#SewTwistsandTies w/ NewLook 6345 & Butterick 6621...

...this is a catch up post of sorts.  I have been doing a little sewing, and as a matter of fact jumped in on a new challenge called #SewTwistsandTies sponsored by Meg of CookinandCraftin because it sounded like an easy and fun challenge.  I had just recently purchased Butterick 6621, had had NewLook 6348 lurking in my stash for quit a while, and wanted to put a slight dent in my infamous
knit stripped fabric collection.

I've already figured out that I am a bit obsessed with knit stripes!

It was love at first sight with this pattern, yet it has lingered in my stash for quite some time.  So now was the time to get it done.

Who doesn't love a great stripped knit skirt - I know I do.

The students said they liked it too.

I thought I'd love the wrap but turns out I didn't,

So I just cut it off and loved the tie just the same.

It's a good sewing year thus far, now to keep it up...

#2 PENCIL ANYONE???

...believe me, Christmas vacation is such a wonderful thing!  Times of not knowing what day of the week it is, and not even caring.  Days when you can spend the entire day in your sewing studio if that is what you choose to do - and that my friends is just what I did.

I also got to talk with my Mother each and every day of my vacation.  As you may have guessed most of those talks centered around sewing.  I must say that for a person who doesn't sew, my Mother knows and understands an awful lot about it - which is amazing to me!  I don't think she ever bores with sewing talk.  On New Year's day we talked about the time I went on a #2 Pencil Skirt making spree, and she mentioned that she'd like to have another one herself.  I was more than happy to oblige her and got to work on making two of them for her.

I pulled out a Tried and True golden oldie McCall's 6654

Just two pieces for me because I used my trusty serger application to attach the elastic and folded down then top stitched to create the casing, which eliminates using the separate casing pattern piece. I added a label and blind stitched the hem - Easy peazy! 

I still believe that every girl needs a #2 Pencil skirt in her life.

White and black snow leopard, and grey and black houndstooth check both from my stash.

Easy pieces just the length my Mother likes.  I hope she will get tons of wear from these two with her winter boots.

I got these done quickly so I could get them in the mail to her right away, but was able to save the cost of postage to her because my baby sister Patricia came to Georgia just for the day and stopped to pay me a short surprise visit.  What a welcome treat!

My new year has started out just right with sewing and family!!!

KICKING STASH WEEK 2...

...I had high hopes of using up a whole lot of fabric during week 2 of the Kicking Stash Challenge (SKIRT WEEK).  Of course my work week was off the chain, and things just didn't turn out the way I  planned.  Sewing for the week did not start until Friday night - but I just had to make sure I got at least a couple skirts completed this week for the challenge. 

I know I've mentioned time and time again how much I LOVE KNIT SKIRTS! How many skirts do I have already???  Interesting question!, I really can't tell you.  But what's a couple more going to hurt - they make daily dressing so easy, and every girl needs several essential knit pencil skirts, (that's what I call them.

During this "Kicking Stash" challenge when I pick a piece of fabric yardage from my stash the plan is to completely annihilate it - so I went ahead and made two skirts.  One for my greedy self, and the other as a gift.

Left:  Trusty McCall's 6654 - Right:  Pamela's Magic Pencil Skirt pattern independent pattern

 

 

 

Tried a new elastic waistband treatment learned from Charlene Steward's Periscope last night and I love it.

Now to see if I can get at least one more skirt completed before 11:59 p.m. tomorrow night...

#BLOGLIKECRAZY DAY 27: ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES....

...in the midst of trying to keep up with my 30 day blog challenge, there is some sewing going on here at Casa Lewis.  I guess I'd call this a bit of stash busting - I've made two knit pencil skirts from remnants of other projects. You do know that a #2 pencil skirt is just my style - and I love wearing them with booties or boots during the fall/winter season.

#2 pencil skirts, essential pencil skirts call then whatever you like, but a good knit pencil skirt fits my style every day of the week. I got to thinking about all the possible outfits that I could compose from these two simple skirts.  I love mixing and matching outfits, as well as adding vibrant pops of color.  I pulled a few jackets and sweaters out of the closet to see what would work with my skirts and sort of pre-plan a few outfits for the upcoming weeks.  This is what I came up with thus far:

These sweaters and jackets will work equally as well with the stripped skirt  -  so there are endless possibilities from working with just a few pieces.

WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS FOR EXTENDING YOUR WARDROBE??? 

#BLOGLIKECRAZY DAY 20: TEACHER'S ADVICE...

... when I teach Cosm 1010 Chemical Texture Services I always advise my students as follows:

• regardless of the number of times you have used a chemical product, whether it be a permanent wave, relaxer or even a hair color product, ALWAYS re-read and follow the manufacturer's directions.

How does this apply to sewing you might ask?  As I mentioned in Wednesday's post, my current project is a white with black dots Colette Mable Skirt.   I've made this pattern, what?, 4 or 5 times?  It's a simple front panel knit pencil skirt with a contour waistband.  Who needs to read the directions after making it 5 times? - indeed, not I!  Or so I thought.

Can you imagine my surprise when I tried on the skirt and it was a smidgen too tight?  What the what?  It was only then that I decided to take a peek at the independent pattern's direction booklet. Doggoneit!, 3/8" seam allowances rather than the traditional 5/8" used for Big 4 patterns.  The skirt has 5 seams so when I used 5/8" allowances I decreased the size of the skirt by 1 1/4" overall (if my math is correct).  Well whether it's correct or not, the skirt is too tight!

Guess the teacher should have heeded her own advice  - even when it comes to sewing.  Re-read the directions.  Needless to say, there's a whole lot of un-sewing going on here and my skirt project has been delayed.  My new seam ripper is really coming in handy right now...

#BLOGLIKECRAZY DAY 18: DO YOU REMEMBER "THE CARNIVAL OF SKIRTS"...

...if not, you can read about it starting with my September 5, 2012 post (wow, that was 3 years ago).   My excitement over a knit stripped skirt started it all.  The enthusiasm took on a life of its own and even had a name - "The Carnival of Skirts".  Initially it was all about "ME", but then several of my readers asked why hadn't I turned it into a skirt sew-along.  That is how "The Carnival of Skirts" sew-along came into being.  I don't remember how many skirts I made during the sew-along, but I do remember enjoying every minute of  the journey.


My current favorite skirt pattern is the Colette Mable.  Fell in love with her the moment she was released, and have made at least six since that time.  It's a nice fitting pegged pencil skirt pattern with a contour band at the waist.

I'm making version 3 again - love that center panel - it has a slimming effect.  I used white pontederoma with black dots.  I thought this fabric was so cute so I purchased it with this pattern in mind.

I love pontederoma, but sometimes its just a little too light weight to make a suitable skirt in my opinion.  My remedy is to underline the entire body of the skirt using poly-interlock (Hancock's name for it - JoAnn's calls it Jet Set).  I think it gives the fabric just the right oomph and ensures at I can get lots of wear from it.

I stitch it to the individual skirt pieces, and it then becomes part of the fashion fabric.


To be continued...

WORK WEAR MONDAY...

...oh, it's not Monday is it (felt like it though).  I love wearing a new garment to work even if it's only a top.  Vogue 8152 is such a nifty top, equipped with it's own scarf as it turned out to be.  I might need to make another one of these - maybe in a solid color.

I wore it with my McCall's 6654 brown knit skirt made a couple of years ago.  It was a very good work wear day...

JUNGLE JANUARY...

... when incorporating animal prints in my sewing projects, couldn't forget those animals that inhibit the frozen tundra.  I pulled out this long time resident of my stash -  beautiful pontederoma Snow Leopard print that I'd been planning to use for a skirt with since I first eyed these that Victoria made for herself and her cute little daughter.  I'm sort of glad I waited because I've since acquired the marvelous  Colette Mable pencil skirt pattern.  NOW NO ONE LOVES #2 KNIT PENCIL SKIRT AS MUCH AS I DO - I PROMISE YOU!  They present such easy dressing options for rushed mornings - just grab a matching sweater, pull on my tights and boots and I'm out the door.

I have other great pencil skirt patterns, like McCall's 6654, and Pamela's Magic Pencil Skirt.  Not saying that I won't use them again, but for right now I am completely armored with MABLE...  

CYBER MONDAY WORK WEAR & MUSLINING GOING ON...

... yes, like millions of others across the nation I went back to work on Cyber Monday.  Since I literally walk miles in my lab during the course of the day being comfortable, but a bit trendy, is what I aim for.  A simple pencil skirt made back in September paired with a sweater is easy dressing.  This is the second time I've worn this skirt.

McCall's 6654

Also, I have actually been working on a project.  I have decided that I am really in need of a knee length black coat.  Mom, I know, I know - I've been adamant in repeating that "I don't like long coats".   I apologize - Mom - I have had to change my mind.  The new coat process has begun and I've  been muslining.  I choose way out of print McCall's 5247.

 

A classic design that I plan on making a little less a-line.

The muslin is working out quite well.  I keep trying it on trying to make a decision as to if I need to cut a size larger while waiting for a new shipment of interfacing.

WORK WEAR...

...my Mable skirt (by Colette Patterns) went to work today.  You know - everyone and everything has to earn it's own keep around here.  She was comfortable and wore well with my cobalt twin set, skinny belt, the best feeling pair of tights I've ever worn (purchased last winter that don't even have a tag in them so I don't know what brand they are.  If I did I'd run right out and buy more of them right now), and my new booties.

The skirt is just a little too long for my taste for this type.  I'm thinking about shortening it just a tad.  I tend to agree with Tim Gunn's theory, for the most part, of where skirt lengths should fall (you can see it here).  Just a theory, of course skirt length is a personal preference.  Length (for me) also depends on the look/style I'm going for at the time.

I did get all types of unsolicited compliments on the outfit.  I'm amazed how much I do like the skirt considering that I didn't like the fabric at all and this started out as just a muslin.  As for the Colette pattern, I will definitely be making it again.  I'm in love with the non-elastic waistband...

MABLE, OH MABLE...

...yes, I finally got around to making Colette's Mable.  Here's my review of this essential #2 pencil skirt.

Being the pencil skirt lover that I am, I was instantly drawn to the Colette pattern when it was first released.  I've had this stained glass print pontederoma knit stashed for a couple of years but wasn't really in love with it so I decided to use it as my Mable muslin.  I made View 3.

COLETTE #1029

I'd read that Mable went together rather quickly, and it did.   It's a welcome variation to the elastic waist McCall's pencil skirt pattern that I usually make and still do love.  It's nice to have choices even if it's just a #2 pencil skirt.

I found that the pattern has several built in amenities:  1) it's already nicely pegged.  I didn't need to do any tapering at the hem. 2) I made the size that corresponded to my measurements, and things turned out pretty good.  The skirt is VERY FORM FITTED as is illustrated by the pattern envelope.    3)  it's even well suited for those of us who, shall I say, have plenty of junk in the trunk.  It fits well at the back hem even without doing a full buttock wedge adjustment (meaning that my skirt is slightly longer at the back hem than it is in front).  And that's a great thing for me.

Would I recommend the Mable - YES I DO, even for beginners.  Instructions are well written, and super clear.  Nothing at all to be scared of here.  Listen to me talk!  I've had the pattern for months but was afraid of the waist band.  Needn't be at all, because it's an easy peezy pattern!!!

GETTING MY FALL SEW ON...

...since happiness returned I'm able to really get my Fall sew on.  I finished my third project for the new season today.  It came from my fantastic TNT McCall's 6654 knit skirt pattern.  Love this pattern.  For me it needs only the small alteration of tapering or pegging a little bit in the side seams- that gives me the perfect fit.

This striped aztec print knit jumped out at me during a quick run through Hancock's on Friday.  Cost $19.99 but a deal with a 50% coupon - I bought a yard - discovered I only needed 3/4 yard when I got home and looked at the pattern.  Could have sworn that the pattern called for a full yard.  Oh well, maybe I'll remember that next time.  The fabric comes already bonded with an underlining, but I still thought it would get better wear if I lined it, so I did.

Our temps are still in the upper 80's so this skirt won't be worn for a little while, but at least it will be ready when the time does come.  I saw a skirt in this same print somewhere during an online snoop shopping trip priced at $189.00.  I can't say enough about being SO GLAD THAT I SEW!  I think my skirt is just as wonderful as that one and cost $170.00 less...

A LITTLE WEEKEND SEWING...

...I'm almost certain that I won't win any blogger awards for this make, BUT it's exactly what I wanted.  I've been saying for a long time that I wanted a slouchy, yoga band, knit maxi skirt.  You know the easy wear kind that you can pull on with a tank top when you need to make a run to the store.  Yep, that's exactly what I wanted, and now I've got it.  I had a couple of patterns in mind  - these were the two I chose from

I liked both, and went back and forth with my decision before settling on the first one.  I started out by removing 4 inches each from the hem of both the front and back pattern pieces before cutting.  The pattern runs extremely large, and in the end I finally took the skirt up in the side seams by what amounted  to 3 sizes.  I now wish I had just gone ahead and used the slimmer skirt of the second pattern and just added a yoga waistband.  I really like the skirt though, and plan on making a second one using the other pattern in a denim look knit that I have on hand.

I used a light weight cotton knit that's held resident in my stash for a very long time.  At first I thought it might be too light weight, but turns out it was just right for what I wanted.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, need I mention that

starts this week. Finally, something to watch on TV that sparks my interest...

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I'VE TAKEN A PICTURE...

...why?, because I hate taking pictures.  But I realize that posting pictures wearing my hand crafted garments from time to time is necessary for good blog documentation.   After not making pants for an entire year, I decided it was time to add a few new pair to my wardrobe rotation.  When the pants idea first came up I was all ready to start working on a brand new (to me) pants pattern.  I pulled out several patterns, cut the paper pieces out, and then remembered why I took an entire month last spring tweaking my same old TNT pattern.  The number one reasons:

• limited number of pattern pieces (a two piece slant pocket is enough for me and gives me the look and feel I like).  Call me narrow, but the same goes for the waist band; a one piece waistband fits my body and needs quite well.
• Come on Faye, why re-invent the wheel?  What you wanted was a good fitting pant pattern, that you could whip up in a couple hours sewing time.  You've worked hard to get it, so just go with it.

Since my re-emergence a couple of weeks ago I've made three new pair and decided to test drive one of them today.

 

Not too tight, not too loose, comfortable all day long.  Minimal diagonal wrinkling across the front thanks to information received from one of my sewing mentors, Gwen.  I will never forget the wrinkle elimination tips she taught me by email.

The other 2 pair that I call radiant orchid and turquoise (I think)

I also love the ease of wearing skirts so I revisited McCall's 6654 to add two colorful knit #2 pencils  this weekend.   I think my sewing sessions produced some much needed splashes of color to my otherwise neutral way of dressing. 

Turquoise and Coral both of pontederoma

I'm not on one of my usual all out sewing marathons (yet), but I think I'm off to a great sewing season.  I really did enjoy being able to sew the past two weekends - it was like taking a breath of really fresh air...

FALL IS HERE IN ALL IT'S GLORY...

... with frequent chilly 32 degree mornings, and the switch back to standard time where you get to drive to work in the in real sunlight rather than in utter darkness hoping that you don't run over somebody's children; but have to rush home in the afternoon so you're not caught out in the dark having the feeling that you have no evening at all.  (Ugghh, and I think I am the only person in the world who dislikes it!, cause it seems that everyone else is rejoicing.)  I use to think I disliked Fall, but found that it's not Fall that I have a strong dislike of, but rather it's the time changing thing!!!  I LOVE it when we're on Daylight Saving Time...

WHAT'S THE POINT!!!, OF CHANGING THE TIME?,  unless its just to throw my body clock all out of whack!!!"  Wasn't it designed to give the farmer's more daylight hours?  I still don't understand, just know that I don't like the change at all.  Seems I would have gotten use to this after all this time - but I haven't!   There's just no pleasing some of us humans all the time anyways, is there?  So there,  got my rant out, now back to talking about Fall and chilly mornings....

I am so glad that I did get a little jump start on my Fall Sewing this year.   I started back in hot August even though I knew I wouldn't actually get to wear the pieces until late October/early November.  It's wonderful know I can just walk to the closet and pull out something new.  So last week I pulled this outfit out

I forgot to pair it with the belt though, but oh well, me and belts seem to have a love hate relationship, so it all turned out well anyway.

The outfit wore very well and it was a great Fall day!

DON'T YOU JUST LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER...

...no matter how simple - I just love it when a plan comes together!  What was the plan?  Well back in early September Sheila of Sheila-CTK did a post asking about our cardigan style preferences.  She included this picture in that post

and - I fell in love with the skirt.  No I didn't have this exact fabric, but it did start me thinking about a yard of fabric that I had left over from this dress that I made back in August when I started my fall sewing

and, I had enough to make a Missoni-esque pencil skirt - so that's just what I did. I decided to use

 

McCall's 6654 knit pencil skirt pattern that I tried last fall with good success. I underlined the pattern pieces (there were only two) by hand basting tricot down the center and the side seams to give the fabric a little more body.  It took me two nights to hand stitch the pressed open side seams because I didn't want them flapping around and bunching up after washing.

And, despite the fact that it took me almost an ENTIRE WEEK, the skirts an easy make (two seams, elastic waist, and a hem.  I wanted to play up the fabrics pretty turquoise stripe and was able to find the exact color in a twin set that I purchased during my NY visit my family vacation.  About the only thing I purchased during my visit this time - yes I was frugal and it's a good thing because IMMEDIATELY after returning I had to buy an new HVAC UNIT.  Can you help me say YIKES!  It will take a SERIOUS chunk out of the fabric budget for quite a number of months.  Oh well, I thank God that I was able to get it installed and it's working like a charm.  It's a lot to be thankful for after sleeping in a sauna for 6 nights.  At least I got my turquoise twin set says my female reasoning.

I couldn't decide on the skirt length, but went ahead and put it at mid calf because you know I plan on wearing it with boots.  I figure if this lengths not right - I can always cut if off shorter.

I have this same fabric in a different colorway and plan to make the skirt again.  I'll wear it with a chocolate twin set that came in the mail yesterday from my sister Brenda. THANKS A WHOLE BUNCH BRENDA!  I DO LOVE YOU SO!   I may or may not wear this belted (or I might try a thinner belt) -  I just wanted to see how it looked.  What do you think, belt or not???  Thanks for the skirt inspiration Sheila - and BTW, my cardigan choice is a jewel neck...