My Sewing Week

I haven't had much time to post this week but did some sewing completed. My last project was a quick one - Ottobre 1/2007 #16 Singoalla Blouse for my friend's daughter.






This is my first time using elastic thread in the bobbin (shirring) and I love my results on the sleeves and neckline. Check out this Portabellopixie for information on shirring. I think I am going to take out the shirring at the bottom, it is a bit tight and I didn't have enough rows. Fabric is a crinkle type cotton from Wal-Mart. Boy, this shirt was hard to photograph, it is so much cuter in person!



Closeup of the sleeve.

My work in progress, it just needs buttons Burda World of Fashion 1/2008 #107





Here is a sneak preview of my blouse - fabric is from Wal-Mart, $1 a yard, it is a shirting with a some polyester. I thought it was just the right price for my muslin, and I think this will be wearable one at that. Hopefully, I can run by Joann's to get buttons today. I am going with my older two daughters and my mom shopping, they aren't too keen on Joann's!




Lastly, Ottobre Woman 5/2007 #6, Marlene pants.



Description: Marlene pants with creases and wide turn-ups are best made from high-quality lightweight wool or wool-blend fabric that shapes and molds easily when pressed. The pants have a high-rise waist. The small pleats at the front merge with the creases, and there are small darts at the back waist.
Sizing: 34 to 46, I made a 38
Instructions: The instructions were good, as always I used my Sandra Betzina More Power Sewing book for the fly zipper. Debbie has an incredible tutorial for fly zippers, too. The instructions do include binding the waistband, a nice touch for dress slacks.
Likes/Dislikes: I liked the look in the magazine but thought the legs might be a bit wide. I don’t like my fabric choice and will explain more later. My likes, thought this could/can be a TNT pattern for pants, nice basic style that can be made different ways. Cuffs, welt pockets, belt loops for more casual slacks, etc.
Does it look like the magazine: Not really, my pair has no cuffs, no pleats, no crease, no belt loop! But the shape is the same.
Changes: I had included the front pleats on my pants but after an initial fitting, they pulled so badly and looked terrible. I took out the basting and my pants fit just right. I did not like the cuffs on this pair of pants, I believe this was my fabric choice. Also, I felt belt loops were not needed on a dress pant.
Fabric: Wal-mart find $1 a yard, herringbone type print. I am not sure the content – quite a bit of lycra or other stretch fiber. The fabric did ravel but when a steam iron was applied, you could just watch the fabric shrink! Not good for determining if I made the right size. I should have read the description a bit more, lightweight wool would have been a better choice. The pattern does not have lining instructions so any wool I would have to line. Wool and my skin just does not mix. Conclusion: I like them okay, I need to make them again in higher quality fabric, so I can have better fitting information. It is a nice basic pattern for pants. I do notice from my picture, the slacks are a bit long. I do believe another washing before I re-hem them is in order. With this fabric, it is hard telling what the dryer will do to my fabric! Also, they might be a bit tight in my hips.





fly zipper

waistband binding