Happy New Year and time to catch up!

I have been off for the holidays since Friday, December 23.  I have gotten a lot of rest, spent time with family and long time friends during Christmas weekend in my hometown of Danville, VA.

My DH caught the "crud" that has been going around so he ended up being home several days last week.  We both return to work tomorrow.

I completed the Renfrew top by Sewaholic using stretch velvet knit from Style Maker Fabrics. This is my fourth version of this pattern since it's release.   Here is a photo of me wearing it with my husband's niece where we celebrated Christmas afternoon/evening in Halifax, VA.

I also completed another Vogue top pattern, one I had made previously.  This too included fabric from Style Maker Fabrics.  The texture winter white (cream) knit is from them.  The solid is from Fabric Mart. Both worked well together.

The pattern is now out of print.  I made View B previously and decided to make View C.  My cowl neck does not drape like the view on the pattern envelope.  I think that the fabric is heavier and the cowl is not very wide.  I am okay with this.  I did use the cuffs from View B on the sleeves using the textured knit.

I will most likely wear this to work tomorrow or either the velvet knit top.  Both are warm and though the weather is expected to be in 50's my office always feels colder.

I have started on another project which will be my first for 2017.  I am making a sweater duster using Simplicity 8059.  I was going to make the longer version with some adjustments for my height.  I did not have enough fabric so went with the shorter version which will be longer on me as I did not adjust the length  for this view.  I am using a sweater knit fabric from EOS. This is a  heather pink/purple with black.

I have a bunch of patterns I purchased in December taking advantage of Simplicity sales on Pattern Review and Club BMV for year end.  I plan to go on a pattern diet as well as fabric diet for several months.  I did make some fabric purchases before year end and will post about these next.

I plan to sew from my pattern and fabric stash more in 2017.  More later.

Butterick 6392

I am glad I had the sewing opportunity last week.  This is the other garment I made and wore last weekend, Butterick 6392

It was a fairly simple pattern to make, I cut size 14.  A dislike was there were not finished measurements on the pattern pieces; the only finished measurements listed on the envelope was the length.

It looked like there would be no issue with fit as the pieces looked as if there was a lot of ease.


Adjustments made were shortening the length by 1/1/2 inches; even then it was longer than I actually wanted.  I also did a swayback adjustment of 5/8. I also shortened the shoulder width by 5/8 inch.

The fabric is from Fabric Mart purchased in April 2015.

Diamond Quilted 

I fell in love with the fabric and had many ideas of how I would use it and then with change in weather I put aside for cooler weather.

When this pattern was released I knew immediately that I had the right fabric for this pattern.

This was an easy project to sew; one needs to pay attention to the marking for tie placements and right front self facing.  The biggest issue I had was the ties and turning them.  I used to have Fasturn tubes and they have gone missing.  I had another "gizmo" for turning but not a very good one.

DH took photos of me wearing this last weekend.  I lightened some of the photos so you can see the quilted design. It is a rich black fabric as you can see in the two photos below.

Here are the two side views

Left side

Right side with ties.

The sides are sewn with wrong sides together. The right side tie is sewn into the seam.  The left side tie was to be attached to the folded over self facing, the fold over stops where the left and front are attached at the V.  I opened up the seam that attaches the left to the right and inserted the tie in that seam to make it more secure.  I am not sure why the instructions would not have you do that.

By sewing the side seams on the right side of the fabric it creates what I called wings.

I truly like this pattern and the unusual design.  Not sure that I need another one, but was a pleasure to sew.

I wore this to work on Tuesday and no one really got to see this as I walked into the entrance of our building and fell on wet floor.  I sprained my ankle and have been laid up all week from this accident. I am on the mend and plan to return to work on Monday with ace bandage and foot trolley for my right foot.  Glad I got a pedicure during my vaca😇

Next project-a glimpse

Here is a glimpse of my next project--more details to follow.  Making the view on the model!
Fabric from my stash from Fabric Mart.

New fabric and new project

Yeah! I actually did some sewing related tasks and I began a new sewing project.

Fabric from Fabric Mart arrived a couple of days ago.  Have not ordered any fabric from them in some time.  I am happy with all of the items except the green/brown border print. My fault for not reading the description more thoroughly.  I read cotton and assumed a medium weight fabric, this is more like cotton voile or gauze. I will put aside for warmer weather.

My favorite pieces are the navy and white ottoman jacquard and the denim blue and white herringbone polyester fabric that was a pre-cut item.  I have to thank Carolyn of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic for a picture post on Instagram of her blouse that was a pre-cut paisley fabric that got me to take a look at FM site.

Ottoman Fabric.  Both sides are usable.

Polyester herringbone for a blouse/top

I want to make a topper from the ottoman fabric, just can't decide what pattern to use.  I have several in stash.  I plan to make a blouse with tie for the other fabric, again not sure what pattern I will use as I have several.  The other pieces are below.

This is my new project.  I am in the process of altering the pattern for my usual adjustments and determining the best way to make a FBA with a piece pattern for the front upper bodice.

Both fabric and pattern were purchased this year.  The print fabric is a lovely rayon jersey knit from EOS and the solid black is a bamboo knit from Cali Fabrics.

It feels good to have a project planned.  More later!

Jalie 3352 Complete

Yes, I did complete a project!

I finished Jalie 3352 and was able to take a few photos before work yesterday when I wore the top.
Here is the top on a hanger--

Back view

Front View

I have to say that I ended up liking the top more after I paired it with pants that were similar to the light brown color in the print.  I am not sure that I like the drop shoulder on me as I don't think it is all that flattering.  The more I had it on, the more I adapted to the style.  I had to cut off some of the fabric at under arm curve as it was too much fabric and needed to be taken in some.  I cut off about 3/8 of an inch.  I took a tuck in the shoulder area of the pattern before cutting out the fabric.

I used my coverstitch machine to hem the bodice and the sleeves. I used my serger for the garment.  The knit fabric was perfect to work with.  I used bias fusible tape at the neckline and a woven tape for the shoulders.

I did not have to make a FBA; I did take 5/8 swayback adjustment and raised the neckline as well.

Here are photos of me wearing

I have to say I am a little tired of the high/low hemline style.  I think I am going to take a break from sewing that style for next top sewing projects.

It was fun to complete a project and have already decided on the next one.  More later.

Version 3 McCall's 6964

This weekend I completed my third garment that I had planned to sew on my staycation.  This is becoming a TNT for me. My first version was this one and I still wear it often during cooler weather.

The print fabric was from EOS and the black sleeves were more of an illusion knit from Fabric.com

My second version did not turnout so well.  I used another print fabric from EOS and used a solid neckband and short sleeve in a green color also from EOS.

For some reason the neckband never would lay flat and even inserting some elastic thread in the back neckband under the serged stitches did not help at all.  This is one I wear only at home as I truly dislike how it looks.  I also wish I used a different color for the sleeves and neckband.

This is my third version which turned out well.

I took photos last night after work and if I stand with my arms by my side I look like one big floral person.  This fabric has been around a long time.  I looked through fabric photos back to 2010 and did not find it there.  It may have come from Fabric Mart or Fabric.com.

Here is the back view.  The colors are more muted in this photo, I don't think I had the flash engaged.

I used my coverstitch machine for the sleeve and bodice hems.  I should have used it for the neckband also, instead I top stitched that area.

One more fabric out of my stash.  I have more of this fabric leftover and may just donate it to Goodwill.  I think I only need one garment from this floral print.

Next up-pants!

Sewing Holiday Weekend

I am off for the holiday weekend (4th of July here in the states).  I am so ready to tackle some sewing projects that I have designed and planned in my head!!!

I washed two knit fabrics that I plan to combine to make  a skirt and top that can be worn together or separately.  I also plan to use two Love Notions patterns,  The skirt pattern is the Sybil Illusion Skirt Collection, which style I plan to make is still under consideration. I have purchased a couple over the past couple of months and ready to give these new to me patterns a try.

One fabric I plan to use is a red rayon slub knit from Fabric Mart purchased in the fall of 2015.  The other fabric I recently acquired was actually from JoAnn's.  I saw this fabric on Deb's Stitches and Seams Blog.     I have not yet taken pictures of recent fabric purchases.  I have some new fabric from Cali Fabrics a new to me fabric store.  I loved the look and the feel of this fabric when it arrived.

Holiday sewing has now began.

Paulina Top

I completed the Paulina Top and I am pleased with the outcome!

This is PDF pattern that you print out.  The nice thing about this pattern is that it uses layer printing so you only print the size(s) you need.  For me with this pattern I printed the 10-12-14 sizes.  Once I print and tape all the pieces together, I then trace the pattern pieces onto Swedish Tracing paper and then pin fit the pattern.

This time around I took the necessary time to determine the correct sizes I needed instead of just printing a size 14 and going for it.  Results were not good.

I used a a size 10 for neckline and upper chest area, then graded to size 14 for bust to waist area, then back to 12 and using the shortest length.  After pin fitting, I added an inch to the bust area in the front only using pivot and slide method.  It was important to add the inch as the woven fabric underneath the cropped bodice needs to fit well.  I used the added inch for the cropped bodice also and probably did not need to do so as the knit is more giving and I had to take a deeper side seam because of the fabric gaping.  I still have some gaping and will remove this for future tops.  I am going back on this one and take it in some more.

I made my usual swayback adjustment of 3/4 inch and added an inch to the neckline as this is a wide neckline, this is my personal preference.  The sleeves are very long and the bicep area very full.  I shortened the sleeves 2 inches and took a deeper seam than the 3/8 seam allowance.  I also took in about 1/2 inch at the front and back neckline as I had some gaping there.  The neckline is finished with bias band or bias tape.  I decided to use bias tape in blue.

The fabrics used came from two sources, the navy blue knit is from Fabric Mart and the woven floral stripe is a rayon fabric from The Fabric Market.  I love this fabric and considering buying more if still in stock.  Lovely and easy to sew.

Here are some other views of the top.  Excuse my faded look, I have had a viral infection that has stayed with me for about three weeks.  I am on the mend but there is a horrible cough associated with this virus and I am prone to bronchitis so have coughed and coughed for days.

Sleeve fullness and cut out under the armhole

Back view

Front view

Semi side view

Woven underlay

When I started the project before getting ill, we were still have cooler temps and I thought I could get some wear out of this before temps rose.  I still might.  Yesterday it was 80 degrees and this would have felt hot while outside.  

I can see another one of this for fall.  

I am a Itch to Stitch Affiliate and wanted to give full disclosure about that.  My review of the pattern is my personal experience with it.  There is a link on the sidebar if you have an interest in purchasing this or any other Itch to Stitch pattern.

Paulina Top

I started working on the Itch to Stitch Paulina Top yesterday.

I attempted this one once before and the outcome was not good.  It was not the pattern it was me.  One I chose the wrong size and never really tested it by pin fitting or making a muslin.  I put it aside for awhile.

 I like the look of this top for something casual and one thing that I need more of is tops for casual as well as for work.  I have some tops that I have been wearing forever and the knit is started to peel or fade. 

I decided to stick with blue fabrics since serger is threaded with blue thread and this fabric from

The Fabric Market has been calling out for my attention.

The blue knit fabric is from Fabric Mart.

This is where I left off yesterday morning with the blue knit overlay completed and then basted to neck and sleeve front.

The blue looks lighter in the picture above but it is truly a navy knit that has been in my stash or at least two years if not longer.

I have made a lot more progress since yesterday morning and will post more later.

Let me say I pin fitted the pattern last week and determined that I needed to sew a 10-12.  I made some of my usual tweaks-swayback, raised neckline an inch, reduced the length of the sleeves as well as the width.  I also made a one inch FBA using pivot and slide method.

More later.

May Garment of the Month

I decided to make Simplicity 1063

At first I was going to use both fabrics shown above.  In the end I decided that I had enough of the royal blue fabric to make View A, the red top, and would not use the floral print.

I like this pattern and I will make another View A top. I had to make some pattern adjustments and I still have an adjustment to make with the back. I made a FBA of one inch, using pivot and slide method but only adding to the front piece. I also made a 5/8 upper round back adjustment, 5/8 FSA and 3/4 inch swayback adjustment.

I still had some pooling at the back waist and had some fabric hanging up on my hip.  The back has an overlay that drapes and pleats which I liked so hopefully the other issues were not so noticeable when I wore this to work yesterday.  I did not notice this myself until I took pictures last night after work.  

I raised the front neckline has I thought this would be too low on me and for my wearing comfort this worked well.  I raised the v neck about an inch. 

Here is a little better picture of the back drape

I did not add the tab to the sleeve, my sewing machine was not liking the fabric to sew a buttonhole. I ended up cutting off about 3 inches, making the sleeves 3/4 length.

Final shot is a view of the side

The back overlay is basted at the yoke and side seam  and then stitched when sewing the side seam.  The instructions have you sew the sleeves in the round.  I sewed them flat then stitched the side seams from bottom of the top to the bottom of the sleeve.

The neckline has a facing and then topstitched an inch from neckline edge.

I like this top and do plan to make another, maybe with short sleeves and contrasting back overlay.  I truly got my money's worth with this royal blue knit fabric from Fabric Mart.  This is the second top made using this fabric.  Nothing but scraps left now!

Next project-Itch to Stitch Paulina top.  

Simplicity 1318

I decided to wear my flares (RTW) and S1318 Kimono Jacket.  For a change I wanted pictures taken outside the house instead of a bedroom or hallway.

I really like this pattern, the fabric and the wearability of this.  Without future comment, me wearing the jacket for dinner out with DH.

Side view, hands disappeared into the fabric design

Front view

Back View

Is is a bird?

Work and no sew!

I traveled to Williamsburg, VA for a conference on Sunday returning Tuesday afternoon in time to shower and dress for our Annual Event.  I find driving 4 hours to be grueling.  On my trip to Williamsburg I lost two hours sitting on Interstate 81 due to two wrecks in two different locations.  For those of you who know this area and have traveled on 81 you know how it can easily become a parking lot.

So not much time for sewing this weekend.  I did cut around the pattern pieces for my next project
Simplicity 1063.  Next I need to pin fit to make adjustments.

Here are the fabrics I will be using

The solid color was acquired from Fabric Mart and I used some of it in a recent project

The floral print fabric is one that I have had for quite some time and not sure if I acquired from Fabric Mart also.  I am searching my photo files of fabric to determine stash time.

I don't think I will have enough to make the top front and the longer sleeves in the solid color; thus I am thinking of using the print for the main pieces with the solid for the back overlay.  I am making the blue version just reversing the contrasting fabrics.

I printed two indie patterns recently as well.  I attempted the Itch to Stitch  Paulina Top previously but fabric choice as well as size choice proved to be all wrong.  I also printed the Tabitha Top by Love Notions.  I am playing around with other fabrics from my stash to determine what I will use to sew up both of these items.

I need more tops for work and play.  It is amazing how I have worn so many of the tops I made over the past two years and have worn them out or just simply tired of wearing them.

More updates later.

S1318 Complete

For a simple pattern, it took forever to complete this.  It is now complete.  I have a few RTW tank tops that I will wear with it.

I did not follow the instructions as written in several places.  I had an issue with the back neck facing that I need to tweak next time.  I ended up making the small size as the pattern has a lot of ease. I made my usual adjustments-forward shoulder, swayback, high upper round back and no FBA this time again due to the ease factor.

Here are photos of the completed jacket on Alma Marie.

Front

Back

The fabric was peach-skin that I purchased from Fabric Mart.  It actually was easy to sew with some raveling.  I serge finished all seams.  Photos wearing will come later this week.

I have to travel for business purposes later today thus will not be much in the way of starting a new project.

My next project is 

I plan to make View A-red top, but use a contrast fabric in the back as shown in View B-the blue top. I am debating on using the short sleeves or keep the 3/4 quarter sleeve with tab.  My office stays pretty chilly when A/C is running so really don't mind the sleeves.  I like the other version just not sure I need all that drape at my waist and center front.

I will be using fabric from my stash, using up the remaining fabric from an earlier project

and will combine it with a floral print fabric that I purchased several years ago.  Unfortunately I cannot find where I took a picture of it to show.  Very tropical look.