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...
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
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
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)
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.
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.
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. ;)
FO and Pattern Review - McCalls 6513
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| 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)
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| McCalls 6513 - Front |
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 |
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.
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| McCalls 6513 - Back |
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. ;)
Monday, October 21, 2013
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!!
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.
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.
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)
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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)
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| 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.
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| V1291 Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina - Back |
Thursday, October 17, 2013
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.
LOVE!! <3
Anybody else sew to coordinate with their accessories??
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.
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| Harley Davidson Payton Boot in Tan |
Anybody else sew to coordinate with their accessories??
Thursday, October 3, 2013
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):
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?!
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?!
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