New Look A6106 Skirt & Simplicity 2285 Jacket

The skirt pattern is very simple and straight forward.  I didn’t use the instructions.  I cut a size 16 and by the time I did the French seams, it was give/take size 13/14.  I added 3” to the length of the skirt.  I used a dusty purple denim that I purchased from Gorgeous Fabrics.  I love it, but it may be too much purple at once :)  I love the fact that the zipper I installed turned out fantastic.  I am embarrassed to say that it has taken me years to install zippers to my liking.

The jacket is another easy project, but I did use the instructions.  I cut a size 14, and it ended up being a size 12.  I did quite a bit of topstitching on the skirt and jacket w/ my twin needle on all seams.  I wish I would have taken the time to figure out a way to line it.  It would be more polished, although, the only person IRL who knows it is not lined is me.  I used 1” diameter black buttons and used the wrong side of the denim for the shoulder epaulettes.  I eliminated the epaulettes on the wrist area.  I didn’t like how they looked, and added wrist bands instead, which gave me extra length as I didn’t care for the short looking sleeves.  Oh, the collar is suppose to be a stand up collar, but it is so tall, that I turn it down.  It looks good turned down, but mercy, it looks completely silly standing up.



See the zipper!  Nope, you really can't!  Success!

All in all, the garments turned out pretty much like the pictures, and I will certainly use the skirt pattern again. 

One of these days I will get better pictures of the clothing, and hopefully of me LOL.  I always seem to look ticked off in photos.  I guess I need to smile more, huh?

Take care and God bless.

Simplicity 4760 - Men's Shirt

This is a very straight forward shirt pattern with pockets.  I didn’t even open up the instructions, so I cannot tell you if they are well written and easy to understand.  Version B was made w/o the yolk or side vents.  I used medium weight black denim that I had in my stash and used the black cotton/poly that I made my Thurlows out of for the facing and pocket flap lining because I barely had enough denim to cut out the shirt.  It looks quite nice together.  The pocket flaps was a request by my husband, and I think it would have been better w/o them, but he likes them, and I that is all that matters ;)  I did not need to purchase one thing to make this shirt.  Woo Hoo for stash items!

I did quite a bit of top stitching on this shirt which gives it a more RTW/finished look.    French seams were used on most all seams, w/ the exception of the arm holes, and seam binding was used on them.  I made a little label to place inside as well - "Well made In USA", which may or may not mean anything to anyone but me, but I am so sick and tired of crap items made at strategic overseas locations.  Don't get me wrong, I realize it is not the fault of the worker bees in those sweat factories.  They are just doing what they are told.  Okay, enough about that...

Of course, I have no modeled shots, so the pictures just do not do the shirt justice.  It hangs funny on my dress form.  It really does look pretty dang good.

Take care and God bless!

Lekala Pencil Skirt & OOP Simplicity 9857 Blouse

Let’s start with the Lekala pattern.  If you are unfamiliar with this pattern company, you provide your measurements, and patterns are drafted based on the measurements supplied.  Their website is www.lekala.co

The skirt is pattern no. 5088 (one of their free patterns), which is nothing more than a pencil skirt.  The pattern is very easy to understand and sew.  What I didn’t realize is that Lekala patterns run a bit snug, and I do not like snug garments, so I need to lose a few pounds before I will even entertain the thought of wearing it.  That is a shame, since it is such a pretty skirt.  I cut what should have been the equivalent of a size 12 and allowed for ¼” french seam.  I hand sewed the bottom hem.  The fabric is a navy poly-blend. 

Now let’s talk about the blouse.  I love this blouse.  It is a TNT pattern.  I really cannot count how many blouses I have made with this pattern.  The sizing is pretty much on the money.  I used a cotton/poly blend fabric.  The fabric is fairly thin, and I wish I would have underlined it, but what’s done is done.  I have a nice camisole that will keep my covered.  I cut a size 12 and used 5/8” French seams everywhere except the armholes.  White lace was used to cover those seams.  I hand sewed the bottom hem, and used very dainty, round pearl buttons.  I also hand stitched the continuous lap located on the bottom of each sleeve.  This is a nice addition to my work wardrobe.

Now, if I can only lose those 5 pesky lbs…

You can also find this review at www.://handmakersfactory.com.au.

Take care and God Bless.

Kay

Thurlows - Take 3

The third time is almost the charm.  The waistband still needs a bit of work, but overall, it is pretty close to perfect :)  I am going to make another pair out of a crinkly cotton/poly blend.  I think I will make them into capris, and will really work over the waistband until I get the most perfect fit.  That will be a month or so down the road, because right now, I am working on a denim shirt for my husband, and then I want to make me a t-shirt.

The pants are a size 12, and is made out of a cotton/poly twill.  They do not get too wrinkly by the end of the day.

I am also wearing the Butterick jacket that I posted about here.  I love the jacket, and really want to make a few more.

Take care and God Bless,

Mom's Jacket

The above jacket was made by my mom as a gift to me over 25 years ago.  She appliqued all the pieces both by hand and by machine on a sweat shirt that she cut and made into a jacket.  The sweat shirt is a size large, and has always been too big on me, but I love the jacket to pieces, and wear it once or twice a year.  I want it to last forever :)   My mom is 84, has Alzheimer's, and does not remember making it.

I have a denim shirt that she purchased and hand embroidered a gorgeous peacock on the back of it.  It was a birthday gift from her.  I will have to model it one of these days too.  My mom took so much pride in her work, and it showed then and still does today.

Enjoy the weekend everyone.  I am so glad it is Friday.

Take care and God bless.

Two-fer



I am a baggy mess!

Simplicity 8523 Top

There is not much to write about w/ this pattern.  It is a super simple pattern.  I made view C w/ no changes.  I cut a size 12, and used a ¼” seam allowance, and it fits great.  The fabric does not ravel at all, so I didn’t finish the seams.  I did use a twin needle on all the seams and hems to give it a better look.  I used the twin needle on the front bust darts as well.  I also added those cute square glass buttons to the front to give it a little bit more style.

I have no idea what to call the fabric I used.  It is somewhat of a terry cloth, but it really isn’t.  I wouldn’t call it a knit either as it has zero stretch to it, but it has a knit feel to it.   Regardless, I can say w/o a doubt that it is a petro-fabric of some sort, and while I prefer to use natural fabrics, I do use a lot of man-made fibers as well.

I have plans to make a few more tops from this pattern for some basic staples to wear under jackets, etc.  I also believe a person could use knit fabric w/ this pattern.

If you are new to sewing, this is a great shirt pattern to start with. 

Butterick Jacket

The black jacket is made out of black knit.  I used this pattern, View D and made a size medium.  I wear the jacket quite a bit. 

My pants are a thrift store purchase.  I resized them, and while they are not my favorite, they do get worn when I am running out of my other slacks since I only do laundry once a month.

The picture was taken very late in the day, so, believe it or not, I looked much more put together than what it looks like in the picture. 

Take care and God bless.

Janome 8900 QCP

This is my new baby.  I have been wanting a new machine for quite some time, and certainly wanted to get one before I retire in a couple of years (God willing). 

I am so grateful for my husband for getting it for me as a gift, and cannot thank God enough for blessing my husband and I when so many around are struggling and just getting by.  This is purely a luxury, not a necessity.

It sews like a dream.  Oh my gosh, all the features that I will use the heck out of (i.e., blind hem, rolled hem, overlock stitch, all the buttonholes, etc...).  The touch screen is awesome and so is the jog dial.  It is so quiet and smooth.  I need to take a few days off just to really get to know it.

Take care and God Bless to all.