Oh, more quick and easy knit tops to sew! It's going to be very hard to go back to sewing for other people when things for me turn out this well!!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
New Look 6816
This is some serious instant gratification sewing! I actually think that this top took longer to trace and cut out than to actually sew. Love it!
It looks awesome with my Jalie jeans, and I also think that may be the best picture of me ever taken.
Here is one where you can actually see the top. It is incredibly simple with kimono sleeves and only 3 seams.
There is a center back seam. I almost omitted it, but it actually provides some of the waistline shaping that would otherwise be impossible in a top this simple. I think that the fabric made all of the difference. I used an unbelievably soft sweater knit from FabricMart. It drapes around me in lovely ways. I love it. It wasn't the easiest fabric in the world to sew, but it wasn't as bad as I feared. I stabilized the shoulder seams with French Fuse, but left the others alone. I didn't want to stiffen it.
The neckline is just a band, which I did flat, rather than by quadranting and sewing it on as a circle. This went very smoothly and the neckline lies very flat, which doesn't always happen with the usual method. The only downside is that you end up with a seam in your neckband. Mine is at CB.
Oh, more quick and easy knit tops to sew! It's going to be very hard to go back to sewing for other people when things for me turn out this well!!
Oh, more quick and easy knit tops to sew! It's going to be very hard to go back to sewing for other people when things for me turn out this well!!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Kwik Sew 3570
Mitch is so supportive of my sewing, and never even rolls his eyes when yet another box full of fabric arrives that I wanted to make him something cozy that he could run in. I had this heavy interlock in my stash that was so unbelievably soft that I had to buy it, but had no idea what I was going to do with it. Cozy running shirt? Check! When I got Mitch's bike shorts pattern I also got KS 3570 for this very purpose.
Nice, eh? You can't see it in the pictures, but the side seams come forward to form a very figure flattering v shape. I often have fit problems when making tops for Mitch because he has a very athletic shape - broad shoulders and a defined waist. I'm not complaining about this! Just sayin'. Why yes, my man is sexy. Men's patterns aren't generally designed for his shape, but this one is! Yay!
You can see the shape a bit better from the back.
And in keeping with my goal of learning new skills - a zipper placket. It's a little lopsided, but the seams and top of the collar match up, so I'll take it.
Mitch loves his new shirt and as soon as he got back from this run wanted to wear it again, so I threw it in the wash and he put it back on as soon as it came out of the dryer. I had a great time sewing this shirt. The fabric was perfect and the pattern is a fun but easy sew. There will definitely be more of these in our future!
Mitch loves his new shirt and as soon as he got back from this run wanted to wear it again, so I threw it in the wash and he put it back on as soon as it came out of the dryer. I had a great time sewing this shirt. The fabric was perfect and the pattern is a fun but easy sew. There will definitely be more of these in our future!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Sew Chic!
Look what I won!
It's an original design from Sew Chic Patterns. I love the shape and the retro vibe it has. Did you click on the link to see her other patterns? I'm also in love with the Southern Belle. Give me a big swishy skirt and the raglan sleeves are so fun! Actually, I think all of Laura's designs are amazing!! Be sure to bug her to get the Fantasia going. Isn't is fabulous?
Ooh, but what shall I make this out of??? Pink and brown wool herringbone? Black and white tweed? I need to re-explore my stash. What would you do?
Ooh, but what shall I make this out of??? Pink and brown wool herringbone? Black and white tweed? I need to re-explore my stash. What would you do?
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Kwik Sew 2881
We're starting 2010 off with a bang by using a new fabric (Spandex!) with a new pattern. I've only sewn one Kwik Sew prior to this and it was vintage, so this is my first modern Kwik Sew. I have to start by saying that I hate that "Kwik" is spelled incorrectly. It hurts me to type it. So, going forward I will abbreviate it as KS so as not to further injure my spelling sensibilities (and because I love abbreviations!)
Despite the poor spelling of the brand name, this is a fabulous pattern. Mitch has had problems finding running shorts that don't abrade certain delicate areas. Generally the problem is seams at center front and in the crotch. This pattern has no seam at CF (it's cut on the fold - that is one weird looking pattern piece!) and has a single panel that runs from hemline to hemline at the crotch, so no seams! It was also a really quick sew. There are only 4 pattern pieces, although they are assembled in sort of a strange way. The KS directions are excellent. No troubles there. Sewing with Spandex was new to me, as well. I hauled out Sandra Betzina's More Fabric Savvy and followed her directions for needle type, thread and stitch type, which means that rather than using a zigzag as recommended by KS, I sewed with a triple stretch stitch. It looks good and it will hold up to all sorts of stress! For the waistband and leg bands, I used the triple zigzag to attach the elastic and sew down the casing. These are some sturdy shorts!
Despite the poor spelling of the brand name, this is a fabulous pattern. Mitch has had problems finding running shorts that don't abrade certain delicate areas. Generally the problem is seams at center front and in the crotch. This pattern has no seam at CF (it's cut on the fold - that is one weird looking pattern piece!) and has a single panel that runs from hemline to hemline at the crotch, so no seams! It was also a really quick sew. There are only 4 pattern pieces, although they are assembled in sort of a strange way. The KS directions are excellent. No troubles there. Sewing with Spandex was new to me, as well. I hauled out Sandra Betzina's More Fabric Savvy and followed her directions for needle type, thread and stitch type, which means that rather than using a zigzag as recommended by KS, I sewed with a triple stretch stitch. It looks good and it will hold up to all sorts of stress! For the waistband and leg bands, I used the triple zigzag to attach the elastic and sew down the casing. These are some sturdy shorts!
Front view
Mitch declined to model these for you, although he looks pretty darn awesome in them, if I do say so myself. We did have to make some fit adjustments, but they are adjustments that I typically make for pants for him, so no shockers there. The length was good, which is a bit surprising, since I generally have to shorten his pants, but I did take 4 1/2 inches off of the top of the pant at center front (Mitch likes to wear his pants on his hips), so I think that may have affected the length.
Rear View
He wore them running already and has declared that they are "perfect". I am a little bit more picky, but the only thing I plan to change for the next pair is to use actual swim elastic in the waistband and gripper elastic in the legs. This pair was my "muslin", since I used the cheap Spandex and regular elastic on them. My sister recommended Spandex World's Moleskin which is quite lovely and what I'll be using for the next pair. I'll get going on those once the elastic arrives from Sew Sassy.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Monthly Roundup - December '09 and 2010 goals
December is always such a busy month! I made time to get some serious winter sewing done. My kiddos all needed winter gear, so there was a ton of "get it done" sewing. Not always my favorite, but it was needed.
In December I completed:
1) An outfit for Myra from Ottobre 04/2004-3 and Simplicity 2526
2) Another set of scrubs for Mitch. This one is perfect, so I have a TNT for him!!
3) A pink fleece jacket from Simplicity 2808 for me. This baby has been getting a ton of wear!
4) Some tee shirts from Ottobre 04/2004-35 for Logan and Ottobre 03/2004-9 for Myra.
5) Layering leggings and tee for Myra from Ottobre 04/2004-2 and 03/2004-8
6) Flannel PJ pants from Logan from his TNT Butterick 4222
7) Jalie 2908 stretch jeans for me!
8) Ottobre 03/2004-7 pinafore for Myra to go with one of her tees.
9) burda style 12/2009-119 wrapover jacket for me.
There were only one thing from my monthly goals that I didn't get to. I was the trench skirt from 08/2009. I love it, but I may put it on the back burner. There are a few other projects I want/need to get done first.
1) Mitch is so supportive of my sewing addiction and makes so few requests that I try to give them priority when he does. He needs another set of scrubs, so that will get done soonish, but he also asked me to make him a couple of spandex shorts for running. He wears them under his regular running shorts to minimize chafing on long runs. The shorts he has now have seams in inconvenient places... I found this Kwik Sew pattern with a single panel that runs from inner leg to inner leg, so there are no crotch seams. I've just gotten a couple of different weights of spandex from Spandex World, so these are first up for the New Year!
2) After sewing all those tees for my kids I realized that my own wardrobe has a sad lack in the knit top department, which is crazy, since I have tons of great knit fabrics and pattern just waiting to be combined. Here are a few I want to make --
New Look 6816 view C in this cool Pucci-esque sweater print from FabricMart
Simplicity 2733 with the short puffed and pleated sleeves (pink on the pattern envelope), but without the kangaroo pocket. This Anna Sui ITY from FabricMart would be sweet, particularly if I cut it out so that the dominant stripe follows the wrap top.
Jalie 2787 - the Criss Cross top. I'm still on the fence about which fabric, although I'm leaning toward this pinkish purple nylon Tactel from Buttons 'n' Bolts.
This freebie pattern from SewingPatterns.com out of dark red poly jersey from JoAnn with a heavy bright silver chain.
These will all look great with jeans, slacks and several will coordinate well with skirts already in my wardrobe.
3) For Myra, I've been dying to make the Mini Mod dress again, but in denim with red bandanna accents and blue jean style topstitching.
4) I also have some black denim for jeans for Logan. I'm trying to decide between Burda 9671, which are nice and basic, but which I would have to grade down to fit him, and Ottobre 03/2004-17, which are complicated and detailed (but cute!), but which would fit him without alterations.
I've also been thinking about my goals for the coming year. I have a few things that I'd like to do and learn. 2009 has been a really good sewing year for me. I've learned a lot, and developed some good skills. I'd like to continue that pattern for 2010! Here are some of the things I'd like to do:
1) Sew from burda style - at least one garment per month.
2) Make a tailored jacket using classical tailoring techniques. This is probably going to be a year long project, since step one is LEARN classical tailoring techniques!
3) Learn or practice a new technique in a sewn garment every month. Some of this will likely refer back to 2.
4) Sew outfits rather than orphan pieces, including for the kids.
5) Sew more than half of my projects each month from stash fabric and patterns.
6) Participate in a contest at PR. There are some really fun ones planned for 2010!
7) Keep better track of the garments that I create throughout to year.
8) Make an LBD.
9) Knit an actual garment(ie, not a scarf) that requires shaping.
I'm really grateful for the wonderful community that I have found here in blogland. I started this blog just a few months ago, but even in that short time I have made new friends and improved my sewing immensely. I really think that blogging about my sewing has given me a bit more motivation to sew well and to stretch myself a little, and sometimes a lot! Thanks to all of you who read, comment and help me to learn and grow Here's to an amazing 2010, y'all!
In December I completed:
1) An outfit for Myra from Ottobre 04/2004-3 and Simplicity 2526
2) Another set of scrubs for Mitch. This one is perfect, so I have a TNT for him!!
3) A pink fleece jacket from Simplicity 2808 for me. This baby has been getting a ton of wear!
4) Some tee shirts from Ottobre 04/2004-35 for Logan and Ottobre 03/2004-9 for Myra.
5) Layering leggings and tee for Myra from Ottobre 04/2004-2 and 03/2004-8
6) Flannel PJ pants from Logan from his TNT Butterick 4222
7) Jalie 2908 stretch jeans for me!
8) Ottobre 03/2004-7 pinafore for Myra to go with one of her tees.
9) burda style 12/2009-119 wrapover jacket for me.
There were only one thing from my monthly goals that I didn't get to. I was the trench skirt from 08/2009. I love it, but I may put it on the back burner. There are a few other projects I want/need to get done first.
1) Mitch is so supportive of my sewing addiction and makes so few requests that I try to give them priority when he does. He needs another set of scrubs, so that will get done soonish, but he also asked me to make him a couple of spandex shorts for running. He wears them under his regular running shorts to minimize chafing on long runs. The shorts he has now have seams in inconvenient places... I found this Kwik Sew pattern with a single panel that runs from inner leg to inner leg, so there are no crotch seams. I've just gotten a couple of different weights of spandex from Spandex World, so these are first up for the New Year!
2) After sewing all those tees for my kids I realized that my own wardrobe has a sad lack in the knit top department, which is crazy, since I have tons of great knit fabrics and pattern just waiting to be combined. Here are a few I want to make --
These will all look great with jeans, slacks and several will coordinate well with skirts already in my wardrobe.
3) For Myra, I've been dying to make the Mini Mod dress again, but in denim with red bandanna accents and blue jean style topstitching.
4) I also have some black denim for jeans for Logan. I'm trying to decide between Burda 9671, which are nice and basic, but which I would have to grade down to fit him, and Ottobre 03/2004-17, which are complicated and detailed (but cute!), but which would fit him without alterations.
I've also been thinking about my goals for the coming year. I have a few things that I'd like to do and learn. 2009 has been a really good sewing year for me. I've learned a lot, and developed some good skills. I'd like to continue that pattern for 2010! Here are some of the things I'd like to do:
1) Sew from burda style - at least one garment per month.
2) Make a tailored jacket using classical tailoring techniques. This is probably going to be a year long project, since step one is LEARN classical tailoring techniques!
3) Learn or practice a new technique in a sewn garment every month. Some of this will likely refer back to 2.
4) Sew outfits rather than orphan pieces, including for the kids.
5) Sew more than half of my projects each month from stash fabric and patterns.
6) Participate in a contest at PR. There are some really fun ones planned for 2010!
7) Keep better track of the garments that I create throughout to year.
8) Make an LBD.
9) Knit an actual garment(ie, not a scarf) that requires shaping.
I'm really grateful for the wonderful community that I have found here in blogland. I started this blog just a few months ago, but even in that short time I have made new friends and improved my sewing immensely. I really think that blogging about my sewing has given me a bit more motivation to sew well and to stretch myself a little, and sometimes a lot! Thanks to all of you who read, comment and help me to learn and grow Here's to an amazing 2010, y'all!
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