Fabric Lush

Aren't these great?

2010-10-20T22:53:00.001-07:00

I just love how colourful these vintage patterns are!

(A)

(B)

(C)

(A) Vogue Paris Original 1488; ©1960; Jacques Heim @ Vintage Patterns Wiki
(B) Vintage 1960s Vogue Basic Design 2236 @ Stitches and Loops
(C) DuBarry 5041 Playsuits @ The Blue Gardenia

(In the interests of full disclosure, (B) is sold... cos I bought it. I'm sorry, but the blue, the white, the sparkles. They sat there taunting me for ever. So it's in my living room at present, being stroked and caressed from time to time, between searching for the perfect fabrics to create it!)

Optimism.

2010-06-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

I must confess, having a computer filled with photos and no more room definitely puts a kink in your blogging.

That being said, I am sewing. In between a delightful parade of visitors over the last month or so, I have been putting together a skirt. If I were childless, I venture to say that this skirt probably would have taken me 2-3 hours to put together. As it stands I think it's been about a month. Serves me right for having hobbies AND kids AND friends. ;)

But I think it says something about time vs sewing projects. Sometimes it's better to start and work it around life and still finish it in the end, than to never have started at all.

At least that is what I tell myself.

Old/New Favourites

2010-04-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

This last winter, finally being able to pull out some non maternity clothes that had long been forgotten, I came across my favourite winter skirt.

I got it years ago, and being black, A-line, and 100% wool, it saw a lot of use. The wool itself was splendid. A plush, thick wool that lent itself naturally to an A=line design with minimal seams - three to be exact. I had always thought what a wonderful thing it would be, to have another skirt exactly like it, but in a different colour.

Then, with my Christmas money, I was able to score these shoes half off clearance price -

They make me very happy - not just for the price, but also the style. They gave me the impression of some of the 40's shoes I'd seen drawn on vintage patterns of the era, but with a higher more modern heel. And they are so very cute in person! So then I thought to myself, 'Self, what a great combination they would be with a wool, A-line skirt in say blue, or teal.'

Teal, you say, Self? Like so?

I found this perfect fabric (100% merino wool in Pacific Blue) at Fabric Mart - and I could tell by the description (for garments with a minimal number of seams) and drape photos that it would be close to the fabric in my original skirt. I was unprepared for how similar they were - pretty much identical aside from colour!

This shows just how robust and lush this fabric is - all I did was fold a corner up:

Now for the downside. I started trying to draft my own pattern, but found that both the thickness of the fabric and the general wear of the wool altering the shapes in each piece were posing a bit of a hindrance. I went over it a couple of times and found myself becoming frustrated. Yep, sad huh? Frustrated by an A-line skirt with 3 seams! Can I just say again that drafting is not my strong suit?

So I optimistically began my hunt for a similar paper pattern and came across McCall's 3341 - a basic A-line, with 3 seams, and for about $3 including shipping, saved myself a lot of time and frustration.

At least I hope so! ;)

Update on Simplicity 2406

2010-03-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

So I was playing with my Cynthia Rowley pattern the other night, and I noticed something...

The fabric allowance on the back of the pattern for my size and fabric width is 2 yards, but I was having a hard time getting the pieces to fit. And it's not just because I was trying to squeeze my sash yardage on there either. The pattern calls for extra yardage for the sash but I was hoping, not doing the pockets, to get it into the 2 yards or wear a purchased belt - jury's still out on that one.

I measured, and re measured. My fabric is a solid 62" wide and about 2 yards and 2 inches long - so there is definitely enough according to the envelope. I'm not cutting pockets, and I definitely followed the right layout. Part of it was that with the drape and texture of the fabric, it kept slip-sliding away. It's just going to be a challenge I think, and I'm going to have to cut very, very carefully. There are some great tips online on how to cut slippery fabrics - I'll let you know what I come up with.

If only...

2010-03-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

I found this pattern on my vintage wanderings recently. I think it's all kinds of awesome.

And if you're one of those people out there who'd like a little neck coverage, but have killer legs, the kelly green/mustard yellow turtleneck combo might work for you.

If they had this in my size, I'd totally snap this one up!

Terrified Sewist Meet Dream Dress in Ultimate Showdown!

2010-03-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of wedding about 6 weeks away, I am going to make this dress:

Out of this fabric:

It is one of my favorites from my first run to the LA Fabric District, and I've been waiting a while to find the perfect pattern for it. I'm still a lot unsure about cutting it up, and knowing how often I find time to sew, I don't really have time to do a muslin for fit, so I'm going to be doing a bit of tissue fitting before I get going hacking into the fabric.

I'm going to do this one sans pockets. Also I want to figure out a way to close up that hole in the back. I love the idea of a little gap but I need it to cover my underwear... so then how in the world do I get the thing over my head? I don't want to chicken out and do a zipper all the way up... or should I just bite the bullet, get an invisible zipper foot, and just put an invisible zipper in the back? And what about lengthening it so I don't sit through the wedding with my hem around my hips?

Come to think of it there is a lot to be terrified about. I think I'll just dive in, and if it's a total disaster, I'll just be the first wedding guest in history to attend in her bathrobe and slippers.

Neige $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-12-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

Neige $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

My friend Naomi is a great fan of theirs also... what beautiful, modern and elegant items for children. They have become one of my top sources for fashion inspiration for my own kids, so I'd love to enter this, win (of course) and surprise her for Christmas!

Threads

2009-12-16T16:22:00.000-08:00

Every year my mother-in-law gifts me a magazine subscription for Christmas, and this year it is Threads! I'm new to the whole sewing magazine arena but after seeing people reference helpful tutorials from this magazine, I'm excited to try it!

Have you ever received Threads magazine? Did you like it? I'd love to know what your impressions were!

Its My Party Skirt GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-12-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

Its My Party Skirt GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Oh my, this skirt is so delightful, and comfy too!

The Hop, Skip and a Jump Maternity Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-17T16:15:00.000-08:00

The Hop, Skip and a Jump Maternity Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

This is a gorgeous example of what I like to call "See it, Make it" for those of us who can't afford (or find) designer or boutique items, but have a knack for sewing and a bit of creativity.

I would love to win this for my sister, who is also gaga for it, and who is next on the family list for getting preggers!

Gettin' Crackin'

2009-11-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

I'm whipping out the tape measure tonight with tremendous optimism, fueled by the thought of Christmas at home this year being right around the corner. Here's hoping some Christmas presents will start rolling off the sewing table...

Wish me luck!

Inspirations

2009-11-09T15:56:00.001-08:00

With a title like that I feel like there should be a Police song playing in the background...

However, contained herewith are some things that have inspired me to persevere with my sewing projects, even when the time is short and the house is a wreck and I'm too busy nibbling luscious baby chubs to get to the sewing machine.

Exhibit A: Slate Tuxedo Dress in Slate @ Shabby Apple

A few things I adore about this dress are 1) the colour 2) the fabric (matte charmeuse = yum!) 3) the tiny details at the sleeve, waist, neckline and that fantastic "tuxedo" front and 4) all of it with a simple and classic silhouette.

Of course, in my brain "simple and classic silhouette" translates to "you could probably make something like this yourself", and trust me, I did consider it. But this is what I figured out:

finding the slate matte charmeuse + drafting up a pattern + having to do a mock up because knowing me I'd mess it up = JUST BUY THE DRESS!!

I would consider one day doing my own 'take' on the dress, but only after this baby was snugly stored away in my closet. (and occasionally removed to either wear and/or fondle)

Exhibit B: Simplicity Pattern 2512 by Cynthia Rowley

I'll be honest, the colour got my attention first but I have to say the shape of this skirt intrigues me. It might be morbid curiosity, because I have a feeling that on me, this skirt would be incredibly ungracious with my flaws. "You, good madam, have eaten too much of your children's halloween candy!"

But I can totally see this on my oldest daughter. I'm thinking even in a teal, or yellow... I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about grading adult patterns for children. And you know me, any excuse to add more shiny fabric to the stash ;)

Exhibit C: Amazing Easter Dresses by Katie Did

These dresses have seriously haunted my dreams all year, but in a good way. I'm fascinated. Absolutely fascinated. I gotta try these. Maybe Easter 2010 for my girlies. What say you?

That's it for now, but I have more... stay tuned.

The great thing about making kids clothes...

2009-08-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

...is that it takes smaller amounts of fabric. This is something I prepared earlier, out of just 1/2 yard of 42" fabric. And it's still too big for her!

LA Fabric District Haul

2008-08-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

A dear friend and I had the delightful experience of heading to the LA Fabric District in July. It's taken me this long to blog about it because we've been admiring our fabrics and planning our collections! You can see the photos here.

Interested in heading down there? A few tips:

* Visit this site for directions, she didn't lead us astray. We parked where she suggested and did not have to surrender our keys.

* Bring cash. I was able to use my credit card on a major purchase (a 55 yard roll of fine white broadcloth), but I asked super nicely. However, most stores didn't have the facilities for it.

* Keep your purse very close and your wits about you. (I actually put my extra money in my bra so I wasn't flashing my cash around every time I made a purchase)

*Keep a running list of what you NEED, what you WANT, and then be open to fun finds. That way you have focus as you wade through the hundreds of bolts of polyester to find that precious cotton velvet you always wanted.

* You can barter. In fact, I highly suggest you DO barter. We were frequently able to reduce the price anywhere from 50 - 70%. Price comparison, multiple yards, flaws in the fabric and "limited" funds will often get you a good deal.

* Stand with them when they cut your fabric, otherwise you might miss some significant flaws AND some stores will short you, and this is especially frustrating if you need particular yardage for a project. One store we visited shorted us by half a yard on every length we got cut, and then tried to overcharge us, which leads me to -

* Keep track what you're purchasing. Two of the stores we visited tried to overcharge us by over twenty dollars! If you're not sure, ask them to recalculate and remind them of the price you both agreed to for each fabric.

* There were times when, if they had have lowered the price by even $2/yard I would have bought multiple yards of fabric. Next time my philosophy will be this: if they get insulted, won't negotiate, short me yardage, or overcharge me, I'll find a different place to buy my fabric. It's just not worth my time OR money dealing with bad moods and shifty salesmen. Which brings me to my final point, and what will probably make all the difference next time we go down -

* Always be prepared to walk away. They use a lot of techniques to get you to buy their fabric, charismatic story telling, showing you photos of the family, engaging you in long conversations so you're in their store a long time and are sympathetic to their cutting and adding "mistakes", asking you how much you want of a fabric you've already said no to, "first customer of the day" deals... etc etc. It can be fun, and it is part of the whole market place experience. BUT, if it's not what you want, just be prepared to say no and walk away, because you'll probably find what you really want at a better price two stores down. Also, if the item is what you want but the price is too high and you walk away, they may just come chase you down with a better deal!

Projects for this week: Wedding Gifts

2008-07-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

I call them the Confused Pink Angel Panties. They're made from a lovely pink satin, with a black crochet elastic trim, and of course, silver angel wings. But I wish you could see them on a dress form! They're cut for a cute peek of butt cheek at the back, plus it has the cute pucker center back for a nice fit over the butt, and low rise at the front.

Sneak Peak...

2008-07-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

There you have it, in all it's "neatly folded crease marked" goodness.
The Betsy Ross Raglan Sleeve Top

Episode Two of Labor of Love: Playing with Darts

2008-07-12T06:30:00.001-07:00

Darts are really very simple. To mark, this is what I did:

I started with some secure pinage.

I carefully folded over one side of the pattern so that where I would draw would line up with where the line was placed when it was flat, and drew a straight line.

Then, utilizing my secure pinage, I did the same with the other side.

And voilà, they lined up!

I realized I don't have any photos of them sewn up, but basically what I did was pin them so that the lines met, and sewed exactly down the lines. I didn't have any issues with the darts, except that on my body, they sit a little high. I'll probably experiment with dropping these a bit next time I make up the shirt.

But here, for your amusement:

It just all looked so nice cut and laying there, waiting to be sewn.

I don't know if you can see this, but I was experimenting with scraps trying to get my needle/tension/sun/moon/stars aligned, and without even looking at what I was doing sewed two perfectly parallel lines. They were insanely straight lines. It was kinda creepy.
I thought you could appreciate the fluke, that never happens when you try.

Next: Episode Three of Labor of Love: "When Your Sleeve is Whack"

Muslins...

2008-07-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard it recommended that whenever you want to get your finished item to turn out nicely, do a "muslin" before you chop into your lovely fabric.

A muslin is basically a trial run with cheaper fabric. You can then try on the garment and make adjustments as you need. Here is an example:

I made this from actual muslin, that I got for about $3/yard, and I used two yards of it. The actual fabric I'm going to end up using costs around $12/yard. You don't want to screw that up.

My friend tried this on for me and sent a photo (seeings I'm making the finished product for her). I made this in her size, and left it unhemmed at the longest length the pattern would allow. That way she could figure out if it was too big or too small, and let me know what length she wanted the final product.

What we realized is that this sits too high for her, and it's too small. She likes a lower fitting garment, and I can make that adjustment for her. Also she would like it to hit her knee, and that means a length of about 23 inches on her. We're also going to do an elastic waistband, instead of a fitted waistband.

With all of that knowledge, I can make a skirt that she will love wearing, and not one that will end up decorating the back of her closet. (Hopefully!)

I'd say that is worth $6, don't you think?

Betsy Ross #011 Raglan Sleeve Top (Or, Labor of Love: Episode One)

2008-06-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

So, I am doing a sew along with a couple of gals from Sew Fussy, and we're doing this pattern:

Cute huh? (Check out my links for more of her patterns!)

So this is what the pattern looked like spread out... it's printed on lovely, crisp paper. Yes, paper... real paper, the kind you think of when you think of paper... not some weird, translucent sheet that requires you to avoid any air movement in order to wrangle it like a ghostly paper stallion (my this is getting dramatic!) And mind you don't lose your balance. One miss-step and the whole thing becomes unreadable! I still think that those *regular* patterns are put through the wash first to break their spirit so that they can stuff them into the envelopes...

Anywho....

There you have it. It was so crisp and professional that I felt like an architect spreading out my plans as I spread it across my cutting board.

I guess that's not too far wrong...

Of course, then I am paralysed by the next decision, that should be a lot of fun, but isn't. What fabric to use???? It's what I fondly refer to as "fabric crisis".

Crisis averted: I just looooove the spotty sheer, it has these little sparkly glue dots on it, very nice.

As you can see I first trace out my pattern onto interfacing, and then use the interfacing as my pattern. That way I preserve all the sizes of the original pattern. Just make sure you transfer ALL the markings onto the interfacing...

Which is what I'm doing here.

When I can't see what I'm doing well, and need it to line up to be precise, I just draw with my pencil right under the pattern. For the notches you use to line up the pattern pieces with, I find it helpful to mark both sides of the fabric. You never know which side you'll be needing to refer to when you make up the pattern.

Except for the darts, you only need those on the wrong side of the fabric.

Coming Soon... Episode Two of Labor of Love: "Playing with Darts"

The Great Pattern Hunt

2008-06-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

I randomly found this top that I love:

Burda World of Fashion, Issue 03/08, Top 109

And of course, by the time I found it, I couldn't get the issue anywhere. I've even looked everywhere online, ebay, etsy etc, with no luck. I had just about given up when I found this:

Built By You (or Built By Wendy) #4111

Clearly one is more dressy, and the other more casual, but not too bad 'eh?

Delving into Diapers (or New to Nappies)

2008-06-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

So, inspired by going away for a few days and needing my husband to cloth diaper while I was gone, I thought I would try to make some AIO (inner, doubler and cover, All in One) diapers for him to use.

Having previously been a prefold and wool cover girl, this was a new experience, but I was also inspired by some incredibly priced supplies that one of my co-ops was making available. So this is how it went:

There were a few features I wanted to put into my pattern, so I took a diaper that I already owned that had one of the most important - a nice full coverage in the rear, and thought I would start with that. I pinned it out as far as it would stretch on the interfacing paper.

Then I made sure I had a good shape, but as you can see, it wasn't symmetrical.

I folded it in half to make sure I had a symmetrical shape, and also because I wanted to trim the crotch area a bit. So I folded it so that the curviest part was on top, and cut both sides to that line, so I had a nice trim and symmetrical crotch. A wide crotch is what gives most kids the "waddle", the notorious trademark walk of cloth diapered babies.

I checked to see how my absorbent doubler would fit (I just grabbed a two layer hemp fleece insert I already had in my stash). It was going to be a bit narrow, so I added some seam allowance. One problem I discovered in a subsequent diaper is that the doubler was too long, and I had a hard time sewing through all those layers to attach the touchtape (diapering velcro) to the front.

Now to cut out my PUL (polyurethane laminate) fabric for my water-proof outer layer.

Next, I cut my inner wicking layer, made from Malden Mills microfleece. Another check to make sure the absorbant doubler was going to fit.

I wanted to have a smooth inner, so I cut a stabilizing layer from flannel to attach the doubler to, and added an additional layer - microfiber (again I just took an insert from my stash). Microfiber also wicks, and absorbs, so it would draw moisture down into the two layer hemp core, but also act as a second absorbing layer.

How it all worked together...

The rest was pretty intuitive. You stitch all the way around the edges, leaving room to turn it inside out... put some elastic at the legs and at the waist. (Tip/trick, stretch the elastic only, don't yank on all the fabric at once to try and pull it through... a lot of people who haven't sewn with elastic before get frustrated with this step.) Turn it inside out, and top-stitch. The result (before I added touchtape):

And the diaper on my model, who runs too fast to get a good shot:

I added touchtape with laundry tabs on the wings, and voilà!

What works about this diaper:

*It's really trim through the crotch... the area doesn't hang low to her knees like she's carrying a sub-sandwhich around in her pants. I've seen that look and didn't like it.

*It's super thirsty and absorbent, I use it for naps and for going out and about.

*Because the doubler is attached to an inner stabilizing layer, the inside is very smooth, and very plush microfleece. It's so nice and smooth the poop just rolls right off it, and it doesn't stain.

*It's cut nice a low in front so that it sits under her belly, it's kind of a "low-rise" with nice full coverage over the butt, and you don't have a ton of diaper fabric coming over the top of her jeans or anything.

What doesn't work about this diaper:

*The wings are too short (obviously).

*The elastic is too tight. She'll grow out of this one fast.

*Because it's super thirsty and absorbent, it does take longer to dry (it's a toss up, either way you can't win).

* The insert is too long, which wasn't a problem stitching the touchtape on this diaper because I positioned it far enough back, but it's way too much in the butt. Yes it's absorbent and ok for naps and going out, but under most clothes, it gives her a bubble but. Cute, but not smoove, if you know what I mean. Plus, even though she's not waddling, she is waggling... which is only moderately cuter.

Still, all in all, quite happy with my first attempt. At least I know what to do differently next time.

Or maybe I'll just fork out the $13.50 and get a pattern.

Beautiful Prefolds

2008-06-12T17:06:00.001-07:00

Once I realized I could embellish my boring old beige prefolds, I had quite a time!

Before:

After dyeing and fabric embellishment:

From a different batch, on a model:

What I loved:

*To start, I just used regular dylon dyes that you can get at Walmart and Joann's. Easy directions and easy to do in your kitchen sink, with solid results.

*The dyeing didn't take long, just a few hours in my kitchen after the kids went to bed. Easy!

*Joann's had a snuggle flannel sale, so I could pick up strips of about 5/8th of a yard for cheap, and I got two strips of embellishing fabric out of that strip. Cheap, plus using a flannel vs a woven means I could still use my snappi.

What I'd do different:

*There isn't a huge range of colours, mostly brights and primarys. I'll try a different brand of dye for a better range of colours in my stash.

*Use quilter's flannel. The snuggle tends to pill, and the pills come off, but I know quilter's flannel holds up way better in the wash. Definitely worth the extra price.

*I folded all the edges under and pinned and top-stitched. It's a bit of work but it looks so crisp and tidy. Then, on one of my prefolds an end came loose and frayed so prettily. So next time I would probably just top stitch and trim a few of them, and let it fray in the wash for a kind of shabby-chic look. It would be cute!

Blanket/Burpie Set

2008-05-24T22:16:00.001-07:00

I have pressed and pinned the dickens out of these seams, and consequently they're as sharp as ginsu knives. I decided to use a different stitch (I think the technical term is overlocking stitch) and I loved how flat it made the top stitching, and just way more interesting to look at. Easier to keep straight also.

(I love that the little crocodile eyes are peeking through the stitches!)

And when I came to the corner, silly me thought I could just turn the fabric and make this nice turn around the corner... yeah, uh, no.

Then, in a moment I can only attribute to my actual brain breaking through the fog, I realized... oh, because this is a rectangular stitch, I could totally do the normal turn and top stitch method, keeping the needle in the fabric, and give it a nice square finish. And... voile!

It took taking a pin and jamming it into the corner to get it going on the turn, so the square stitching is a little thick, but I don't think it detracts that much from the finish. The other corners were a little tidier, once I mastered the "pin and jam" technique.

Whilst pinning these, I stabbed myself about 7 times, twice under the fingernails. I blame my gorgeous husband for this, because whilst I was pinning, he was sitting there playing guitar and looking so handsome and talented, and I got whiplash from glancing and turning to stare. And of course, I turned before I stopped pinning and so my punishment seemed to be to stab myself over and over again. Next time I pin, I'll have to ask him to look shabby, and play terribly.

Ideas Anyone?

2008-05-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

I'll post some photos of my last night/early this morning sewing adventures as soon as I locate my USB cable.

In the mean time, any ideas for a banner? I was thinking of some kind of photo collage that encompasses the fact that most of the time I squeeze in to sew, I'm tired out of my mind, and trying very hard not to do myself some kind of injury.

Maybe a blurry band-aid...

Pinning Is Zen

2008-05-13T02:16:00.000-07:00

It's very late, and I've been sitting in the dark peace of night with my one lamp, pinning quietly and listening to music. It's very relaxing, and I feel quite happy.

I'm working on a flannel and minkee blanket set that is made of my favourite flannel print:

I think it's called "Two by Two". I was able to find a blanket in it, and some diapers in it, and sent them to my sister-in-law as a baby gift. I was so happy to send it, but sad the cute print was going away... And then quite randomly in one of my fabric co-ops (where I got the above picture), it appeared as a gender neutral fabric, and I was able to get the last 1 yard 30 inches. I was so delighted!

Looking at it, you might think it probably isn't really gender neutral. I thought it would make a cute girlie fabric, which is why I got it for my SIL - she had a girl! It has melon and seaspray on it, colors I'd probably associate as girly... but on a infant boy I think it'd be ok too... don't you??

Anyway, it seemed too cute to poop on, so I got out my remnant of minkee (a white raised dot) to see what could be done. I had enough of both fabrics to make one large blanket (bunny rug, we'd call them in Australia, or play rug if you wanted to use it that way), a stroller blanket (which is smaller, but is better for little ones when you don't want the full weight of a gigantic blanket), and two burp cloths. I still had enough over from both the fabrics that I can embellish some prefolds I made (more on those later). I've gone and stitched around leaving a gap to feed the fabric through. Now I'm pinning down the outside seams so that I can press it, that way I'll get a nice, tidy, sharp edge when I top-stitch it. It's some extra work, but the end result will be very nice. I'm very excited to show you the finished product!

In the meantime, I've been sitting pinning, and dreaming of who might be the little one to be loved and cuddled with these items. They're so soft and lovely to be working with on the hands, let me tell you!

My music tonight has been mostly Mark Kozelek and some Stars. Great music to pin by.

Being Practical - Making Clothes

2008-05-10T22:28:00.000-07:00

So I will post again about the diapers I've been sewing, but right now I wanted to write about the pajamas I recently sewed my daughter. They were Butterick pattern B4910.

This is how they turned out:

A couple of things:

+ I used a 100% cotton flannel and guterman thread. I traced the pattern using interfacing, so that I can use the other sizes and styles.

+ I didn't even try to match the pattern - I probably could have, it's not a hugely complicated pattern, but given that the goal was to finish the pattern, I figured I would try that next time, because while the overall effect is ok, you do end up with this situation:

And I have enough of the fabric to actually do that with. I'll have to remind myself while cutting the pattern "remember the seam allowance, remember the seam allowance", so that it actually does match.

+ It has some lovely touches:

+ It had some things I'd not done before... using bias binding tape (which I only just found out existed - and yes, I'll admit it is an odd gap in my self-learning) as an elastic casing...

You can see the stitches where the elastic casing is. I'm pretty proud at how straight my stitching was on that, and also I tried really hard to get a nice, tidy hem. It was a lot of pinning and pressing, but it turned out great in the end.

+ I had never put sleeves in before so that was interesting, and it leads me to the one thing I had a problem with, with this pattern. When I put the sleeves in, they came up shorter than the neckline, no matter which way I pinned it. I went back over my pattern, thinking I'd cut the wrong size, but I hadn't, so I'm not sure what the deal was. I ended up being able to fudge the hem there, but it wasn't as tidy as I wanted. I figure it's ok though, because it's a hem no one will see, unlike the sleeve hem.

+ When I had to thread the elastic around the neckline, I had to unpick it to thread it through at two sites, because of the way the fabric had gotten stitched down to make the neckline even. It was easy to fix.

+ Because my girlie is tall and thin, I wanted to adjust the pattern for her height. It was very easy to adjust the length, and keep the size appropriate for her age.

I'm going to make this again for my younger daughter, and I'll probably give pattern matching a go. Also I'm going to find an online lesson in slip stitching, because I wasn't happy with my shot at closing up the elastic casing.

All in all I was very happy with the pattern, and with the way the pj's turned out. I estimated that between the cost of the pattern and the cost of the fabric, they probably worked out to be about on par with the price of buying something that nice in the store, however I got to chose the fabric, tailored them to her needs, and I have the satisfaction of having made them myself!

Beginning

2008-04-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

I'm starting this because there is no way I can keep all my sewing stuff that I want to do in with the personal stuff, it's all blurry. So here is my condensed sewing blog.

I'm not new to sewing, just new to sewing right now. I'm what I might optimistically call an "advanced beginner". I know a lot of some things and little of others, and I'm making my way as I go, and learning all the while.

Come join me in my quest for sewing.. er.. something. Anyway, enjoy my success and failures, and I'll try to keep you fellow sew-ers amused by my creative messes.