Ottobre 05/2009-5 drape neck top

I'm taking a quick break from the jungle to try out a pattern that has been on my radar a while.

Of course, you can't see any of the details that make this pattern cool. But I did need a basic black tee...

Here is a slightly overexposed dress form shot. The pattern is from the 05/2009 issue of Ottobre Woman. When I first got this issue, I was drawn to that draped neckline in the line drawing, but the fashion photo is impossible to see. I looked up the reviews on PR, which all said that the drape was skimpy.

Given those reviews, I added an inch to the width of the gathered area within the drape. It looks lovely on the dress form, but with wear, the draped section tends to collapse. It's still pretty and very wearable, but I think I'll leave well enough alone on my next version and make it up as drafted.

The fabric I used is a shimmery jersey that I got in a free bundle from FabricMart. It's hard to get a good picture of the shimmer, as it is subtle, but this pic and the dress form shots give a good representation.

Other than the width of the neckline drape, the only other alterations I made were to omit the sleeve flounces and to do my usual cheater FBA. I also lengthened the top about 2 inches. Ottobre tops always seem to be drafted a bit shorter than I prefer. In this softly draping fabric, I could probably also use a swayback adjustment, as you can see I have a little pooling in that area.

Overall, I am pleased with this pattern! I think I'll make it up next in a silver leopard sweater knit I have. And while the serger is threaded with black, there is another all black project that I've had on the backburner. It's gonna be fun...

ETA: A couple of y'all have asked about the jeans I'm wearing. They are Vogue 1059, and you can check them out here!

Sewaholic Renfrew: Necessary Jungle Gear

When Heather posted her fabulous leopard burnout Renfrew on Instagram, I knew I had to copy her. Because Renfrew + Animal Print = COMPLETELY AWESOME!!

Alas, I had no leopard print burnout, so I settled instead on some soft and cuddly zebra print jersey from Fabric.com. Stashbusting, don't you know...

I debated going with the scoop neck, but I just  love that cowl.

And I think it looks pretty amazing in this softly draping fabric, with the zebra stripes swirling around it.

Interestingly, I seem to have a bit of a swayback on this version, which is not something I've noticed on the previous half dozen of these I've sewn.

For those who gave me input about thread color in IG and Twitter - Thank you! I did some test stitching in  both black and cream, and decided on black in the end. The cream thread really showed up on the black sections, but as you can see, the black is surprisingly neutral.

I love that it works well with my black pencil skirt, but I know I'm going to love pairing it with jeans, too.

Stashbusting 2014

I'm so glad Cation Designs and EmSoCrazy are continuing the Stashbusting Challenge!! I definitely need it...

Y'all may remember my shelves from last year. Coming clean, I admit that they are a bit more full than they were then.

And there might be a few boxes lying around...

And maybe a "must sew soon!" pile on the table...
I did make an effort last year to keep my output the same as my input, but I was foiled by a good friend who brought me over 200 yards of fabric, most of it really nice stuff. What's a sewist to do???

My final end of year total were: Fabric In - 399 yards. Fabric Out (some of this was donated) - 354 yards. So, I was 45 yards positive for the year. This wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but since we will be moving in about 6 months, I really have to do some reducing.

I, Katie of Kadiddlehopper, commit to use stash fabrics for at least 90% of my sewing this year. Starting today, I will purchase new fabric only to complete projects. I will also finish cleaning out my stash, and donate any fabrics that do not suit me (or others I sew for) in style, fabric or color.

Whew. That's a big commitment, but I think it is necessary. Once I am in my new sewing space (and I mean fully unpacked and moved in) I will probably reconsider this pledge, but it depends entirely on the space I will have.

I have some seriously awesome fabrics in here. They want to become clothes. They told me so.

Jungle January: The Offspring edition

Of course, the scraps from Barbie's velveteen dress had to come from somewhere... Were you wondering?

Yeah, I totally went there. Myra and I have a bit of a reputation to uphold, after all. Last year, we were matchy-matchy in snakeprint tees. This year, I decided to take it up a notch with matching skinny pants.

Mine are Jalie 2908, with the legs slimmed. The top is Burda 7625. I had been making my skinny jeans with Vogue 8330, which I do still like, but I find I prefer the fit of the Jalie through the tush.

Since the fabric is doing a lot of talking here, I decided to go with minimal topstitching in a taupe-y color that matched the background. This fabric (cotton/spandex velveteen from FabricMart) has a TON of stretch, which makes for tricky topstitching. I've had issues with snapping threads in the past, so I decided to try stitching with wooly nylon in the bobbin. And it didn't work. I've already popped part of the back pocket off. I should have just coverstitched or chainstitched. Live and learn.

This is the view with the higher rise, with an additional inch added. I am very high waisted. As it is, the waistband is still about an inch below my natural waist, which is just where I like it to sit. I generally go with silver rivets and buttons on my jeans, but for these I used brass findings. The rivets have a small flower imprinted on them. It's a pretty detail I'm pretty sure I'll be the only one to notice.

I debated between skinny pants and straight leg, but in the end I'm very glad I went with skinnies. I think they go well with the wild fabric, and they will definitely get a ton of wear.

Myra is sporting the LouBee Patterns Hosh Pants. Myra loves her wool pair and wears it often so I knew this would be a win.

The back of the Hosh Pants is fitted with buttonhole elastic, which I love as my kids grow and hand down their clothes. The method that Sarah uses for inserting it is ingenious. You don't have to make any buttonholes! But look what a nice clean finish it has. Gorgeous.

Myra loves them. They are warm, stylish and comfortable. Perfect.

I'm so glad that she will still let me match. I'm sure our matching days are numbered, but we'll always be happy in the Jungle!

MCalls 6232: Barbie in the Jungle

January is a sacred time in my sewing room. No, not time for new resolutions, stashbusting or sewing goals.

It's Jungle January, of course!! I've been scheming all winter, with visions of leopard and zebra in my head. This year, I thought we'd start off with something a little different.

I had a little help from the ultimate fashionista, Barbie.

Barbie's lovely ensemble is from McCalls 6232 . It is a complete Barbie wardrobe pattern, and today we're lounging in a fitted, turtleneck sleeveless sheath and a chic coat with a fitted bodice, full skirt and contrast cuffs and collar.

Barbie struts her stuff in this full length leopard gown, made from leftover velveteen. Her gown features a high turtleneck and a knee length slit. It has a center back closure of velcro, for ease of dressing.

For those nippy evenings waving to her adoring fans, she dons a lovely coat of hot pink interlock. It is trimmed with velveteen to match her gown and closes with a single snap. (Aside: I totally want a grown up version of this coat.)

Barbie is so thrilled you came over to visit the Dream House and to admire the latest fashions with her. She hopes your jungle sewing is going well!