?  Do you wear the things that you make?  The whole thought process is interesting and very hard.  I just changed my monthly subscription to an annual subscription.  I'm going to try this for a year or two and see where it takes me. 

If you're interested in taking the journey as well, here is my Seamwork link and it will give you $3.00 off your first month.

Hope your inspired to sew sew sew!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...One Button Jacket

It's time to think about jackets.  Jackets can be worn year around.  So if you plan well, you could create a really good basic.

This is the Staple One-Button Eco Sharkskin Blazer by Theory.  Price tag: $435.00.

Details:  notch collar, one button front, long sleeves, button cuffs, welt chest pocket, side flap pockets, semi-fitted, cutaway hem, fabric is a linen/viscose/spandex

Here's a couple of patterns to consider:

This is McCall's 7818.  It is a unisex jacket pattern with all the right details.  Very close to the inspiration photo.  Pattern is available in printed and pdf formats.

This is the Jasika Blazer pattern by Closet Case Patterns.  This is a classic jacket pattern for women.  The pattern is available in both printed and pdf formats.  There is also an online class available.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

A Basic Top...

I decided that I need more basics in my wardrobe.  You know, the things that you reach for day in and day out.    Then, I started looking for a pattern.  As an attempt not to increase the pattern stash anymore, I went through the drawers of the pattern cabinet.  Well, low and behold, the pattern stash did yield something that looked very much like the inspiration picture.  Here it is:

Textile Studio Basic Top pattern.  I don't know if this pattern is still available anywhere but doesn't View B reminds me of a good basic woven t-shirt type top.   Here's a close up of view B:

Here's the line drawing:

I traced the largest size in the pattern and then started measuring.  Changes:

1.  Removed the allowance for the shoulder pad making changes to the front/back/sleeve.
2.  Rounded back alteration.
3.  Sway back alteration.
4.  Added length for bust.
5.  Width to sleeve.
6.   Trued hems on sleeve and bottom.

I was unable to locate any illustrations for the changes for removing the shoulder pad.  Here's a tutorial on how I did this with pattern illustrations - tutorial.

As with any pattern, once the fitting is done, you can make many versions.  Here's the finished muslin:

The fabric is a tightly woven polyester which made turning the hem at the neckline virtually impossible.  I changed the neckline from a turn back hem to use a bias facing.  I do think that I ended up with a wearable item.

Here's the knit version:

I changed the neckline on this version slightly by making it deeper by 1-inch.  Here's another look with the top tucked in:

I'm pleased with the new additions to my wardrobe.   The skirt is Amy's skirt and you can read about it here.

Happy Stitching!

New Patterns...

So I ordered 3 patterns from the last Vogue pattern sale. Here they are:

This is Vogue 1629.  This pattern has two blouse patterns in it and I want to make both of them.  I'll just have to dress up for church.

This is Vogue 1630.  This was a last minute decision because of the top.  It really looks interesting and cool.

I also ordered this pattern:

This is V1622.  Unfortunately, this pattern wasn't included in my package nor was there an explanation.  I was definitely charged for it but there isn't a credit on the order.  This isn't the first time that I was charged for something by McCalls and it wasn't sent. 

Customer Service seems to have gone down hill recently at McCalls.  Obviously, the order I placed wasn't fulfilled as stated in the email that I received.  The explanation was that the item was out of stock and was to be reprinted.  I was given the option of a refund or a waiting for the re-print.  I asked when the reprint was going to happen.  There was no date.  Ahh...refund.  Really?  So, I guess a word of warning, just know that they will bill you for the item regardless of whether you receive it or not and it appears that the only way to get a refund is to call.  I wonder what the credit card companies have to say about that.

Hope your inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Bucket Bag

I seem to be zeroing in on expensive bags lately.  Here's the latest:

This is the Gucci GG Velvet Bucket Bag.  Price tag: $1980.00.  For a closer look, head over to the Neiman Marcus website.

I found a very similar pattern over at Etsy for a bucket bag.  It's called the Natalie Bucket Bag.  Check it out here.  The sizing is a little different but the look is very close.  At $8.50, it's a bargain.  You will still be able to purchase some velvet, leather, trim, and grommets with lots left over.  Don't forget to be creative with some decorative stitches.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Tee Dress

I'm still looking for cool things to wear in the hot weather.  This dress seems to fit that description:

This is the Structured Linen Tee Dress by Theory.  Price tag: $395.00. 

Details:  Linen/Viscose blend fabric, scoop neck, pull-over style shift, short sleeves. 

Let's check patterns:

This is the Scout Tee by Grainline Studio.  It is a pretty good match at the neckline and sleeve to the inspiration photo.  You would need to add length and width for the hip.  This is a fairly popular pattern.

This is the Sorbetto by Colette.  This is also a pretty good match for the inspiration photo.  Put the fold of the fabric on the stitching line for the pleat, lengthen version two, and use version 3 sleeves. 

I think either one of these options would create a nice option.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Rafia Tote Bag

Cruising around and found this bag:

Here's another look:

This is the Gucci GG Marmont Large Tote Bag.  Price tag: $2600.00.  Wow! this bag isn't even lined.  For a closer look, head over to Neiman Marcus website.

My thought is you can most probably make a similar bag to this and still have lots of cash leftover even after location high end accessories to go with it.  Here's a pattern that I found:

This is the Crochet Tote Bag by Bernat Yarns and it's free.  Find yourself some rolls of rafia and play with the gauge a little bit.  You can play a lot for the difference in price.  Have a bit of fun.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...The Sleeveless Blouse

I'm enjoying the resurgence of blouses.  Here's a sleeveless version worth visiting:

This is the Nigella Button-Front Silk Double Georgette Sleeveless Blouse by Lafayette 148.  Price tag: $ 398.00.  This blouse is worth taking a closer look at Neiman Marcus.

Details:  The top is made in a silk double georgette, lined with polyester, notched collar, button front, relaxed fit, and dry-clean only.

We can do better than dry-clean only, can't we?  Even with silk.  Here's my first choice in pattern:

This is Silhouette Patterns #600 Classic Blouse.  It's not a perfect match for the inspiration photo but I do have it in my pattern collection which means more money for fabric.  Some thought would need to be given to see if you could duplicate the front.

This is McCall's 6932.  The collar looks a little closer to the inspiration photo but you would still need to tinker with the front a bit.

Have you seen a pattern similar to the inspiration picture?  Feel free to share.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!