tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38766185996961730762024-03-14T03:16:56.145-07:00I sew sometimesKathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-12606367231917135372019-12-12T18:59:00.003-08:002019-12-13T17:29:03.048-08:00Gifted fabric sewn at last.My sister sent me a length of fabric years and years ago. It sat <strike>mouldering</strike> maturing in my stash while I wondered what to make with it. Although I thought it was kind of her, it wasn't a colour that I would have chosen for myself. Not wanting to seem ungrateful I pulled it out every now and then, pondered briefly and put it back.<br />
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I discussed the matter with her several times by phone (she lives in Melbourne) and eventually we settled on a shirt or blouse. I didn't want a collar, so Itch-to-Stitch Bonn shirt raised its hand and waved madly. My first time making this pattern was a disaster to say the least, but I made the necessary alterations (forward shoulder and round back adjustments) and the second effort in black with white spots was a total success. No worries, then, you say. Wrong!<br />
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The neckband and I have a love hate relationship. I love the finished look - I hate putting it on. However after three attempts I succeeded. <br />
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I didn't want to buy buttons so I rummaged around in my button jar and selected a couple of possibles.<br />
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I had seven of the peachy ones but....<br />
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they didn't look quite right. Too pale.<br />
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The black with the gold rim were perfect, however I had only four. I really needed five but I was determined to make four be enough so the
bottom button is absent. If absolutely necessary I will put a press stud (snap fastener) there. <br />
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I am quite pleased with the finished blouse and relieved that my sister's fabric has been made up at last.<br />
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As a little light relief I made a couple of outfits for Barbie.<br />
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The blouse and capris are from a very old Vogue Barbie pattern now out of print. The jumper is modified from a free T-shirt pattern from <a href="https://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/barbie-dolls"> Pixie Faire,</a> a little warm for our summer weather but I guess it's better than being starkers (stark naked). I should make the original sleeveless version for her. <br />
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We are having a heatwave here in Perth. 40 degrees celsius expected for four days at least. I hope it will be a little cooler on Christmas Day. KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-88444460663506707492019-12-04T22:57:00.001-08:002019-12-04T22:57:59.458-08:00I'm still hereIt is now December 2019 and a full year since my last post. I seem to have dropped the blogging bundle somewhere along the way, but I have been sewing spasmodically during the last year.<br />
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My first garment in January 2019 was the Itch-to-stitch Nottingham top which was my prize for the Designing December challenge 2018.<br />
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I used some purple knit for this top and had a little trouble getting the knot to sit properly but hey ho it's wearable.</div>
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I had some lovely grey ponte begging to be a dressy cardigan/jacket. A very very old pattern, Knitwit 7000 saw this come to fruition in May and I love it and have worn it heaps during the cooler months.<br />
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Since then I have done a few alterations and mended some things and recently joined a mini-quilt-a-long on Facebook which was a lot of fun. The finished quilt is only 14" square and foundation pieced on paper. It was quite fiddly at times but a good challenge for the brain.<br />
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Have also downloaded and sewn a couple of Barbie outfits which are delightfully fiddly and take very little fabric.<br />
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It's been a long while between posts but I haven't been completely idle and hope to have a few more items to display soon.<br />
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I enjoy reading other sewer's posts but I miss a lot of my favourites as I have never come to grips with Instagram and likely never will.<br />
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Merry Christmas from a very hot Western Australia and good wishes for the New Year.<br />
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KathyS <br />
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KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-22076157106307560392018-12-28T22:50:00.000-08:002018-12-28T22:50:00.558-08:00Designin' DecemberMy latest two garments are a linen skirt with an inverted pleat. The pattern is from So Sew Easy and is the Wear Everywhere Skirt.<br />
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My major make this month has been the shirt I entered into the <a href="https://nicedressthanksimadeit.com/2018/12/06/oh-dear-oh-dear-i-shall-be-too-late-for-designin-december-2018/">Designin' December Challenge </a>. The original was in a local shopping centre and I made my copy using fabric I have been saving/hoarding for nearly 20 years and a Kwik Sew Pattern #3027. I modified the pattern slightly by leaving off the pockets and adding the sleeve tabs. <br />
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I'm very pleased with the results of my copy and although the original wasn't very expensive, I made this one for next to nothing. KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-43010650564175280282018-11-16T23:00:00.003-08:002018-11-16T23:00:37.228-08:00Pants and more Tops In June I made a pair of <a href="https://www.stylearc.com/shop/sewing-patterns/margaret-stretch-woven-pant/">Style Arc Margaret Pants</a>. These have a similar fit to the famous Barb pants and in August another pair Style Arc pants, Linda this time. I have made a few Linda pants but I narrowed the leg to match the Barb width on this pair.<br />
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Next off the sewing machine in September was Kwik Sew 2694 in black jersey. I made view B which is an empire style, but the seam under the bust seemed too loose so I stitched a length of narrow elastic into it which pulled it in closer to the body. <br />
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In October I finally tackled the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/bonn-shirt-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/">Itch to Stitch Bonn Shirt</a> again. I had been fiddling with the pattern on and off all year determined not to let it defeat me. I cut a size larger added a forward shoulder adjustment and a rounded back adjustment and cut it out. I used some black and white spotted cotton that was going begging because the black turned the white greyish when I prewashed it. Good enough for a muslin.<br />
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I sewed a 1cm back seam and removed 1/2 inch from the lower back and 1/4 inch from the side seams at hip level. A little dart either side of the back seam removed some back neck gaposis and I made the sleeves elbow length.<br />
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The finished result is amazing. So different from my first muslin and definitely wearable. Even the greyish white spots look OK. I'm very happy with it.<br />
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Next I made Kwik Sew 2694 again. View A this time. I used a printed Rayon knit with blue scribbles. It's a nice top and fits well but I'm not too sure how well it will wear as a top made in a similar fabric last year turned into a shapeless rag when it was washed. However I will wear it as long as it lasts and as I love wrap tops I will make it again in nicer fabric.<br />
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That's all for now. I have another skirt and a shirt to come, so until next time - keep sewing. <br /><br />KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-35398270147899150112018-11-16T03:06:00.000-08:002018-11-16T03:06:43.182-08:00It's been more than 12 months since my last post and well and truly time I wrote about the sewing I have done since then. I must confess, first, that I have spent more time reading other's sewing blogs and following Facebook groups than sewing myself but I have made some progress the last few months.<br />
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After the disaster that was my last effort (see previous post) I rather lost interest in sewing for a bit but in January 2018 I spotted the <a href="https://so-sew-easy.com/on-safari-skirt-pattern/">Sew So Easy On Safari Skirt</a> pattern and knew I had to have it. It was just what I needed to boost my enthusiasm. I downloaded the PDF stuck it together (I hate PDF patterns) and made the skirt from a remnant of khaki stretch gabardine. It's a lovely skirt, fits well and is comfortable to wear. It was made for the January MAGAM but didn't get posted on the Facebook page.<br />
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In May I made Vogue 8151 a pattern I have had for many years. This time I made view B, crew neck and 3/4 sleeves. The fabric was a 1 metre blue knit remnant from Knitwit that I have had for 13 years. The neckline is a bit high for me and needs to be lowered a little as it cuts across my throat which I don't like. It's a nice top which fits well but needs a forward shoulder adjustment as well. I really need to start doing that as a matter of course. I would also make it with long sleeves instead of 3/4 next time. No photo but it looks a lot like the pattern illustration <br />
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Next up was the <a href="https://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/monroe-turtleneck-pattern">Tessuti Monroe Top</a>. A free PDF pattern. This time I paid for a hard copy to be posted to me. Did I mention I hate PDF patterns.<br />
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I'm not sure when I made this top but it was sometime in winter (June/July?). Another remnant this time, pink and grey striped knit that I have had for around 14 years. It was the first piece of knit fabric I ever bought and sewed and I have saved the remnant ever since. There was just enough to make the body and turtleneck of the Monroe and for the sleeves I chopped up a t-shirt belonging to my husband which he no longer wore.<br />
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Well I seem to have opened the floodgates but I still have more to show so I'll leave them for the next post. Excuse the photos on Myrtle but she models the things so much better than I and if I waited for pictures on me they would never get shown.<br />
<br />KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-54480730659055726882017-10-22T20:33:00.000-07:002017-10-22T20:33:03.036-07:00It's been a long timeIt's been a long time since my last post and I haven't done a lot of sewing since. That is not to say I haven't been trying.<br />
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I started off in March with a shirt from Itch to Stitch. <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/bonn-shirt-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/">Itch to Stitch Bonn Shirt & Dress </a> Fortunately I made a muslin out of some old curtain lining but my rounded back and forward shoulders made a mess of how it fit in back, so I dug out my <a href="https://www.palmerpletsch.com/product/fit-for-real-people/">Palmer/Pletsch book</a> and looked up how to do a rounded back alteration. Slash and spread, add bits of paper, alter the muslin. That looks about right. I cut another muslin using some blue poly cotton then took a break to make something else.<br />
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First I made <a href="https://www.stylearc.com/shop/sewing-patterns/simone-knit-cardigan/">Style Arc's Simone cardi.</a><br />
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I just love this pattern. I made it in grey and it turned out just as nice as my previous navy one. I don't have a photo but it is the same fabric as my next project. The top below. <a href="https://www.stylearc.com/shop/sewing-patterns/amy-knit-top/">Style Arc's Amy knit top. </a><br />
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It's a wee bit short and the neckline is a little low, but I like it. I wear it with a short sleeve tee underneath.The photos aren't the best but they are up.<br />
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The day after I took these photos I had a stroke and finished up in hospital. Only for three days and without any major after effects but it shocked me to say the least. The biggest problem I have now is double vision. For a while I had to wear a patch over one eye to enable me to see straight. Now I have a plastic-stick-on-prism-thingy over one lens of my glasses which helps me see fairly well but it's not perfect. The double vision may clear up or it may not only time will tell. But I'm managing.<br />
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That was in May and it took me a while to get back to sewing but I finished up my muslin and tried it on. Wahh! It's beautiful but it doesn't fit. What went wrong I'm not sure. I cut the size to fit my measurements, perhaps it was the centre back seam I had to put in. It doesn't even fit Myrtle so there is something definitely gone awry.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curve in back seam for fit.</td></tr>
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I plan to cut the next size up (in a muslin of course) and see how it goes. <br />
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Wish me luck!<br />
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KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-40783400984369225212017-01-02T18:20:00.000-08:002017-01-02T21:26:51.626-08:00Happy New YearI haven't done a lot of sewing since October but I did manage a pair of shorts in November and a summer top in December. As getting photos up onto my blog is why I don't post frequently I have photographed both the top and shorts together.<br />
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The shorts are Style Arc Amanda shorts in stone bengaline. I got the
pattern from the Style Arc Etsy shop and bought the bengaline from their
website. The Etsy shop patterns come in three sizes but you still need
to print out a single size, so I got 10, 12 and 14 and printed out my
usual size 10. I have purchase two or three patterns from the Etsy shop
but I must say I prefer my paper pattern posted from Style Arc. I don't
enjoy sticking all those sheets together and you do get a freebie when
you order from the website.<br />
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All that aside the shorts came together easily and I am mostly pleased with them. They are a very slim cut and I possibly could have used the size 12, but they do fit and the stretchy bengaline makes them very comfortable. In a less stretchy material they would need to be a bit bigger. They have a wide yoke and elastic waist with two patch pockets at the back. The slim cut suits my skinny legs.<br />
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The top is another PDF download. This time from Itch to Stitch which is a pattern company I discovered on Facebook. I have bought three of Kennis Wong's patterns and have downloaded her free Petal Skirt as well. The top is the Vienna Tank top and has a woven yoke with a knit body. I didn't have a piece of knit big enough for the body without cutting into yardage set aside for other things so I made the entire top with a lightweight voile(?) at least that's what I think it is. It was a one metre border print I got from Spotlight a few years ago and has been sitting patiently awaiting its turn.<br />
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I used the border for the lower portion of the top and the mainly white top part for the yoke and the binding. <br />
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I really like this top. It will need a few tweaks next time I make it due to my body shape (the back of the armholes needed a dart to stop them from gaping) but that was easily fixed and I will adjust the pattern for next time. The lightweight fabric I used makes it perfect for the hot weather. <br />
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I'm going cruising again next week so my sewing will stop again for a little while, but I will try to be more consistent this year than last. I have a lot of patterns and fabric waiting and I need to do something with them.<br />
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Wishing you all a Happy Sewing New Year. <br />
<br />KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-52499696060735775852016-10-29T23:18:00.000-07:002016-10-29T23:18:26.761-07:00Giving "Barb" another go.After a lengthy break from sewing I am back. I rested on my laurels for a bit after my successful jacket and then couldn't quite make up my mind what to do next. While I was still deciding I had cataract surgery for my left eye in September. After a week or two getting used to being able to see more clearly I started going through my patterns and fabric trying to settle on something. So much stash, so many decisions. Dither, dither.<br />
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First off I tried Style Arc Skye woven top as a muslin. I used a piece of white Damask tablecloth material I bought cheaply from Spotlight eons ago as it had a small flaw. It was 1 metre by 240cm wide which was ample for this pattern. Because I find it very difficult to just throw something together it was finished with the overlocker and all the facings understitched etc. etc. (I was hoping it would be a wearable muslin).<br />
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When I tried it on I was not impressed so I tossed it aside in disgust. However a few days later I had another look at it and decided it wasn't as bad as I had originally thought. If I make it again in future it will need a forward shoulder adjustment, softer fabric and the neckline lowered a little in front. Well it was only a muslin after all and it might soften up after washing. Meanwhile it is loose and should be cool on a hot day at home. <br />
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The MAGAM theme for October is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeagarmentamonth/permalink/1274585612573391/">"ONE"</a> so next I dragged out the Aubergine Bengaline I purchased from Style Arc as a pattern and fabric bundle. The pattern is for their Margaret Pants, but I mainly bought it to get the Bengaline and chose to make another pair of Style Arc Barb pants instead. I first made these in <a href="http://sewsometimes.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/my-husband-and-i-have-just-returned.html">2014</a> in some stretch gabardine which didn't stretch very much and didn't get much wear. In fact they were most uncomfortable to wear and finished up in the charity bag.<br />
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This time, I extended the back crotch seam to match the seam on the Linda pants which I have made twice and love. That plus the fact that the Bengaline has more stretch was the perfect answer. I added a little more to the waistband length to accommodate my lack of waist but that turned out not to be necessary as the Bengaline is quite stretchy so I took the extra out again.<br />
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The final result is quite acceptable. I need to tighten the elastic in the waist perhaps, but I wore them to lunch on my birthday and they were very comfortable. The colour was called Aubergine but it looks more like a very dark burgundy in real life. <br />
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While I'm using Style Arc Patterns I thought my next item might be a pair of Amanda shorts in Stone Bengaline. I bought this from Style Arc last months and got 2 metres and after I have made the shorts there should be enough left for another pair of pants. That's the plan anyhow. I downloaded the pattern from Style Arc's etsy site and I have taped it together and cut it out. That is as far as I have got. <br />
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I had my right eye cataract done last week so I'm hoping things will be a lot clearer from now on. It's amazing how different colours are now.KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-80887341437119902952016-06-30T04:08:00.000-07:002016-06-30T04:08:01.998-07:00Whatever you do don't touch that screw.On Sunday after cutting out the pieces for my Burda jacket I prepared to overlock all the edges as the boucle was shredding madly all over the place.<br />
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The needle on my Janome overlocker needed changing since I had used it to make my husband's fleece jacket so I started to undo the screw to release the right needle. In a lack of concentration I absentmindedly undid the screw on the right side of the needle bar instead of the one on the front. Thinking all the while "I don't remember it being so hard to change a needle before". As soon as I had undone it I realised my error. Then I had a terrible time trying to get it back in place.<br />
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That was just the start of my problems! For three days I threaded and re-threaded my overlocker, but no matter what I did my machine skipped stitches or refused to make a chain at all. I changed the needle again in the right place this time and loosened the wrong screw and re-tightened it. I googled, but no one seemed to have my problem. I did everything I could think of, to no avail.<br />
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Finally I gave up and this morning I took it to my local Janome dealer for a repair and service. When I explained the problem the lady said knowingly "Oh you've put the timing out."<br />
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I can't show a photo of the screw concerned as my overlocker is in hospital, but it is on the right hand side of the little metal square that the needle screws are in and holds the square onto the needle bar.<br />
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So be warned!<br />
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Don't ever touch it!KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-47902495739539294272016-06-25T22:54:00.000-07:002016-06-25T22:54:05.694-07:00Catching up. I can't believe it is so long since I last posted. Instead of writing my posts I have been reading other people's. I have been sewing though. In May, I made a McCalls knit jacket but I took a while to get photos then in June I sewed another jacket this time for my husband and now in readiness for July I have prepped a pattern and cut out something for myself. Another jacket. I sense a theme here.<br />
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The first item was a lightweight drape front jacket for myself, McCalls 5830. It was a bit of a disappointment. It looks lovely on Myrtle but she has a much straighter back and shoulders than I do.<br />
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On me, from the front, it looks OK but from the side it swings out at the hem and emphasises my rounded shoulders. It may get worn, but it is a lightweight interlock and not suitable for the current cold weather. In retrospect it would have been better made as a top but I wanted to test the pattern and the colour is not one I normally wear so a muslin it became.<br />
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Next I sewed a winner. My husband is feeling the cold
badly this year and I decided to make him a fleecy jacket to wear in the
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Instead of buying new fabric he suggested I use some remnants I had from
a previous top and track pants I had made for myself. I was a bit
afraid it might be too girly but he said he didn't mind so I went ahead.
I had just enough.<br />
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The body is a patterned purplish grey and the sleeves a plain grey with black rib hem and neck bands and a black separating zip front. The black rib came from my stash so the entire jacket cost $5 for the zip. Bargain!<br />
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The pattern is a very old Just Knits pattern dating from the 70s I think. I picked it up at an op shop (thrift shop) some years ago. It is a multi sized pattern that needed to be traced so I chose medium which was a perfect fit. I stitched it with .5mm seams and then finished them with the overlocker. The pieces went together easily and the zip went in without a hitch. I wish I could show you a picture of the zip but I'll be lucky to peel the jacket off my husband long enough to wash it.<br />
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July's project is Burda 8390, a jacket with a zip front. I'm making the collarless version on the left. It's all cut out ready to go, so more next time. KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-10445175463118202932016-04-19T03:39:00.003-07:002016-04-19T03:39:53.809-07:00Kwik Sew 3740 for the 5th timeHello! I'm still here. March sort of got away from me but I'm back sewing again.<br />
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I found some fabric in my stash for April's MAGM theme. It's not the oldest piece in my collection but I have had it for several years.<br />
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Kwik Sew 3740 is a favourite of mine. I have made it with long sleeves and cowl for the winter and short sleeves without the cowl for the summer and have made two of each previously. I have never made the sleeveless version yet but may do so one day.<br />
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The first time I made it I cut size medium. It was very loose and required taking in along the sleeve and side seams. I have tweaked it several times since then and this time I cut the front small size to the underarm then medium to the hem and small size for the back. I raised the neckline to X-small and cut the X-small cowl to match. This makes the neckline neither too high nor too low. The sleeves were cut at size small. I also did a forward shoulder adjustment of 1.5cm at the shoulder point tapering to 0 at the neck edge. <br />
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The flash has changed the colour making it more red than it is. It's more like the first picture. Unfortunately with the busy print the cowl doesn't show up very well in photos. <br />
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I'm really happy with this version. It fits in all the right places and I will probably make many more with and without the cowl in future.<br />
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Cheers for now. <br />
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KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-89628789401954509432016-02-09T02:42:00.000-08:002016-02-09T02:42:59.111-08:00Facing one's fears Part 2My snakeskin slippery fabric has been successfully made into a nice little top.It was cut out in January and sewn in February. All the anxiety caused by the thought of the tricky fabric proved to be premature and I had no real problem.<br />
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I used french seams throughout as the cut edges were prone to whiskers, a
few of which I had to trim from the french seams, but otherwise it was
no trouble at all. I used a 75/11 universal needle and changed the pressure of the presser foot to 1 which was recommended by my manual for lightweight fabrics like chiffon and georgette. <br />
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The <a href="http://savagecocopatterns.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/elegant-escape-dress.html">Elegant Escape dress</a> has had the side seams taken in a little and I
lowered the front of the neckline. I scooped it bit too much and lost
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I am off on a cruise in two weeks so will not be sewing for a little
while. I will use the time to consider what I would like to make next.<br />
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KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-10961488543525417902016-01-30T23:45:00.000-08:002016-01-30T23:45:06.933-08:00Facing one's fearsChristmas has been and gone, the New Year has been and gone and here it is almost February. I eventually finished my Elegant Escape dress but I fear it looks better on Myrtle than it does on me. I may salvage the fabric for something else one day but in the meantime it goes into the magic wardrobe.<br />
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I foolishly promised myself I would join Jungle January this year and had a piece of snakeskin georgette and New Look 6035 ready to make a little sleeveless top. Well every time I picked up that soft, silky, slithery georgette I backed away in terror. I swear the longer I sew the less confident I get.<br />
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To take my mind off it, I resorted to sewing a very make it up as I go along quilt top from some strips I originally intended for a border for my grandson's quilt. It is now sandwiched and waiting to be quilted. It's likely to wait a long while. I love piecing and don't like quilting.<br />
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This brings me up to last week when I faced my fears and put scissors to fabric. The sky didn't fall in, the fabric didn't slither off the cutting table and in fact it wasn't difficult at all. At present I have a centre back french seam, staystitched neckline and gathering in the front. I expect to get it finished in no time at all.<br />
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Stay tuned. KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-85385581185379503632015-12-04T02:51:00.000-08:002015-12-04T02:51:29.551-08:00Best Laid Plans...Sometimes the plans we make don't work out and we end up doing something completely different.<br />
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My original November MAGAM was the Elegant Escape Dress and I got as far as cutting it out. However when I prepared to sew it up I realized I had completely overlooked the need to pattern match the rather large leaves on the fabric. With a seam centre front and centre back this was hideously noticeable. Myrtle was not impressed and lurked in her corner muttering things like "What did you think you were doing?", "You should have known better" and "It's not as if you didn't have enough fabric."<br />
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At about that time <a href="http://fadanista.com/2015/11/01/japanese-knot-bag-sewalong-decisions-decisions-2/">Fadanista</a> started a Japanese Knot Bag sew-a-long in conjunction with Facebook group "Sew-A-Longs & Sewing Contests". Just what I needed to take my mind off that badly pattern-matched dress.<br />
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I had a remnant of border fabric left over from a quilted back-pack I made in 2008.The pattern and the fabric came from the Perth Quilt and Craft Fair that year. <br />
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I downloaded Fadanista's pattern and joined the sew-a-long.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The result is a cute little bag which could be quite useful and a nice way to use up a remnant I had been saving for something special.<br />
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No sooner had I finished it than I injured my back helping to shift some
furniture - very bad idea - I have been out of action more or less
since. After two weeks I am gradually improving and managed to make a
quilted case for my 7" tablet using a tutorial I found on the internet
and that is the extent of my sewing for November. <br />
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I may tackle the dress for December MAGAM but I've rather lost interest in it. I know the mismatched pattern centre front and back will mean it never leaves the house. Will have to see what happens. KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-27171238191457671702015-11-01T00:31:00.000-07:002015-11-01T00:31:52.122-07:00Myrtle's first modelling gig.The theme for the October <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeagarmentamonth/">MAGAM</a> was UFO (Unfinished object.) I had this length of Mule Sandwashed Linen I bought at Lincraft five years ago. I had intended it for a pair of light pants but it stayed in the stash and didn't see the light of day. When the October theme was announced I thought I would use it for a skirt, which would get more wear here in summer than long pants, however lightweight.<br />
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Having made the Rachel Comey skirt Vogue 1247 three times with the waistband and zip I decided to simplify things with an elastic waist.<br />
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There is a little too much fabric at the waist as my waist and hip measurement don't vary by much so I have skimmed a tiny bit from the side seam on both sides since I took the photo. I will trim my pattern back by the same amount for next time. The rest of the pattern was made as instructed but of course I overlocked the seams instead of binding them.<br />
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A couple of mirror shots to show it does fit me as well as Myrtle.<br />
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The top is a free pattern which has been made by just about everyone in the sewing blogosphere. Colette's Sorbetto Tank Top. I myself have made it four times. It is a lovely top for the hot weather.<br />
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My next project is the Elegant Escape Dress by Savage Coco which is available <a href="http://savagecocopatterns.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/elegant-escape-dress.html">here.</a><br />
I am currently trimming the pages and sticking them together and have the fabric picked out ready to go. <br />
<br />KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-65065573332696495292015-10-06T00:49:00.000-07:002015-10-06T00:49:25.876-07:00My new best friendI have a new best friend and her name is Myrtle.<br />
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She came to stay yesterday and today I adjusted her measurements and checked the fit. The top was made in September 2004 and it is still one of the nicest fitting tops I have ever made. <br />
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I am very happy as I have wanted a dressmaker's model for a long time. It's only a budget model and I bought it on ebay, but I am delighted with it. An added bonus is that it comes with an adjustable stand so you can put trousers on it which might be very useful next time I tackle pants.<br />
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Now I have to sew something so I can use Myrtle.KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-55700060220898146662015-10-01T03:52:00.001-07:002015-10-01T03:52:56.457-07:00Moving on to New Look 6407....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This proved to be
quite a lengthy project and not without it's difficulties. The first
problem I struck was the pattern itself. It is a multi-sized pattern but
the sizes are grouped onto two separate pattern sheets. Thus, 10/14/18
on one pattern sheet and 12/16/20 on the other. I need 12/14 which
involved grading between the 10/14 lines or the 12/16 lines. I did both
and kept one as a spare. Using the 10/14 with the 12 drawn in I gaily cut my usual size 12 neck and shoulders angling out to 14 for the bust and waist. First mistake, this is a New Look pattern not ButMcV.<br />
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After I stitched the seams and darts I tried it on for a fitting. I couldn't get the fronts to meet in the centre. Take it off and restitch the seams at 1/4 inch and sew the vertical darts smaller front and back finishing the back ones 5cm from the hem. Try it on again, it fits now but there is a lot of gaposis at the back armhole. Unpick the shoulder seams and take a small dart in the back shoulder. Restitch from the neck leaving a small wedge of fabric dangling at the armhole where the front is wider than the back, barely 1/2 inch. Don't worry about it now, just trim it to match .<br />
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The sleeve view I chose has an upside down U shaped cut out which is bound with bias and a sleeve band with ties. Didn't fancy bows on my arms so planned to shorten the band/tie piece and stitch the band across the gap. Second mistake, the bias didn't like being forced around the U shape and by this time I was totally fed up so I closed the gap with a dart, which effectively made the bottom of the sleeve the right size and I finished it with the previously shortened band. Who needs a U-shaped cutout anyway. <br />
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Meanwhile I had been struggling with the collar. I have never had a problem with a collar before but I did with this one. No fault of the pattern. Just me. It is a separate collar stand and collar and I couldn't get everything to line up nicely but perseverance is my middle name (actually it is Cecilia, but it should be perseverance) and I got there in the end.<br />
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After all that I was really worried about the sleeves and the buttonholes but mercifully they went in without a hitch. I hemmed the bottom, sewed on the buttons and it was finished. Heave a big sigh. As a final tweak I removed the front vertical darts for slightly more ease at the front.<br />
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Why did I have so much trouble with this pattern? I don't know! I seemed to do everything wrong right from the start and I can't really blame the pattern. If I made it again I would make a 14 to 16 as New Look doesn't seem to have the excess ease that the others have. It's a sweet little blouse but I think it needs a spell in the magic wardrobe until I have forgotten the trauma. <br />
<br />KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-2647775451654688672015-10-01T00:29:00.000-07:002015-10-01T00:29:08.454-07:00I didn't fall overboardTwo months ago we returned from our nice long holiday overseas. Six weeks on a ship from Fremantle to Southampton via the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean and then two weeks in England visiting my husband's family. We had a wonderful time and it took quite a while to settle down to ordinary pursuits after we got back home.<br />
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I got myself organised eventually and have made a Kirsten Kimono Tee and finished a print cotton fitted blouse - New Look 6407.<br />
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I am semi happy with the Kirsten Tee. Both <a href="http://pieceworktreasures.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/a-new-outfit-of-basics.html">Lisa</a> and <a href="http://sewjeanmargaret.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Kirsten%20Kimono%20Tee">Sew Jean Margaret</a> have made it with lovely results so I was hoping for the same. I cut size M (94 cm) and remembered to add 1 cm seam allowances. I added a centre back seam which fits my shape better and overlocked all the seams. It went together very smoothly and the neck band behaved itself. It's a little more fitted than I expected from looking at the photo, especially at the hip which should be 100 cm whilst I am 94 cm, but it looks OK so I will wear it and maybe try the pattern again with
different fabric and see how it goes. Perhaps go up a size. <br />
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My sewing machine decided to behave badly just as I got to the sleeve insertion. I took my foot off the pedal to readjust the fabric on a curve and the machine kept going. What!!??? Had to switch the power off to make it stop. This happened twice so I ran screaming to my resident handyman, Mr Schu. He has fixed this problem once before so I had every confidence he would do so again. It proved a little more tricky this time. It seems the little gizmo in the foot pedal that controls the stop start thingy wasn't going right back to the stop point so the machine kept going. Clear? Hmmm, yeah! but he fixed it and that's all that counts. Bless him. <br />
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Next up is the print cotton blouse which is a whole other story......<br />
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<br />KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-75488157298832491912015-05-27T03:52:00.000-07:002015-05-27T03:52:26.763-07:00Me Made MayI have worn something me made every day so far this month, from old track pants made years ago (it's been very cold in the house) to cardis, tops and pants made in recent times, but I have no pics so you'll need to take my word for it. :)<br />
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For my May MAGAM I have sewn a pair of tapered pants made in the blue broadcloth which was supposed to be a lining for my last skirt. They are quite lightweight but they are intended for wear on board ship for our upcoming cruise and will be heading towards the northern summer.<br />
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I used the McCall's 6843 again, view F with a tapered leg. I cut size small and they fit OK but if I make them again I will use View C with the pockets and taper the leg. They are much shorter in the crotch than view C so I added a separate casing at the waist for the elastic But they are reasonable and I will wear them.<br />
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When I finished the pants I decided to make another Style Arc Abby cardi. I
made the first one in June 2013 for the Sarah Liz Style the Stash Sewalong and noted at the time that I needed to narrow
the shoulders. Guess what - I forgot to read my notes. That cardi kept
shrinking each time I washed it but because I liked it I kept wearing it
until it got too small. <br />
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This version is made from the same cotton interlock purchased
from Spotlight at the same time so I prewashed it before cutting it out
and making it up. I lengthened it by 10cm (4 inches) at the back
tapering to original length at the front points. Because I didn't narrow
the shoulders the whole cardigan looks and feels bigger than the
original. Hoping it might shrink a bit I have washed it twice and it
hasn't shrunk at all!! Work that out!<br />
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Anyhow to cut a long story short
it is suitable for the colder weather as it layers easily over long
sleeved tops. The other change I made this time was to leave the facings
loose at the front hem to prevent getting hooked up on cupboard handles
etc. and I twin needled the hem and cuffs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The uneven dangly bits are due to my poor posture not bad sewing.</td></tr>
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This will be my last post for a couple of months as we are off on a lengthy trip to Europe and the UK. Hope to catch up with everything when I get back. <br />
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Bye for now. KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-71606821257709337822015-04-02T20:37:00.002-07:002015-04-02T20:37:56.634-07:00A dress for March.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been ages since my last post and not all that time has been spent making my dress. I finished it a week ago but it takes me forever to get the photos done. <br />
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The dress is another old Style pattern. Number 1134 from 1975 again. I seem to have bought a lot of patterns around that time when I was looking at dresses in the shops and saying to myself "I can make that!". I actually did make this dress a couple of times before and had wanted to make another one. The fabric has been in the stash for some years and was always ear-marked for this particular pattern. Now they have finally been united, but it was a long-winded affair.<br />
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First I dithered over whether I would be sorry after I'd cut the thing out. What if I didn't like it or it didn't fit, the pattern is 30 years old and my middle is 30 years older also. I spent hours measuring and re-measuring the pattern and myself. Then I allowed extra at the side seams just in case. This proved to be unnecessary so the finished dress is as the pattern size.<br />
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The only alterations I made were a forward shoulder adjustment, took the centre front seam in a little at the neckline to fix some gaposis and made an all in one facing instead of the separate neckline and armhole facings. <br />
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Not too sure how flattering this dress is. I am lucky to be still slim
at my age but I am rather shapeless having next to no waist or hips, a
true column or rectangle. I love the colour, it's one of my favourite
shades of blue and I am currently building a holiday wardrobe around
blue so it fits in with the general theme. Whether I will wear it is
another story.<br />
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Next project is a pull-on A-line skirt in stretch crepe with blue scribble. I only have 1 metre so a couple of the patterns I considered won't fit.<br />
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I really fancied Style Arc's Gorgeous Gore skirt, but that needs 1.3m and will require major manipulation of the pattern and fabric. I enjoy that sort of challenge. Failing that there is always Vogue's 1247 leaving out the darts and zip and inserting elastic at the waist. I can do that, or finally an old A-line pattern with the side seam straightened and an elastic casing added which would be simplest. The options are endless as is the decision making. <br />
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KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-44069443633995460382015-02-05T03:05:00.000-08:002015-02-05T03:05:36.774-08:00The quest for the perfect pantsSeveral years ago I made a gingham check muslin from McCalls 2953 Palmer/Pletsch 3 hour Perfect Trousers fitting shell which included their flat bottom tuck down the back leg. What I learned from the exercise was that my hips are completely flat at the sides and my waist is 3 sizes larger than the pattern for my hip size. But I still suffered from droopy bottom in every pair of pants I made thereafter. <br />
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After I finished my January top I decided to have another go at the muslin which, when I put it on, wasn't too bad and seemed to hang fairly smoothly at the back so I made a few more alterations.<br />
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Raised front waist 5cm tapering back down to the side seam.<br />
Added width to front waist (size 18) tapering to size 14 at hip and size 10 at leg. I later removed the extra and brought the waist back to size 16.<br />
Added to back waist height but took it out again later as not needed.<br />
Cut back size 14 tapering to size 12 at hip then size 8 at leg.<br />
Took in 2 cm tuck through back and leg as per Palmer/Pletsch instructions. <br />
Left out back darts - not needed. I'm very flat across lower back.<br />
Lowered back crotch a bit (this was a guess, it wavered between size 12 and 18 and didn't follow any particular measurement)<br />
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I made another muslin this time using some grey check fabric that has been hanging around for a long time. I wanted to use the check so I could see the horizontal and vertical lines easily. <br />
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I used a New Look pattern from 2000 that had been a dismal failure the first time I made it. At that time I made View B with pleats - shudder - my tummy and I don't do pleats. Lesson learned. However the pattern included a pair of flat front pants with darts and straight legs, which looked possible . I cut the pattern using the alterations and measurements from my fitting shell and made them up without any further adjustments except for length.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Look 6736</td></tr>
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To say I was surprised is an understatement. Before I put the waistband on I stitched the side seam at the waist a little closer and added my usual tiny dart either side of the centre front to bring the waistband in over my high round tummy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the straight side seams and the horizontal lines</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I have a slightly crooked spine and twisting to take the photos didn't help, but just look at how smoothly the back of the legs fall. I'm ecstatic. <br />
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These pants aren't perfect but they are the closest I have ever been. I have learned so much about my weird shape, especially how to cope with a little basketball for a tummy and a flat as a board bottom. They still need one or two minor tweaks. They are a bit roomy and the waist is actually a little loose but that is easily fixed and I might increase the flat bottom tuck by a further half centimetre, but all in all I can't think of many more improvements I could make. If I fiddle too much I take the risk of over-fitting. I'm so pleased with these I may tackle the tapered leg pants on the right some time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more look at the back</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I'm hoping those those curving lines at the back of my right leg are because I'm twisting sideways.<br />
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Thanks for reading through my babble. It is mainly so that I can remember what I did right so I can do it again next time. I'm very bad at taking notes and usually rely on my memory which good as it is, isn't always infallible. <br />
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For February I think I'm making a dress, that is unless I change my mind. ;)<br />
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Cheers everyone.<br />
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<br />KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-42945990417473263192015-01-18T02:19:00.000-08:002015-01-18T02:19:17.719-08:00Vintage StyleThe top I have made for January MAGAM is an old Style Pattern from 1975. I have quite a few Style patterns in my stash all dating from the mid 70s to 1991. Some I bought new myself and some used ones I got from the op shop. <br />
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This was a very quick project. The fabric is cotton jersey from Spotlight and the pattern is just four pieces. It is suitable for woven and jersey fabrics. Because of the loose fit I straight stitched the seams then finished them with the overlocker. <br />
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The neckline is more boat-shaped than the illustration would suggest, but it isn't too wide. It was supposed to be finished with bias binding but I made a skinny facing, understitched it, topstitched it and trimmed it back with the overlocker. <br />
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My husband took a few photos for me as a nice change from mirror shots. <br />
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This is a very comfortable top, easy to get into and get out of and is just right for part of a cruise wardrobe. <br />
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I am very pleased with this simple little top. So easy to make and so easy to wear. It is a pity it is no longer available, although I did see one copy on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122313234/womens-top-sewing-pattern-style-1190">etsy</a>. It will definitely go on the make again pile. <br />
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Bye for now ;)<br />
<br />KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-9023254990797770812015-01-06T02:37:00.000-08:002015-01-06T02:37:16.695-08:00November MAGAM skirt ..then nothingI finished my third Rachel Comey skirt Vogue 1247 towards the end of November, then ground to a halt. My mojo packed her bags, said "hooroo" (that's aussie for goodbye) and vanished out the door. I had made the skirt for Christmas so felt no urgency to chase after her, instead choosing to mess around in my sewing room doing precious little.<br />
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I kept postponing my photo session and when I finally put the skirt on I discovered to my horror that I had added a little fluff around my high hip/waist and the skirt was now a bit tight. I sucked everything in and took the pics then hoping to shed the fluff between the beginning of December and Christmas I put it aside and on Christmas morning put it on. Nope, no better. 11.30 am found me sitting in my undies at the sewing machine letting the side seams out from the waist to the hip seam, turning what had been 1.5cm seams into 6mm seams. It took only a matter of minutes and I could breathe again, literally as well as figuratively speaking.<br />
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I wore the skirt on Christmas Day with a black top. The green one is tucked up around my waist for photography purposes. <br />
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The fabric was another remnant from Spotlight. As I had only 1 metre and the print is directional I had a lot of fun
fitting the pattern onto the fabric. I did a lot of clever folding and
made it fit with only a few scraps left over.<br />
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It is a quite firm cotton with bunches of cherries or similar and looks quite festive, I think. It fits comfortably now and coped with Roast Turkey, Plum Pudding etc.<br />
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The New Year sees me with a navy and white wide striped top cut out and waiting to be sewn, but after that I'm not sure where to go.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old pattern from 1975 I'm making the blue top on the right.</td></tr>
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I have made a garment every month since mid 2013 when I joined Sarah Liz's Style the Stash Sew-a-long followed by the Make A Garment A Month Challenge in 2014 and my wardrobe is bulging at the seams. :) Apart from shopping trips and a fortnightly visit to the library my clothing needs are more of the retired lady of the house variety and I have an abundance of those. I have whittled down my stash to a few cold weather pieces and a dress or top length or two but I don't need anything more at the moment and I would be sewing them just for the sake of using up the fabric.<br />
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Now that MAGAM has moved across to Facebook I think I may take a break from a firm commitment and just make something when I really want to. I have a lot of quilting stash so perhaps I'll piece another quilt top. Or maybe I'll buy some real fabric and make something special for our next cruise in April. Meanwhile the navy and white top is calling me so I will finish it and see where we go from there.<br />
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Happy New Year to all and may your sewing always be a joy.KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-48650778384243732472014-11-07T02:40:00.000-08:002014-11-07T02:40:14.961-08:00Whittling down the stash.<br />
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October was a busy month for me, with three family birthdays and quite a bit of sewing and I have finally made myself sit down and write about the sewing part of it.<br />
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First off I made my Style Arc Slip on Suzie dress which I introduced at the end of September. This is a very nice dress which caused very little trouble except for a bit of gaposis at the crossover neckline. This I managed with a few stitches to hold the wrap in place and will take a tuck out of the pattern before the next time it is made. <br />
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Thinking that it looks a little shapeless on my shapeless body I made a tie with the excess I cut off the hemline. Not sure if it looks much different.<br />
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Either way I like the dress and found it very easy and comfortable to wear. The fabric is a Retro printed stretch poly which is very stretchy, easy to get into and out of.<br />
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Next I dipped into my lucky dip basket and came up with, you guessed it, another jersey. This time a nice lemony yellow which was labelled as Colorado Cotton Jersey, colour Butter. The pattern I had matched with it was an old Vogue 9904. Both pattern and fabric are from my stash. I have had the pattern for several years and have used it once before, so I was quite happy to cut it out without hesitation. The only alteration I made from the original was to straighten the side seams as they curved out to fit an hourglass shape, which I am not! However I should have allowed a little more ease as it is a bit snug across my tummy. <br />
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I really must do something about getting a remote for my camera as these mirror shots are not wonderful.<br />
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On to the next item. The inspiration for these was a <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/supplies/coastline-linen-pant/4228">Craftsy Sewing Kit</a>, a pair of linen pants.<br />
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This outfit really caught my eye, especially with the navy top and I thought I might buy the kit which was half price at the time. Well the postage was more than the sewing kit and made the total over $60. As Spotlight was selling McCalls patterns for about $6 and I had some natural colour cotton linen blend in my stash which had been there since forever, I said forget it, I'll make my own version. <br />
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The pattern is <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6843-products-47790.php?page_id=114&search_control=display&list=search">McCalls 6843</a> and while the picture on the envelope looks like pyjama pants the finished pants look something like my inspiration.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a pity McCall's didn't get their sample maker to press the seams before the photo shoot.</td></tr>
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The slight bulge in my side seams has been removed since the photo was taken. I trimmed the seams twice before I was satisfied with the end result. I don't know why I didn't cut the legs to a smaller size in the first place. Anyway I am quite satisfied with the finished pants and think they will be quite pleasant to wear in warm weather. The cotton component stops them from wrinkling too much. I made a pair of shorts from the same fabric some years ago and they have worn well.<br />
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I have bought some nice navy linen for a top after the style of my inspiration pic but have yet to find a suitable pattern so November's sewing project is another Vogue 1247 skirt in a print fabric.<br />
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Until then....<br />
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KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876618599696173076.post-25500094181476527482014-09-28T00:45:00.001-07:002014-09-28T00:45:26.892-07:00Lucky dip.A few weeks ago I looked at all my patterns and all my fabric and couldn't decide what to sew next. I always have trouble deciding which pattern would be the best match with that particular piece of fabric and if I went with that one maybe I would be sorry and wish I had gone with the other one. So I started to match up some of the fabric with patterns I thought would go nicely together and ended up with twelve pairings. A couple of these had an alternate pattern or fabric. These I wrote down on a Project Planner sheet that I printed off from the Craftsy website. I can't supply a link as I can't find it anymore. Luckily I downloaded the pdf.<br />
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Next step was to decide which project to make first so I wrote them all down on bits of paper, put them in a basket and drew one out. The winner was...<br />
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A striped top made from a Japanese premium knit jersey using New Look 6779 OOP, my sort-of-TNT top. I have made this top 4 or 5 times before and I like how it fits but the neckline has been changed a few times. I cut a size 12 but should have added a little extra ease around the tummy.It's a bit snug but not tight and it clings to the knit fabric of my skirt.<br />
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I had a few problems while making this top. First, jersey curls (and curls and curls). Second the pattern has 5/8" seams so in the interests of accuracy I had to pin the seams every 1/2" to make the fabric lie flat enough to sew. Finally I wanted to overlock the seams and trim them back to 1/4". While doing the back seam and concentrating on keeping those pesky curls under control, suddenly disaster struck. Ohh nooo! I'd caught a fold of the back under the knife and cut a half inch slice in my top. <br />
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I cut a scrap of material and a piece of fusible webbing and patched the cut from the wrong side matching the stripes. Can you see the repair?<br />
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I'm so relieved that I was able to save this top.I think I will give jersey a miss for a while. <br />
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Next one out of the hat is Style Arc's Slip on Suzie a faux wrap dress in a Retro Printed Knit Polyester, another Spotlight special from a few years ago. The minute I saw this pattern I knew it had to be made in this fabric. Wish me luck!<br />
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<br />KathyShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15865710256627225570noreply@blogger.com6