Reflections on December

Photo credit: http://yankee-in-belgrade.blogspot.ca

December has knocked me on my a$$ this year, leaving me feeling like I'm WAY behind and VERY stressed and COMPLETELY unprepared.  In my books, that is exactly what Christmas is NOT.  So, I've decided that I'm just going to just stop stressing and enjoy the season.  After a mini-meltdown  major meltdown and tears last week, I'm now feeling rather relaxed (mostly because I got the majority of my cleaning done this weekend), all my sewing deadlines have passed, and I've decided I'm not going to stress about the knitting deadlines (yeah, some are getting wrapped up yarn and the promise of a completed pair of socks).

Speaking of sewing deadlines, I ended up having problems with my dress for the Christmas party, so I went with my backup plan - I just couldn't get the straps to sit right!!  They were fine if I didn't move, but any movement shifted them and they bunched inwards towards my neck.  I refuse to go out in something I'm constantly fiddling with.  I haven't yet thrown the dress into the wadder pile, I'm convinced I can fix it but I need some dedicated sewing time. I ended up wearing a dress I made this past summer for a wedding and had a great time at our party.

I have already celebrated Christmas dinner/gifts/etc. with my girls and my son-in-law, which was great as always.  The remaining gifts are all done/purchased/made (with the exception of the aforementioned yarn), and need to be wrapped.  Tonight's  plan is to run a few errands (thanks to an errant daughter - see what I did there??!! LOL - who doesn't have the sense to get things done well in advance of the crowds hitting the stores) then head down to L'Atelier (aka the sewing room in the basement) to clean and tidy because it doubles as my spare spare room where company will be sleeping over the holidays.  At the very least, I'll dump stuff into bins and shove them in the closet (LOL) and deal with them in the New Year.  It's mostly piles of fabric that "I have plans for."

I've also been thinking a lot about my goals for the upcoming year.  While this is addressed by most people in January, I have learned that "New Years' Resolutions" don't serve me well.  Jasmine of The Knitmore Girls Podcast has a focus for each year, and I've used this way of thinking this past year.  I chose one word to summarize what my focus was.  This past year was FAMILY.  I visited ALL of my immediate family this past year, which was really special to me because we live so far apart.  I made real efforts to try to stay connected and visit as much extended family as possible as well.  It doesn't take any real effort to stay connected with my kids since I'm lucky enough to have a great relationship with them both, but my connections with them were more conscious and as a result felt more meaningful.

I've decided that my focus for 2014 will be PURPOSE.  I think its meaning will evolve over the year, but I want everything I do this year to really have some sense of purpose to it.  That means everything from the way I spend money, to planning my wardrobe, to doing house repairs, to how I practice my spirituality, to what courses I take, to how I spend my free time, to what food I eat will have some sense of thoughtfulness and purpose for me.  I am not saying I will not be spontaneous, but I will hopefully have a year with more of a sense of direction instead of feeling like I'm just floating along.

I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays.  Enjoy this time with family and friends, and use the holidays to relax, rejuvenate and refresh yourself.  All the best, my friends.

Progress on My Christmas Party Dress

I've finally decided what to wear to my company Christmas party, which will be taking place a week from tomorrow.  I work for a small business and our company party every year is a dinner at a very nice restaurant downtown, after which we hit a bar or two downtown for drinks.  It is usually a very fun evening, and I look forward to it.  My co-worker and I decided years ago to make this party an EVENT, and get really dressed up for it.  Mostly because I don't have many other opportunities to dress-to-the-nines ;)

I took forever this year to decide on what pattern, and then what fabric to use.  After more than a month of dithering, I finally decided on Simplicity 1607, view A.  It's a Cynthia Rowley pattern, and I don't think I've made one of her designs before.  I love the design of the straps!

 

I am changing the skirt though, to a straight pencil skirt of a pattern that I've drafted.  I'm not really a ruffly type of girl, and the fabric I'm using won't lend itself well to gathers.  The fabric is of completely unknown fibres (manmade, I'm thinking) and has been in my stash for eons.  It's cool though (at least I think so!) with a brocade type simple floral pattern woven through it, and with either side being completely acceptable to be the "right" side.  I think I'm going to use the more silver-y side out to make more of a holiday statement.  Yeah...I dithered about that too.  Of course, I'm a bit of a magpie, drawn to sparkly things, so I didn't dither long!

I have made some progress - I've made the pattern alternations (FBA, graded up the waist to my current pre-New Year's-resolution size, and switched out the skirt yoke and gathered skirt to my own self-drafted above the knee pencil skirt pattern), and I've cut it out.  I am definitely not sentimental about this fabric despite it being in my stash for so long.  My plan is to start sewing it on Saturday.

Heh...I've been known to start a dress the same day I need to wear it (though this one might be difficult considering I have to work during the day on Friday!)  I do have a backup plan though...

Accomplishments for November! And Pictures!!

Wow, looking back, I did get a lot accomplished in November.

I did a lot of local travel for work, including a two day conference in Kitchener, ON.  I finished my work related course, studied like mad and finally wrote an exam for it (AND PASSED!!), and wrote an exam for my  European Pattern Drafting - Skirts course.  I am well into my Garment Making - Skirts course, which I am absolutely loving (and have only two assignments remaining, with one being the exam).  I have registered for the European Pattern Drafting - Pants and Garment Making - Pants courses which will start at the end of January/beginning of February.  And...drum roll please, here's a review of my goals!

Knitting Goals for November:

I haven't actually had a lot of knitting time this month.  The time I would normally devote to knitting has been spent either sewing (homework) or studying for exams.

1.  Finish Christmas Socks #1  Yeah.  Nope, not finished, though I did finish the first gargantuan sock at knit night last night, and cast on the second one this morning, which is technically December, but let's avoid semantics, shall we?!
2.  Finish Christmas Socks #3.  Done!!

Sewing Goals for November:

I've spent more time sewing this month than I can remember doing in any month in the recent past.  I attribute this to the sewing course I'm in, which has just juiced up the mojo!!

1.  Finish cream crepe skirt V7607 - just needs lining to be cut and sewn  Done!!
2.  Cut and sew beige pleather/snakeskin jacket, M???? (It appears to be OOP and off McCall's website) This has been cut!! 
3.  Cut and sew grey doubleknit leggings  Done!!
4.  Cut and sew mustard ponte de roma pencil skirt Done!!
5.  Cut and sew red ponte de roma pencil skirt Done!!
6.  Finish grey/silver sweater knit drapey cardigan  V???? - sewn together but the darned thing keeps growing, so it's waiting on my dressmaker's form to hopefully stop growing before I can hem it  Hooray!  This is also done!
7.  Sew black and red flocked ponte de roma pencil skirt (already cut)
8.  Sew mustard yellow fine-whaled corduroy gored skirt (also already cut) in progress! Just have to complete the hand sewing for the hem 
9.  Sew animal print skirt (already cut) Done!!

Not on previously on my goals list but also completed are two bathrobes and eleven pairs of flannel pants (yes, 11 pairs of adult sized flannel pants!!)  for Christmas presents.

Here's the pictures (not very exciting, I know, I really must get a tripod for my fabulous camera...)

Before sewing, crazy tilt-y pile (only 9 out of 11 shown)

After sewing, neatly stacked pile of coziness (only 7 out of 11 shown)

Knitting Goals for December:

1.  Finish Christmas Socks #1
2.  Finish Christmas Socks #3
3.  Start Christmas Socks #4, and hopefully finish!
4.  Make toys from 50 Yards of Fun by Rebecca Danger for stocking stuffers

Sewing Goals for December

1.  Choose, cut and sew dress for work Christmas party (party is December 20)
2.  Sew Original Skirt for exam for the Garment Sewing - Skirts course (Due December 21)
3. Cut and sew flannel pants for Christmas gifts (2 more pairs!)

I've also become totally obsessed with the TV show Scandal.  I'm only on the first season, episode 6, but already Olivia Pope's become my idol, and her wardrobe is to DIE FOR!!!  I've been a pinning mad-woman, creating a crazy huge virtual wardrobe for myself!  (My Boards) I hope to knock off some of her clothing after all my Christmas sewing is done.

Sewing Check-in

Sans pics, I'm afraid.  I've been doing a ton of sewing, and sewing related activities, but haven't been photographing much of it.  My waist has exceeded the size of my current dressform (ahem, need to think about getting back into my exercise routine!), so all the skirts I've been sewing at my Garment Sewing - Skirts course don't look...blog-worthy when I do take pictures of them.

Then there was Snowmageddon 2013 in London (Ontario) this past weekend, in which I got snowbound at my parents - um, yeah, we woke up to 70 cm, yup, that's right 70 cm!!! of snow on Sunday morning.  The snow plow didn't get to their subdivision until Monday morning.

Most recently I've been working on my Christmas sewing.  I actually took Monday off (my last holiday day from work) with the hopes of spending the entire day in L'Atelier (aka The Sewing Room), but with snow making a huge change of plans, I only got to spend the afternoon sewing.  I did manage to cut and sew three pairs of flannel jammie pants, and a robe that I had cut out in 20...ahem...something-or-other.  Fortunately, my girls are relatively the same size as they were then, so they will still fit.  The robe is from a Minky type fabric (SOOOO soft, I almost don't want to give it away!)

I'll try to get pictures shortly, but I wanted to pop in and let you know I'm still here, and I'm sewing (and knitting too!)

I blinked. And a Winter Wardrobe.

Whew - how did that happen?  I *thought* I posted something and then when I checked this morning...I realized that Nope, I didn't actually post anything since November 4th, almost two weeks ago!  Hmmm...

The last two weeks *have* been busy, with loads of local travel for work (and many, many hours of driving), and I've been studying like mad for an upcoming exam for a work-related course I've been taking.  Hopefully I will write this exam on Sunday (that is if my proctor receives my exam in time, which I really hope he does, at this point I just want the darned thing over with!!)  Anyways...that's what's been keeping me from posting.  Excuses, excuses, I know.

In a few posts in the recent past, I've vaguely alluded to the winter wardrobe I've been planning, and last weekend during a cutting frenzy on Sunday (yeah, in the name of HOMEWORK for my garment sewing class, wink, wink), the plan kind of took a turn of it's own.  Anyways, here's the fabric that I started with for my Winter 2013 collection (gotta come up with a better name than that).

Fabric #1 - lightweight suiting fabric of undetermined fibers from Fabricland.  I have a thing for leopard print, or any animal print for that matter.  This suiting fabric is fantastic, and it has a bit of a sheen to it as well.

Fabric #1 - Reverse side.  I love this fabric even more when I realized I could use either side, or both!

I've already cut this fabric out in a tapered knee length skirt from one of my own self-drafted patterns.  I haven't decided which side to use as the "right" side but do know that I will be using red lining.  I am also searching for a jacket idea, but I don't think I will wear them together as a suit look.  It seems a little busy to me for that.

Fabric #2 - excuse the wrinkly picture, it's only that way because it was fresh out of the shopping bag after being in there for...ahem...a while, and I'm lazy.  This is a creamy beige lightweight faux snakeskin pleather which is backed with a lightweight polyester knit, that I also just could not resist.  It is also from Fabricland.  I LOVE it.  A bit of shine, and ALL animal print.

On Sunday, I cut this fabric out into McCalls 6171, view B, and an OOP New Look pattern (I'll have to look up the number), but essentially it's a below the knee wide skirt with box pleats at the waist - I'm planning on stitching them closed to just below the hip.  As much as I love shiny, and as much as I love animal print, I don't think I will be wearing the two together.

McCalls 6171

Fabric #3 - a poly blend knit, which has already been sewn into McCalls 6513, view C, and the review can be found HERE.  It was also purchased from Fabricland.

Fabric #4 - a heavy weight stretch crepe in cream (this photo is coming up a lot more taupe/beige/yellow than the fabric really is). Again, purchased from Fabricland.

I've made this into a skirt already, Vogue 7076 and the review can be found HERE.  I have enough left to make at least a pair of pants, and maybe a jacket, but I'm searching for the perfect pants pattern (I'm thinking maybe something a la Katherine Hepburn).

Add caption

Looking at this wardrobe plan, I just realized that it leaves me with a distinct shortage of tops, with an abundance of skirts and jackets.  I will have to do some searching for fabrics for tops within my own stash - lately I've been craving the simplicity of a crisp fresh shirt.  I know for certain I have black shirting fabric in my stash which would fit in with these fabrics nicely.   I wonder what other colours I can introduce - maybe French blue, rusty orange, deep red, chartreuse or cream? Suggestion are welcome!

Weekend of Sewing!! FO and Pattern Review Vogue 7607

Wow - what a weekend with TONS of sewing related activities.  I haven't spoken about it much, but I'm currently enrolled in a part-time continuing education European pattern drafting certificate program at our local college.  There are a number of 8 week modules/courses I think 8 in total) and on Friday night I had my fourth pattern drafting class for the skirt component, which is the first course of the certificate program.  We drafted a godet skirt pattern and a gored skirt pattern this week.  I cannot believe how easy this is coming to me!  I'm absolutely loving it.  The best part is that when I'm making the mock-up skirt, it fits beautifully without any adjustments!  And I have no issue with doing the homework, it is so much fun!!

On Saturday, I started my Garment Making - Skirts course, which runs in conjunction with the Pattern Drafting - Skirts course.  We take the patterns we've drafted and learn how to sew them into actual garments.  I get to sew all day on Saturday (9 am - 4 pm) with others who are interested in sewing.  It's like a big sewing retreat/party!  The excitement and enthusiasm of both my teacher and my classmates is contagious!  I'm so impressed, learning new tips and tricks along the way to improve my sewing skills.  Though I've been sewing for over 30 years, I've never had any formal training so this is something of a breath of fresh air!  I have one skirt completed to the point of hemming from my very own pattern!!  I will include pics once I've finished the skirt in next week's class.

Sunday afternoon, I buried myself in L'Atelier (what I've decided to call the room otherwise known as "The Basement" where my sewing area is set up.  Doesn't that sound so much more romantic?)  Anyway, I digress...I finished four skirts and hemmed the drapy cardigan that finally finished growing.  I'll do posts of the full reviews for all of the skirts and the drapy cardigan over the next week or so, but all that sewing knocks off Sewing Goals 1, 4, 5 & 6 from my last post, leaving me with two unfinished goals (and it's only November 4th!!)

I finally finished my cream skirt - Vogue 7607, view A.  As promised, here's the review:





Pattern Description: Misses' Skirt has contour waist, lined yokes, size zipper, narrow hems and shaped hemlines. A,B: A-line, bias, below mid-knee and mock wrapped front. C: Bias, slightly flared. I made View B.

Pattern Sizing: 6-22, I made the size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it certainly does.

V7607 View A, Front

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like that this is a distinctive skirt, different from the norm.  I'm not certain how practical this skirt will be, the drape doesn't seem to flow the way I envisioned it would.  I've ironed it flat to see if that would help it a bit.

Fabric Used: a cream polyester heavy weight crepe, with a bit of stretch.  This fabric is part of my Winter 2013 collection (more on that in a later post, but I think I need to come up with a better name!), and it coordinates with the top I made that can be seen here.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added a lining from Bemburg rayon.  I prefer lining in my skirts as I often wear them with nylons/leggings/tights in the winter to stay warm, and the lining keeps the skirt from sticking to my legs.  As there were no lining pieces included, I used the pattern piece for the back of the skirt for both the skirt front and the back lining, shortening it by four inches (so it wouldn't show below the front wrap portion).  This piece is cut on the bias, and as there is also a yoked waistband, I didn't need to fiddle around with adding darts to the pattern front.  Worked like a charm!

V7607 view A - back

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't know that I need two identical skirts like this in my closet at the same time, particularly when it is so distinctive.  I am thinking of sewing view C though because it is a little bit different.

Conclusion: a distinctive, easy to sew skirt pattern that is unique.

That leaves Sewing Goals #2 and 3 from my last post, which were:

2.  Cut and sew beige pleather/snakeskin jacket, M???? (It appears to be OOP and off McCall's website)

3.  Cut and sew grey doubleknit leggings.

I've got the beige pleather/snakeskin jacket pattern and fabric sitting in my kitchen (I cut on the dining table but can't stand the clutter of sewing stuff in the kitchen so it's good incentive to just cut the stuff out!), along with the grey doubleknit and leggings pattern.  Once I've finished studying for an upcoming exam (yet another course, this one work related), my goal for tonight is to cut both out.

How Did I Do? A Review of October's Goals

Well, it's the end of the month already.  And a busy month it certainly has been.  I travelled to Chicago (for work), to London (Ontario) three times (twice for work), had the Canadian Thanksgiving, started my pattern drafting course, finished up a work course, and I was SICK as a dog for three days.  Whew!

I've started seriously wondering how I can accomplish more sewing in my week.  I have a HUGE stash that I continue to add to (the intentions are good, but boy can Pinterest ever sucker a girl into thinking she needs more clothing!!) and I'm starting to wonder if I will ever go through it in my lifetime.  My latest acquisitions were made today (!!) at lunch - I just needed to run into Fabricland to get a zipper...and ended up with all things mustard (more on that in an upcoming post).

I think that I'm going to try scheduling sewing time for myself at least two nights a week - the goal will be half an hour at a time.  It doesn't seem like much, but garments do get accomplished a seam at a time.  And I'm lucky enough that I have a dedicated space where I don't have to clean up after myself following a sewing session.

Anyway...Any suggestions on how to accomplish more sewing would be greatly appreciated!

On to the goals!  Here are the goals I made for myself for October:

Knitting Goals for October:

1. Finish Christmas sock pair #1 Umm...these seem absolutely huge and I kind of put them aside to ponder whether I'm going to continue on as is, or whether I'm going to frog them and start over.
2. Cast on Christmas sock pair #2 Done! and the socks are completed!
3. Make a hat for baby present (very close deadline for this one!) Done!
And I've even cast on and finished a pair of Halloween socks for myself, and cast on another pair of Christmas Socks (#3).

Sewing Goals for October:

1. Finish white V1291 Sandra Betzina top Done!  I've even worn this top already :)
2. Cut out and sew red shirt, pattern to yet be determined.  Nope  Not even thought about.
3. Cut out and sew cream crepe full skirt, V???? (will have to edit to determine pattern number - it's at home on my disaster of a staging area, aka coffee table in the rec room with fabric piled up to just about the tipping point) Cut and sewn to the point of adding lining.  Lining has been purchased and waiting to be cut.
4. Cut out and sew beige pleather/snakeskin jacket, M???? Nope, not yet.  But I did buy lining.  And I found the pattern...
5. Cut out and sew red RPL pencil skirt Another nope.

Knitting Goals for November:

1.  Finish Christmas Socks #1
2.  Finish Christmas Socks #3

Sewing Goals for November:

1.  Finish cream crepe skirt V7607 - just needs lining to be cut and sewn
2.  Cut and sew beige pleather/snakeskin jacket, M???? (It appears to be OOP and off McCall's website)
3.  Cut and sew grey doubleknit leggings
4.  Cut and sew mustard ponte de roma pencil skirt
5.  Cut and sew red ponte de roma pencil skirt
6.  Finish grey/silver sweater knit drapey cardigan  V???? - sewn together but the darned thing keeps growing, so it's waiting on my dressmaker's form to hopefully stop growing before I can hem it

That *sounds* like big dreams, but #1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 shouldn't take THAT much time...

FO and Pattern Review McCalls 6513 View B

I've gotten a bit of sewing done this month - I have another garment to show you.  The biggest obstacle in getting to the sewing machine this week was a BAD cold that kept me chained to the couch for three days.  But, I'm recovering and jonesing for time at the machine.  I did manage to complete this before I got sick...

FO and Pattern Review - McCalls 6513

Photo credits: http://mccallpattern.mccall.com

Pattern Description: From the McCall's website:  MISSES' TOPS: Close-fitting, pullover tops have gathered front and narrow hem. B,C sleeves and C,D back collar: elasticized. Designed for lightweight to medium weight moderate stretch knits.  I made view B with long sleeves, without the shirring at the wrist.  I previously made view D as seen here.

Pattern Sizing:  6-14; 14-22  I made my standard size 14, with a faux FBA (bumping out the seams a little at the bust)

McCalls 6513 - Front

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  I certainly think so.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes - these are "special" Palmer/Pletsch instructions which include very detailed instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the wrap top, and the shirring hides the extra fluff I carry around my tummy.

McCalls 6513 - side view

Fabric Used: a knit of unknown materials, though I'm certain there's a lot of polyester in it.  It's kind of silky but has a good "heft" to the weight.  Purchased at Fabricland Summer 2013.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I lengthened the sleeves by 1-1/2" for my long arms, as well as added a bit of extra to the bust area princess seams when cutting out.  I shortened the bottom hem by 2".  I added a centre back seam, and did a 3/4" sway back adjustment.  I also added topstitching (just a standard zig-zag stitch of 3.5 x 3.5) to all the seams for interest.

McCalls 6513 - Back

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I will be sewing this again.  It has become a TNT pattern for me.  I love wrap tops and the way this one is drafted certainly cuts down on the potential for  "wardrobe malfunction" or a Janet Jackson experience.

Conclusion:  I highly recommend this top pattern, and will certainly be sewing it again.  I might even try it in a solid colour next go 'round. ;)

Finally! A FO - Vogue 1291

Finally!!!  It is finished!  Let me just clarify - it didn't take much sewing time, just took time for me to *get* to the sewing machine!!

V1291 Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina - Front 

Pattern Description: From the Vogue Website:  MISSES' TOP: Loose-fitting, pullover top has bias neck band, front sleeve overlapping back sleeve forming shoulder opening, no shoulder seams and narrow hems.

Pattern Sizing: A-J (32" - 55" bust)  I made size D (38" bust)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, I believe it does, if I do say so myself.

V1291 Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina - www.voguepatterns.com

Were the instructions easy to follow?   Yes - Sandra takes great care to detail the pattern directions very clearly.  She also offers video instruction at her website - www.powersewing.com.  You have to purchase a membership to view the video (either a one use fee or an annual membership), but I highly recommend it.  She has over 125 videos/classes to watch!

The sleeve treatment is a bit tricky to put together - it's not your average sleeve!  The video walks you through it, but so do the pattern instructions.

V1291 Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina - Sleeve

I also found the neckband a bit piddly with my knit curling a bit while I was trying to sew it on, but I like the finished look of the narrow band.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love how unique this top is.  I have worn it already, and my version is a great backdrop for a spectacular necklace.  It is also very comfortable.  One thing to note - I talk a lot with my hands (waving them around) and I would highly recommend wearing a tank top/camisole underneath to prevent from showing the world your undergarments through the wide sleeve openings.

Fabric Used: a white very lightweight jersey knit with sheer burnout sections (unfortunately I don't know the fabric composition) Purchased during Summer 2013 at Fabricland (our local chain fabric store here in Ontario)

V1291 Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina - Side view 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None - I made this as is out of the envelope.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I will likely sew it again.  On her video, Sandra shows a few adaptations of this top.  Despite it looking like it would be very distinctive due to the sleeve treatment, you can make it look very different depending on your fabric choice.  I'm thinking of one in plain black lightweight jersey for a top that could very easily be worn for either day or evening, depending on your jewelry choices, and what you chose to wear with it (i.e. black velveteen jeans, black stretch pencil skirt, dress pants or jeans).

Conclusion:  A great top that is very comfortable to wear, and that would suit a variety of occasions.

V1291 Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina - Back 

I sewed!!

I went home for lunch today with high expectations (my office is only about 10 km from my house).  Though by the time I got dinner in the crockpot and lunch packed up to take back to the office with me, I only had about 10 minutes to sit at the sewing machine.  BUT I SEWED!!!

I've been dying to get to the sewing machine for weeks now, but busy-ness at work (stress with potential changes which left me exhausted at night, trying to finish up a course for work, along with trips to London, ON and Chicago, IL) and busy-ness with family (Thanksgiving and another trip to London, ON) have just preempted this.

I'm *still* working on my sheer knit white top from Sandra Betzina's Today's Fit Vogue 1291.  I managed to get two very short seams done, and pinned the neckband to the neck of the top.  But, People, I sewed!  Tonight will be a dedicated sewing night after a quick dinner (throwing dinner in the slow cooker at lunchtime, that's forward thinking!!)- Tonight I'm spending time at my machine!!!

I've just checked my sewing goals for October.  It is now October 17th. I'm still working on the first item, slow seam by slow seam. I must have been on some serious allergy medication when I wrote that last post.  Or maybe just overly optimistic.  BWAHAHAHAHAHA..

My goal tonight is to finish the white top to wear tomorrow.  If I have time, I'll cut out the cream skirt.  I'm thinking of Vogue 7607, view B.  The fabric has been sitting on my dining table for about a week now.




I have HUGE incentive - I have just gotten a pair of gorgeous tan boots to wear with it.

Harley Davidson Payton Boot in Tan

LOVE!! <3

Anybody else sew to coordinate with their accessories??

Starts and Stops

Hello there readers (if there are any of you left!)  I've been super busy with work, which involves a lot of travel.  And time I *do* spend in the office has been stressful due to rumours of reorganization and various other things, so when I've been getting home from work, I'm just exhausted. So...despite my desire and best intentions to get to the sewing machine, I only have been walking past it daily (it's on the way to the patio doors to let the dog out in the backyard).

I've been working on this top (and I use the term "working" loosely):

V1291 Sandra Betzina, Today's Fit

It's been teasing me, as it is half finished on the dress form where I also see it many times a day.  I'm making it out of a white and sheer knit (similar to a burnout), and I'm really enjoying sewing this!  It is a relatively quick top, but you have to pay attention to the markings to match up the right seams.  I can't wait to finish it and hopefully get to wear it soon!

It's been a while since I've made any goals, or even checked up on what I last planned!  So...without further ado, here's a check-in:

Knitting Goals for August (!! It has been a while!!)

1.  Finish the body on the Effortless Cardigan I am currently working on. Um...no.  I' still have 3" of ribbing left.
2.  Keep working on my current sock project  Score!  I finished the socks (at least I think it was the same pair I was working on, maybe I finished two pairs since then?!) and have cast on for a pair for someone's Christmas present!
3.  Plan Christmas knitting  Score again!  I've got it all planned out.  I'm thinking that perhaps "Sweaters for Everyone" is a goal I shouldn't make for myself at this point, so I've downsized to socks, cowls and mittens for special people in my life. Now if only I can stay on task...

Sewing Goal for August:

1.  Finish the dark blue denim skinny pants Wow...score again!  I've finished them, and have worn them a number of times.
2.  Plan Fall/Winter wardrobe and sewing Yup...planned it, and pulled the fabric and patterns.  More to come on this when I get back from my business trip next week.
3.  Plan Christmas sewing Sort of...I haven't written it down, but I've done some pondering, and came across my TNT pj pant pattern (which WAS lost in my disaster of a sewing area) to make flannels for everyone.  

Knitting Goals for October:

1. Finish Christmas sock pair #1
2. Cast on Christmas sock pair #2
3. Make a hat for baby present (very close deadline for this one!)

Sewing Goals for October:

1. Finish white V1291 Sandra Betzina top
2. Cut out and sew red shirt, pattern to yet be determined.
3. Cut out and sew cream crepe full skirt, V???? (will have to edit to determine pattern number - it's at home on my disaster of a staging area, aka coffee table in the rec room with fabric piled up to just about the tipping point)
4. Cut out and sew beige pleather/snakeskin jacket, M????
5. Cut out and sew red RPL pencil skirt

I could go on with the sewing goals, but let's keep it realistic, shall we?!

FO and Pattern Review: Butterick 5495

I LOVE this top.  Like I mentioned in my last post, I LOVE animal print.  I made this top from a deep stash animal print slinky that I've been *cherishing* and couldn't figure out what was "worthy" of sewing.  That my friends is a mistake.  There will always be more fabric to sew...the only thing I regret about this top is why I've waited so long to stitch it up.

Photo credit:  butterick.mccall.com

Pattern Review:  Butterick 5495

Pattern Description: According to the Butterick website:  MISSES' TOP: Loose-fitting tops A, B, C, D with front drape gathered into loop, dropped shoulder, seam details and stitched hems. A, B: sleeveless. C, D: short or long kimono type sleeves.  I made view C.

Photo credit:  butterick.mccall.com

Pattern Sizing: 8-14, 16-22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, I believe it does.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.  I had to closely pay attention to which way I was pinning the front pieces together, but other than that, it was easy.  I have to give Kudos to Palmer/Pletsch as the instructions are very detailed.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  This is a very flattering pattern for most figure types.  It didn't take me long to stitch up and I really like the results.

Fabric Used: animal print poly/lycra slinky fabric from deep stash. So deep, I don't even know where I got it or when!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I didn't make any pattern alterations.  The amount of gathering at the bust along with my fabric choice accommodates my D cup bust without any difficulty.

I also used Steam-a-Seam to hem the bottom edge, the sleeve area as well as the self-facing at the centre front.  Slinky is notorious for slip-sliding away, and stretching out.  The Steam-a-Seam made hemming a breeze.

I used a very narrow zig-zag stitch (length 3.0, width 1.5) for the seams before finishing them with the serger (differential feed set at 2 for any seams, and 1.5 for any single edges).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I may sew it again, but I'm not sure if I need more than one of these at a time in my wardrobe.  Similarly to the other tops I've recently sewn, it has very distinctive lines.  I may sew one in black, or maybe lengthen it to dress length for a little black dress (LBD).

Conclusion:  This is another great top for my wardrobe.  Being the big fan of animal print that I am, how could I go wrong?  ;)

Barely Living on the Wild Side!

Those who know me, know I love sparkly and shiny things and especially love animal prints.  This review features a restrained animal print, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the finished object.

Pattern Review:  McCalls 6513

Photo credit:  Mccallpattern.mccall.com

Pattern Description: According to McCall's website: MISSES' TOPS: Close-fitting, pullover tops have gathered front and narrow hem. B,C sleeves and C,D back collar: elasticized.Designed for lightweight to medium weight moderate stretch knits.

This is a Palmer/Pletsch pattern, which includes a special section in the instructions for fitting.  The pattern pieces also have details on it for the various fitting lines (i.e. the full bust adjustment is already marked for you to use without having to draft it yourself.)

I made view C.

Photo credit:  Mccallpattern.mccall.com

Pattern Sizing:  6-14, 14-22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes.  It certainly does.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were very detailed.  I quickly reviewed the fitting instructions, but didn't really use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the fit of this pattern.  I also really liked the detailed fitting instructions and the adjustment lines on the pattern pieces.  I also like that I can wear this wrap top without a camisole underneath.  I have already worn this top to work and there was no need for adjustment at the bust area due to "wardrobe malfunction." 

The shirring at the sleeves is a pretty, feminine detail.

Fabric Used:  I used a lightweight jersey of unknown content (likely a rayon/poly blend) that is currently available at Fabricland (Fall 2013).  The zebra stripes are almost sheer.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made a full bust adjustment to accommodate my D cup bust.  I also did a sway back adjustment of about 1" at the waistline of the centre back.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will be making this top again.  The wrap is very flattering to my figure type, and it feels SO cozy to me.  I already have a fabric picked out. 

Conclusion:  This is a GREAT wrap top pattern.  It is very flattering and there is no need for any type of adjusting during the day, and you don't have to wear a camisole underneath as required by so many wrap tops.  

FO and Pattern Review: Butterick 5497

Last week in my sewing frenzy, I finished another top, this one from Butterick 5497.  As it turns out, I think I'm in love with this top - I've worn it twice already and plan to wear it again tomorrow.  I'm travelling this week, and it makes a fantastic travel top.  The print makes any "dirt" or spills very difficult to see (and I'm a bit of a klutz at times so this is perfect for me!) and the fabric is fantastic - no wrinkling and very easy care.

On with the review!  Butterick 5497

Photo credit:  Butterick.mccall.com

Pattern Description:  According to the Butterick website:  MISSES' TOP: Tops A, B, C, loose-fitting at bust, have short or long dolman sleeves, gathered upper section, shoulder casings with elastic and stitched hems. A, B: lapped upper back sections have neck binding. C: upper front and back cut on crossgrain, shading may occur.  I made view A.

Pattern Sizing: 6-12, 14-20

Photo credit:  Butterick.mccall.com

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it certainly does.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, they were.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like the detail with the self-fabric binding at the back neck.  It is a neat fashion detail but it also is functional to hold the front and back v-neck style to keep from sliding off your shoulders.

Fabric Used:  A graphic pattern ITY medium weight knit.  I *think* I purchased this at my local Fabricland last summer (summer 2012).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made this directly out of the envelope:  I have a D cup bust and decided not to make any alterations to the front bust.  With the amount of gathers that were both on the upper shoulder and under the bust I had enough fabric to allow for the D cup.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  This is again a pretty distinctive pattern and I'm not really sure I need another one just like this with all the other cool patterns out there.  That being said, I think I may sew the long sleeve version as it is both easy and comfortable.  The jewel neckline would make a fabulous backdrop for some of the gorgeous chunky jewelry that I often wear.

Conclusion:  Another great top pattern!

FO and Pattern Review: Simplicity 2153

Another FO!  Just in time for our 30*+ weather we've had today.  The humidex makes it feel like 40*+.  This after a week of temperatures falling below 10* at night.  I don't know what's up with Mother Nature, but I'm loving the last shot at summer!

Anyways...enough of the weather update.  I'm sure what you are really looking for is a sewing update.  And, as luck would have it, I have one!

Pattern Review:  Simplicity 2153

I *LOVE* this jacket.  

Sorry...tilty picture.  Need to sort out the tripod/camera issue.  The sooner the better, apparently!!

Pattern Description:  According to Simplicity's website:  Misses' anorak with sleeve and collar variations.  I would also add that the jackets are unlined, and that there are pocket variations as well. There is also a back yoke and the shoulder seam is dropped forward on to the jacket front.  I made View E, which has the cinched collar and pocket variations, and used the sleeves from view D, with elastic casings at the hems.

Pattern Sizing: 6-14, and 16-24.  I made size 14, which is the size I normally wear.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, I would say it does.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, I would say they were.  I didn't often refer to them though - the jacket was pretty straight forward to sew.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I really like the collar and the pocket variations on this view.  This jacket is unlined, I wish I had taken the time to draft and sew the lining.  Next time I will do that. 

Fabric used:  A crinkled polyester cross-dyed taffeta

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:   I made this right out of the envelope.  Like I said above, next time I will take the time to include a lining.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I am thinking of sewing this again, maybe in a lightweight faux suede or lightweight mini-wale corduroy for fall.

  

Conclusion:  A great jacket pattern.  Though I didn't include the lining (and since this is the third time that I have mentioned that I didn't include it, I must be disappointed with that fact!!), it makes a really nice lightweight windbreaker type jacket. The fit is nice, not too boxy, particularly because of the casing at the waist.  

I also used elastic cording for the cinched areas (collar, waist and pockets), which I'm not 100% certain I like - it's a bit stiff.  Or as my friend says, "Elastic erection."  Next time I'll use a polyester cording or some type of ribbon or something, but this is what I had on hand while I was sewing (and I didn't have to run to the fabric store...).

Despite the no-lining issue, I really really like this jacket.  I've already worn it a few times and I really feel good in it.

FO and Pattern Review: Simplicity 1916

Yes, see!!!  I told you - Return of Mojo, and a disproportionate number of FOs given my sewing over the past few months.  So...lucky readers, two blog posts in a row!  I present to you another FO review - this one for Simplicity 1916.

Pattern Description: According to the website and pattern envelope:  Misses knit tops with sleeve variations.  I would also add that there are patterns for a wrap top, and an empire waistline type top. Variations for a flower embellishment and a drape are also included.

Pattern Sizing: 6-14, and 16-24.  I made size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did, with one exception - the fabric I chose was a busy print and the gathering/embellishment on the left side front doesn't show that well.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I would caution to be very careful about how you transfer the pattern markings.  I had to unpick the left side front embellishment and left front wrap gathered area because I lined everything up to the wrong marking.  I only used little nips into the fabric instead of transferring markings...not the best way of doing it, I learned!

Fabric Used: printed polyester knit that I've had in my stash forever!  I made a top from this fabric before and learned the hard way to be cognisant about pattern placement and this particular print (the previous top ended up with one of the circles as a bulls-eye over one of my breasts, and I didn't wear it much as a result).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did a 1/2" swayback adjustment at the centre back, and sewed up 3/8" seam allowances on the side seams by the bust to increase the size a little (cheater instead of doing a FBA aka full bust adjustment).

I used self-fabric binding to finish the top edges of the fronts, as well as at the armholes.  I just serged it to the edges left it instead of tacking it down as the pattern instructs.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might be sewing this again.  I would like a version with the longer sleeves, but I have quite a few other wrap top patterns to try, so we'll see if it happens.  I do quite like the drape version as well.

Conclusion: this made a nice summer top that incorporates my chosen wardrobe colours (red, black and white).

**A while back I mentioned that I was hoping to introduce photographs of myself actually wearing the clothing I create, but alas, my tripod has gone the way of the landfill.  The legs wouldn't stay where I put them anymore and I didn't want to risk damaging my camera.  Maybe sometime soon you will actually get to see pictures of me wearing the clothes.  A new tripod is already on my Christmas list...

FO and Pattern Review: McCalls 6326

I've been sewing like a maniac in the past few weeks.  I don't know exactly what it is that has gotten me back to sewing, but my Mojo has returned with a vengeance!!  I'm VERY happy about this recent development as my wardrobe was starting to look dismal at best (my clothes were all starting to look worn out, a lot didn't fit any more, and the remainder I was just starting to feel really MEH about...).  Since the Return of Mojo, I've been trying to squeeze a little bit of sewing in every day.  Now, that doesn't *always* work, but it does greatly increase my rate of FOs! (finished objects).

M6326 Front

Pattern Description: The pattern envelope and McCall's website are not very descriptive: MISSES' TOPS: Close-fitting tops. That being said, the tops are close fitting. I made View C. The pattern is out of print, but still available on McCall's website at the time of writing this review.

photo credit:  Mccallpattern.mccall.com

Photo credit: Mccallpattern.mccall.com

Pattern Sizing: 4-12, and 14-20. I used a size 12 and added extra seam allowance to the side seams.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Most definitely.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, though I had to be very careful about how I put the twist into the neck portion of the top. I was sewing late at night and apparently was easily confused. I ended up putting the top onto my dress form and pinning it there in order to get the twist properly figured out.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like the way this pattern fits, and that it is an unusual piece of clothing.

Fabric Used: ITY jersey with a black/white/grey print

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I stitched up the centre front about 2 inches higher than the pattern recommended in order to avoid a display of extensive cleavage.

It is a close fitting top as the pattern says, so I would ensure to add 1" to the side seams when cutting, and then baste the side seams together prior to stitching.

Because I was using ITY knit, which seemed slithery when I was cutting it out and is really light weight (but feels like heaven on!), I added lightweight boning at the centre back of the neck to keep the fabric from bunching up too much, as well as at the upper side seams, again in order to keep the fabric from drooping at that spot.

M6326 Centre Front

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'm not sure if I would sew this view again, as the top is pretty distinctive and a girl really only needs one of these in her wardrobe at a time, but I will likely sew another one of the views.  And the more that I look at it, maybe I need one of these in plain black.  And one in plain red.

Conclusion: This is a very distinctive top that can be used for summer or evening wear.

M6326 Back