Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Simplicity 2226

Pattern Description: A "Learn to Sew" pattern. Misses skirts in two lengths with pocket trim and tie belt options. Belt loops and regular zipper in center back.
Pattern Sizing: Size A (6-18). I made a 10, was a bit big in the waist

Instructions:  They were easy to follow with lots of extras for the new sewer.  I think this is a great feature plus it is on a cute and stylish pattern.

Changes:  The pattern calls for the pockets to be finished with bias binding. I used the pocket pattern and used it like a facing and it worked fine.  Much better than bias with this fabric.  Different fabrics and styles call for different treatments with bias and/or facings.


I also used an invisible zipper in the back

Fabric:  A stretch cotton from Joann's, very nice.

Conclusion:  A great pattern for a new or experienced person, plus it is cute and stylish.  Great for all types of fabric.



Meredith ready for school

Kwik Sew denim jacket I had made years ago for Erin, it is too short in the sleeves for Meredith but just roll the sleeves.




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Also, another Simplicity 2512 this time for Kaitlyn with the tie longer so it can be worn in a bow
Running late for school, allowed one picture, oops bow crooked and skirt tuck on tights!


Wardrobe Basic Sewalong - Faux Fur Vest

Let's move to #8 on the list, the faux fur vest, since the weeks of winter are winding down, my thoughts were to move this item up on the list.

Let's look at inspiration from RTW






found via pinterest
Donna Karen - Net-a-Porter

Sweater with fur collar



Eileen Fisher - Nieman Marcus

Fringed vest - Net-a-Porter
Reversible vest - Nieman Marcus
Nordstrom
Or you can take a look at several faux fur vests at Zappos

Now let's move to patterns:




Maybe use this one and add fur on the collar


Butterick 3311


Vogue 8777




Free Snuggle-up Scarf Vest pattern from Hot Patterns via Fabric.com




Or a Sweater with fur trim tutorial via Adventures in Dressmaking more in your comfort level



Finding some possibilites for your vest?

Now it is fabirc time:






Let's plan on a Link party next week for updates on what you have sewn.  For those without a blog, I will start a Flickr group this week for posting pics (if you would like) and you can link with the picture URL.


 


Monday, January 30, 2012

Wardrobe Planning

One of our participants, Jamye, from Straight Stitched, had a great wardrobe planning post last week.  I asked her if I could share it on my blog and she said it would be fine.

So head over and read the entire post for some great insight on our wardrobe.  She includes The Ten Essential Wardrobe Elements as devised by Tim Gunn for some good  great guidelines for our wardrobe and this sewalong.


Also, let's hear it for Katie, she has finished her black ponte pants and posted on her blog today.  Take a look at her Audrey inspired look, great job, Katie.

Another person reported in, Jodie (no blog), finished a denim pencil skirt and it has been worn.  Jodie is working with the list of basics to sew garments which will work with her new teaching assignment.  Great job, Jodie!
I just cut out my Threads pants, thanks those of you who commented and gave me very valuable advice.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Black Ponte Pants - Progress Report




It has been a week since the official start of the Wardrobe Basic Sewalong and the big question - How are your pants coming along?

Mine?
Well, my order from Fabric Mart arrived Thursday but alas, no black ponte.  I had my red ponte, gray ponte and white shirting but the invoice had a big SOLD OUT by the black ponte.  GRRRRR. 

So a quick call to Anne at Needle Nook and my black ponte arrived on Saturday, which Anne called Scuba Knit.

I have my patterns narrowed down to two:



Any thoughts on my patterns?

Also, leave comments on how your pants are coming along.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

New Look 6648

I have made this top several times, it is one of Erin's favorites and mine, too.
You can check the past blog posts:
Pink floral version (Erin's)
black and white geometric version (mine)
blue stripe version  (Erin's)
first version (mine)

See a pattern here?

Well, time for another one for Erin, I used the wrapped version this time, with the large butterfly type sleeves.  She picked out a fabulous knit from Fabric Mart (purchased quite some time ago, influenced by Carolyn!)

The fabric is sheer, so a cami will be needed.
Used a solid black knit for the binding.


love the back - the fabric is so dramatic

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Simplicity 2512

Pattern Description: Misses' skirts with varying waistband and front draping details. I made View B with the sweetheart waistband, gathers and binding.
Sizing: 4 to 22; I made Meredith a size 10.  This pattern was a bit hard to decide where to start with the correct pattern size, no finished measurements on the pattern pieces.  I took a guess on the 10, comparing the waistband to a skirt in her closet.

Instructions:  They were easy to follow and had good order to the steps

Like/Dislikes:  Meredith liked the style of the skirt, something similar she had pinned from RTW.  The only dislike is the ties are thin.   Meredith really likes the pockets, too.



Changes:   I omitted the binding on the hem and the waistband.  I added 1" to the hem to compensate for no binding and turning up the hem.  I used the facing from the waistband and made a traditional waistband (RST, stitch, turn RS out and slipstitch into place).  I also used an invisible zipper.

Fabric:  Rayon type fabric from Joann's, beautiful hand and drape.

Conclusion:  This is a winner, Meredith loved her skirt and wants another one.  Kailtlyn also wants one, too.  I will change the ties to be longer (girls want to tie a bow) and then wider the last 20" to make the bow fuller.


Meredith is a bit thin in this picture, had the flu over the weekend and lost 8 pounds!





On the Wardrobe sewalong, my package of fabric arrived today - guess what was sold out and I didn't get?  You guessed it the black ponte!  I am behind already, off to call Anne at Needle Nook and get some on the way.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Pant Construction Tips

Here are some pant construction tips and hints to help with those ponte pants.

New Mexico State Article

Sewing in a zipper - Threads

Choose the Correct Size - Threads

Sigrid's Pant tutorials

You Tube Video - Angela Kane

You Tube Video - Sew Pants that Fit

You Tube video - Sandra Betzina Success with Multi-Size patterns

You Tube Video - Sew What's New with George Trippon (this is part 1 of 3 - you can access the rest after watching the first one)

Threads fly Front - thanks Karin and Angela

Collette pants fitting - thanks Lynne B

If you know of more tutorials or information on the internet, put it in the comments and I will add it to this post.

Thanks so much.



Sunday, January 22, 2012

Start Your Sewing Machines - the Official Start of the Wardrobe Basic Sewalong

Let's make Monday, January 23rd,  the official start of the Wardrobe Basic Sewalong.

Take a look at my original post for the basic information and for review here are the items

1. Slim Black Pants (on the segment they called these ponte pants)


2. Dark Skinny Jeans

3. White button shirt

4. Black turtleneck\

5.Camel - khaki skirt

6.Tie Waist Sweater

7. Puffy Vest (you can make this a jacket/blazer)

8. Faux Fur Vest\

9. Black Dress

 
You can adapt them as necessary for your needs, comfort level and style.
 
Let's start with the first item on the list, black pants.  Reference  my pants post for RTW inspiration, patterns and fabric ideas.
 
My fabric is on the way and my pattern has been purchased, so I am ready to sew pants this week.
 
If you are participating here is a button you can add to your blog. 
 
 
You can add it to the side of your blog with the html code to link to the original post so others may join us. If you are wanting to put the button on the side of your blog in blogger you would add a gadget and then a picture.  It allows a picture and a link.  HTH
 
Take a look at Lynne's blog this week for more with this sewalong and I will be posting on another garment with patterns, fabrics and inspiration.
 
If you post a comment on this blogpost that you are in, I will add you to the list of participants and link your blog.
 
1. Lori
2. Lynne of Wonderfully Made
3. Barbara of Working with Delight
 4. Jodie ( no blog but posting great comments)
5. Tonia of The Enchanted Daydreamer
6.  Angela of The Creative Diva
7. Karin of Sew Here We Go Again
8. Katie of Kadiddlehopper
9. Marie (no blog but posting comments and we can link flckr page)
10.  Yvette of Sew Today, Wear Tomorrow
11. Sandi
12. Renae of Seams Awesome
13. Patty of Sew Much Knitting
14. Jamye of Straight Stitch
15. Doobee  of Doobee's Creations
16.  Bonnie of Tres Bon Babble (informally participating)
17.  Kris O of Needle to Say
18 Nikki
19.  Mari
20.  Knitcognito
21. Dharma of Cut. Sew. Create
22. Joanne of Sunshine and Sewing
23. Amity of Amity Originals
24.  Elizabeth of E Made This
25. Sewing for Me
26. YOU??

 Now comment if I have left you off, I tried to get everyone from the previous post.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Simplicity 2246

Pattern Description: Fitted and semi-fitted shirtdress with varied sleeves and hems

Sizing: 6 to 22, I made Kailtyn a 10.  Kaitlyn loves a shirt dress and the team dresses up for away basketball games.  She wanted a new one for her wardrobe.

Instructions:  Very easy to follow, I really like how they have the pocket finished.  "Turn upper edge to the inside along fold line forming facing, press.  To make tuck, on outside, fold along tuck line, catching the raw edge of facing/  Stitch 1/4" from fold.  Press fold of tuck down, pressing upper edge of pocket out."  Great way to have a clean finished pocket.  Here is the one for Kaitlyn's dress, I cut it on the bias.
Throughout the instruction sheet, you will find "a lisette tip" .  These include how to edgestitch, reinforce the pocket with a small triangle at the top, staystitching, ease stitch, gathering and how to turn the collar.  Great tips for a beginner and great reminders for a more experienced sewer.

Likes/Dislikes:  Cute shirtdress with a younger feel and two hem/length variations There is no yokes and the collar and band is cut as one but this is something you could change (a slight dislike) but the collar/band combination does lay very nicely.  I do like the fact is does include a front band, wider hems for the sleeves for turn up cuffs. 

Fabric:  A cotton stripe from Joann's.  My Joann's had no shirtings, we found this in the quilting section.

Changes:  Pockets on the bias to start.  I cut view B, with the shorter length and shirttail hem.  Oh, boy, way to short for Kaitlyn.  It has been awhile since I have sewn for her and mom couldn't remember my baby is as tall as me!  So time to "make it work" in the words of Tim Gunn.  I had just enough fabric left to cut a hem band with the stripe running horizontally.  I think it looks great and was an intended design feature instead "oh, my gosh, fix this"!




Conclusion:  Great shirtdress, good instructions and pretty good fit.  Kaitlyn stated this morning, her arms had limited motion.  Not sure it was due to the stretch belt she had on, holding the dress in place or a shoulder, back or armsyce issue. Suggestions? Will explore more when she is not rushing out the door to school. 






Reluctant model, too cold outside and I need to get to school!

Wardrobe Basic Sewalong

So have you purchased any ponte?  Any pant patterns?  Used Pinterest or saved photos on your computer of ponte pant inspiration?  I have my ponte on the way and the pattern purchased, although I may buy more ponte and another pattern.  After finding all the patterns, I was set on making a slim fitting pant but may make another pair with a wider leg look from a New Look pattern.

This sewalong is gaining steam and my friend Lynne, of Wonderfully Made, and I are going to coordinate this sewalong together.   Lynne expanded on the list with some other basics to extend our wardrobe to the next season.  Take a look at Lynne's post for her ideas and a polyvore inspiration board.


We have been brainstorming on many ideas for this sewalong, including the Sew-Along, Link Parties, and finishing up with a blogger's fashion show, a contest and lots of fun posts!

I find this entire concept very exciting and believe we can encourage one another on this sewalong.  The sewing blogging community is such an inspiration and we hope this sewalong provides inspiration for wardrobe basics.



Polyvore of items from the basic wardrobe post. Can't you see the possibilities already?


So take a look at my original post  on the sewalong and update your list of what you need to sew.  Combine it with Lynne's list and refine it to your needs, it can be one garment or it could be ten garments.

So the big question is "Will you join us?"

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Simplicity 2152

Description: Misses' skirt in three lengths with trim variations sewing pattern.


Sizing: 6 to 22

Instructions:  They were very easy to follow.

Likes/dislikes:  I like everything about this skirt, I went to Pattern Review to check out this pattern and this review by Goodbye Valentino said it perfectly, "I really like the movement of the skirt without being too full."  This pattern has several options and possibilities for several different skirts.

Fabric: woven/lycra I have had in my stash for awhile, I think I bought it at Wal-Mart

Changes:  I added a lining, can't stand my skirt sticking to my tights in the winter.  On the lining I added lace, just like Carolyn does (and she posted the lace in today's blogpost)


I also changed the zipper from a lapped zipper to an invisible zipper.

Conclusion:  This is the first of many skirts from this pattern, I really like the fit and style.  I ran short on fabric, so it might be a bit too short.  Next time I am addignn 1-2".


Lightened so you could see the details