2013 Style The Stash Sew A Long

I've joined up with a group of like-minded fabric collectors for a stash sew a long. Here's the link:  stylethestashsewalong.blogspot.com

The sew a long  runs from June 1st to December 31st.   Unlike other stash busting sew- a-longs, we make no pledges about using only stash.  We make no pledges about not adding to our stash.  We make no pledges to complete certain garments according to a monthly plan. So this is a guilt free stash busting sew-a-long.  

This should be a lot of fun.  Sewing together and talking fabric, what's not to love, right?

I plan to start with a skirt (or 2).  Not sure yet which one, but here's some ideas:

 

 

Lace Knit Top

This Dress Barn top was my inspiration.








Although the finished product doesn't look anything like the pattern, I used Vogue (1261)  as my base. The design element that's the same is the hem shape.  I had used the pattern  before and love the way it fits me.

I used an ivory scroll lace for the top layer and the sleeves,  and a lightweight knit of the same color for the under layer.  Both of these came from Joann Fabrics - I used 50% coupons.

I cut a size 14, but used 3/8" seam allowances as my lace doesn't have much stretch. I also cut the sleeves a little larger.  And I made it about 1 inch longer.  The other thing I should have done was lower the armholes as they're a little tight.

I sewed the two layers of fabric together at the shoulders and sleeves, but kept them separate at the side seams & hems.

Very often, the finished garment doesn't turn out the way I envisioned it.  But this time, it actually did and I'm very happy with the results.          

Vogue 8880 Top

 





 I made view "A".





 








Peplum tops are really popular right now, so thought I'd jump on the bandwagon.

I made my usual size 14, with a few alterations.  I added 1" to the bodice length and also 1-1/2" to the skirt length.   I also added a little to the center from the waist down-more in the back than the front.  Now mine fits me like the model's on the pattern envelope.


I like the pleats at the neckline and extended shoulder/sleeves. I'm a little narrow through the shoulders and upper chest, and often have problems with necklines being too wide, but this fits perfectly.


This is a quick and easy top to make.  The view I made has only 3 pieces: a bodice front & back, plus the peplum.  You make a casing and insert elastic for the waist.






















The fabric I used is a soft cotton - I love the print.   I can see this made up a variety of fabrics  - even a stable knit would work.  I've already worn it and it's very comfortable.  I like my new summer top and be using this pattern again.  I plan to make the V-neck version too.

Good Bye to Belle

My sweet doggie, Belle, died today.  She was almost 16 years old.  She loved us and we loved her.   She will be missed so very much.

Simplicity 1622 Top

I'm finally getting around to posting something.  I've been sewing, just not taking time to get pictures and post.  I really like sewing and wearing woven tops for summer and have made several lately.  Anyway.....here's my newest creation. A simple pull-over top.

I used Simplicity 1622 and made View D.


I bought this pattern last week while they were on sale at Joann Fabrics for .99.  I actually bought it with view C (a knit top) in mind.  After looking at the pattern, I decided to try this top.  What I like most about it is the shape of the hem.  It's slightly longer on the sides, which makes it drape nicely.  I had made some knit tops in the past with this hem shape and really liked it.  I still plan to make the knit top at a later date. The pattern also includes elastic waist pants and a knit tank maxi dress.  I may try the dress.




I used a silky polyester fabric I got on clearance at Walmart last summer for $1.50 yd.  Surprisingly, it feels really nice and won't be too hot for summer wear.  And it wasn't that hard to sew, and comes out of the washer and dryer looking nice.  The way the pattern is designed, the top has extended shoulders with sleeves.  Since this is a summer top, I left off the sleeves.  The dropped shoulders made great cap sleeves.   I used my usual sizing when making this - a 12 at the neck & shoulder, 14 at the bust & waist, and 16 at the hips and the fit is perfect.  I really like the neckline on this; it's not too wide or too low; very pretty.  A cute top that's quick and easy to make. - 2 pattern pieces.   I'm sure I'll be making it again.  The only thing I would change would be to add a couple inches to the length.

Here's the back -  It looks like it's tight, it's not - the wind was just blowing.












And the side - I'm holding it in place so you can see the hemline.

Pants - BWOF

I made pants.   I worked on pants so much last fall and made so many unwearable muslins, that I was so frustrated and completely sick of pants. But after 3 months, I was ready to try again.

I used BWOF magazine May 2007, # 112.   This is the line drawing.  Very simple style: wide legs (22" at the hem), front zipper, no pockets.  I  didn't add the waist detail.








I cut a size 46, but probably should have cut a 44 as I had to remove quite a bit from the waist and a little from the hips and the legs are very loose.  They were too high waisted in the front,  so I trimmed a little off the top of the waist and narrowed the waistband by an inch.  In the back, I added an inch at the center, top of the waist.  They're still a little tight in the back crotch curve, but completely wearable.

The fabric is a gray cotton/blend that probably came from Joann Fabric's a few years ago.  It was easy to sew (but ravels badly), and comes out of the washer and dryer with only minimal wrinkling - and presses good, They will be nice to wear this summer in hot weather.


These have a wide waistband.  Even after removing an inch, it's still about 2-1/4" wide.  I like about a 2" wide waistband, so next time, I'll reduce it to that size.
 

I used a gold print fabric for the waistband and zipper fly, and since I had one in my stash that matched, used a gold zipper.




 Here's the front:

 And the back: 

They don't look bad, just one wrinkle on the right side.  I'm hoping my alterations on the next pair will take care of that. I've made alterations to the pattern, and have another pair cut out in a "linen look" fabric.

Pantone Spring Colors - PR Contest

Pattern Review pantone colors contest

I've entered the new contest over at Pattern Review. The idea is to make a 2 piece ensemble using the spring Pantone colors.  Both items must predominantly feature one or more of the Pantone colors.
 

Right now, my plan is to make a top using this floral knit.   This fabric has 3 of the colors: poppy red, nectarine and grayed jade.   The only problem is I only have 1 yard of fabric. 

Looking thru my patterns, I came up with one that might work.  I'm going to try view "B",  using a white knit for the insert "cami" part.

I still have to come up with a coordinating pattern and fabric for a either a skirt or pants. I'm thinking red..........

Quilts

For the last several weeks, I've been obsessed with sewing quilts!  It all started with a sew along on Pattern Review for a "scrappy trip-along" quilt.   I started it the end of January and finished it in a month.  I love scrappy quilts and love how my trip along turned out.  It was a lot of fun working on it.   Since my bedroom is decorated in turquoise, I added a matching border to the quilt. I took it to the quilter a couple weeks ago, so should get it back soon.  I can't wait!

After finished that, I decided to pull out a quilt top I started a couple years ago.   I had most of the blocks cut and over half already sewed.  It's a Double Irish Chain.  It's finished and waiting to be quilted.

After finishing the trip-along, I had a lot of 2-1/2 inch strips left over that I wanted to use up. While browsing around the web, I found this picture.   So pretty and simple to make.  So, now I'm working on this :)

New patterns

I picked up a few new top patterns when they were on sale at Joann's. This is Vogue 8857

 

I love this blouse & thought I could use this pattern to copy it.

I also got this Sandra Betzina pattern (Vogue 1345)

and this Vogue 8880

Here's the line drawing; it has a lot of options.

Also got Butterick 5861

And now, to find time to sew them!

Apron for my Daughter-In-Law

My daughter-in-law's birthday was March 1st.  Since I wanted to make her a gift and I know she likes to cook, I decided to make her an apron.  I saw this one on-line and thought it was cute. The only thing I changed was to leave off the pocket.  And luckily, I had fabric similar to those.

 

I didn't use a pattern.  I just started measuring and cutting.

I haven't given it to her yet.  I really hope she likes it.
 

New Handbag

   

As is usual when I make a bag, I didn't go by a pattern.  I had an idea of what I wanted and just started with a basic shape of a front and back with a 4 inch gusset.  I made 2 inside zipper pockets and 2 outside zipper pockets. The finished size is 10 inches high and 12 inches wide.  The strap is 2 inches wide and 24" long.

I used 2 upholstery fabrics that I got at Joann Fabrics on the “red tag” table when it was 50% off, so I paid probably $5.00 for the fabric.   When I saw this fabric, I knew it would be great for a handbag.  For the lining I used a black twill and the printed fabric for the pockets.  I made one side of the bag  the black print fabric with a gold pocket and the other side is the gold  fabric with a black print pocket.  I did this just to add a little extra something. 

For the strap I used a 2 inch wide black webbing and then sewed a piece of the purse fabric on top of it.  The reason I made the strap this way is the webbing gives it strength without the layers and bulk of interfacing.   But by itself, it’s kind of plain, so I added the fabric layer.  The 2 inch webbing is kind of hard to find, but I wanted it that wide since there’s only 1 strap.

I really enjoy making handbags.  I'm pretty happy with how this one turned out, although I do wish I'd made it just a little bit bigger.