More Fabric...

I recently got sucked into another sales at Fabric Mart.  I am usually pretty good about not buying but not this time.  Here are my chooses:

This is a cream/black herringbone is 100% cotton.  This is probably one of my favorite patterns.  My original intend was to make Colette Clover pant in ankle length.  Unfortunately, I didn't read close enough and missed that this pattern was meant for a stretch woven.  I will need to locate a similar pattern.

This is a black/white 100% chambray.  My intend with this one is to make a shirt using the Grainline Archer shirt.  This has been on my bucket list for a long time.  Maybe this will be the year that I get it accomplished.  I certainly have time.

Happy Stitching!

Muslin...Men's Shirt

I purchased this Simplicity pattern long ago:

It's Simplicity 5581.  I am sure that I purchased it with the intent to make my husband and son making shirts.  It never happened.  Now, my son is far to  old to want a making shirt with his Dad.  My husband on the other hand is very happy to have me make a shirt.

As far as sizing goes,  I measured a ready-to-wear shirt and compared to the finished meausrements.  This put him in the medium size.  The only thing that may be an issue is length but that will be taken care of when he tries the muslin.  Adding inches is easy.  If any other alteration is needed, that may not be so easy.  Here is the muslin straight from the pattern:

Note that I did not add facing or pockets.  I did put in the hems so we could see if any length will be needed.  Mens patterns are drafted for 5'10 and my husband is about 6'1".

Older Patterns Not Vintage...

Do you like older patterns?  Not the vintage ones but the ones from the 90s or 2000s.  I happened upon this pattern:

I am a fan of Koko Beall and have a few patterns by this Vogue designer.  Here's the line drawings:

This seems like a good basic pattern.  Not only that, in my searches for inspiration, I have been finding a lot of clothing with similar lines.  It also have a loose fitting tank.  I recently fitted a tank pattern and I know it will be wonderful this summer. The styling is a little different with this tank or loose fitting top.  The neckline is a little more scooped. I'm hoping that I will be able to compare the tank patterns and make adjustments using the already adjusted patterns.  That's the point of doing the muslin.  I'm also very interested in the tunic.   It will definitely require a muslin as there are not any darts and I know that I need them.  I will most likely rotate that out as well.

I think this will be a good addition to my vast collection of patterns.  Yes, I did check before purchasing that I did not already have this pattern. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cargo Skirt

Today, I have found a cute little skirt.  It's called a cargo skirt but you decide.

This is the A-Line Belted Cargo Skirt by Akris punto.  Price tag: $395.00.  Details:  button waist closure, zip fly, side seam pocket, belted waist, cotton/polyester, dry clean, 33-inches long.  For closer view, check the Saks Fifth Avenue website.

What is the most surprising thing about the description?  For me, it was the 33-inch length.  I would believe 23".  How about you?  Let's see if we can find some patterns that might work.

This is New Look 6643. The skirt in this pattern gives a similar silhouette as the inspiration photo.  You have the a-line silhouette, the button waist and zip fly, and the side entry pockets.  The styling of the patch pocket and the belt are missing.  The belt is easy.  Here's a pattern that has the necessary styling:

This is Burda 6218.  This is a pant pattern which has the styling details from the inspiration photo.  The pockets and the belt.

I really would have like to find one pattern for this but couldn't.   However, I would double-check the pattern stash and see what you have there.  Both of these patterns offer  options.

Happy Stitching!

The Camber Set - Dress

I am moving right along on my summer wardrobe.  The Camber Set dress is my latest.  The muslin work is here.  Here is a refresh on the pattern:

I selected a stretch chambray in indigo. 

I thought this was going to be a perfect match.  I forgot that stretch wovens can be a challenge.  Here is my first challenge:

This is a regular straight stitch at 3.5 length.  Not such a pretty look.  So, I started playing with various stretch stitches.  Here is what I ended up with:

This is a triple straight stitch.  I have my machine set at 3.5 length, knit settings, and used a 75/11 stretch needle.  I think this looks much better.  Here is some top stitching:

Here is the finished dress:

I think this is going to be a perfect hot weather dress.  It seems a little big through the shoulders but it is a very wearable dress.  I think that I need to look for a belt to give a wee bit of shaping.

I highly recommend this pattern for both the top and the dress.  It is very well drafted and well worth your money.  Here is a link to a shop in the US that carries the paper pattern - The Confident Stitch (affliliate link) and here is a link to Merchant and Mills for pdfs.  If this pattern interests you, please support our small businesses so they will still be with us when the current problems are over.

Happy Stitching!

How Often Do You Clean Your Machines?

Are you good about keeping your machines clean?  Because it doesn't take much time, I generally clean my machines after each project.  I did a post a few years ago about machine maintenance - here.  I still use this process.  However, I am not at home.  I only had the screw driver and the paint brush.  That did not slow down the cleaning.  Here is the result:

Uck!  What you can not see from this picture is that the pile of dust is just as tall as the bobbin case.  I did not think that I had sewn a lot since the last cleaning.  I am fairly certain that I stitched a couple of muslins, 2 tanks, and about 30 masks. 

So a word of warning for all those mask makers, take a couple of minutes and clean your machines.  It is well worth your time to take care of your machines especially if they are electronic.  It is not the best time to be taking your machines to the shop.  I actually do not know if the sewing machine shops are even open.  It has been about 3 years since my machine has been to the shop.  There is a Viking shop about 30 to 45 minutes away.  I have not visited a Viking machine shop since I moved here.  I guess it is time to get out and see what the shop is like.  My machine is old in the world of electronics.  It is 12 years old.  I know at some point I will have to make a decision regarding it.  Hopefully it will not be soon.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tank Top

We need to start thinking about summer dressing.  Since moving a couple of years ago, I have found it necessary to wear sleeveless items even though I do not like to. Here's a great little tank:

This is the Caslon Side Button Linen Blend Tank Top. Price tag: $49.00.  Details:  side button, v-neck, linen/cotton blend.  For a closer look, check the Nordstrom website.

Overall, the price on this one is not bad.   Here is a pattern with a similar v-neck front:

This is Seamwork Clarke tank top pattern.  This pattern has a similar front and back.  The previous link is for the Clarke pattern purchased individually.  Here's a link - Seamwork - for the monthly subscription.  You get $3.00 off your first month.  I also get a small perk at no additional cost to you.

I think I am going to give this pattern a shot.  I downloaded it for that purchase.  I am a little concerned about how low the back is but I can raise it if necessary.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!
(affliliate links included)

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Adding Accents...

Week 41 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 41 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom.

This week is all about evaulating your wardrobe and adding accent pieces.  These pieces will be used to brighten your 13 week basic spring wardrobe.  You get to add your personality here and have a little fun.  In the example, there were 7 pieces added.  Go, check out the article and give some thought to pieces you have collected over the last few weeks.  Enjoy the process.

Happy Stitching!

Stitching, Stitching, Stitching...

I have been stitching masks.  Is that not what many around the country have been doing the last few weeks?  Whether it is to assist your local non-profit hospital or for your family and friends.  I found this to be the most boring sewing in the world and found it had to work on them.  I contacted the local hospital early in April and they sent in instructions for the type of mask they wanted and most of the masks that you see in the picture below are made from those instructions.

The hospital pattern required cloth ties.  Yes, each one had to be pressed before attaching.  I abused the fabric before and after making the masks by running them through hot water wash and hot drier.  I had to make sure that there would be no fraying.

Other patterns that I used was the pattern from Silhouette Patterns.  You can find it here on the main page of the website.  This was a quick pattern with little finishing done to it.  The other pattern I used was from Craft Passion.  You can find the pattern information here.  The shape of these two patterns are similar for adults.  Howeveer, the craft passion pattern also includes sizes for children.

I don't know how many more masks I will be making but I did tell the hospital to contact me if they wanted more.  Although I'm slow, I can still make them.  In my current location, I can only do about 5 masks a day.  Everything I do here is cut by hand.  If I was at home where I have the tools to cut strips quickly, I could maybe double that.  The killer is the pressing with the hospital masks.

So how has your sewing been lately?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tank Dress

Hot weather will be here before we know it.   Here's a cute little dress that will be perfect:

This is the Johnny Was Kemi Embroidered Linen Tank Dress.  Price tag:  $285.00.  Details - v neckline, sleevless, shift silhouette, hits below the knee, slip over style.  For a closer look, check the Neiman Marcus website.

I really like the look of the embroidery on this dress. As far as patterns go, take your favorite tank pattern and lengthen it.   I have an OOP pattern that I would love to try.

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe...

Week 40 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 40 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom. 

This week is a time to evaluate your purchases or sewing.  Have you been keeping up and stitching?  I wil admit that I haven't.  I have sewn recently and made a couple of lovely warm weater tops but I've been concentrating my sewing on other things for now.

So, look at what you collected or planned?  Does it look the way you intended?  Does something need to be replaced because it doesn't work the way you intended it to?  Now, is a good time to take stock in what you have.  

Personally, I'm not home.  I don't have the opportunity to take stock.  When I do go home, it is for a quick cooking session and then I return to where I'm needed the most with food in hand for a couple of days.  

The Weekly Timeless Wardrobe is going to take a couple of weeks off.  So, I'll return with the next update in the series then.  Take time to think about what else you would like, summer is coming.

Happy Stitching!

Woven Tanks...

I have completed my first items for spring/summer.  The pattern is Linen Tank from Fabrics-stores.com.  You can read more about it here. I am pretty excited about it as these tops are my first sewing accomplished for the year:

This was my second muslin and I am calling it wearable.  Very wearable.  Yeah, I can see that there needs to be a little more darting in the front.  I really just want something that will be cool and comfortable when the weather gets hot.  I will say that I did an expert here.  In the post about the muslin for this pattern, you can see where I pinned a dart in.  On the pattern itself, I rotated the dart to the hem and then took off the excess at the side.  (Sorry for the blurry photos.  I find it very hard to take pictures of myself.  The photographer is living across town .)

Here is the next version:

This version is made with 100% linen.  I can see on the front that I have just a wee bit of gaping.  It is a wearable and I am sure when the temperature hit 90s to 100 that I will be very happy this.  I am hoping that once this is washed that some of the gaping disappears and that it is not that I have stretched the armhole.

Overall, I would say this is a great free pattern.  It seemed to be drafted very well.

Happy Sewing!

Bluprint Fun Continues...

If you didn't know, Bluprint is continuing the free access through April 16, 2020.  No credit card necessary just lots of creative stuff to do even for the kids.  Use the link to the right.  Enjoy!

Happy Stitching!

(I do get a small incentive if you register.)

The Camber Set Muslin...

Here is The Camber Set pattern by Merchants & Mills:

This is a loose-fitting top or dress with an slight a-line silhouette.  The top is also referred as a t-shirt.  Much to my surprise when I opened the pattern there are separate pattern pieces for the top and the dress.

I am starting with the top or t-shirt.  After measuring, I decided that I would increase the size of the pattern by one size.  I need to also figure out how to increase the size of the sleeve without increase the armscye. I will be using the pivot and slide technique to get more room - sleeve tutorial.  I also found a video on youtube - here.   Here is the first muslin:

I like the neckline on this.  I am actually surprised that it fits fairly well.  I think that I need to the a bust dart but that is not unusual.    Here is a side view:

This does not look that bad.  I can tell be the front hem that I need to add length.  I will increase the dart and that will add the needed length to the front.  Here's the back:

I think I am happy with the back.  I will not know if it is too wide until the sleeves go in but right now I am happy.  Here's a version with the sleeves in and a dart pinned in on the right side:

Not sure why this is so out of focus but it is all I have.  I am happy with the fit. The sleeves still need to be modified using the tutorial above but the pivot and slide method is fairly easy.  I used this method a lot in the 80s and 90s. 

I think the camber set will be very nice for the warm days coming.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Flutter Sleeve Top

This spring is showing a return of interesting sleeve details.  Here's a little flutter-sleeve top:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Sasha Panther Print Flutter-Sleeve Twill Blouse.  Price tag:  $498.00.  Details - bateau neckline, keyhole back, short flutter sleeves, relaxes silhouette, pullover style. 

I was unable to locate a similar pullover pattern so I zeroed in on the sleeves.  Here's a pattern that I found: 

This is Butterick 6688.  View A has a flutter sleeve that is very close to the inspiration photo.  Plus it is a pullover top.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 39

Week 39 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 39 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom. 

Week 39 is a shirt dress or a warm weather dress.  Shirt dresses have been really strong the last few years and it looks like they are continuing.  I have a pattern that I've been wanting to try.  Here's the line drawing:

This is the Seamwork Bertie shirtdress pattern.  I would make this with a short sleeve.  This pattern can be purchased individually or you can join via one of the three plans that are available.  Here is a link to get $3.00 on your first month - Seamwork.  I also get a small benefit should you decide to become a member.

I am also considering this pattern in dress length:

This is The Camber Set by Merchant and Mills (link is for a paper pattern).  If you are interested in a pdf version.  It can be purchased from Merchant and Mills here or here depending on the size needed.   This provides a loose fitting woven dress or t-shirt.  This will be a great dress for hot days from spring to fall.

As always, if you already have a pattern fitted use it.  Spend that extra money on fabric.  

Happy Stitching!

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