Not a Bad Start to 2011...

13 garments (23 yards of fabric) got made this month!
1 for a client (Betzina Sweater Vest), 6 for the kids (2 dresses & 4 pj pants), and 6 for me.
I never showed you the first item of the month, my brown plaid skirt using Simplicity 2512.

View C

I started in on New Year's Eve, and really like it except for 2 things...  It's a little too short and a little too tight.  Oops... Time to hit the treadmill!

In my opinion, the pattern runs a little bit small (and is unlined), but I wasn't the best behaved over the holidays, so maybe I should take the blame! I had about 1 1/4 yds of this fall wool/flannel sitting in my stash for a long time, and never would've dreamt that it would be enough for this skirt! I paired it with a rust colored top (Simplicity 4020) that I made at the end of December, and it's a great match!

My most recent accomplishment is another pair of TNT pants ("Threads" pants pattern Simplicity 4135) using some lovely grey wool blend twill (Gorgeous Fabrics) I bought grey and brown, but now I see only the tan is left.  They just need the waistband and a hem, but they're nearly done, too! The wool is a wonderful "transitional" weight that will carry me through winter, into spring!

Can I say how much I love having my dressform, not only for fitting (tissue fitting was never an option before), but now I don't have to get all done up for a photo shoot! Woo hoo!
 My "Vintage Sew Along" pieces also fall into the "nearly done" group, as the skirt has some fitting issues and the dress just needs to be lined. Maybe today's "Snow Day" will allow me to get that done... The dress is so lovely, and the polka dot fabric I found on ebay is perfect.  Really excited to wear this in warmer weather!

The Communion dress is all cut out, but I'm taking my time on construction.  I really want it to be perfect, and don't want to rush through, or get frustrated.  I work on it a little here and a little there, which keeps me productive! See how my "helper" keeps busy while keeping me company?

Practicing taking a "self-portrait" with the camera!

My last "accomplishment" is really ridiculous.  I'm proud to say that I've not purchased any "fashion fabric" all month! I've bought only a few linings (I don't stash linings), and of course took advantage of the Atlanta Thread sale, but NO NEW FABRICS.  I managed to sew over 20 yards just from my stash, and bet that I can do it for another month (or more).  Crazy, but the great thing is that I'm using what I own and it looks great.  My "wish list" is definitely in existence (knit denim and some of that tan wool), but I'm really trying to thin the stash first.  Ann: I saw the 20% Today Only Sale.  La la la la la.... I can't hear you!!! Yeah right, who am I kidding! ;)

February will hopefully bring some nice cotton button-down blouses, a few nice winter dresses, and I should really sew something up for DH.  He's the only one that didn't get anything new out of me in January, and has had to deal with all that nasty, cold, white stuff outside!

Enabler Alert!

Got a serger? How about a coverstitch? Maxi-Lock Thread is on sale at Atlanta Thread & Company, but only until Midnight TONITE! (The coupon code is "maxi-jan-2011" at checkout).

At $1.75, I stocked up on a few colors I didn't have, and grabbed a few spools I needed.  For $6 shipping, it's worth it, getting a much, much, much better color selection that Joann's and not having to deal with going out in the cold snow and waiting in a long line (have I mentioned my great unhappiness with JA's lately?)!

Here are all the colors available (I love this feature, makes my life so much easier than trying to guess what color "Lauren" is)! It's so much better than the black, white, red, and blue that is typically stocked at a store.

They also have a fabulous selection of many other sewing supplies.  I also ordered about a dozen zippers of various size and color. The prices are amazing and the color selection is wonderful. I took inventory of my upcoming projects and ordered accordingly.  Less then $1.50 for a full size invisible? Count me in! With my order, the shopping came out to be less than a quarter (25 cents) per item, which is still considerably less than what I'd pay at JA's.

Have fun! And if you didn't catch the notice in time, no big deal.  Their regular price is $1.85/spool!
(Note: I am not affiliated with Atlanta Thread, but think we sewists need to look out for each other!)

Love and Hate (Mostly LOVE)

Love:
-The fabrics both came from Gorgeous Fabrics and were wonderful to work with.  Exactly the right weight for each pattern!  It looks like both sold out, but I'm sure Ann has others that are equally awesome!

Butterick 5555

-The style and fit of the top.  The neckline "bib" (especially with the plaid on the bias) has a great shape, and the gathers underneath are just the right amount.  It's got the right amount of roominess for a tunic, but without the "maternity" look.  (Although, if you're pregnant, this top would totally work for you!)
-The sleeves are a great length, and again... just the right amount of gathers, so as to not be too "poofy". I'm also happy with my decision to place the cuffs on the bias, which a small (but cute) detail.
-The idea of leggings (and the comfort), but I'm not sure yet where I'm going to wear these...
-This is such a nicer alternative to jeans and a t-shirt! Whether worn with my boots...

or my booties...

I'm feeling very trendy and youthful in this outfit!

I matched the plaid at the side seam!

Hate: (Such a strong word... how about "dislike"?)

-The squareness of the hem on the shirt is really bugging me.  With leggings, it just seems so "blocky" to me.  I was going to gather the bottom 2-3" of the side hem to give it some shape, but DH said it looked fine the way it was.  I trust his opinion, so I left it alone.
-The pattern instructions on the application of the collar were very weird.  Not that I needed them, but I always check them out. It showed a finished neck edge, but if you're applying a collar, why bother? I don't get it... but I did it my way and it was just fine.

McCall's 6173

-The leggings pattern runs so BIG (and long)! The envelope said that my measurements were a "Large", but holy moly...  Um, pattern makers?  Leggings are supposed to be tight.  No ease.  I took them in again, and again, and again.  If any of you want this pattern, I cut it on the "L" lines, and I think it would fit a RTW 14/16 just right, even if you're a "Tall" (I took 6" off the length)! If I can get a smaller size on sale this weekend, I will put this one up for grabs!

All in all, I'm very happy with the entire outfit, and am ready to make more like it!  I'd love to find a nice stretchy denim looking knit to see if I could knock-off some "jeggings". Jean-leggings? Jeggings.  I didn't make it up, it's already out there, I swear!

Beating the Bias

Butterick 5555 is one of my current projects.  I've got a few in various stages right now, it actually helps me stay productive.  I'll explain in a little while...

This tunic is super cute, and when I saw the perfect cotton plaid shirting at Gorgeous Fabrics, it all came together.  I've got leggings (McCall's 6173) in black to wear with it, and realized that I wanted to place the plaid on the bias for the bib and cuffs.  The 2 yards of 60" wide left me enough room to do it, even after matching the plaid on the side seams.  But, bias can be tricky, and I wanted to make sure that it stayed put (not stretching/warping/distortion causing me to go MAD).

The first thing I was mindful of was the U-shaped dip in the bib.  As I cut the pattern paper, I decided to not cut "into" that U, that it was be easier to maintain the shape and keep the bias true if I waited to cut that out.

Fusible interfacing was applied to the cuffs, collar band, and bib, locking the size of the pattern pieces in and keeping the bias from stretching it out of shape.

Then I cut the "U" out of the bib... and breathed a sigh of relief.  I am really excited to put this entire outfit together!

Bo is feeling tropical these days, modeling my wearable muslin of the 1950's sundress for the Vintage Sew Along.  I need to attach the yokes, and line it (the voile is on the way), but I really love how this is coming together.  You can see that the fit is perfect, and although it's not an ideal dress for Michigan in January, it will be ideal for our tropical vacation this spring! Can hardly wait...

I found the perfect red polka dot cotton for this, but really wanted to make sure the fit was right.  Lucky me, now I'll have 2 really cute dresses for spring/summer!

As for the numerous projects, having things in various stages makes it easier for me to fit sewing into my schedule.  I can cut paper patterns upstairs, sometimes cut fabric, and definitely do pinning up there.  My machines stay downstairs, along with the iron, so depending on what I feel like doing (inserting a zipper, pressing fabric, cutting a pattern), I have a project in a similar phase of construction.  As I was taking the pics tonite of the top, my mom's angel clock started chiming.  If I never told you before, this clock was a gift to my mom from my brother, but he gave it to me when she died, since my kids love watching the angels "dance".  It chimes all different songs every half-hour, the doors open, and the angels come out.  It makes me smile when it does, like having my mom in my sewing room with me.  Thought I'd share it with you, too.

McCall's 6159

McCall's 6159

This dress is View B, in a size 7.  The pattern also includes leggings, a vest, and a blouse.

Little Miss Princess (soon to be known as "Drama Queen"), picked out the fabric a few trips to Joann's ago.  It's a nice cotton twill, and the perfect weight for this dress (especially for winter).  I'm not surprised that is roomier than the "cartoon" picture on the envelope, but that's fine since it extends the life of the garment!

Not a lot to tell, it was pretty straight-forward easy to make.  I've finally overcome my fear of collars, so it went together quickly.  As I was cutting the fabric, it occurred to me that she will prefer the sleeves always rolled up, and that there was no need to install the regular cuff closure.  So, I left it off, serged the edge,  and turned up and extra deep amount.  I folded over the cuff (to make it look rolled-up), and stitched the sleeve seam closed that way.  Faster construction and easier for her to dress herself is a win-win in my book!

The belt was purchased at Meijer for a different outfit, and the headband we made months ago is a perfect match, too.  She likes it belted (so do I), and mentioned that she will wear tights or leggings with it.  This dress will get worn lots, so I may make it again, since it was a great project!

Sassy thing, isn't she? ;)

Great Timing (?)

The February Burdastyle Magazine was in my mailbox yesterday, and it is FULL of stuff I want to make! But, alas... imagine my surprise at finding the childrens section dedicated to First Communion wear!  Pretty dresses, and a boy's suit, too!



Almost makes me want to second guess my Vogue pattern choice!  But, I will stick to my guns, and remember that all of these dresses would be equally adorable in a pretty cotton print!

Communion Dress Muslin

When I'm sewing for myself or my daughter, I really prefer to do "wearable" muslins, so I dug in the stash, and found the perfect fabric for this trial run.  It's the oldest fabric in my stash, a blue cotton from the early 90s. I bought it to make myself a dress, and never got around to it.  It's got a pretty tonal intermitten stitched design, and is a great weight for spring.  (Easter in Michigan can be snowy, you never know...)

I cut the size 7, which fits her perfectly in the waist.  My fitting concerns are:

1.  The length is about 5" more than where I'd like it to be.  No big surprise, she's petite.  Always has been, always will be.  This fitting issue is easily remedied, so no worries on this one.

2.  The waist is perfect.  Not too tight, not too roomy.  This falls in the "plus/bonus/celebrate" column.
3.  The chest is a tad bit roomy. When I pin out about 1/4", it's perfect.
4.  Will she grow in the next 3 months?

5.  If this is going to be a "family heirloom", should I do a perfect fit, or leave room for the future generation?

Unpinned bodice: Too roomy? I think so.

Pinned bodice.  Will it still fit in April?

Unpinned, Side View

With 5" pinned up to the desired length.  Ignore the socks.

I spread out the train on the worktable and placed the pattern pieces on it, with the 5" removal line marked.  There is plenty of space, so I'm not too worried about having enough fabric.  But, I am having some issues thinking through the details of the lace appliques and trim.  The front of the train has plenty of space for me to cut the front and side front pieces.

Thank God I covered the pool table!

Front pieces, lots of space, no problem!

I'm really attached to the idea of placing the large center back applique on the center back of her dress, keeping the seam intact, and moving her zipper to the side (under the arm).  Pattern placement says this is do-able, but introduced a new concern.  Will there be enough room beneath it for the beaded hem lace applique?  Will it be too much?  Should I eliminate one of the trims (big center back motif or hem lace)?  Another option would be to cut everything out of solid satin, then recreate the motif at center back using a couple of the smaller lace motifs combined. 

Back pieces, large CB motif featured below right.

My last issue (complaint) is the removal of the lace trim from the hem of the train.  I'm thinking that the right way to do it is to carefully remove the stitches and pull it away from the satin.  I'm very tempted to cut the trim off the satin, very close to the edge of the motif, and save myself some sanity.  But of course, there is the quick way... and then the right way!

Wrong side of hem with stitching of trim.  Yikes!

I will continue to think on this for a few days, and start removing the trim along the hem in the mean time.

In other news... yesterday I ran into Joann's for what may be the last time ever for fabric.  I just needed 2 linings, but also ended up grabbing some ribbon and flannel (kids need pj's, what can I say?).  The cutting line was a mile long, but we waited it out.  Then headed over to the register line... and that was 2 miles long.  I spent twice as much time in there just waiting, not shopping.  It's been that way for the last few months, and I'm pretty much fed up.  There are enough decent priced, quality fabric resources online, I'd rather spend the hour in my sewing room than in the stupid line waiting! Here's the 4 pairs of finished pj pants.  I'm getting pretty darn quick with these!

Parting Shot:  Little Man had to get into the picture action, too... so, he jumped up on the hemming block and posed with his new "warrior toys".  Such a tough guy...