This n' That...

 I just realized that it had been a while since I posted anything.  So, thought I would give you a bit of an update.  

What have I been doing?  Not a lot.  A little bit of pattern play.  Nothing made yet but the patterns have to be printed and checked.   

Now, for the biggy.   My sewing room has gotten completely out of control.  We did a house renovation late last year and lots of stuff ended up in that room.  It just kept compounding and I finally said enough is enough.  However, it is so bad that I can not bring myself to spend more than 30 min or an hour everyday.  So, that is what I have been doing.  Rearranging, folding fabric, purchasing more containers so that I have something to put excess fabric into.  The fabric will be headed toward the storage unit with all my other excess.  

With luck, that fabric will not become out of sight out of mind.  It had done that in my sewing room because I could not see it.  I found some really great fabric.  Some of it, I know what it was destined to become and some it who knows.  I will say that I have far too much fabric.  I need to sew it because it is really hard for me to get rid of it.

I can honestly say that you really should not purchase fabric just for the sake of purchasing fabric.  A small stash maybe but I am talking maybe 4 or 5 pieces at most.  There is always more fabric.  Yeah, I know sometimes you see something that you just have to have.  I get it but I also have a 10x10 storage unit for my excess.  Will I use all of it?  Probably not.  Someday, my son will say "What was she thinking?".   I have been better about not purchasing and hopefully this clean out will not have me purchasing more.  

I will get my inspiration posts started again soon.  Probably in July.  Hopefully, I will get some sewing done before then because I need to clothes and I do not want to go shopping.

Happy Stitching!

Projects 2025 Results...

 Last year, I tried to project plan for the year.  It was a great list but only a little was actually done.  It was a "lemony" year.  As I look at the list, the only thing I really accomplished was clothing items.  I did make a gift or two but not the ones on the list.  Maybe actually planning is not what I need to do.  If I decide to try again, the list probably will not look much different.

As far as goals, I think I was fairly successful.  I purchased 45 1/2 yards of fabric for the which is about 15 yards less than the year before.  As far as patterns, I purchased more than I needed to because I have not made one of them yet.  I purchased a total of nine patterns.  At least, that is what I admitted to throughout the year.  

Do you make a list of projects?  How about a list of goals?  How did you do with either list?

I hope that 2026 is a better sewing year than 2025.  I will admit 2026 has the same "lemony" feel but for slightly different reasons than 2025.

Happy Stitching!

2025 Project List...

 I have a few thoughts for projects in 2025:

1.  Make a loveseat slipcover.  Fabric is already purchased.  I will need to draft a pattern or maybe use drape it.

2.  Make my DH a new housecoat.  This is a slipped project from 2024.  Thankfully he does not care.

3.  Make a Love Notions Octave Coat.  This is another slipped project.  2025 is the year to finish it.

4.  Make a Love Notions Clef Coat.  This is a pattern I purchased early in the year and forgot that I had it.  

5.  A quilt for my nephew.

6.  Various home dec projects.  

7.  Work on fitting Love Notions Duet Trousers.  

8.  Work on clothing items as I see a need/hole in the wardrobe.  

9.  Make a JOY banner for my niece. 

I have not sewn much the last couple of years.  I also have not shopped much.  I am starting to see holes in the wardrobe.  I would imagine that will encourage a bit more sewing or have to shop.

Goal for 2025:

1.  Reduce the amount of fabric purchases.

2.  Reduce the number of patterns purchased.

Honestly, this list should keep me busy even if I only accomplish half of it.  The slipcover will keep me busy for a couple of months.

Happy Stitching!

2023 Project List...

 This year, I have decided to make a list of intended projects.  I do not think that I will apply time periods to them.  Just make the list and check it off.  Here is the list:

1.  Finish my son's quilt.  It just needs binding applied.

2.  New Christmas Tree Skirt - I have been saying this for years and have not accomplished it. This year is the year.

3.  Four Christmas pillows - these will be machined embroidered.  I have the fabric for one of the pillows. Need to locate trim for that pillow.

4.  Slipcovers - one chair, one ottoman, one loveseat.  I have 15 yards of fabric and one roll of cotton cording.  I know this will not be enough fabric or cording to cover all of these items.  I forgot to include the yardage for piping.  I have been working on the patterns.

5.  Fit the Willow Tank pattern. Add a couple of new tank tops for hot weather.

6.  Re-fit the fabrics-store.com Linen Tank.  This is probably my all time favorite tank.  It is a free pattern but is extremely well drafted.

7.  Fit the Love Notions T-shirt patterns.  There are two and I want to try both. 

8.  Finish a warm weather vest for my husband.  This was started in 2022 and I ran into an issue with the pattern.  It is a familiar complaint that the patterns tell you to use a particular length zipper but that length does not work with the pattern.  It is much easier to order the correct length zipper than to fix a zipper to the correct length.  Poor drafting.

9.   Finish an Alabama Chanin dress.

I suppose that is it for now.  Projects can always be added.  This list will keep me very busy if I choose to follow it.

In addition to the projects, I will re-organizing my sewing/craft room.  I think I need to rotate some stuff out to my storage unit.  Yeah, I know, I should not have a storage unit for my sewing stuff but I do.  I do freely allow others to store stuff in it because it is not full by any means.  I have too much stuff and can not seem to part with it.

Happy Stitching!

Balance Lines and Pants...

 I spent more time playing with Simplicity pant pattern from this post.  Here is my pattern comparison:

This particular pattern already has the crotch line marked on the pattern.  This is what I used.  The front pattern piece is on the top.  If you look closely, you can see the crotch lines marked on both patterns.  You can also see that they are no where near each other.  When I measured the distance, it was 1 1/2-inches.  That seems like a lot.

Following the directions, I rotated the front pattern piece crotch line to match up with the back crotch line.  Doing that caused this to occur:

Rotating the front crotch line to meet the back crotch line resulted in the difference being moved to the leg.  If I understood, you are suppose to redraw both sets of legs by 50% of that difference.  Hmmm.  At this point, my thoughts are I am not sure about this.  Do I really want to redraft this pattern completely?  That is what it feels like I would be doing.  All before checking the various lengths.  Generally, I remove between 1 and 1 1/2"  around the upper hip and add it back at the waist.  If I changed that length after fixing the balance line, what does that do to the balance of the pattern?

I did draw a horizonal balance line at the hip and I will use the shorten/length line on the leg for the horizontal balance line on the leg.  I have also marked the knee on the pattern.  I am considering abandoning the fit book and draping the pant.  In fact I am heavily leaning in that direction.  I am thinking that I picked a "too hard" project to start that way of fixing a pattern or it could be that I am a lazy sewer.  Either way, I think I am going to go a head and drape this pattern in muslin and see what it looks like.  After I do the draping and return the changes to the pattern, I might look back at the balance and see how it looks then.  

I will keep you updated as I progress but I will be making a muslin of the pattern.  I just need to move forward so I might have some pants to wear.

Happy Stitching!

Fabric, Fabric, Fabric...

 I just can not seem to resist buying fabric.  Here is the latest acquisitions:

I purchased 2 yards of the crepe ity.  Destined to be a top.  No pattern selected yet.  Easy care  - gentle cycle, tumble dry low.

 

I purchased 4 yards of the navy cotton/poly water repellent jacketing.  This seemed like the perfect fabric for the Kelly Anorak jacket pattern by Closet Core Patterns.  Here's a quick look at the pattern front:

Lots of plans, little time.  Hopefully, I will get to these projects.  

Happy Stitching!

Home Dec Sewing...

 Well, I kinda just keep buying fabric.  This time I have decided that my slipcovers need to be replaced.  I can not remember how old they are but I think they yell out "Old Woman".  So, I picked this linen to replaced my floral and checked/plaid slipcovers.  Here is the fabric:

This is a heavy weight linen from fabrics-store dot com. Somehow, I thought it was going to be a lighter in color but I will work with it.  I purchased 15 yards with hopes that it will cover a love seat and a chair.  We will see if I can accomplish that.  

I will be using the existing slips as patterns.  I do not take them apart.  Instead I measure and add seam allowances.  The slips will be a challenge as there are many pleats that I will need to figure out.  I am guessing that I will draft a pattern of some sort for the pleated areas to check the sizing.  Once the slips are finished, I will make some new covers for the pillows as well to bring in some color.  However, this could be a fun point.  The pillow covers could actually be changed from season-to-season if I choose.  

Now, I need to figure out how to find the time to get the yardage washed and dried a couple of times.  Maybe I will call the dry cleaners and see what they can do for me.  Otherwise, it will need to be a laundry mat with large washers and dryers.  I suppose I could throw in some pillows as well.

Happy Stitching!

Buying Spree Continues...

 The buying spree is continuing.  Here are my latest fabric acquisitions:

 

Both of these fabrics are from Fabric Mart.  They are 100% cotton twill.  Easy care with machine wash and dry.  They are destined to be bottoms of some sort.  I purchased 4 yards of each color so there is a possibly that each color will have a muslin and a garment.  

I fell for another Love Notions Featured Friday pattern:

This is the Love Notions Allegro pattern.  It looks to be a fairly versatile pattern.  I had resisted it for a long time but a sewing friend has had very good luck with the pattern so I decided to give it a try.  We'll see how it turns out.

I am still thinking about getting another sewing machine.  I need to figure out what to do with my computerized machines that are no longer in good working condition but the computers are still functioning.  Since parts for these machines are hard to get, I will love to send to a new home that would use them as part machines.  Any ideas?

Happy Stitching!

Repeats...

 I have been working on organizing my sewing area for months.  I am always planning projects that I just do not get around to doing.  I started working on putting away a multitude of patterns and ran across these two patterns:

This is Simplicity 9133.  It is a reasonably versatile pattern with three necklines, short sleeves, and sleeveless.  It was a "new" release from fall and you can see here where I purchased it.  

This is New Look 6356.  This is a versatile pattern with neckline variations, short sleeves, and sleeveless.  This is an out-of-print pattern.

Do you notice anything about these two patterns?  Yeah, they look pretty much the same.  There are some differences like the New Look versions uses a zipper and the Simplicity version uses a button.  The Simplicity version comes in a larger size range.  I feel duped though.  The Simplicity pattern was suppose to be a new release not a re-release.  I have seen this before with McCall's re-issuing Kwik Sew patterns.  Where has the creativity gone?

Now, I wondering how many patterns that I have that are identical.  Do you tend to pick the same styles are well?

Happy Stitching!

Why Is Fabric So Enticing?

 I have tried so hard not to purchase fabric this year but it really has not worked out well for me.  I have purchased a fair amount of fabric this year.  The truth is that I purchase and plan far more than I am able to produce.  Here are the most recent acquisitions:

This is a 100% cotton and destined to become a shirt for my husband.  It will most likely be similar to the shirts I made last summer.  It is machine wash and dry.  Total yardage - 3 yards.

This is an abstract sateen fabric.  It is destined to become a summer dress.  I think it will be one of the Merchant and Mills patterns.  It is machine wash and dry.  Total yardage - 3 yards.

This is a black/grey/white abstract printed sateen.  It is destined to be a top.  Most likely one of the Merchant and Mills patterns.  The fabric is machine wash and dry.  Total yardage - 1 1/4 yards.

This is a Antique Rose/White Floral printed challis.  It is destined to be a top.  I purchased the same yardage as the abstract print above.  If I can't find a different pattern that uses the same yardage, then I will use the same Merchant and Mills pattern,. The fabric is machine wash gentle and hang to dry.  Total yardage - 1 1/4 yards.

I do try to use patterns multiple times especially when they are so expensive and I have spent time fitting them.  The Merchant & Mills patterns are well drafted and mostly simple designs which lend themselves to being used many times.

Happy Stitching!

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping...

 I really have not done a tremendous amount of shopping this year in person.  Honestly, I would really like to use fabric in the stash but somehow I never have the right fabric.  I visited JoAnn Fabrics to purchase some little ornament kits for a friend's kids.  I try to send them things to do rather than just things.  While I was there, I decided that I would pick some more flannel.  This is what I picked out:

This was a door buster and I purchased 5 yards and they gave me 1 yard.  I don't really need 6 yards but maybe I do.  I intended to make pajamas or lounge wear from this.  As I was leaving I noticed that the Simplicity patterns were on sale, so I returned later in the afternoon and picked up a couple of patterns.  Here is the patterns I choose:

This is Simplicity 9133.  It is a simple pull over blouse  pattern with a couple of necklines and versions with and without sleeves.  I really like the versions D and E.  In looking at the pattern instructions, the same bodice pieces are used regardless of whether it has sleeves or sleeveless.  This would indicate that the sleeveless version needs the armhole raised.  

This is Simplicity 9191 or in my case R10902.  I don't know why there is a difference in the pattern.  Anyone know why that is?  This is a men's vest and jacket pattern.  From time to time, I do sew for the guys in my life and this looks like a nice pattern.  Just got confirmation that DH likes the pattern.  

Who knows I may go back tomorrow and look at some more patterns.

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!

Inspiration....

I enjoy checking out Neiman Marcus from time to time.  Today, I found a wonderful jacket:

I need a need jacket for spring.  This particular jacket is water proof and wind resistant.  The fabric is cashmere and nylon.  Doesn't it sound luxurious?  Unfortunately, it is priced at $3,615.  That is a wee bit out of my budget.  I think I will see what I can to make similar jacket.  By the way, if you are interesting in looking at the jacket, it is the Loro Piana Wind Stretch Storm Freetime Jacket.   

In the pattern stash, I have the following pattern:

I think this will do a fair job duplicating the inspiration piece.  Now, I need to locate some fabric.  Although I have a huge fabric stash, I know that any type of water proof / wind resistant fabric is not part of it.  Any suggestions on where to locate this type of fabric in the US?

Happy Stitching!

Tempatation....

Ah, yes, I'm always tempted by patterns.  I have a huge collection to prove it.  I don't really need another pattern but this past week I purchased Pants...Perfected by Pamela's Patterns.

I've heard good things about this pattern from wardrobe experts.  So, I decided to give it a try.  Pamela is known for having patterns for the more mature figure.  I fit squarely into that category.  It took about a week for the pattern to arrive.

To my surprise, there aren't really any instructions in the pattern.  Not that that is a big issue because there is a DVD on fitting and sewing with the pattern.  My surprise came in the fact that the "Pants for Real People" book by Pati Palmer and Marta Alto is highly recommended.  The DVD and the limited pattern instructions refer back to this book.  Needless to say, I was happy that I had this book in my library.

Currently, I'm watching the DVD.  Hopefully, in the next month, I can work through the fitting with this pattern.  I have tons of fabric and there are many pieces that would work out perfectly for the classic pants in the pattern.  Shhh! Don't tell my husband but the other pant styles will most likely require fabric purchases.  Maybe I'll just stick to the classic pant for now but the Magic Pants look like they would be very comfortable.

Have you tried this pattern?  How did it work out for you?

Currently, there are two other projects in front of this but they should be finished by the weekend.

Happy Sewing!

The Adventure Begins.....

Ever since I discovered Alabama Chanin, I have been in love with the look -- all the embroidery and embellishment.  I have purchased all the books and read each one.  However, I have never had the courage to attempt something in this style.  Folks, this is changing!  In December, I purchased "The Swing Skirt Techniques & Construction" class at Craftsy.  I am going to do this and with luck, in the end it will fit.  The class includes the pattern and the stencil.

Today, I decided to start my journey by doing a couple of samples.  I copied the following stencil from the Alabama Stitch Book:

It is the Bloomers allover stencil.  This will allow me to create a sample which I can test the felt that I'm using and practice the technique with a spray can of fabric paint (Tulip Color Shot).  I have no idea how this is going to turn out but I'm hoping that it will be fun.  Now, I just need to locate some excess jersey to play with.  I know that there is some in the stash because I saw it not long ago.

The felt is an unknown.  It was something that I found in the stash that seemed like it might be stiff enough to handle the stenciling. The only thing I know about it is that it is wool.  There is a big difference in wool felt and felted wool.  Time will tell if this little stencil will hold up.  If it doesn't, does anyone know when I can purchase stencil plastic at a good price?  I don't believe that I have a lot of resources locally but I am near a very large university and there might be something available there.

Here's the jersey samples from my scraps:

Here's my first attempt:

I didn't exactly follow directions which stated to do this in light coats.  I did one rather heavy coat and decided that I liked the color saturation.   At first glance, the stencil is holding up.  Here's after 30 min:

I'm completely happy with the color of the paint.  However, the design itself is a little smeared.  The felt definitely lifted a bit when spraying it.  This will be good enough to practice.  I can say with confidence that if I had done this on the actual project, there would have been tears.

I was very surprised at how quick I was able to get this outlined.  Granted it isn't large but still it was done in about an hour. Of course, that gives you an idea of how long a whole garment would take to complete.  I used regular sewing thread for the sample.  The recommended thread would be much more noticeable.

I checked the back when finished to see how I had done grabbing both layers of fabric.  I thought it looked pretty good.

Here is the finished product.  I'm happy with my very first sample of this technique. In real life, I would never have combined these two colors but I like the way it looks.  Maybe I will try a t-shirt before starting the skirt to practice a little bit.  What do you think?

A slightly different view of the sample.  I realized that I had not trimmed enough away on the applique.  I think it looks a wee bit better.

Have you tried any of the techniques in Alabama Chanin books?  How did it turn out for you?  What paint did you use?  What technique did you use to apply the stencil?   As you can, see I have a ton of questions.


Happy Stitching!

Fabric Collection is Growing....Again

Oh, yeah, I HAD to purchase more fabric today.  I really needed it.  Here's what I ordered:

How could I resist this cute little placemat panel and of course, the red check for the backing?  I have batting in the stash.  See I'm still doing stash reduction.  LOL

Then, I also purchased fabric for a Craftsy class that I am taking:

This is a cotton jersey.  I hope that the colors are good together when they show up.  This is for a skirt class that I'm taking.  I'm hoping the class is good.  I'm definitely looking forward to it.  With any luck I will get it before the end of the year.

Now, for something I bumped into today at Fabric.com.  Minimum quantity of 2 yards.  What?  When did this start?  I really didn't want 2 yards of each of the jersey fabric.  Hopefully, I will be able to use the extra yardage.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration....

I found this lovely tank by Nic+Zoe:

.

I love the styling!  Do you think the front is a double-layer with the top layer having a seam.  I have a pattern for a t-shirt with a similar neck opening, I think.  I haven't actually seen it since the move.  I think I may give this a try for spring.  This is actually part of the winter  retreat collection for Nic+Zoe and can be found on their website.  Price tag:  $98.00

Then, I found this:

Same styling but with sleeves.  Oh, I hope I can figure this out.  I love this, too.  This is part of the Inside Out at Nic+Zoe. Price tag:  $118.00.


Happy Sewing!

Asymmetrical Skirt...

The sewing room is almost ready and I'm lining up the sewing projects.  I feel like I can spend days sewing.  I don't think I've had this long of a break in years.  Here's my inspiration picture:

This is the Nic & Zoe Mod Twirl Bias Cut Skirt.  This is pull-on style made from a cotton/rayon fabric.  Only $148, you can find it at Neiman Marcus.

I don't have a pattern for the pull-on styling but I'm really loving the hemline.  So, I'm going to go with this pattern from Silhouette Patterns:

The basic silhouette will be very similar to the inspiration photo.  I found a gray wool in the stash that will be perfect.

I think I need to check out tops and see what I have to go with all of these skirts that I'm planning.  We all know if there isn't a top that it will become a sad little orphan in the closet.

Happy Sewing!

Found Beauty...

Moving all of my sewing stuff across country has been a true eye-opener.  Too much stuff but it has been fun going through it.  I have also found many projects.  Many unfinished and stuffed into bags and/or boxes.  Along with the unfinished projects, there have many projects that were purchased (pattern, fabrics, and notions) and just left in the bag for another day.  I'm planning on finishing some of these projects.  The first project is this little beauty:

Yes, this is very hard to photograph but I tried.  I'm pretty sure this is something that I did in the late 80s when I was learning how to hand quilt.  I have no idea if it was ever intended to be anything but what it is but I'm going to turn this into a small pillow.  Hopefully, among the pillow form stash will be a form that will fit the finished size.  Also found with it was more of the same muslin and this will be perfect for the backing.  Now, I just need to see if I have a zipper in an appropriate color (cream or white).

Have you found old projects like this?  Have you gone through with the completion?  Were you happy with the end results?

I'm hoping that this will be a good addition for the bench in my entryway.

Happy Stitching!

Casual Skirts....

As life continues to change and I fall into new routines, I decided that I needed a new casual skirt.  You can't really get much more casual than a denim skirt but do I really want denim?  Maybe I will consider the skirt styling and try for a colored denim.  So, with that in mind, I headed over to Neiman Marcus to see what they were showing in this particular style.  I found this:

A rather typical denim pencil skirt with jean styling. Although my skirt will not be too small as the picture is showing on the model.  I suspect that if this skirt was worn by the model for an entire day, it would be butt sprung.  Of course, the denim might relax but I'm not familiar with the fabric blend on this skirt.  It is cotton and polyurethane.  I don't general think of polyurethane as a chemical to create fabric but there is it.  This is the AG Emery High-Waisted Pencil Skirt.  Regular price tag:  $168.00.

Now for a pattern.  I just received the Silhouette Patterns #2017 - My Basic Jean Skirt:

This is a classic jean skirt pattern.  Styling is pretty close to the inspiration picture.  It most likely is not a high-waisted and not as close fitting because it doesn't show in the line drawing that it has a slit.

Other pattern considerations:

McCall's Perfect Fit Skirt, the shortest version on the right.  It has slanted pockets which might rule it out.

This Vogue Calvin Klein skirt.  It's a little shorter than I prefer but that is easy to fix.  It has the high waist like the inspiration picture.  There is a slit in the back which is where I would prefer to have the slit, if I'm going to have one.

So many things to consider.  The Silhouettes pattern would probably be the easiest because of the sizing.  The McCall's and Vogue patterns will need to have adjustments made.  All three are very classic skirts. 

As far as the fabric, the recent move has proved to me that I have plenty of fabric.  For some reason, I tend to collect denim which I had no idea that I had done.  I also have a small collection of twills.  I'm leaning toward a dark chocolate brown twill to make this skirt. 

I guess if I'm going to get this moved from a plan to reality I need to work a little harder on the sewing room and get the organization finished so I can get the sewing machines going.  I'm definitely ready to see how a couple of the machines survived the move.  It will give me the chance to see how my setup works.

What are your thoughts on the chosen patterns?

Happy Stitching!