Tuesday, November 13, 2012
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...
Monday, November 12, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, November 5, 2012
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.
Monday, October 22, 2012
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!
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.
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!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
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!
Friday, June 29, 2012
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.
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.
I also added these to my wishlist:
(the one I got has equal width stripes)
(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.
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