4. Monday Basic Raglan T-shirt and Friday Evening Dress. Ottobre

Amazing how a new piece of equipment can change the way and what you sew.

So, it's time that I revisited some Ottobre patterns that I've either used before or have avoided because I hated using a regular sewing machine on stretch fabric.

I revisted Ottobre Autumn/Winter 5/2013 - 4. Monday Basic Raglan T-shirt and Friday Evening Dress. Check out Fans de Ottobre Design blog.

I purchased this geometric fabric and had enough to do the dress and the T-shirt (had to use another fabric for the sleeves in the T-shirt).

I am so much happier with the finish of my stretch garments with my Janome CoverPro, I'm certainly a lot happier sewing stretch fabric.

Happy sewing everyone, I'm tackling a complex coat pattern this weekend.

Sandra

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

All hearts

As you may have gathered, I lost my sewjo.

Then, whilst perusing one of the sewing sites on Facebook I came across a news feed and felt that this was a project I could easily contribute to  Mater Mothers besides I have lots of scraps.

This is from their website:

"The simple act of holding your baby whenever you want is something mums in Mater Mothers' Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) can’t always do. Soft fabric ‘Cuddle Hearts’, linking mum and baby, fill a gap when the two can’t be together.

The fabric hearts are simply two heart shaped pieces of material (soft cotton or flannelette) sewn together. One fabric heart is given to the mother and placed on her chest to pick up her scent, with the other heart placed close to the baby for the same reason. The hearts are then swapped so mother and baby are left with each other’s scented heart.  

The program has been introduced to help a mother’s milk come in when she is apart from her baby, while the scent of the mother also has a calming effect on the baby."

I've seen they've updated their instructions since I've seen them, but have asked that people send what they have made anyway.

Burda - Vintage Chic Polka-Dot Dress

Ah, the holidays are at an end, school starts back tomorrow, only six weeks until a public holiday long weekend and nine weeks until the end of term one - but, who's counting?

I've had productive break with all my sewing.  My final dress for summer is a BurdaStyle dress from the book BurdaStyle Modern Sewing, which features 24 plus size patterns from Burda's magazines.

I've been intending to make the Vintage Chic Polka Dot Dress for a while and finally it's day came. No Polka-Dots here.

I had a piece of black polyester fabric in my stash that I wanted to use.  Yes, yes, a bit unusual for me to want to make a black dress, but black is useful and coordinate's well with other items.  Plus, it's a very Melbourne thing to do - wear black, that is.  I had enough fabric to make the dress, but with short sleeves.  So, short sleeves it is.

I just had to make my normal adjustments for my size to it.  Here it is:

The fabric is a bit difficult to work with, although the only place it gave me some trouble was in the collar, it also creases easily.  I know why the collar is flipping slightly upwards, so this will be rectified next time.

The next time I make this it will be in a cotton.  I will probably not waste my time putting in a zip at the side next time as it is easy to put on when you undo the buttons.

Will I wear it?  Yes.  It feels good to wear.  It's a good pattern, I probably decided to go with a stash fabric just in case I didn't like the pattern.

My overlocker (serger) was sent off for a service on Friday, seems that new blades are in order.  Not bad, I've had the machine since the early 1990s; paid good money for it at the time (we were running a business at the time and needed a sturdy machine).  When I took it in it still got good reviews from the serviceman. I thought this was a good time to take it in as I really couldn't see myself working on an outfit on my first week back at work.  It'll be back by next weekend, so, that's well timed.

Maybe some patchwork is in order in the meantime?

When my overlocker returns I will be focusing on Winter clothing (since I got rid of most of my Winter wardrobe in my latest clean up of clothing).

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Stretch top and dress

Yes, a new piece of equipment can change your attitude to stretch fabric.

I've been busy experimenting with my new Janome Coverpro 2000.

I have made four pieces of underwear (from scraps of other items I've either made in the past or now), one top and a dress.

The white top is one that I have made before, it is a free pattern from So Sew Easy, this is, as the site suggests very easy to put together.  It is comfortable to wear, and I do like a white top during the summer months.  This is the first time that I have been happy with using stretch fabric, the Janome Coverpro 2000 does give you the professional finish I so craved.

I then purchased this geometric patterned stretch fabric that I thought that I would make another top out of.  However, when it made it to my cutting table, it told me that I just had enough of it to make a simple dress.

I decided that I would use the same pattern that I had used previously in my little red dress post.  Yes it is the same pattern.  I decided against the sleeves (to tell you the truth, I didn't have enough fabric to do this); changed the sleeve to a shorter version, I didn't add a zip - I'm using stretch fabric, so there's not a need for it.  Cover stitched all hems and neckline, and here you have it:

I'm still experimenting with the machine, so far so good.  Just don't know why I waited so long to get this machine.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

My Coverstitch machine adventure - underwear - pants

I don't know if you recall my post last year to do with my anguish over sewing with stretch fabric.  As a result of my inability to be satisfied with the finish of a garment using stretch fabric on a regular sewing machine, I toyed with the idea of purchasing a cover stitch machine.

I actually agonised for quite a long time.  At first I thought that I should buy a very cheap Semco machine from Spotlight.  At $220 it was affordable; but, it's reviews were mainly mixed and negative. Then there's the issue of servicing, a service would cost at least $100 and the internal parts on this machine are plastic. I did layby it, and then cancelled it and investigated further.

What I didn't want was a machine that was both an overlocker (serger) and cover stitch machine. Inevitably one component of this dual system will break down and would be without a machine whilst serving.

I read reviews like this one What is the Best Coverstitch and many other articles. I discussed this with my husband, firstly, we decided that I should get the machine in the brand I wanted.  One that could be easily serviced, a brand that was reputable and easy to get parts for.  So that eliminated the Semco cheap machine.  Besides, I don't think I would ever be happy if I didn't get a reliable machine. Secondly, I anguished over whether it was worth spending money on a machine that it's main purpose was to finish stretch fabric, you know, the fabric I always avoid using because I can't get a professional finish.  Have you noticed that when sewing patterns have been released that increasingly they require you to use stretch fabric?  I have, and decided that I was just hiding my head in a bucket of sand if I really thought that I could avoid this fabric for the rest of my life!

I looked some more, investigated and researched, um and ah'd and then finally bit the bullet at the beginning of December and put a Janome Coverpro 2000CPX  on layby (I felt that if I did change my mind I could still back out of it whilst it was on layby).

Finally the urge, excitement and possibilities of this machine got the better of me, so I picked it up last week.

So, I also said last year that I would like to make underwear.  Using some left over stretch fabric I made my first pair of underpants.  There is no going back, I am in love with my new machine and the possibilities of what I can now make have opened a pandora's box of possibilities!

Happy sewing everyone

Sandra

Happy New Year

Hello everyone

I hope that you had a Merry Christmas and Happy new year to all of you.

I'm on a mission at the moment, three babies are due at work this year, and since I am on holidays wanted to get these out of the way, so I wanted to get the quilt tops out of the way first.

I have completed three quilt tops this week, both using the strip piecing technique.  One will be familiar to you (I have blogged about this before) the other was a technique that I found on Pinterest 

Now, being a bit of a perfectionist the technique here actually produced two quilt tops for me.  I could have incorporated it into one quilt.  The printed fabric in this quilt is vintage.  It's not cotton. Herein lies my contradictions, because I'm not a purist when it comes to quilting (a purist would use 100% cotton all the way through).  The vintage fabric is from my mother in law, who also was a sewer. When she departed I went through her stuff and kept most of the vintage fabric.  How could I not use it?  It gives it such an Art Deco feel.

Here is the other, a familiar quilt top to me now.

Better go and pick up my new toy, more later.....

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Pouch

It's a balmy night inside the house tonight and my fingers just seem to be sticking to the keyboard tonight.

A few weeks ago I really didn't think that I'd be able to achieve my goal of 52 blog posts for the year. However, here I am with my 52nd blog!  Fanfare music playing here!

I had purchased as a gift for a friend a quick unpick.  Odd gift, but this is very special.  I had originally purchased one for myself from Alan's Pen Making after rave reviews from other sewers on a group site I suscribe to on Facebook.  It's made from wood.  So pretty, and every sewer should have special tools to work with.

Here's the one I purchased for a friend:

I decided to make some sort of bag for it to go into.  I downloaded a pattern off the internet from Flamingo Toes called the Spring Zipper Pouch Pattern.  It is very simple to make.  I used a vintage fabric I'd previously used on some aprons I had made:

Well that makes 52.  Sewing goals for next year?

I will aim to:

* make and blog about 52 of my creations
* choose three mediums in sewing that I have not worked with, first cab off the rank will be leather

Happy new year everyone, it would be good if you could just leave me a short message about yourself and what you enjoy sewing.

Stay safe.

Happy sewing.

Sandra

Red dress - The Tunic Bible

I am feeling the pressure now, I have to complete my red dress for the Red Dress Challenge, but this challenge is double edged, these are the Christmas dresses we will wear on the final day of work for this year.

A few years ago  Ronda and I made up our own challenge - Christmas dresses for the last day of work.

To add to this we both decided that we would also complete the Red Dress Challenge.  No problems, right?  I love red.  Shouldn't be a problem...I stand corrected.  I have lots of after five fabric in red, but, only one piece that Ronda had given me for either a Christmas or a birthday a few years back.  Since I did not want to go out a buy fabric, this had to be what I used up.

The pattern I liked from The Tunic Bible.  In the book it is made out of a knit fabric.  I chose it because I liked the sleeves and had not made a dress with sleeves like this before.

It is a good pattern, for someone that is experienced in sewing and pattern alterations.  I need to clarify, I am very happy with the final outfit.

However, there is an adjustment on the front neckline for the scooped neckline, however, this does not correspond with the back neckline (it had to be lowered).  Also, because I chose to use a woven fabric, and not a knit I also had to create a front neckline facing.  To cater to my measurements, there was only one adjustment I needed to make, that was to lengthen the bodice at the waistline by 1" (2.5 cm).

The fabric I had was a very light voile, so sheer in parts that I have my husband worried that I might leave the house with just this on.  Not so, I will be wearing the voile slip I made in my last blog post underneath!

Here's a photo with the two of us:

Kris Kringle gift - McCall's M6132

Maybe I just work better under pressure.

As a part of my Kris Kringle gift I decided to make my KK an apron.  Why an apron?  Because if you willingly clean out the fridge at work, you need a special apron to make the task more bearable!  Besides this pattern makes me smile.  I hope it does the same for her.

I have combined two things I know she likes into this apron.  Cats and the colour green!

I had this vintage fabric that I have had for a while, I have come to the conclusion in my life that I need to use things instead of them becoming objects that you just look at or that become someone else's problem when you're no longer around.

This is a lovely pattern, I have used it before.  It is easy to put together.  It allowed me to do some applique and use some of the other types of stitches I don't usually use on my sewing machine to complete the whiskers, mouth, ears and nose. So, if you are looking for an apron to make, this is a bit of fun.

I actually made two of these in the same fabric, the other is for a friends birthday.

I want to make another two, one of which will be for me.  More of that at a later date.

Merry Christmas everyone, the real gift is in the giving.

Happy sewing.

Sandra

Lingerie Design - Full slip

In my next post, I'II be revealing my red dress, for the little red dress challenge.  Trouble is, it is made from a fabric that has see through bits.  I don't think my husband will let me leave the house until it is less see through!!

I contemplated lining it, threw out that idea and decided to make a slip instead.

Trouble is, I am not in the mood to draft the pattern, I just wanted to get it done and move on with other sewing.

I decided I would use the same pattern that I used in my red dress, but alter it using some basic drafting techniques and apply it to this alteration.

I am pleased with the outcome:

It fits quite well on me, appears wonky on my dressmaking dummy because my room is a mess, and,  my dress is no longer see through!

Tell me, do you want me to post a tutorial on how to do this?  It really was very simple to do.

Well, I'm determined to make it to my blog goal of 52 blog posts for 2016.  I can see that I am fairly close to this now, so, I will work hard to attain it.

Any suggestions as to what you'd like to see on this blog in 2017?

Merry Christmas everyone.

Sandra

Fabric Christmas Postcard

Is this too late in the year to begin your Christmas projects?  Probably.

I set the challenge down to my friend Ronda a few weeks back.  That challenge is to exchange quilted/appliqued Christmas cards.

I, of course, had to give it to her first before I blogged about it.  I don't usually exchange cards until after December 1, but, I had to break my own rules this year.  What's life if you can't break a rule or two now and then?

I got the inspiration from Pinterest.  I must apologise, I have modified someone else's design slightly, but I can not acknowledge them as I have not saved their idea as a pin.  If someone finds it, let me know and I will acknowledge this person.

Let us start with the finished product:

While I prefer everything to be properly finished I chose a design that, was not.  It was more naive in finish.

You will need:

Visofix
Phellon (or fusible batting)
Cotton fabric (in red, white and green)
2 buttons

These are so easy to make.  Here's how it was done:

1     Cut out two 6" x 4" rectangles for each postcard that you wish to make.
2     Cut out two pieces of stiff interfacing - 6" x 4" - attach one piece to the wrong side of the pieces          that you cut out in point 1 above.
3     Fuse Visofix to each of the red, green and white fabrics.
4     I then used my Sizzix cutter to cut a 3" red circle and a 3" white circle.
5     With the white circle I cut these freehand through the middle to make the shape shown in the              picture above. I also freehand cut the leaves.
6     Remove the backing from the Visofix and iron down onto the backing fabric, as shown in the              picture below:

7     Cut out one piece of phellon (or you could spray glue attach a piece of batting) - 6" x 4" for each        card. Attach to the rear of the front piece with the applique and sandwich the three layers                    together holding together with pins or clips.
8     I then free motioned quilted the three layers together around the plum puddings.

9     Then, using one of the embroidery motifs on my machine, found a motif resembling snow flakes        and placed these randomly above the plum puddings and the leaves, also freemotion around the          perimeter of the card.
10   Hand sew the two buttons at the base of the two leaves,

And there we have it, I finally made eight of these cards.

This will become a yearly tradition.

Give it a try, they're quite easy to make.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

PS and Merry Christmas to one and all.

Wonky star patchwork

It's been a busy time.  Finally, I'm seeing some relief in sight, and after weeks of not even remotely touching my sewing machine, and hurting my back; finally my machine and I are reunited.

Three fabrics sitting in a bag for weeks, with an intended recipient ... a deadline is drawing near.

I like this design, I have used it before.  What I like about it is that it doesn't really matter where you place the fabric for the triangles, so no stress in matching up the blocks.

I used this design previously to make a cushion cover:

I need to finish the piecing for the quilt as it has to go to Ronda to be quilted when I'm done.

Looking forward to seeing it when it's completely done.

Happy sewing everyone.. yes, I'm still here!

Sandra

Keep yourself decent....

My experience with wrap around dresses is that they fly open in the wind.  Not good, they always fly open at the wrong moment. You may recall I made two of these dresses from Ottobre Design in a previous post, I also needed to make one because my Japanese voile dress was quite see through:

Also, in a recent post I made my go to pattern Simplicity 2371, which also was made of voile, so a half slip was necessary.

I had purchased some stretch silk some time ago for this very purpose from Rathdowne Fabrics. 

Making a half slip is very easy, and no pattern is required.  I have purposely made this slip to sit around 5 cm (2") above my knee.  I don't usually wear my dresses or skirts above my knees, so this suits me.

To make this half slip, I did the following:

1     I measured my hip measurement and added 3 cm ease plus 2 cm seam allowance
2     I decided what my length should be and added 5 cm to this length (2.5 cm for the hem and 2.5            cm for casing for elastic (just remember that the finished length needs to be shorter than your              finished dress)
3     I used the french seam technique to finish the side seams

       (a)   Place right sides of the fabric together (at the seam)
       (b)   Sew a 2/8" seam, trim to 1/8"
       (c)   Press seam
       (d)   Fold the fabric (right sides together)
       (e)   Sew a 3/8" seam
       (f)   Press
5     On the top end, turn over and press 2.5 cm, sew into place and leave an opening to insert elastic,          secure elastic and sew up the opening
6     Turn in side seams and hem and sew around this edge
7     Attach lace (since my fabric was a stretch silk I used a stretch lace) around the hem of the slip.

If my instructions don't make sense to you, here's a visual one from Craftsy.

Had I made the slip at a length below my knee I would have had to leave the side seam open at either one or both side seams.  This opening would give you room to move freely.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra



  

So Sew Easy Boxy Bag

I decided to purchase this pattern, it was only a few dollars to download off the So-Sew-Easy.com website.  I weighed up the pros and cons of drafting myself, and decided that it would cost me more time to develop the pattern and test it and then produce it.  Plus, the patterns from this web site, whether you purchase them or are for free are as they suggest, so easy to sew.

Boxy bag

Boxy bag and tiny bags

Tiny bags

The red one is for me (finally made a decision about what fabric to use for me).  I'm always misplacing my keys, so this is their new home in my handbag.

If you are after free patterns and ones that fit (the clothing patterns) and other items such as these try out the patterns on this website.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

My go to pattern .... Simplicity2371

I've come to the conclusion that I do have a go to sewing pattern, It's Simplicity 2371. Why? I like wearing the dress with or without the tie around the waist.  It's comfortable on a hot summers day and, it is easy to make.

Whilst ploughing through the bargain table at Spotlight I came across this cotton voile:

I loved the colours and pattern on it, but, there was so little on the bolt that I hoped that I could make a dress out of it.

I laid the pattern out and found that I had just enough to make the dress (or tunic as it's referred to on the pattern). Phew, at least I got that much out of it.

The only alteration I made to this top is to raise the slit in the front by 2.5 cm (1").

Added bonus, the bird in the pattern is centered in the front (I'd like to say that I planned it that way, but, I'd be lying).

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Quilt gifts

Ok, I know, I said I would spend the six months until the end of the year pattern drafting for my own clothing.

Can I help it if people are having babies, retiring or are leaving their employment and we'd like to congratulate them?

I had finished the top to this quilt some time ago Fishing quilt for the man who likes fishing it was always intended for the person who will receive it now, I was just waiting for the opportunity to come up.

Whilst basting the quilt I was looking for a backing fabric, I had some wool flannel that was wide enough for the backing.  I did have batting as the second layer.

As you know by now, I am trying my hand in free motion quilting, I think this looks OK (I have high expectations of myself).  I started by marking the quilt, and then decided I was wasting too much time doing this, so I proceeded to free motion quilt (in the true sense of the words).  Brave, wasn't I?

Backing this quilt with the flannel has made it a heavy quilt. Probably knee size is the biggest I would make if the quilt is this heavy in the future.

This quilt is for a gentleman who we know that has very little spare time, but, enjoys fishing.  It was difficult to find fabric dealing with fishes, that I found tasteful.  I fussy cut the pieces and used a fat quarter pack of green progression colours to complete the blocks.



This next quilt is one that I made for a friend who is a hairdresser and refuses to take any money.  Although I have offered to pay for haircuts, she refuses to take payment. So I decided I would use the same design that I used in the three shirts quilt to complete this:

I call this, "Same, same, but different", note the red,block in the bottom corner, I ran out of the red fabric!  Oh well, as Tim Gunn would say, "make it work".  I like it.  I am retiring this quilt design now and moving onto another.

Babies?  Seems like the rush is on again at work and Ronda and I are busily working away at making baby quilts.  I do the patchwork and Ronda does the quilting.  Here are some of our latest creations:

There are more quilts to be done, stay tuned for pictures of these.

We (teachers) are on two weeks of holidays now, time for my sewing machine and I to become more familiar with each other.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra