Saturday, February 17, 2018

Sewing Update

Today I feel like actually doing something sewing related.  I am using a pattern from my stash that I have not tried before.
From Butterick Patterns Website
I am making the short sleeve dress, not shown above.  This is Butterick 6207.  I purchased a xs-m size because my upper chest/shoulder area needs this size, my bust needs large, so I made a FBA.  I did not want a dart for this dress, so I used this technique from Maria Denmark.  I always get a little nervous when trying a new technique, especially one that creates a lot of changes due to cutting, enlarging and reducing.  The paper pattern ends up looking way different than the original.  Hopefully this will all work out.

The fabric is actually a fairly recent purchase.  It is from Cali Fabrics, purchased this past December.



I just finished cutting out the fabric today and getting ready to thread serger, sewing machine and most likely will use the cover stitch machine for hemming.  More later.


Sunday, February 11, 2018

Simplicity Jacket


Well I just completed my first week of retirement!!!  It somewhat felt like a week of vacation.  I will say this, I feel rested and love that my life last week was guided by "what time is it" and I have x time to do  this particular thing or not.

I completed the Simplicity Jacket and wrote a review for Pattern Review.  I was surprised by the lovely comments I received as I was not over the hill in love with the jacket.  I am going to hem the sleeves a little shorter as several suggested as the length I took out was too much.  I actually had to add bias tape to the edge of the sleeve, just so I could turn up a minimal amount.  This will be an easy fix.

Here are pictures of the jacket.
Hands in pockets, love having pockets!

Sleeves a little too short





















Side view-maybe a FBA was in order
Back view, love the fit of the back

I do love the fabric. The jacket outcome is just not what I expected.  I will wear this.  I have so many other jacket patterns to try that this one will not be made again any time soon or if at all.

This past week was not much in the way of sewing except for completing this jacket.  Hopefully my sewing mojo will return soon, just not top of mine right now.

Sunday, February 04, 2018

Work In Progress

I have been working on the Simplicity jacket and about to finish it today.  Here are a few shots of the current state of the pattern. 

Back View

Front view

Front facing
This has been a fairly easy project to sew.  The fabric ravels when you look at it; I serged finished all edges before sewing.

I had to reduce the shoulder width by shaving off 3/8 inch.  It is not lined.  The facings are attached at shoulders and side seam and stitched all around the jacket front and back.  I also did a forward shoulder adjustment on the back shoulder and 5/8 swayback adjustment.

Updates to follow.


Hoodie

I finally took a photo of me wearing the Halifax Hoodie. I probably should have waited until I had freshened my makeup and hair, to do a proper photo shoot.  As you can see I finally got a fairly nice matching shoe lace to use for this hoodie; I wanted to match the grape color in the print and cuffs but none were included the packe of shoelaces.  I saw more bright colors online that what I received.  I don't recall seeing a place to select a different color pack.

Here are my thoughts about this pattern. 

  1. It is designed for a much taller person than I am.  I shortened the sleeves by 1 1/2 inchesand when adding the cuffs I use 1/2 inch seam allowance instead of 3/8 which seemed to make the sleeves the right length.
  2. I shortened the top but think I could shorten more.  It is more tunic length which I like somewhat but may another inch would be better.  It is not a too snug fit, somewhat loose which maybe I could stitch a 1/2 inch seam instead of 3/8.
  3. The cowl neck needs extra length for it to drape more than mine did.  However, this wasn't bad.
  4.  I think I may need to make a slight FBA and as there were some folds over the bust at the underarm.
  5. I reduce the shoulder width by 3/8 tapering to the notch on the front and back of the armscye area.
  6. I made a forward shoulder adjustment as usual of 5/8.
  7. I really like this pattern and do plan to make a few more tops similar to this one and make the zippered one as well.
  8. A well drafted and well illustrated pattern

Friday, February 02, 2018

Endings and Beginnings-a quick post

Today marks the ending of one lifestyle and a beginning of another.  The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity as I prepare to retire today. 

I have spent over 30 years in non-profit management and loving the work I do/did.  I am now ready to take a break and see what it is like to get up and go walk or to go to Planet Fitness at any time of the day, instead of hustling out the door to drive to work.  I am happy to think that I can do the laundry any day of the week and not just on a weekend.  I like the idea of sewing as much or as little as I want and spending as much time doing it as I like.

I am looking forward to cleaning out the house, taking the next step which is finding a new home in a coastal area.  I am excited about the next journey and where it leads.

I will miss those who I have worked with these past 14 years and most of all I will miss the individuals that we serve who have a disability and/or other disadvantaging conditions.  I love it when I see a person grow, find a job and become self supporting. 

And so it ends and begins.




August Sewing Simplicity 7295

 I am not doing well as a blogger. I have been working on this project since July 30. Today, I finally finished it. It has been a stop-and-g...