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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Intransit...100th post giveaway

I can't believe that it has been two weeks since my last post. My recent marriage has thrown a wrench in my sewing. I'm trying to spend more time at my future residence but that means no sewing because all of my sewing machines are at my old residence. Over the weekend I hope to be able to move some of my sewing stuff. I have managed to get one Burda magazine pattern traced and the Jalie jeans pattern. I've decided I don't like tracing patterns and unless these two wind up being absolutely amazing, I probably won't be tracing many more.
It's hard to believe this is my 100th post! I'm planning a giveaway in the near future. I'm not announcing what it will be for at least a week because if everything works out like I want, I might have two instead of one. Stay tuned. I will say that you have to be a follower and leave at least one comment on or before October 9th to qualify. The give away is a sewing related item or items that we can all use and can never have enough of!
Over the weekend I attended and worked at the American Sewing Expo which is run by Janet Pray and is the largest independent sewing expo in the country. I've attended the expo every year for eons and can say that the best part was the Pattern Review booth and Friday night get together. Deepika is so friendly and I got to meet Rocketboy (Brian) and PeterNYC (Peter)and Kenneth King. Of course I bought stuff! I bought my giveaway items, a catcher for my serger, fabric (of course), some embroidery designs, a DVD, and a few buttons. I sat in on some fitting classes and was somewhat disappointed that one demonstrator totally trashed another demonstrators method. I think when you're good at something, you don't have to trash someone else to make yourself look good. I also don't like it when a demonstrator's answer is "it's in my book."
Enough for now. Don't forget to follow and leave a comment by October 9th to qualify for the 100th post giveaway.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

McCall's 5471 - The RV blouse


The majority of this blouse was sewn over the Labor Day weekend in our RV. I cut the pattern and fused the interfacing before leaving home. I didn't want to overload the RV with my sewing stuff so opted to do french seams on all seams except the armhole and the sleeve ruffle. The inside construction looks so good I could wear it inside out!


Pattern Description:
Misses'/Miss Petite Shirts: Semi-fitted shirt has princess seams, mock front band, collar, collar band and shaped hem with different front pieces for different bra cup sizes.
Pattern Sizing:
6-20
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it did
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Instructions were very easy to follow. I really wanted to make a different view but didn't have enough fabric. This is my wearable muslin
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that the pattern included pattern pieces for different bra cut sizes up to D. I wear a 36DD and the D cup pattern piece fit me just fine. I especially love the collar and stand. The instructions for them were divine and went together without a hitch.


Fabric Used:
Fabric of unknown origin from Walmart
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I made my usual wide back adjustment. I also shortened the shoulder seam about an inch. I used my rolled hem foot to make a narrow hem on the sleeve edge. I only used seven buttons although the pattern called for eight.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I will sew this again and highly recommend it to others.


Conclusion:
Unfortunately this pattern is no longer available in stores in my area and probably not in yours either.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Another wedding photo

Yesterday my brother gave me a CD with photos he took at the wedding. He is such a cut up. He's older than I am and very protective. He and Calvin get along famously and in his words "Calvin's the only guy you ever dated that I like!" This is one of the photos he took and I really like it.


Thursday, September 10, 2009

Friday, September 4, 2009

First garment as a married woman! Butterick 5355

I took most of the week off from sewing. Was a little burned out from the wedding dress marathon but I'm back!
Butterick 5355


Pattern Description:
Misses' Top and Sash: Very loose-fitting pullover tops
Pattern Sizing:
XS (4-6) - XXL (24-26)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Super easy
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that it was fast and easy but still stylish. Beware--this top and especially the sleeves can best be described as voluminous!
Fabric Used:
Lightweight polyester crepe
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I made no pattern alterations. I did change the construction. I used french seams on the inside.
French seams
Instead of using 1/4" bias binding for the neck edge I used some foldover elastic that has been in my stash for years. It's from Birchstreetclothing.
Foldover elastic
Foldover elastic closeup
I used my rolled hem foot on the hem. I've come to the conclusion that I need more practice with it!
Rolled hem
To make the belt carriers I zigzagged over eight lengths of thread. To attach, thread through a large-eyed needle and knot on the wrong side. Machine stitch to seam allowance to secure.
Thread belt carriers
Instead of making a sash I used 1 1/2" grosgrain ribbon.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Not sure but I highly recommend it to others as a fast and easy project.
Conclusion:
What do you think wear with leggings or a skirt?