Gray Renfrew - Take 2!

I finally got around to that second try on my gray ponte Renfrew.  This time I went for the cowl neck and long sleeves.  This is the first long sleeve shirt I've owned in at least 5 years.  I have been freezing, so it is just perfect!  Okay, the shirt itself isn't perfect, but at least it is warm.
After the first try, in the exact same fabric, turned out too small I just couldn't give up on it.  This time it is too big in the shoulders.  It seems I just can't win.  I think the problem is that the ponte just doesn't have enough stretch.  The first one would fit just fine if it were made in, say, a jersey knit.

I absolutely love the cowl neck.  I will refrain from filling my closet with the exact same shirt in every color, and make this with the various necklines.  This is a great basic pattern.  I think I have planned to make 5 Renfrew shirts this coming year.  (I had 4 shirts in my wardrobe before this one was made, all of which have holes in them.  I am sadly lacking in clothing.)  I figure I can make it with different sleeve lengths as well.

Don't mind the spot created by the flash!

This pattern is definitely a keeper!

And here is a better picture of me wearing it- because I don't always look so bad.

Premo Primavera Blog Award

 This award is all about the last 9 commenters on this blog.  This award is supposed to be a Thank You for showing support and encouragement through comments.  It gives more exposure to all of us in blogland.

So Sew Easy got me laughing with her recent cycling pattern post, because who doesn't cycle in a dress?

as I sew it just made a fun cowboy boots Christmas runner!  Of course, I love the dress she recently made.

Snazzy Sew 'n' Sew made a gorgeous couture dress and great polka dot blouse.

Faye's Sewing Adventure - what an inspiration her blog is!  She just celebrated a birthday, too.

Spotty Dog Social Club gave me this award.  She made the most hilarious set of mittens for her brother and his wife.  I love the fun prints she has been using for her new clothes.

Kadiddlehopper churns out clothing like nobody's business.  She's the one who inspired me to finally get the Renfrew pattern.

SewFit's lastest little number is a fun paisley top.

Sheilaz CTK is always whipping up something new.  I love all of the skirts she has been up to making lately.

SEW20SOMETHING just made a great blue skirt with a little special touch.

Jeans

My current sewing project is a pair of jeans, using Vogue 1034.  I cut out a muslin and sewed it up.  The size isn't too bad, but there are definitely some fitting issues.  The back crotch is way short.  Although maybe the real problem is that the front crotch is all wrong and pulls the back out of place.  I feel like the seam where the two join is way too far forward.  Alas, I cannot find anything on the subject of where this seam should fall.  The front waistband is super high up, while the back is super low.  I also need to make an adjustment for my upper thigh.  This adjustment (if done as the pattern instructs) may help with the back crotch issue.  Not sure though.  I've pulled out my Fitting & Pattern Alteration book and will see what I can find in there.

finally finished- the saga of 2 love seats

So about 2 years ago I agreed to recover a pair of love seats for someone I know.  I thought it would be easy. Boy, was I ever wrong!  These things were ancient.  They had been recovered last in the 70's (I'm guessing based on the fabric used).  I doubt that was the first time they were recovered.  I got the first one in the set and started to strip it down.  I think that is, by far, the worst part of recovering/reupholstering anything!  I eventually enlisted my husband's help. My hand were hurting and scratched and cut. Of course, as I'm taking this thing apart I am realizing that it is not made like any of the newer furniture I've worked with (not that I've worked on a lot of furniture).  It is more labor intensive.  The back piece was stapled across the straighter part of the top and hand sewn around the curved upper edges and sides.  I don't see hand sewing on modern furniture! Needless to say, I learned a whole lot working on the love seat.  Want to see what it looked like?

The fabric is a little dirty and faded, but in its day it was a glorious gem! (Oh, seventies, what were you thinking?)  By the way, the cushions are not foam.  No, they are springs wrapped in horse hair and dacron/batting stuff.  I've never seen that before!  They are heavy compared to most cushions.  They definitely hold their shape over the years, though.  This is a quality piece!

Once I got the first one half way finished, I realized that the wood trim looked pretty bad and should be refinished.  So I sent them back to their owners.  Wow, what a difference the new stain color made.  All those dings and dents in the wood were gone, and the cherry finish really went well with the red fabric we were using.  It took me a year, but I finished the first love seat.  Want to see what it looks like now?

Okay, so this is actually the second love seat.  I forgot to take a picture of the first one before it went home.  It only took me another year to finish the second one.  The cushions just need to be sat on a few times to fit perfectly.  Those springs were enjoying being let loose while I used the old cover as a pattern to make new ones.  The nap on this fabric makes for a rich velvet look with wonderful texture.  I am so pleased with how they turned out, even though I wanted to run and hide many times in the process!  I've learned so much and have a wonderful sense of accomplishment now.  I didn't think I would at a few points in the process.  I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out how best to get the fabric straight on the sides (outside sides).  It was tricky, and I finally figured it out- on the second one!  I am so glad that both love seats are home and appreciated by their owners.

I am also glad to have my living room back!

 It went from this:

To this:

Okay, so the laundry is still on the couch, but the rest is back to normal.

How I saved my pattern...

So remember in my last post how I told you I had cut my Renfrew pattern too small?  Well that pattern seems to be sold out everywhere right now, and I really, really want to try again for the right size.  So I dug through my trash (ewww, right?) and found all the pieces I had cut with the larger sizes.  They were wadded up inside the extra fabric bits, so it really wasn't all that gross to go through the trash.  I headed to the store and bought some fusible interfacing (the non-woven kind).  I fused the pattern pieces to the interfacing (like Tasia did) and then very carefully set the cut off sizes on the interfacing and fused them in place.  So now I have my full size pattern pieces!  Well, all except for the neck band for view B (the V-neck).  The pieces were so little and I don't think they made it into the same trash can.  No idea where they went.  I think I can fudge that piece though.  Now I just have to find some fabric so I can try again...

Gray Renfrew

I finished my Renfrew top.  I am very sad.  I made it too small!  I think a stretchier knit would have been better with the size I cut.  The worst part is that I cut my pattern to that size.  Guess now I have to buy another one!  I should have started out with a bigger size- going down to the smaller would have been a whole lot easier.  I can still review the pattern, as the top is great other than my sizing error.  I am actually taking it in a little and giving it to a friend.  So it isn't a total waste.

The pattern is pretty straightforward.  The pictures are great- I didn't have any questions as to what was going on in them.  The instructions are pretty basic, not a lot of steps.  This was a quick sew!  I was running errands all morning and sewing in between.  I started around 9am and finished by 12:30pm.  So I'd say it took me 2 hours max to sew.  I cut it out last night, but even the cutting didn't take long.  Now that I've made this I think it will take even less time on the next one.

I used a gray ponte roma from JoAnns.  I made mine with the neckline from view B and the sleeve length from view C. I didn't use a zigzag stitch around the neckline.  Instead, I used a double needle with a straight stitch.  I just like the look better.  Everything else was done as per instructed.  I used a stretch (double) stitch for the seams and then finished them with the serger.  This pattern does not require a serger, though.  I can't wait to make another one in the correct size!  I also look forward to making the other views.  It is a great pattern, perfect for anyone who is new to sewing knits.  It is also a great basic pattern to have in my stash.

I will try to add a picture in a bit.

Renfrew arrived!

My Renfrew pattern arrived in the mail, probably a few days ago but I finally checked the mail today.  Oops.  My grey double knit is washing now.  I read through the pattern instructions and it looks easy enough.  I am thinking the v-neck with 3/4 length sleeve.  I am excited!  The weather is supposed to drop down to the low 60s by the end of the week and I have no warm clothes!  I know 60s in November may sound warm to some, but it is quite a drop from the 80s we've been having.

wardrobe planning?

I have been trying to formulate a plan for what I would like to sew/what I need in my wardrobe for my year of RTW fasting.  I set up a board on Pinterest where I can pin inspiration and patterns. You can find it here.

I would like to make some pencil skirts.  I think a double knit would be great for that.  Maybe a stretch woven fabric as well.  I am thinking of trying Pamela's Magic Pencil Skirt pattern.

Last night I bought some double knit at JoAnns for Sewaholic's Renfrew pattern.  I found a nicer double knit there in a charcoal gray color, pictured above.  They only had a few colors in the good double knit.  I bought a black and off-white print fabric for a button down blouse (also pictured above) while I was there that I plan to use with McCalls 6035.  I also grabbed a few yards of denim to try out a jeans pattern.  I have Vogue 1034 for the jeans.  We'll see if I like that one.

So, I have 3 projects ready to be started, and many more in mind.  I'm leaning toward wearing more skirts and dresses every day, but we'll see how cold that makes me this winter!

New Look 6936

I made a dress!  Wow, I said I was going to do something and it actually got done.  Right away.  It usually takes me the longest time to get around to anything!
I didn't want to wait for my fabric order to arrive to make a dress.  I need clothes now.  I am anxiously awaiting its arrival, but it hasn't come yet.  So I found a navy and pink striped knit in my stash.  It is a thicker cotton knit (not a double knit, though), not like your typical jersey knit.  I stopped off at JoAnns and picked up New Look 6936.
After reading all of the reviews on PatternReview.com, I figured I would go with view E.  Several people complained of the 8 inches of ease in the bodice, but I figured that would be just fine.  I held the bodice piece up to myself to see if it needed an FBA.  Sure enough, way too short.  I also measured the back pieces to the waist and determined that I needed to shorten it 1 1/2 inches.  After I put it all together I almost wanted to scrap the whole thing, but decided that it was just way to much ease.  I took it in  probably about 8 inches in the bodice and waist, tapering down to nothing a couple inches below the hip.  I shortened the sleeve probably 4 or 5 inches.  That made for a much better silhouette, but I felt the neckline wasn't working for me.  I widened it 2 inches and lowered it about an inch.  What a difference! I definitely prefer this style dress with a belt.
This dress was quick and easy.  I didn't use the instructions, except to see how they put in the elastic, because it is pretty straightforward.
In the end I don't know that it resembles the dress on the pattern cover all that much.  If the girl pictured were to put her arms down I have to wonder if it would look horrible.  I love how my version turned out, but I think the stripes aren't the most flattering.  Still, it is something to wear- and I got plenty of compliments on it.

Not my most flattering picture, but after several months of waiting for a better one to be taken I am just posting this!

Challenge of the Year

Sarah, over at Goodbye Valentino, went a year without buying Ready To Wear (RTW) clothes, opting for making her own clothing.  Now that her year is complete, she is continuing on and inviting others to join in the fun.  So for the next 365 days (actually starting yesterday) I will not buy any RTW clothes.   My goal is to master making jeans, as well as casual yet stylish clothing.  So follow along over the next year to see what I can add to my wardrobe!

fabric

I browsed Gorgeous Fabrics website looking for the perfect fabrics for my dresses today.  Oh, there is so much I love.  Of course, I have to stick to a budget, so I am starting with 3 fabrics.

I picked this one for Simplicity 1804.

http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=15971

I also picked a pink and blue striped knit, but it is sadly sold out.  But, only after I purchased all that remained!  I plan to use it for ???  I can't decide which pattern, Vogue 1224 or New Look 6936?  They are fairly similarish.  Hmmm...  When it arrives I will figure it out.

I thought I had the pattern for this one nailed down as well, but now I can't remember which one I had in mind.  But I love this print!   Let me know if you have any opinions. 

http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=9096

I also added these to my wishlist:

pink and navy striped jersey 

(the one I got has equal width stripes)

coral impressionist ity jersey

bit by biy ity jersey

(this one is just like the one I ordered but in a different color)

 

Of course, then I went over to Mood Fabrics and fell in love with several of the knits over there.  Like this fabulous silk jersey.  Oh, I am in looooove...  

One day it will be mine.  A fabulous silk dress all my own. Yum.

Dresses

Alright, this post is about sewing.  For me.  But I'm gonna give a little personal history (more recent history) to explain why I'm gonna sew dresses for now.

I have quite a few things on my list to sew for myself.  I've even started the muslins for some of them.  The problem is, I am not staying one size.  I have an enlarged thyroid (which was shrinking until we moved here, when it started growing again).  So it kind of affects a lot of things.  Anyway, my doctor put me on a medicine to see what it would do (because when it comes to the thyroid, treatment is all trial and error unfortunately).  It made me gain 15 lbs in the 6 weeks I was on it.  It also made my thyroid go crazy.  So he told me to stop taking it.  Except now nothing fits.  So while I am trying to fix this broken thyroid of mine, I don't know if I will gain weight or lose weight- or both, because it can go either way from day to day apparently!  So instead of just waiting to do any sewing projects (and still have no clothes to wear) I have decided I need to make some dresses.  Some knit dresses for everyday wear as a stay at home mom.  The kind that will work if I gain a little weight (which I am fighting with every ounce of my being) or lose a little (hopefully more like a lot) of weight.  So I am trying to figure out which patterns to use.

Here are some of my options: (I would consider Vogue 1027, but I think of that as a bit too dressy for everyday use.)

Simplicity 1804 shorter version of view A

1880 wrap version

2219 view A

2369 view B

2579 view B

                             

3503 view B

New Look 6936 any view

McCall's 5974 view A

Vogue 1224 (lengthened to hit the knee)

1152

8379 view A


Butterick 5749

So what do you think?

The "Bapron"

I found this free pattern and tutorial on Pinterest and think that it's about the cutest bib I have ever seen.  It's going to be so sad when Maddox covers it in peanut butter and jelly.

Anyway, this is what I'm making today.  It's easy, it's quick, and it's useful.  So head on over to Craftiness Is Not Optional and check out this super cute pattern and tutorial, plus about a hundred thousand more and have a great day!

Cambie Dress Review

Tasia, the Sewaholic, just announced her new pattern today.  The Cambie Dress.   I LOVE this pattern.  I especially love the A-line skirt version.  Of course, sometimes what you love isn't what suits you best.  I muslined the A-line version first.  I didn't love it on me.  I was quite sad.  So I went ahead with the full skirt version (which I also love).

Adjustments: I did an FBA which resulted in a horizontal bust dart being added to the bodice. I also shortened the bodice by one inch in the armscye area.  I used a regular zipper, which I handpicked.

The instructions were easy to follow.  It went together rather quickly, as well.  I made a 12 with a thick waist adjustment.  I am so excited to make this dress for Ashley (once she fits into the smallest size of course).

Fabric: Striped cotton shirting with little flowers embroidered all over for the main fabric and white voile for the lining.  This was my first time using voile.  It is a great lining for hot desert summers!

I HIGHLY recommend this pattern.  I love it!  Sewaholic patterns are wonderful and make a great addition to any pattern stash.

Sorry for the sad phone picture.