Shrug it off

I really like the eShrug pattern from Sewing Workshop.  It just doesn't work for me.  Sometime back I posted about making this shrug.  I screwed it up the first time using some inexpensive knit lace fabric.  The second was a little tight. 

Yesterday, I attempted to make the next size up, Size 2.  It was huge; I also elongated the sleeves as well as the top using the download instructions for SW to do so.    I used some knit fabric that was black, white and gray stripes; it too had been in my stash for over 8 years.  Because the shrug was so big I think I can salvage the fabric and turn it into at least a cami/tank top.  If not, I will give the shrug to Goodwill.

My next attempt was to draft the pattern between Size 1 and Size 2.  In the end, this was a better fit, but the back, no matter what version I use hikes up in the back and just does not fit around the back of the neck well.  I have decided that 4 attempts is enough.  There are some other patterns out there that I think will work better.  So I am shrugging off making this pattern.

So I will once again focus on other knit tops I want to make.  I also need to get my act together on participating in the SWAP 2012.  I actually pulled some fabric from stash yesterday than I think I will use in developing my plan.

Later.

Day Two Stay/Sewcation

Yesterday (Monday) I spent most all morning in the sewing room trying to fit patterns. Particularly the Sorbetto Top (freebie) from Collette Patterns.  After making two tracings of this pattern, I think I have the sizing right now.  I had to make a FBA, swayback and high upper round back adjustment.    The McCall's knit top also needed a little more tweaking but just minor adjustment.  DH got home from work a little earlier than usual yesterday, so spent some time hanging with him. 

Today I cut out the McCall's top, the Sorbetto Top and another eShrug from Sewing Workshop. I used fabric from my stash for all with one being fabric left over from another project from 2007; a black crinkled fabric-a freebie from an ASG meeting and the McCall's top is from fabric I purchased last year from Denver Fabrics.  I had planned to use another knit fabric but it did not meet the knit stretch factor necessary for this.

The serger is set up already for the Sorbetto Top.  The bias tape required for this was in my stash.   It is almost time to fix dinner and perhaps afterwards I can sew a little.  Updates later.

eShrug

I cut out the eShrug pattern.  I love the lace knit fabric; I need to definitely find some fabrics in my stash or online to go with this. 

The serger is set up for sewing the Vogue knit top pattern.  I am counting down the hours to the upcoming long weekend.  I also have a sewcation coming up as well.  WhooHooo!

Hook and eyes and other sewing notes

The hook and eyes are sewn onto two of the three dresses.  I did do those Sunday evening.  The third dress has to wait as I don't have the correct hook/eyes size.  I had thought I would get to JoAnn's to get a pack but not yet. 

The Vogue knit top has been cut out and the Sewing Workshop eShrug pattern has been printed and taped together.  I had a few minutes yesterday AM before work to trace the pattern, so the next step is to cut out the stretch knit fabric. 

So some progress has taken place.  With the long weekend coming up, I hope to complete these two items and hopefully another top using a recent knit fabric purchased from Fabric.com- a cotton slub knit fabric in what I call hot pink but they describe as watermelon!

More later.

Next projects

In addition to printing out the Sewing Workshop eShrug pattern, I decided to work on another knit top.  This is one that caught my attention when it first came out.  I am not sure if it was the stripes that hooked me or the sleeves on the other view.

I am using blue and cream striped knit for this pattern, of course making the striped version.   This is fabric that has been in my stash for over eight years since I had it before moving back to Virginia.  I think I actually purchased it in Florida which would put it to be closer to 12 years.  I think it has obviously aged enough now.

And I still have not sewn on the hook and eyes on the three dresses.  I told my DH that he must help reinforce that today as I plan to wear all three dresses at some point next week.  Which also means I have a new pair of shoes to wear that I have not worn yet either!!!!

Updates later.