FRIDAY, LAST FRIDAY, NEXT FRIDAY, FRIDAY AFTER NEXT...

... every Friday is a GREAT Friday! Happy Summer Solstice Friday to boot!  Its been one of those weeks folks -  I survived solely on sewing thoughts - not a stitch sewn - no projects in the works, nothing on the drawing board.  Hopefully that will all change now that its FRIDAY!!!

I originally got the "I've got to have Print Pants" notion last summer, but for some reason unbeknownst to me they never got made.  But this year during my May pants fitting marathon I finally got around to making a pair.   I liked them, they fit fine, BUT as it turned out I was a little timid about wearing them - some of you might understand my plight - I'm bold for my age, but not too bold.  I finally decided that THIS FRIDAY would be the day that they got worn.  I  left myself no other alternative this morning - it was these pants or nothing, and I couldn't leave the house in nothing - right?  I had a dickens of a time pairing them up with a matching top but finally choose a plain black tank... 

Did they past the test drive?  Yes they did (I'm glad to say)!  Made from a Joann's stretch cotton satin originally intended for a sheath dress - they did not grow during the day so my fit remained stable.  They are a nice length, comfortable through the hip area, and no gaping at the back waistband.  They got a 100% from me, and student evaluation was all quite positive.  I had shown them pictures of the pants previously and they kept asking when I was going to wear them - so there you go.

What's going to come out of the sewing room this weekend - I'm planning a Mini Maxi Marathon.  Maxi's are generally quick, and use at least 2 yards of knit fabric.  MY MOTIVE:  I really need new and exciting knits!  To justify the purchase I need to seriously decrease those already in my stash.  No need of piling new knits on top of stashed knits.  Besides, knits do no fold very well and take up so much fabric space.  My baby Sister (Pat) requested a maxi back in January - and what my baby Sister wants she usually gets - from me that is.  She might even send me a picture wearing it since she's a camera buff, who knows.  Can't make for one and not the other, so there will be a maxi for my middle Sister (Brenda) as well -  my Mother (Inell) would probably enjoy this years model too - not to mention I need a couple for myself.  That could mean a deduction of at least 10 knit yards.   I need to poke the relatives for measurements tonight because I feel the time is now.  No measurements - No Maxi's.  So they'd better find a tape measures real quick while the maxi motivation is high.  Be on the lookout for  maximized sewing results from me this weekend...

IT WORKED JUST FINE...

...I mentally canvased my stash last night, I could not think of a single piece of solid colored two-way stretch knit that I'd want to use to make the Better Late Than Ever Vogue 1282 top.

I know there's a chocolate brown jersey knit and my celery green bamboo knit that was a gift for my birthday - both of which I've envisioned becoming fall/winter tops - so I can't use those pieces.  I had thought about solid red, white and teal pieces but remembered that they are all four way stretch fabrics and not suitable for this pattern at all.  I definitely need some new knit fabrics both solid and print, but in the meantime, I really wanted to give this top a test drive.

So today I did just that - I test drove my muslin!  The fabric is a medium blue, so I wore the top with my navy bell bottoms ...the outfit was a great success!

I wasn't sure at first that the oversized cowlish front wouldn't be too over powering for me, but it wasn't at all.  This is the second wearing for the bell bottoms, and I think the top made a good pairing.
I am going back in tonight to close the neckline up a bit more because I did look down and got an eye full of bra one or twice during the day - but that's an easy fix.  I know it's an unusual top but I do HIGHLY recommend the pattern.  I will be making it again as soon as I get my little paws on some solid jersey knit.  I'd really love having one in black...

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER - V1282...

... You all know how I like naming things - well, I'm calling this one my "Better Late than Never" top.

VOGUE 1282

Better late than never because this pattern came out last summer. Although I really liked it, I was scared because the top shown on the model and reviews from people who made it clearly indicated a more than plunging neckline and elongated armhole.  So I shy ed away from it because I didn't want to deal with unfamiliar pattern alterations.  Fast forward one year and it just seemed the time to tackle this baby.  But not before taking it through the trial and error phase AKA a muslin.  Why muslin?  Because the bulk of the fabrics that I own are truly loved - and I just don't want to end up with the sick in the stomach feeling that happens when you discover - "oh no, now it's too late".

Allow me to talk a little about the pattern first:  don't you wonder about the funny model poses on the pattern envelopes of late???  I've started seriously looking for pattern flaws when I see models twisted and contorted in their poses.  I think it's a clear indication they are trying to HID something -  mmmmmm, just saying.  I was so glad; however, that so many people had made this pattern during the year.  It is wonderful to read the reviews and find out just where problems lie prior to cutting up my good stuff.  My thanks to all who worked out these problems for me ahead of time.  (they can be found on Pattern Review)  They helped me solve these problems:

• How to raise the weirdly shaped armhole, 
• How to eliminate gaping at the back center seam,
• How to raise the elongated neckline,
• and, how to weigh down the cowl neckline. 

What a Weirdly shaped pattern!  Two gigantic pattern pieces that are taped together to make one piece that actually turns out to be the back and front of the top and a armhole facing that's all.  I used a seriously mysteryfied WalMart fabric from le good old STASH, don't know what in the world it is.  Just knew it was a two way stretch knit and nothing that I would ever consider using for an actual garment so it fit the practice category.   I like the top.  And will be making another one as soon as I make a fabric choice.

Commencing with this top I'm using my high bust measurement for pattern sizing.  I know, should have been using that measurement all along, I've read it, but it was so hard to make that change for some reason.  I'll be able to get a much better fit through the shoulders and bust area.  This sewing thing is ever evolving... 

MY BELL BOTTOMS WORKED TODAY...

... and I loved them mainly because my good fit didn't grow during the day.  This width pant leg is new to me, and at first I thought it wouldn't be a comfortable style for me - but I actually liked having a little difference.  Not loving the top as much, and may shorten it a bit and taper at the side seams.  But for now it is wearable.

SUMMER BREEZES ESSENTIAl: Nautical Stripes...

...Nothing speaks summer to me louder than something nautical.

 

So as I continue working on my idea of a perfect Summer Breezes Wardrobe, I've had visions of adding a simple stripped garment to the collection.  I did make a striped boat neck last summer, but it's no longer living at my house as the neck fit didn't make the cut.  Just so happened that I do have a small collection of stripped knits stashed.  So I reached WAY back into my pattern collection and pulled out an old but goody

 

for a good fitting basic tee shirt.  I've made this pattern several times before back when I first started sewing again in 2006.  I wasn't too sure of my sizing back then and the tops ended up way too large through the neck and shoulders.  This time I cut a much smaller size through the neck/shoulder and bust area and was able to come up with just the right fit for a tee shirt.  One of the reasons I like this simple pattern is that it has no bust dart.  I detest making darts in knit fabrics because they just never press well - IMO.  This pattern is dartless.  I have also often wondered why some knit patterns have center back seams.  I use to think that it was senseless.   Little did I know that the center back seam lends itself to better fitting options - found this out during the Essential Tops Sew-A-Long several months go.  Thus my motto:  you live and learn, or so it should be.

I plan to wear my blue and white 3/4 length sleeved stripped t-shirt with a pair of traditional navy bell bottom pants that I made during my Pant's Marathon last month but never posted.  Maybe I'll debut that outfit tomorrow so I'll make sure I get a photo.

My top's plain and simple, but just what I needed to go with my bells.

Shouldn't have taken me a day and a half to finish it, but the first take on the neck band yielded uneven top-stitching.  I couldn't deal with that even on a simplistic tee shirt, so it had to be gingerly removed and re-done so I wouldn't over stretch the neckline.  Ended up having to hand stitch it to the inside seam which was tedious and time consuming but oh well.

I used a twin needle for the hems after deciding on hemming with white rather than blue.

Well there  you have it - my weekend's work.  Did I make a big enough deal out of such a simple project???  But know me - that's just the way I am.  Happy beginning of the week to all...

I THINK THIS IS MY OFFICIAL MOVE...

 Trying to move over to Bloglovin before it's too late.


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ON WITH THE SEWING SHOW...

...For my next project I chose McCall's 6751 because I really needed an easy to make success story to build my confidence back up.

McCall's 6751

 I am really attracted to all four views of this pattern, but decided to start with view D.  I made it from a  crinkled gauze jungle print fabric pulled from the top of my stash.  Lots of colors involved in this top so it won't be hard to find a bottom to wear with it.  It's an easy, breezy simple top; another one with the hi-lo detail.

Front

Back with pleated detail

Plenty of room in this one - I made a large but if I were to make it again I'd definitely opt for the medium.  I only made minor changes, i.e. omitted the pocket and bias tape facings for the armhole and neckline.  Nothing difficult about this one.  I think I'd love wearing it with shorts.  Just right for a lovely Saturday summer outing - mmmm note to self:  need to plan one of those (haha).  I think I need a couple  more simple projects just to keep momentum up.  What's on your project list for this week??? 

WARNING...

....REGARDING:  VOGUE 1357 TOP

 

I should have made a doggone muslin - yes a muslin of this simple looking top.    So what's the problem with the pattern? 

• Well, on me the armhole is  2 1/4" too low - causing major underarm bra exposure
• I decreased the center front neckline and center back 1".  Needed to decrease 1 1/2" to 2" instead.
• Increased back strap seam allowance to 1 3/8" to remove excess slackness

Don't know if it would be worth it to give this pattern another try after making the needed adjustments.   After running into these problems the top is not that cute to me anymore.  I think I'll cut my loss and just move on...

ADELAIDE, THIS ONES FOR YOU...

... and anyone else who wants to know how this style top looks on someone other than a 21 year old.

The day after Memorial Day but I was still in the patriotic zone

Stiff hemline even after a good press due to textured knit fabric choice

I love with this pattern, so don't let my stiff hemline turn you off from the pattern style.  I'm looking forward making it again with another type of knit.   I should have used a  fabric with more drape, but there weren't many choices to pick from in solid colors.  Other than the stiff hemline - the fit is fine through the shoulders and bust area, and I like the way the sleeves fit too.  It's comfortable so I will make it again...

WRAPPING UP A LONG WEEKEND OF SEWING...

...I try to make a couple of easy, breezy, chiffoney like tunics every summer.  Don't ask me why, especially since chiffoney fabrics are the dickens to work with.  Slippery, slide-y,  and so ravelly to boot.  I guess I like the idea of wearing something almost transparent in an effort to catch a little breeze during our hot summer months.  In the process of planning  I messed around and came down with a case of dreaded pattern paralysis.

PATTERN PARALYSIS:  state of non-sewing activity that lasts far too long causing major indecisiveness.

PRIMARY SYMPTOM: one knows what she wants to make, but cannot make up her mind which pattern to use. 

MAJOR CAUSE:  Condition is brought on mainly due to having an over-sized pattern inventory that presents far too many choices.

PROGNOSIS:  Complete cure is possible if pattern inventory is severely downsized; however, not probable .

 
Anyway, after laboring to choose a pattern for days, with the help of fellow blogger Rachelle, I finally settled on Burda7793

I like the tunic, nothing much to say about it, but the colors do fall in with my Summer Breezes Collection plans.  Used french seams throughout because it does finish seams of sheer fabric neater than just serging.  I don't use french seams often; always have to look up directions when I do.  Guess that's why they seem a little backwards and awkward to me, but I do so like the results.  Need to use them more often.

Moving on, I also made up a pattern that I'd been craving for months - the Megan Neilson's Briar tee shirt/sweater pattern.  Yep, I finally broke down and got it.  There is just something about the cut and design of this particular tee shirt style that attracted me.  I uses a nubby textured black knit found at Hancock Fabrics that I'd walked away from several times before.  Even though I'm concentrating on adding color, I still needed a new black top in the closet.

Front

Side View

Back

I think I needed a little something different - and it is that.  I added the tiny patch pocket variation, I'm still a little undecided on that.  But now that it's sewn on, might as well leave it.  I'll need to make this pattern up at least 3 or 4 times to justify the purchase in my mind.

To finish up my long weekend of sewing, I'll at least cut out the top to this new Vogue pattern.  I think it's so cute; it has a slight nautical appeal to me for some reason.  

VOGUE 1357

To finish up my post I leave you with a parting shot of my new black pants that are not hanging on the back of a door.

Unlike the cobalt pair that I featured in my last post, these fit well but are a tad to large in the waist.  I'm sure I can make an easy alteration to the back seam to remedy this since I used a center back waistband seam.

That's all she wrote for this post.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and got some sewing in if that was your heart's desire...

SUMMER BREEZES PANTS COLLECTION...

...I know, it's about time - right?  I started working on pants for my Summer Breezes Wardrobe collection back on April 21st.  It was a long road people, but I do want to send out a big THANK YOU out to all   who stood on the sideline advising and cheering me on.  (I have the tendency of making a big deal out of everything - don't I?, - it's just my nature folks.)    I've had the idea for the Summer Breezes collection for several years - even named it, but just could never come up with the just the right fabrics in colors and prints that I loved at one time to make it come into being.  This is the same reason I've always found it hard to pull together any other hand crafted capsule or collection. 
 
But for this summer I decided to just go for it using fabrics that I had on hand and adding others along the way until I felt the collection was complete.  My vision of a summer wardrobe is one that is light,   airy and filled with water colors - ones that you think of for a mini beachy vacation or rendezvous.  Georgia is so HOT  people, and that makes little Summer Breezes a welcome treat when ever they do come along!  You get the picture I'm sure.

So today I debuted my cobalt pants with a top from last years sewalong which I think matched up pretty nicely.

I'm in love!!!  Not too snug, not too loose, no pulling or adjusting needed during the day.  They didn't grow on me as the day wore on, and everyone LOVED the color.  I'm happy folks, and feel that my month's worth of fitting work has paid off.  That's saying a lot for me when it comes to hand crafted pants.  I told my students about my print pair and they want me to wear them tomorrow for them to see because we only have four more days of school left.

Finally, a picture with one of my most favorite students, Briona.

She's graduating 3rd in her class.  Love her!  She's received a full ride college scholarship, and will major in music!  Briona never gave me one minutes trouble during the two years she was in my class.  Eager and thirsty for knowledge.  My prayers and a piece of my heart are going off to college with her too...