Muslin Woven Tank...

I have decided to try a different tank pattern.  I had been attempting the Silhouettes version and have made wearable versions of the tank pattern.  However, there is styling about the pattern that I am not happy with.  I have decided to try the Phoebe Linen Tank pattern from Fabrics-Store.com.  Here is a peek at their finished version:

Here is a link to the pattern - Phoebe Linen Tank.  It is a free pattern and you need to be registered to download it.  Here is the first muslin:

You can see her that I really need a bust dart.  However, the circumference is very good. Here is a picture showing how pinning a dart looks:

Don't you the dart really cleans up the shoulder area?  I will need to add length whenever the dart is added to the pattern.  You can see in this picture that it looks like the front is pulling to the back just a little bit.  This will mean that I need to add a bit of length to the back just above the shoulder area.  That probably should be done before adding the dart.

Here's the results of adding length to the back:

You can see I still need a front dart.  I don't feel like I'm being choked anymore.  This is good.

Here you can see the differences in the back.  Length has been added in the back shoulder area.  I think that I'm done with the shoulder area and will be marking the pattern with the changes.  Next will be the sway back changes.

There are still a few wrinkles in the back but I can not tell if it is because of the way I am standing.  So, I decided the back is done.  Now, for the front darts:

I increased the dart by another 1/2 inch on the side you can see.  This is the final for the dart.  Here's the side view:

I think I happy enough with the fit of the muslin that I'm ready to move on.  I can improve the fit with the next version should I decide that it is needed.  I have two fabrics that I am going to attempt this top in.  It really depends on how large the fabric pieces are.  This will definitely make a nice summer top.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Slim Pants

This week's inspiration is slim pants and not just any slim pant.  These pants remind me of cigarette pants.

This are the Manhattan Slim Pants by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag:  $368.00.  Details - stretch cotton, side slip pockets, flat front legs, ankle length, hook/fly zip.

Since they remind me more of a cigarette pant, that is the pattern I am going to show today:

This is the Colette Clover pant pattern.  I think View 1 is right version for this inspiration.  The patterns from the Seamwork website are all pdfs.  The patterns can be purchased individually of you can become a member and use credits.  Here is a link for membership.  If you use that link to purchase a membership, you will get a small discount and I will get a small benefit as well.

How is your spring / summer sewing going?  Hopefully, it is going better than mine.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 38

Week 38 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 38 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 38 is twill or denim skirt.  Obviously if a skirt is not something you wear or would consider wearing, thn make this item any bottom that you prefer to wear in spring.  With that said, I want a denim wrap skirt.  I have the fabric and pattern. Just got to it done.  With that said, be sure and check out the skirts in the post.  The skirts from Marks & Spence are just fabulous and not particularly expensive.  I particularly liked the linen wrap skirt.

Here is my pattern choice for this:

This is the Sidekick Wrap Skirt pattern by Indygo Junction.  

Here is another option:

This is Butterick 6547.  It a wrap skirt with two views.  I think View A is a little more causal than View B but both views would be good.

Any skirt pattern you own that is meant for wovens will work.  However, the skirt or bottom is yours.  Use a pattern you already own and buy fabric.

Happy Stitching!

Looking For Things To Do...

It is hard being at home and not doing the regular running around.  I am sure most people are like me  use to hop in the car and doing what I want to do.  My car has been driven twice in the last week - to my parents and to my home.  It actually leaves a lot of time to do other things. Personally, I am cleaning, sewing, and watching videos.   Bluprint is offering free classes through April 9, 2020.  No credit card involved.  Just register and find something to keep everyone busy. Go check it out (link at the right).  Maybe you will find something new to learn.

Happy Stitching (Creating)!
(This is an affliliate post and I will get a small commission if you register.)

Kitten Spells Trouble...

Last summer, my life turned upside down when a little demon kitty entered it.  You can read about here.  Fast forward a few months and I don't have one cat but two.  Yep, there is a story.  In the meantime, here's the original picture of little Rocket:

Doesn't he look precious?  My original name for him was "Trouble".  He has lived up to that name.  Here is today:

Hasn't he grown into a fine looking cat?  Rocket is about 9 months old here.  His chunkieness has only begun in the past month.  We have reduced his food a bit to assist with not gaining more weight.  I think the weight happened at the same time his new friend was taken away from him for a few weeks. 

Now to the new friend.  Because Rocket was a surprise member of our household, we had to find a place for him to board while we were traveling. Our local vet took him for us.  An unintended consequence of this was that Rocket was introduced to another kitty who had been severely injuried and was healing that the vets.  In December, when we returned from the last trip of the year, this kitty was offered to us.  They told us that the two had already been introduced and seemed to love each other. We said we would think about it.

 In the meantime, Rocket continues to bite me constantly.  We are not talking friendly little "I love you" bites but blood drawing bites.  We decide to give this kitty a chance.  He had been living in a cage for 7 or 8 months.  When we went to pick him up, it was very evident that the staff loved this cat.  There were a lot of tears at the clinic that day.  Meet JB:

Isn't a pretty tabby?  Rocket is quite pleased to have a friend.  Can you tell?  Let's fast forward to February when we notice that a scar has opened up on his leg.  We take a picture send it to the vet who immediately says "Bring him in.".  It turns out that JB has metal bars holding his leg together and he has had a reaction to it.  Of course, the skin in the inside of the leg is rather thin also and probably contributed.  The metal bars had to be removed.  The vet kept him for the next 4 or 5 days because the wound had to be kept clean.  He wasn't happy at the vets and we brought him a couple of days before his next surgery.  He's JB after surgery:

The cone of shame.  He wore it well.  I will say we had a little two much fun it with at this expense.  Here's a shot eating:

It was even funnier to watch him walk around.  There are no videos just memories.  He was plenty happy to get rid of the cone.  Just as Rocket was plenty happy to have his buddy back.  Three weeks is a long time to a cat.  Here are the boys together again:

Don't they look pleased?  No more social isolation for them.

Getting the second cat ended the constant biting that I was getting from Rocket but he still bites me once in while.  Rocket is still his stand-offish self and JB is a snuggle bunny.  These two romp and run through the house along with lots of tumbling. 

Hope the pictures of my boys made you smile.

Happy Stitching!