Vogue 8682 (V8682)

I've decided that it's really hard to concentrate at work when it is a Monday, and that Monday is the day before a public holiday.

My mind is on sewing projects and not on work.

In a previous post I mentioned that I was overcome by my sewing stash, I went around the house telling my husband, "Hi, I'm Sandra, and I have a fabric problem".  Now to tackle some of that problem.

I pulled out some patterns to, that I always had the intention of sewing, but never did.  The first one to get off that table of mine is Vogue 8682.  I then went through my stash and found four metres of red peach skin fabric.  (Now, are you having flashbacks to the 1990s?)  That's exactly how long I've had this piece, it was quite vogue back then, I love it's texture, it's probably the closest you get to a fake suede, but in a fabric form.  It will do nicely when the days become cooler (at present I've the fan on in our office and wearing a summer dress!)  OK, I'm not working either, when I should be.

Pattern:  V8682

What adjustments did I do to this pattern?

• 3cm (1") adjustment to extend the length at the waist
• I chose the short length with the long sleeves (long sleeves with longer length reminded me of a nightie).

The pattern called for a 22" zip, I had a 18" one on hand and finally decided to go with this because the fabric itself has some stretch.

I am very happy with the outcome.  It is comfortable and and easy pattern to put together.

Those quick projects that add to our wardrobe are just the best.

Items used from stash today:  reel of cotton and overlocking thread; four metres of fabric; one zip.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Patchwork - Buzz Saw Design

I had one of those Tim Gunn, 'make it work' moments again when attempting this design, plus I was limited in the amount of owl fabric I had.

The first block worked out well, it all went astray after that one block.  I got discouraged, and resigned myself to the fact that it may have to be thrown out along with the attempt of the next block.

I put it away, made three tops and two other quilt tops and got back to it.  I squared up the block (it was more of a rectangle beforehand) and finished it off to make another baby quilt top.

It needs a press, but I did make do with what fabric I had on hand.

The instructions I used (I am not going to name and shame) were partially to blame for what went wrong with this quilt top.  However, in the end I am happy with the end result.

What I find with sewing is, that most of the time things go along well, however, sometimes some curvers come our way.  We have two choices at this stage; throw it out and start again or try and problem solve the problem.  It is much more satisfying when we problem solve and come out with a satisfactory result.

How has your sewing been progressing?

Happy sewing.

Sandra

PS Some other leftover 'mistakes' did make it into the bin!

One feature fabric influencing patchwork design

I've been going through my fabric stash (that's really a whole story in itself).  When I came across some fabric that reminded me of the story of Cinderella.  It's not really, just a prince chasing his damsel, the things fairytales are made of.

I had so little of this fabric, it was sent to me when I ordered something online as a sorry because the order was delayed, unnecessary, but thoughtful.

So, as I was going through this stash, this fabric 'spoke to me'.  Since the last lot of patchwork tops, we have discovered three more pregnancies at work - we were ahead with our quilt making, these pregnancies put us behind again.

Here are two versions of how I used this feature fabric (very bright and colourful):

So, from now on, I'm trying to stick to my stash, I DON'T need to buy anymore.  This is going to be hard!

What sewing projects have you been doing?

Sandra

PS this means that I have destashed four five pieces of fabric!  Yay!

Simplicity 2148

I've gone through my sewing patterns and picked out a bunch that I want to make.

Some years ago I cleared out my winter wardrobe and haven't quite restocked.  So, I decided that the first thing I had to make were a few stretch fabric tops using my coverstitch machine.

I picked Simplicity 2148.  When I originally purchased this pattern I did so with the intention of entering a competition with the Australian Sewing Guild, their selection of patterns left me uninspired, so the pattern just sat there amongst my stash.

With my new coverstitch and a desire to improve my skills with working with stretch fabrics I decided that I would make one of the tops in this pattern set.

This is View A from this pattern:

It's made from a light woollen knit fabric, it'll do me during winter as I don't like to dress too warmly anyway

I'm happy with the top.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra