Flannel PJs...

 I selected the next Kwik Sew pattern to work on and pulled out two different flannels from the stash.  That is good stash reduction.  Here is the fabric:

This is a Snuggle Flannel from JoAnn's.  It is a cute fabric but narrow.  

The blue flannel has a fun message on it.  It has been in the stash forever.  The yardage is narrow so I will probably purchase a plain flannel to make the sleeves. 

Here is the pattern that I intend to use:

This is Kwik Sew 3353.  It is just a basic pajama pattern.  Perfect for lounging around. 

Here is the new pajamas:

I love the fit of both pair of jammies.  This pattern really is a good basic and fast when you use your serger.  It would be really easy to modify the pattern if you were interested in piping the edges.  There is nothing not to like with this pattern.

Happy Stitching!

Poncho Top...

I love the idea of the poncho tops.  It is an easy on/off item. When I saw this pattern from McCall's, I knew it would be the perfect item for my Mom who has congestive heart failure.  Here is the original post from my fall roundup.  Here is the pattern:

Now this item takes a lot of fabric.  The first version was view A in a recommended size of XL and a little short even for my 4'11" Mom.  The fabric used is from Joann Fabrics.  I was very disappointed in this fleece as it was described as a cabled fleece but it was really a printed fleece. It is still a color my Mom is very happy with.  Here is the first version on me:

As you can see this is really big.  It is actually the recommended size for me.  Just for reference, I'm 5'5".  If another version is made, I think we will be moving down a couple of sizes to a M.

I see versions of this in knitted cables all the time.  Everyone seems to love them.  I think I would like one of these for myself but the right fabric needs to be located.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Button Down Dress

 We are solidly in fall but this dress silhouette is fabulous.  I admit that I like a causal style and will need to reserve this idea for later.  

This is the Akris Button-Down Belted Silk Crepe Midi Dress.  Price tag: $2990. Details:  silk crepe, spread collar, button front, short sleeves, side slip pockets, adjustable belt, a-line silhouette, midi length, and side slits.  

This is Butterick 6702.  View C is very similar to the inspiration photo. It doesn't have the side slits like the inspiration but it looks like there is enough volume that it is not needed.  The hidden placket is also missing but you can follow these instructions to create that detail.  You would also need to add side pockets and shorten the sleeves.

Another alternative is to use your favorite fitted shirt pattern lengthen it to the correct length and adding the details that you want.  That way your money will go toward the fabric instead of the pattern.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Fabric and More Fabric...

 The fabric still keeps moving into sewing area.  As far this month, more is going out than coming in.  I purchased the following fabric this week:

This can be found at either fabric dot com or amazon.  I purchased 3 yards with the idea that I might make a knit dress.  It is a little light weight for that but the fabric could change when washed.  Washing instructions are wash cold/tumble dry low.

No pictures of the other fabrics.  They were walmart precut finds that I generally use for muslins. Both pieces are black.  One is a french terry and the other is a ribbed knit.  The precuts are 2 yard cuts each. 

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!