Tamara's Mini Winter Wardrobe -Part 1

This week ,I managed to almost finish three of the five pieces I'm planning for my daughter. Of course I started with relatively easy pieces. Tonight I'm posting on a self-drafted (sort of) bias skirt and a sweater top made from V8597 View C. See my sidebar for the whole plan.

The skirt is the result of my pointing out that this certain skirt she often wore was beyond wearing. (She bought it at an Ann Taylor shop when she lived in Florida in 2001!) I forgot to take a pic before I cut it apart but oh my! It was way past it's prime.She asked if I could make an exact,exact replica for her. And I tried.

When I took the skirt apart, I saw that it was stretched out of shape so I looked through my patterns and found this Butterick pattern that ended up being almost identical in length and width so I used it to draft my new pattern.



I cut it to include 1&1/2" seams on the sides to make sewing the bias seams easier.



The technique I used to make this skirt ,I learned from Sandra Betzina. She used my fabric to cut out and sew this skirt to illustrate her method.




I'm putting a tutorial here if anyone wants to know the details.
So here it is and I hope DD likes it and that it fits.



As for the pullover top,The fabric is a lovely polyester sweater knit in a heathered purple. I don't know if DD likes purple but if she doesn't, she should.



I made a couple of changes to the pattern. For good or bad ,I decided not to double the cowl collar fearing it would be too thick. But the single layer wanted to roll upward so I decided to zigzag it to the neckline as you see here.



I sewed the collar from the inside of the neck with the right side of the collar against the wrong side of the sweater . That way the right side of the collar showed on the outside. Then,I folded the collar in two and zigzagged it to the neckline. It really doesn't show as much as the photo indicates.

The other change I made was to join the two parts of the sleeves together as I didn't want a seam on the front of the sleeves.At the top where they didn't join, I added a dart and this formed the shoulder and you wouldn't know that the sleeves weren't drafted that way.





For more pics ,look here.

I also made a white shirt but I haven't sewn on the buttons yet so I'll keep it for another time.

I hope you found time to sew this week or weekend.

Happy Sewing from Diana !

Vogue 1058 a Second Time& My Birthday Present

Well, it will be my birthday next week and my husband asked me what I wanted. I promptly replied:

"Nothing. I already have everything I want....Oh,wait, there is one thing...a subscription to the Web Tv Shows on Power Sewing!!!!"



So I'm enrolled and have watched a few episodes and I'm loving them! And Karla, at Power Sewing was such a sweetheart!

As for what I've been sewing, I made V1058 this week which happens to be one of Sandra's patterns.The fabric is a delicate rayon sweater knit and I do mean delicate!

Do I like it? Yes I do but what should have been an easy sew turned out to be a pain in the....!

I've made this before and it turned out fine except for the sleeves which were too short even for 3/4 ones.



So the first change I made was to cut the sleeves about 4" longer.

Then I decided that I would add a bust dart, just because. I closed the dart and opened it along the lower bodice and gathered a few inches.



This whole process turned out to be unnecessary because the bodice is a little big now

Other changes I made were to add a self facing to both upper and lower front and a more substantial one for the back neck. I also added 1.5"to the length of the cardi. I don't remember why!



Instead of using the tied closure I opted for a loop and button on the band which I overlapped since the bodice is a little too roomy.I like the effect.



This twin set is suppose to be part of my PARISwardrobe.Yes!That's right! We're going to Paris in September!Our dream vacation at last!But more about that another time.

So here it is for what it's worth. It didn't photograph well at all. It doesn't really look wrinkled like this.



This is not a flattering look fo r me. Maybe it can be worn with a summer dress or something.

More pics here.

Something a Little Different

Wednesday morning, (that's my Big Sewing Day), I had planned on making New Look 6807 out of this poly sheer animal print from my What Goes With Brown fabrics, but out of the blue,I suddenly decided to make Vogue7829




I've had this pattern for a long time and I always intended to use it to make a lounger but I felt like a challenge that day and this pattern and fabric were both a challenge.

First I agonized over whether I could ignore the fact that it was meant to be a bias garment. In the end I decided to take the chance and cut it on the straight grain and it worked out just fine..

Next decision was which sleeves to make. I finally decided on View C but minus the bottom pointed layer.




Should I use the tied closures or did I want loops and buttons? I went for the loops and these pretty buttons I've been dying to use and which were gifted to me by a non-sewing friend.



The gold in the buttons is not as bright as the gold threads in the fabric but I 'm just ignoring that.

I cut the shoulder area a size 12 with my usual sloped and narrow shoulder alteration and the side seams at size 14. I enlarged the bust dart about 3/4". I shortened the front and back pieces a total of 3" in two different places and cut the blouse out hoping for the best.(As you probably know by now, I rarely make a muslin). Here's the finished garment.



It's pretty isn't it? But you're probably thinking it doesn't look exactly like the pattern cover. Well I decided to cut off some of the length. I know it's a no-no but I just cut off about another 4" right across the front and on a slight slant at the back. It was just too darn long and it did not flatter my height.

I used French seams everywhere (even where there was gathering to be done),except the set in sleeve which I serged. The result is a nice clean finish.



I also added a modesty panel between the left center front and facing.



For the sleeve casing, I used clear elastic so it wouldn't show through and it doesn't!



What would I do differently if I were to make it again?

I think I would add a full facing to include an undercollar if I were to use a sheer fabric again. I'm not in love with the single layered collar .It doesn't know what to do with itself..




The second change I would make is to take the seam allowance off the front shoulder and add it to the back shoulder because ,as in many patterns(at least I find it so),the shoulder wants to slip toward the back.

Having said all that, I really like this blouse. I wore it today with brown pants I finished last week from my most favorite pant pattern (V2873 ), and I really like it.I wore it to church and to lunch afterward and my friends complimented me on it.So did my husband as he was taking these pictures. He also said:
"I can't believe you can make stuff like this!"

More"What Goes With brown" Pieces

I often visit blogs and feel sad for those of you who don't have very much time to sew. While I was still teaching I use to alternate on Saturdays between cleaning and sewing.That worked well for me and at that time ,I was very organized.

As a retired person ,I chose Wednesday as my Big Sewing Day.I sew other times too, but Wed. is my guilt-free-do-nothing-else-from-early-morning-to-late-at-night sewing day.And I enjoy every minute. My DH goes to town and spends the night at his sister's so I can have this one day all to myself.

This Wednesday, I made this top,



thinking it would look well with this skirt.




But I didn't really like them together.

The top is View A of Simplicity2520



and the fabric is a really nice polyester sweater knit.This fabric did not act like polyester at all and is very comfortable to wear.

The only change I made was to the sleeves. I straightened them and made them 7/8 with a wide hem. I like that look.



The fit is fairly snug. I cut my usual Size 12 for the shoulder area but Size 14 for the side seams and I could have used a bit more room. (but then, I am a little rounder than usual at present,LOL)

The neckline is very high and fairly snug,actually a little too snug but I like the look of the yoke



I used an invisible zipper closure at the back



Now about this skirt!




I think many of us fell in love the first time we saw this Marci Tilton skirt.
What you need to know if you've tried this pattern or are planning on it is that the pieces don't fit together! I was completely shocked when this happened!I thought am I stupid or what? Then I remembered Katherine's green version of this pattern and so I checked it out and of course this wonderful and generous woman had the solution.I won't go into details but the problem lies with the bias pieces having an extra inch on all sides.

The pieces fit effortlessly together after removing the extra inch and I really like the results. I didn't change a thing. I cut out the size 12 and it fit. I did use bias stay tape so the bias seams wouldn't stretch too much and had no trouble at all.I had fun top stitching (I love top stitching).




My fabric is a light suit weight cotton/poly blend and my skirt looks very much like the one on the envelope.Here I am wearing the two pieces together but its not a great look.


Here's a back view with Vogue 8323

More pics here.
Happy Sewing from Diana

A Top For Next Christmas (Vogue 8323)

Every Christmas ,I plan on making something a little special,maybe even sparkly, and each year it just doesn't happen.

A couple of years ago, I bought a beautiful and rather expensive rusty stretch cotton lace and cut out the top.I used View C of V8323 and cut it out without any alterations.(Actually, I forgot to do my FBA).However,it lingered among my UFO's.



Right after Christmas this year,I had the idea of making this now for next year.

I had originally intended to underline the whole thing with a nude colour tricot lining and after pinning each piece,I decided I didn't like the effect. I didn't have anything brown to use so I decided on black tricot



Here you see the difference between the two underlinings.



I basted all the pieces and underlinings together and treated the two layers as one.The top went together very well and I think I achieved a good fit. I found the sleeves were a little short so I added an inch and a half strip of the lace for the hem.



I finished the neckline with a band of lace (I didn't use bias).I turned the seam allowance and sewed it by hand to the underlining.I also sewed all the hems to the underling by hand.



Here it is. This pic gives a sneak peek at my Marcy Tilton skirt. I don't think the two go well together so a peek is all I'm showing. My skirt will be featured in my next post with this Simplicity top



This top fits in well with my What Goes With Brown theme.Here I'm wearing it with a pair of brown stretch velvet pants I made using this Sandra Betzina pattern of all things!



Stop by later to have a look at my above mentioned pieces.

A Butterick Knit top (B5354)

I've been wanting to make this top for a long time and it was the first thing I made after Christmas.I wanted an easy project and this one fit the bill.I had it cut out a while back so I got right down to sewing and it only took about three hours.
>
Here is the outcome. It's nothing special really.




The fabric is a poly sweater knit that is very soft.The name of the collection was "Cashmere".It was left over from my daughter's Christmas dress which I forgot to photograph before sending it to Ottawa.

The reason I'm not thrilled with it I think is that the tucks at the neckline don't show up because of the printed fabric.But I definitely want to make it again in a plain knit.




There was one problem with this pattern.I found that the neckline falls toward the back so I'll take the seam allowance away from the front shoulder and add it to the back.I find this step usually fixes this problem.

What I like about this top is the fit (I used size 12 but cut the side seams at size 14). I like the amount of fullness through the bodice. It's not too wide.The only change I made to the pattern was to lengthen the sleeves because I'm always cold.I've already worn it several times so it wasn't a waist of time.You know.We all have things we sew that are just ordinary.This is one of mine.

I didn't get any pics taken of me wearing it but I've already finished a couple of other pieces,V8323 and V8561. I'll post on them in the next couple of days after DH has taken the photos.

I hope you all find time to sew this week.
Diana

Catching Up

I don't know about you but I'm glad Christmas is over. Even though I love the Holidays, let's face it. They are hectic and a lot of work. I love all the preparations ,the decorating, the sewing of gifts and the shopping (notice I didn't say the cooking because I'm one of those lucky women whose husband loves to cook) . But enough is enough! I'm ready to get back to normal.

I just wanted to announce a few things that are new in my life.

First of all, I have a new grand-daughter, born on Nov.21st.Here she is ,Riley Grace, with her handsome father,my youngest child Jeff!

!

I haven't seen her yet because she lives in Ottawa and I don't travel at this time of year.I'll be going in March. But many photos have found their way to my computer!

Next is that I decided to stop working at Fabricville. Ann, I'm so glad you came in the last day I was there. We had a great chat (and your son is very handsome too!)
My body has been protesting rather loudly about all the abuse I was putting it through at my beloved Fabricville.I enjoyed my six years there immensely and made many wonderful friends .I'll visit often for sure.

Also,I have a new sewing machine! I had to give up on my Kenmore 19606. It was a real lemon. In five years, it was away for repairs for a total of 42 weeks!! Finally, Sears offered me a "buy-out" so I decided to buy this beauty,



I haven't learned to use the embroidery component yet, but I'll be having lessons soon and am looking forward to at least creating my own sewing labels for a start.

Last but not least, just before Christmas, my husband was in an accident. He hit a piece of black ice on a sharp turn and lost control, He hit a culvert. The truck rolled over once and then landed on the passenger side. Because he was wearing a seat belt ,my sweet man came out without a scratch , just a slightly stiff neck. I was on my way home from work and came upon the scene. It was a real shock to see the truck being pulled out of the ditch by a tow-truck. Here is one photo of the wreck.



Needless to say, our whole family feels very grateful that our Bobby was spared. I can't help smiling every time I look at him. Life is SWEET!

Now on to sewing stuff. I'm just going to show you the jacket I made in November as part of my What Goes With Brown collection



The pattern is Vogue1100

I added about 4" to the length and an inch to the side seams to make it roomy enough for a winter jacket.

The fabric is a wool/rayon/polyester blend. I lined it with a printed "designer" polyester lining. I didn't add an under-lining as I had planned because I wanted to wear it in late fall and early spring. It's quite warm enough to wear now with a sweater under it.

I love the retro look of the 3/4 sleeves that is so popular at the moment. I added an inch to the sleeve length as well as the the cuff length. I can wear the sleeves with the cuff turned up or down with my long leather gloves I bought in Montreal.



I made bound buttonholes with a faux suede and used big buttons because I love big buttons.I also trimmed the welt pocket flap with the faux suede.





To complete the look ,I made a cool scarf with the animal print knit I showed in another post.

I'm loving this jacket and have worn it many times already.
Voila! What do you think?





For more pics, look here.

Have a great and Happy New Year each of you who so kindly visit my blog. It feels good to be back and I'm looking forward to another year of sewing and blogging now that I'm retired for the second time.

Hope you find time to sew!

Merry Christmas from my House to yours

It feels so peacsful tonight now that the rush is over.It seems like such a long time since I've spent any time at all visiting blogs or blogging myself.

I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy Holiday Season.I hope everyone got to spend the day with those you love.