Mccalls 7873

Hello everyone!

The time has come for me to reveal my January Sew Your View garment!  Without further ado, here is what I created:

As you can see, I had a lot of fun with STRIPES! Even though I was originally inspired by sweater and textured knits of all kinds, after pulling out my stash I just wasn't inspired by what I had to choose from.  I even headed to Hobby Lobby and Joanns in order to see if I could spark a decision for this pattern, but nothing clicked.  Then, while putting away all the fabrics that did not work, I happened upon this rayon blend knit.  I bought it last year for a top I never made, so it was folded on the shelf waiting to be used.

The more I looked at it, the more I liked the idea of playing around with the orientation of the stripes, since this style lends so easily to the pattern.  So I went from this:

To this:

Isn't it funny how that happens?  

Just so you know that I am making efforts to use my planner this year (lol), here is my project planning sheet for this garment.  I started out tracing the line drawing, but it was so HUGE I went back and freehanded it.  I am not the best at drawing, but I did like getting a vision of what I was creating.  I will go back to add the fabric swatch later.

As you can see, I sewed a size S, graded to a M ever so slightly at the waist.  Since this top is oversized, I went down one size.  For me, I did not desire to be swimming in fabric, though I could have possible sewn a straight size M instead.  Seeing the final result, I am really glad I decided to size down.  It fits me as I expected, and that is nice.

Other than sizing, I made no other adjustments.  The construction of the garment was beginner friendly, and very much like a puzzle.  Mind your markings, and you will have no issues.  However, I did slow down some to make sure I didn't sew pieces in upside down (done that before).  

The cold shoulder part of the top is finished off with a narrow hem, and I did tweak this feature some by closing off the seam an additional 1.25 inches on the front and back, so that it didn't expose as much of my shoulder.  I guess you can say my cold shoulder is more of a "peek-a-boo" shoulder, lol!  In any regard, I really like that, and it makes it more comfortable to wear.

The cuffs are awesome, but I always love a good cuff.  Also, the dropped shoulder is a style I don't have much of in my wardrobe so I look forward to hanging this in my closet.  I will also say I am still getting used to the asymmetrical hem.  I am not sure if this will be my go-to style, but it has been so much fun creating this style and trying something new.  

Overall, I am thankful to be participating in the Sew Your View challenge, and look forward to what next month's pattern will bring!

I will be back next week with an update of how my jacket is shaping up, as well as a rundown for the month of January.

Stay sew-filled!

Sewing Bits and Baubles..and a Renfrew too!

Hello and happy Friday!

I hope it has been a wonderful week!  I started my morning by receiving this via Amazon delivery...

I spotted this book last week at Barnes and Noble while on a date with my husband.  We are both avid readers, and one of our favorite ways to spend a date night is by going to the bookstore, picking out books we want to browse, sitting at the Cafe, and then talking to each other about whatever is on our hearts.  I mean, we can spend hours there, and it is such a fulfilling time together!

So, I saw this sewing book by Alison Smith, and immediately remembered the first version.  I actually checked that version out from the library and really liked a lot of the techniques and tips she offered.  As I browsed this latest release, I was blown away!  I am a visual learner who is always looking for references that will help develop me in sewing.  I know I can easily do a Google search, or watch a Youtube video/tutorial, however, I like the thought of pulling out a hardcover book, flipping through the pages (lol) and seeing what I need all laid out.  

Here are some of my favorite sections:

You can't go wrong with a section that will give you information concerning fabric characteristics.  Choosing the right fabric will often make or break a project, and there are lots of things to consider, including fabric care. 

There is also pages dedicated to taking your measurements, fitting, and making a muslin.  The illustrations are very clear in how to adjust the flat pattern.  For beginners, reading a pattern, and cutting and layout are also discussed.

And finally, I definitely love the huge emphasis on sewing techniques!  Hand sewing is mentioned and shown, and there are lovely line drawings for each technique that directs you to the page you will find the needed information.  It is well done, and I hope to use it over and over for years to come!

Another thing that started my day off right, was putting on this Sewaholic Renfrew that I made in December.  I really wanted to try the cowl version, and it does not disappoint!  I love it SO much!  It has a wonderful drape, and does not overwhelm your frame at all.  I have seen some people size the cowl down some, but I made mine as the pattern intended.  I have a sew day planned this month, and as long as my other projects are done, I want to sew up another one Renfrew.

The fabric is a brushed tri-blend in mustard  from Boho Fabrics.  I discovered them a couple of months ago via a Facebook online community group, and absolutely freaked out over a lot of the fabrics they carried!  I ended up placing a couple of orders, and have decided they are high on my list of places to order from.  Granted, the shipping costs are high, but the quality of fabric, excellent customer service, and small business support makes it worthwhile for me.  

Here are a few other lovely fabrics I received from them that I am trying to figure out what to do with:

The first one is a floral knit that is soft and gorgeous!!!  It has rusty tones that make is perfect for the winter/spring transition.  I just don't know what to sew with it, lol!  I am leaning toward a dress of some sort, though I am open if I find another pattern that works better.

This second fabric is a sweater knit that is luscious and soft, with beautiful drape.  I do have plans for this one!  I bought Simplicity 8790 as soon as it was released, and I have even seen a couple of nice finished versions online:

This will be my first Sew House Seven pattern, and it is Version A that I had to have.  I think it is my fascination with hoods!  I have been wearing my Kelly Anorak, and the hood has come in quite handy for the weather here in GA.  On days with lighter rain, it is nice that I don't have to bring an umbrella.

With all that said, I hope to show you some finished projects from January next week!  

Stay sew filled!

Jacket update

Hello everyone!!

Today I am sharing some of my progress for this month.  

Since my last post, I have been working on my Moto jacket mostly.  I am pleased with the way it is coming along, with only ONE frustration:

This back vent feature is giving me FITS!  Whenever I put the jacket on, the vent pulls out of place.  From what I have researched, I may have a prominent shoulder blade and need to add fabric ease to solve this issue.  I do know that I have broad shoulders, and perhaps that could be what is lending to this issue as well.

I think I am going to enlist my husband to get some accurate measurements of my back area, and compare them to the pattern.  Also, I am going to double check that my pieces were cut correctly, as I have been known to (cough) have an issue with that in the past.  I don't think I did that here, but I am backtracking to make sure I have things done correctly.

I did baste the lining and jacket together, flipped it right side out, and this is what is looks like:

A good press is needed, and once I fix the vent issue, I will properly cut the seam allowances down before turning it right side out again.

I really like the "bones" of this garment, and plan to put in some work this weekend for the l finishing stages.  I am so close...

There is even a fun lining:

Other than this jacket, I did get a chance to pick up the Mccalls 7873 pattern for this month's Sew Your View sewalong.  I am definitely sticking with the theme of texture for this top, and have already pulled some lace, quilted knit, and velvet from my stash.  Nothing has been speaking to me yet, but I am sure I will find a clear vision once I play with these fabrics some more.

Stay sew filled!

January Pattern Picks

Happy New Year!!!

Are you ready to get sewing?!?!?  I am!  

Today I am sharing my pattern picks for the month of January.  To clarify, I will be sewing one pattern that I have chosen myself, and another pattern that is chosen for me as a part of the Sew Your View Monthly Sewalong on Instagram.  Here is the patter I will work on first:

I have admired this pic of a moto jacket for quite some time now.  It didn't take me long to find a pattern that was comparable to the elements found in this inspiration.  It is S8174, Mimi G's moto jacket pattern.

This pattern has been in my stash for YEARS.  You know how good intentions go...somewhere in the back of your mind you hope to one day do one thing or another.  I guess I always knew that I would come to a time when I was ready to dive in.  That time came this past November.  As a part of the Seamwork sewing community, there was a challenge to sew outerwear.  I immediately pulled out this pattern, knowing I could finish it by the deadline.  I mean, I had Mimi G helping me out with a Youtube tutorial! What on earth could go wrong?  Well, even with Mimi G's superb instructions, I found out that this jacket would need a little more time and precision to get right.

So, I started this jacket in November, and will be finishing it this month.  Here is my current progress:

I used a pinwale corduroy in Olive Green from Cali Fabrics.  It was purchased some time ago, and waiting for this project to come along.  I chose it because I was fond of the corduroy Mimi G. used in the pattern photo, and wanted a similar look and feel.  This turned out to be part of what lengthened the process for me.  Since I had never sewn with corduroy before, I did a bit of research before I started.  I made sure to observe the nap direction, and use appropriate needles for the project.

However, nothing prepared me for the bulkiness of the fabric in some places.  My sewing machine was not happy about that at all!!  After taking a breather from this project, I now feel a lot better about it.  I am aiming to get the sleeves and lining attached, and work out some fit issues on the sleeve and back vent.  

So far I am loving the way the zippered pockets look, as well as the details of this piece.  I am just hoping those details don't do me in, lol!  

The second pattern, from the Sew Your View sewalong, is Mccalls 7873:

Since I didn't personally choose this one, I will give you my first impression.  I immediately thought it was cute, and could creatively go in so many directions.  Would I buy this?  I admit that my answer is no. This would not be on my radar unless I saw other amazing versions made from other people first.  As I began brainstorming my direction for this pattern, I decided that the top would be more practical for my wardrobe.  After searching Pinterest, I really started to fall in love with this top made in a sweater knit of some sort.  

I already have a brushed sweater knit that I purchased from Michael Levine's a few months ago.  When it arrived, I decided it wouldn't work well for what I was going to use it for.  I think it may be a contender for this pattern instead.  If not, I am also thinking of a rib knit, or another knit with texture to it--after all, I have been on a warm and cozy kick lately.  I am still not sure what to do about the stripe going diagonally down the front.  I don't know if I have a contrast fabric that would work, or if I should keep everything solid.  I guess I will work out those details once I start this pattern.

Overall, I am excited to see what I will accomplish now that I have decreased my pattern plans down a great deal!  I will check in next week to update you on how things are going!

Stay sew filled!