Itch to Stitch Spirren Tank

 Hello everyone, and Happy August!

I am back today to share a top I recently tested with Itch to Stitch.  It is called the Spirren Tank, and as soon as I saw the line drawing details I knew I wanted to give it a go.  Also, with the weather hovering in the mid to high 90s I thought this would be a nice piece to pull out in the heat.

Here are the some of the details:

This is a knit tank (woo hoo) so the options are for a regular or full bust.  It is partially lined in the top front, with a curved V-neck, gathers at the shoulders, and pleats under the bust.  It is a fitted garment with fabric recommendations of cotton spandex, spandex jersey, and interlock (fabrics with 50% horizontal/vertical stretch).  I pulled out an animal print poly or rayon spandex from my stash and used it for my version:

I absolutely love how it came out!  This is a FITTED garment, with negative ease according to the size charts, and I made a size 2 blended to a 4.  Really, the only place I graded was along the bottom portion of the front and back bodice.  That is usually the place that has added width for me too.  

The details are harder to see with this print, but they are so lovely! The pleats add a gentle curve on the bust, while the gathers are slight (at least mine were).  

The neckline for the front and back pieces are applied via bindings:

The finish is very clean, and lays nicely with understitching.  I used fusible interfacing for various portions of the armholes, and front neckline per instructions.  This is not a normal practice for me, yet I liked how it came together.  

Front

Front Lining

  

Top constructed except for curved front and bottom front

Overall, I highly recommend this top! If you are an advanced beginner, and familiar with working with knits you can definitely make this one.  Keep in mind that the slinkier knits can be more finicky to work with, yet if you take your time, go slowly, and use pins/basting then you will be fine. As soon as I finished this tank, I couldn't wait to put it on, and ended up wearing it to an outing with my Bestie.  I hope to make more!

This week through August 11, 2021,  you can purchase the Spirren pattern for an additional 20% off.  You may visit here to check it out.

To check out other tester versions of this top, please see here.  There were so many great versions, and so much inspiration for a wonderful Summer staple.

I will be back to share some of my Summer sewing progress with you.  Hint, hint, it was only one item, but I will try to rebound with my Fall plans, lol!

Stay sew-filled!

Summer Sewing Plans

 Hello everyone!

Here we are in the month of JUNE, and I have been seeing so many wonderful sewing plans popping up!  I decided that now is the perfect time to create my own Summer plans, and today I wanted to share them with you!

Last month ended up being pretty intense for me.  The kids finished school, I finished teaching, and I was EXHAUSTED! Whew! After celebrating my husband's 40th birthday in Hilton Head with family, I knew I needed to take a small break.  Here is a pic from our trip:

So, over the next two weeks following our return I began to bring some more intentional order to our home.  It is amazing what gets neglected while trying to keep other things in motion!!  One of these tasks was tackling my closet, and sorting through things I wanted to keep, donate, or throw out.  After I finished this, I realized my Summer wardrobe was pretty sparse.  What on earth did I wear last year?  Oh yeah...lockdown...lounge wear.  

Since I don't recall buying or making many things last year, I need to replenish A LOT.  My approach for Summer Sewing is to sew what I can until August 1st.  At that time I will turn my attention to preparing for the next school year of teaching.  For now, I came up with quite a few plans that I would like to see come to fruition:

From the left to right, top to bottom:

1. S8890: This jacket from Mimi G is one I keep forgetting about during the warmer months.  I think it would also transition well into Fall, and I am thinking of using a cotton twill for this version.

2. S8883: This is an inspiration top.  I saw a similar top on Pinterest, and fell in love with it!  I love the ruffles at the sleeve, though I may have to edit the one in the princess seams.  I have chosen a striped cotton for this one.

3. Ottobre top with lettuce edge sleeves: I like this variation with the lettuce edge.  I believe it is a rib knit used.  I have both black and red in my stash.  I am leaning toward the red.

4. Ottobre top with square neckline/gathered waist: I had this top on my Spring Break sewing list, and changed it out last minute.  I still want to make it in a purple mystery woven.

5. ITS Nittany top: I missed out on the chance to test this top, but adore it so much! I am excited to try this, and already have the pattern cut out.  I am not sure what fabric I will use, but will check my stash.

6. NL 6963: This is a pattern I have had for years! I think it is OOP.  I plan on making this one in a blue shirting, perhaps also in a striped cotton.

I also pulled out my pattern stash and began digging around for shorts patterns.  I will definitely adjust the length for all the versions I have chosen so that they are more comfortable for me.  I am thinking more of a Bermuda short, or a hem that falls just above the knee.

Here are my choices:

From left to right, top to bottom:

1. Ottobre 2/2017: Imagine my surprise when I found these in an old issue of Ottobre Woman!  I don't ever recall seeing them, but they are so cute.  I like the darts in the front, and the back waistband is elastic.  

2. Burda 6/2011: These are actually a pair of pants! I like them because they seem to be a fuller, roomier style.  

3. Simplicty 1887: I have had this pattern for a while. I bought it for the pants version, but upon seeing the shorts, decided to give them a try.  I love the tie at the waist, and the back waistband is elastic for this one too.

4. Burda 6/2011: This pair of shorts is also in the Burda magazine.  It is a less structured style with a side closure.  I would love to sew this in a fabric with a bit of movement.

I have not chosen the fabrics for all of these shorts patterns yet, but plan on doing so as I get to them.

I am open to adding a few dresses as well, though I haven't fully decided on the style I want.  I think that these plans will keep me plenty busy for now.  I will be back to update you as I progress.

Stay sew filled!

Sewathon Tops Finished

 Hello everyone!

I hope you are well!

I am back today to go over all the tops I made for my Spring Break Sewathon.  After Spring break ended I headed back to work with most of them finished, except for a bit of hemming and putting in buttonholes.  I got everything done this week, as well as worked on my Burda trousers--which are nearly done!!  

Here are the final results of the four tops I made:

This is the Verna Top included in Simply Sewing magazine.  You can find my review here.  I love this top! The ties are beautiful, and I love the way they sway when you walk.  On the back slit, I originally had a hook and eye, but was having trouble with it staying put. I got such great feedback from all of you.  I tried out the different methods recommended to me, and in the end decided to create a fabric loop and sew on a matching button.  It worked out so well! Now the top stays perfectly!  Thank you all!

This top is the Aisling blouse, designed by Jennifer Lauren and one I received in my Simply Sewing magazine subscription.  You can read more information about my process here.  The square neckline is definitely a favorite for me.  I am excited about this trend this year, and plan to create a lot more tops with this feature.  I used a lightweight breathable woven, and even on a warm day I was able to stay cool.  I highly recommend this top, and think it will be equally in demand when the Fall comes too!

This top is Mccalls 8067.  I cannot believe how this came out!  I had high expectations, and I think they were met.  Also, I really think the pockets on the bust was a good choice!  My original plan was to leave them off, and I am glad I gave them a try.  You can read my review here. I ended up finding some glittery pink buttons at Hobby Lobby to finish the top.  I thought about doing neutral navy buttons, but threw caution to the wind and decided to make this top ALL FUN!  I mean, that is why we sew right?  Because we can do the spunky, funky, unique, over-the-top, or understated--whatever suits us!

My last top is the Seychelles by ITS! Let me tell you! I just love this one!  I plan on wearing it to a family getaway for my husband's upcoming 40th birthday.  You can read about my review here.  There will definitely be more Seychelles tops--both short sleeved and long.  I have broad shoulders, and you can see that the pleat detail on the sleeve still looks great.  I was so worried about this, but the soft detail withe the rayon challis fabric is really nice.

Overall, I am thankful for the time I was able to sit and SEW!  For the rest of this month I will be back to squeezing in sewing where I can, and I have at least two more projects I would love to finish this month (not counting my Burda trousers).  And speaking of the Burda trousers, here is a sneak peek of how they are looking right now:

I plan on adding a jean button, attaching button loops, and completing the hem soon.  Right now I am amazed at the design detail for these trousers.  I don't own anything like this and I am so glad I chose to take a chance on it.

I look forward to being back soon with the finished trouser results, and my plan for what is next.  I hope this week is kind to you!

Stay sew filled!

Sewathon Update #2

 Hello everyone!

Today I am ready to show you how I am progressing with my Spring Break Sewing, starting with days 3 and 4.  

On day 3 I started the day pumped because I had received my latest Simply Sewing magazine issue in the mail the day before.  I was not expecting it until a couple of weeks, so it was a surprise for me.  As I browsed through the included patterns, the Aisling blouse by Jennifer Lauren immediately caught my eye!  I loved the square neckline, and the loose "blouson" sleeves pictured in the photo on the pattern cover:

Once I saw it had bust cup sizes,  I decided that I just had to make it! I downloaded the A cup pattern front, and cut out the additional pieces from the paper pattern.  I chose a size 8 according to the finished garment measurements, and the fit was right on.  I did my usual adjustments, and sewed this in a floral print from Fine Fabrics.

I really love this soft print with the angular neckline.  I want to make a dozen more of these, LOL!  This fabric is light enough that I can wear it for a couple more weeks, but I will have to adjust the sleeve length for future versions because GA gets hot fast.

 

Here it is once I applied the sleeves on.  The bottom portion of the sleeve has an elasticated cuff that creates such a pretty effect.  You simply sew a casing, leave a small gap, insert your appropriate size elastic, and stitch the gap closed.  So lovely!

Since I made this top instead of the Ottobre one I originally planned for, I will put the Ottobre one on hold for now.  I may revisit it later this month after I finish the Burda trousers.

I finished day 3 feeling pretty good, and ended up getting a Covid vaccine that evening.  On day 4, I did not feel like myself.  My arm was sore, and my body was aching.  I pushed through the day, but took a lot of physical and mental breaks. I was determined to make the most of my time, yet it was tough.

I pulled out Mccalls 8067 and began to assemble it.  I sewed a size 12 in a striped rayon challis fabric from Denver Fabrics.  

I decided to add the bust pockets for this version.  I tend to forgo them on most of my garments, but thought they looked nice here.  Then again, maybe my decision came from my state of mind that day.  

Here is the nearly finished result:

I still have the hem left to do, and three 5/8" buttons to apply--of which I have none.  I searched my stash, but could only find smaller sizes.  I will have to make it back to Hobby Lobby or Joanns to find something appropriate.  But overall, I really like it so far!

I thought the side slit was a cute feature, and could definitely see this top as a wardrobe staple!  By the end of day 4 I was beginning to recover from the vaccine symptoms and get my bearings a bit.  

For the rest of the days I will be working on the Burda trousers.  I got a chance to trace the pattern pieces (8), apply seam allowances, and cut out my fabric.  I did some comparison to my Ginger jeans pattern, and while Burda is off in a few places, I will be taking a huge risk by moving foward without a muslin.  I hope any fit issues that arise can be solved by the seaming present on the pants.

I will be back in a couple of days to let you see the progress made on my trousers (fingers crossed).  

Stay sew filled!

Sewathon Update #1

 Hello everyone!

Today I am popping in to show you how my Sew-athon week has been going. I have been steadily sewing--not rushing through things, yet not taking too much time either.  

I love a comment left in my last blog post by Natasha.  She stated that she was taking the time to cut out/prepare multiple projects so that everything will be ready to sew after her Spring Break was over.  I think I will do this with the projects I have left over after this week so that I can dibble and dabble on them for the rest of this month. For now let's get into how my week started...

For the first day I started on the ITS Seychelles top:

I mostly wanted to start with something familiar, since most of my Spring wardrobe patterns are new-to-me.  Since I sewed the long sleeved Seychelles before, the short sleeved version made perfect sense.  I chose this silky beach fabric from my Fine Fabrics haul and got busy.  

Without a doubt, the pleated sleeve feature really makes this top shine:

To create the pleat, you take the two marked folds (from the pattern) and fold them toward the middle line.

Where the two folds meet, you baste the folds together for about 1.5."  Then press the created fold open.

Repeat this for the other side, and Voila!  You can now attach your pretty pleated sleeve!

For the second day I decided to tackle the Verna top.  I received this pattern as a part of my Simply Sewing magazine subscription.  As far as subscriptions go, I have been SUPER PLEASED by this one.  I love the content of the magazine even though this is my first go round with their pattern.

The instructions for the Verna were so lovely!  I don't recall ever seeing full color illustrations on printed paper before.  I have seen that with .pdfs, but not with paper patterns.  So, it was definitely a "Wow!" when I took this out.  The instructions were very detailed, and I loved the way it takes you line by line, even by spelling out the items you needed to prep before sewing.  I think all of these things are so beginner friendly, and lovely touches.

I used another rayon blend in a size 6 with my usual adjustments.  I lengthened 1", did a 3/8" forward shoulder adjustment, and lowered the bust point by 1/2."  The sleeve ties threw me for a loop, but turned out so beautifully.

Sew the sleeve right sides together, and stop the stitching at the marked notch.

Sew the sleeve tie right sides (RS) together, leaving an opening between the notches.  Press the seam allowance to the wrong side.  Turn the tie to the RS.

Starting at the open area of the sleeve slit, place the sleeve tie RS together onto it, and stitch.  

Press the seam allowance toward the sleeve tie.  The other end of the tie will now flip up and cover the seam allowance.  Topstitch the upper edge of the seam to secure everything.

Here is a look at the final version:

The back has the prettiest detail! It is a slit that is closed off with a hook and eye.  I sewed my first hook and eye, yet now I am probably going to change it to a thread loop and button.  The hook and eye just doesn't stay closed how I like.  Is this usually an issue?  Other than that, I love this top!

It is going to fit well into my existing wardrobe.  My only wish was that I had it finished for Easter.  It seems like the perfect bright, Spring-y, Easter-y top, lol!  

For day three I started a top that I did not originally intend to sew.  It is one that showed up as a surprise in my mailbox, and I will share details about that in my next post.  I have already finished it, yet I didn't want to overwhelm you with photos and text for today.  I have been enjoying this time to sit, snack and sew.  At the end of day three (Wednesday) I got my first Covid vaccine so hopefully I will continue to feel up to the pace of sewing I have set.  My upcoming plan is to attack the button front Mccall's top, and prep the Burda trousers if time permits.

That's all for now! I will be back in a few days to tell you about day three and four.  I hope your week is going well!

Stay sew filled!

Spring Break Sewing

 Hello everyone!

It was my hope to show you a completed Frugal Frocks dress, but I had a few challenges that caused me to push the challenge aside.  To keep it short, I couldn't work out the printer settings, and underestimated the time I had. While I didn't get a chance to finish, I am ready to move forward in my Spring sewing plans:

Starting this week, I am on SPRING BREAK with my kids!!!!!!! I cannot tell you the level of excitement I have!  I plan on diving headfirst into my Spring sewing projects in the spirit of a "Sewathon."  This is my own personal mission I have set before myself, and it is simple:  I want to sew as many items on my Spring sewing list as I possibly can.

My small goals are to work on finishing an item a day and/or prepping an item a day.  I am not sure that I have ever sewn five items in a week before, but I am willing to try.  All of these patterns are new-to-me, with a slight exception of the Itch to Stitch Seychelles top.  I made the long-sleeved version before so I am confident the short-sleeved version should fit without lots of adjustments.

Here are some additional things to note about what I have chosen:

Burda Trousers--I really would like to sew a pair of pants.  I need a pair, and I enjoy pants construction.  These caught my eye from a Burdastyle magazine in my stash from 2009(?).  They look so amazing!  But...I do not look forward to making adjustments to these, and I know I will have to.  I have NEVER sewn a pair of Burda pants before, so I am so unsure of the fit.  I will use my Ginger jeans pattern to compare where I can and hope for the best.  I am wanting to sew these in a cream cotton blend.

Ottobre Top--I love this square neckline, and am especially interesting in creating it.  I know this pattern will need to be traced and prepped before I can begin sewing, which will take some time.  

Verna Top--This will be my first time working with a Simply Sewing pattern.  It comes in UK sizes, so I am unfamiliar what fitting adjustments I will need to make.  The style is so cute, and I just love the sleeve ties!  I plan on using a rayon print for this one.

Mccalls 8067--I chose this one because I figured it would be an easy button front shirt! The version I like is collarless, and doesn't have a back yoke.  If it proves to be quick, I may also sew the version with a collar too.  I am considering a solid cotton blend for this shirt.

I will be taking photos as I sew, and will try to check in every couple of days for an update.  It should be noted that I am still caring for my children while on break, so my expectations are reasonable.  I am not keen on my household falling apart while I sit in a room and sew, lol!  In fact, while my older two are getting to the age where time with me is not as wanted, my youngest is still very much under tow. So, this is a mission I accept with all the pressures of real life as a Wife and Mom. 

Won't you come along with me and see how I do? 

Stay sew-filled!

Itch to Stitch Seychelles Top

 Hello everyone!

Today I am back with a top that I have a feeling will show up in more of my Spring wardrobe sewing!  It's the Itch to Stitch Seychelles:

I have been looking for a top like this--something I consider dressy casual, and a perfect fit for my job as a preschool teacher.  The pattern comes in two versions, long and short sleeve, with different construction techniques for each sleeve type. The long sleeve has a gathered sleeve cap portion while the short sleeve has pleats.  I chose the long sleeve because I am broad shouldered, and always a little hesitant about doing anything extra around my shoulders.  If I don't have to emphasize them, I won't, lol!  However, after I finished this version, saw other testers' short sleeved versions, and started experiencing warmer temperatures here in GA, I became convinced that I would give short sleeves a go. I think a drapier fabric like a rayon may create an effect more to my liking, and am working on one now.

The good news is that this pattern is created with broad and narrow shouldered people in mind.  The pattern description reads as follows:

"The Seychelles is a versatile top sewing pattern that can be made with structured or soft woven fabric.  With one short sleeve option and one long sleeve option, the Seychelles is perfect for transitional weather.  The combination of narrow shoulders and extra sleeve cap ease creates a balanced, pleasing look whether you have broad or narrow shoulders."

This pattern debuts today for a discounted price, and you can get more information here.

In terms of construction, I sewed a size 4 with an A cup.  I added 1 inch for length and moved the bust dart down 1/2".  The fabric is a crinkle rayon from Joann Fabric.  I found it while perusing the aisles one day, and thought it was so captivating.  I know that rayon can be a challenge to work with, but this fabric sewed beautifully, and I didn't even use a walking foot!  

My favorite feature on the blouse is the cuff with button and button loop.  I had some 1/2" buttons in my stash that had a little pizazz, and they complemented the rayon print so well.  The instructions for the creation of the button loop, and assembly of the cuff was very easy to follow.  I truly enjoy sewing ITS patterns for that reason.  

For the V-neck front, there is a well drafted facing.  If you know me at all, then let me say that I am not a fan of facings.  I just find they do not sit how I want them to.  This facing is not like that.  Once you interface and attach the facing right sides together, you stitch it and turn it to the wrong side of the top.  Kennis then has you clip to the seam line AND understitch the facing.  It lays so beautifully after these two steps.  I was so impressed!  I guess I am always impressed when something exceeds my expectations in a good way.  I am sure I will practice this method on any facings from now on.  I was already understitching, but the spacing of the clips allowed everything to lay better.  If you already do this, then you absolutely know!

Overall, this is a great wardrobe staple!  I am going to include it on my "to-sew" list in the short sleeve version.  It is a top that can be styled in so many ways, and would even look great sleeveless.  If you like a more structured look to the pleats or gathers on the sleeves you could use linen, lawn, poplin, or even sateen as an option.  Again, that is the beautiful part of sewing--you can create the look you want! For more views of some of the testers' versions, see here.

I hope to be back soon with some more Spring Sewing progress!  

Stay sew filled!

Spring Sewing Plans

 Hello everyone!

I am back and ready to share some Spring sewing plans, along with a fabric haul with you!  The weather here has been waffling back and forth from temps of the low 50s to mid 70s, but I think the time is right to start planning and executing some Spring sewing.  

In fact, I spent this past weekend fabric shopping with my best friend!  She drove in from North Carolina and we proceeded to Fine Fabrics with our masks in tow.  Once we got there we found out the entire store was 30% off due to a staff member's birthday!  We could not believe our luck!  So, we spent a good one and a half hours at the store going up and down the aisles, perusing the wares, and making our choices.  I didn't even spend $35!!!! Actually, looking back, I wish I would have gotten a few more pieces.  But...I had already ordered from Denver Fabrics so I decided to buy what I could reasonably sew, lol!

Once I got home I got the idea of pulling all my Spring/Summer fabrics and setting them aside so I can see what I want to sew each day.  I think that having them visually before me will help me to choose patterns for everything and get it sewn up.  Here is what I "think" I can reasonably sew (I may have still overestimated a bit):

As you can see, I have tried to choose a variety of colorways! I am loving tones of red, purple, blue, green, and yellow.  I will still need to get some more bottomweights at some point, yet I am happy with this to start with!  Here are a few of my favorites:

All of these fabrics are either rayon challis from Denver Fabrics, or a rayon blend from Fine Fabrics.  At Fine Fabrics, the only downside is that fabrics are not labeled.  I think there is a lot of polyester blended with what they sell, so I would have to do some further investigation (burn test, etc.) in order to have a better idea of the content.  However, I will say that everything I got from Fine was drapey and appropriate for sewing flowy Spring tops!

For the shirt, I have my eye on Mccalls 8067:

I just love View A!!! It reminds me of the Colette Aster, which I did try at one point.  However, I had so many fitting issues with that top I ended up pitching the whole garment.  I hope this pattern doesn't disappoint.  I also love View C, and see View D has the potential to lead right into Fall. 

This next fabric I picked up from Joann Fabrics, and it is something I am not usually drawn to.  But when I saw the colors and the print I just went gaga, lol!  

I am thinking of using a pattern I received FREE in one of my issues of Simply Sewing magazine:

It is called the Verna Top, and is a loose-fitting top with tie sleeves.  I may have to make a muslin first because I have never sewn from this company before and I REALLY like this fabric and don't want to chance a bad fit.

Now these two I am not sure what I will do with!  I just love animal prints, and want to use them in some way.  One is an ITY knit (on top) and the other is a double brushed poly.  I have been perusing the latest issue of Ottobre Design Woman, and have been DELIGHTED to see quite a few patterns I would love to make:

There are at least SIX (maybe seven with the shift dress) patterns that I am eager to try.  I love the basic top with flutter sleeves, the square neckline top (oh yeah), the button front with the longer back hem, the jacket, the top with side ties, and the MAXI DRESS!  I didn't care for the modeled photos, but I am lovin' all of the line drawings!!!!!!!!!!!  I am hopeful that a lot of these designs will be TNTs.

I am still working on my plan for bottoms.  I wear jeans a lot, even throughout summer.  I don't know if I want to experiment with different pant lengths and designs, or if I want to try other fabrics.  I do imagine I will sew another pair of Ginger jeans though, lol! But, I am open to other silhouettes to go with some of the things I am sewing up.

The last thing I will share with you is my interest in joining the #frugalfrocks 2021 challenge.  I have been seeing so many plans videos about this challenge, and wasn't sure if I would have the time to devote to it.  Well, I am going to give it a go!  The challenge is hosted by @frugalisama and @theyorkshiresewgirl on IG, and there are three simple rules: 

1. Sew a Dress from a free pattern

2. Choose a fabric from your stash

3. Reveal your creation on IG on March 31st and tag the appropriate hosts.

You can visit the link HERE for more information if you are interested in joining.  I really want to use the navy polka dot knit and am considering the Orla:

Whew! That's a whole lot of plans! There are days I wish I could average 3-4 garments a week just so I could finish all I want to sew in about a month and a half.  But of course that is just a wonderful dream! For now I will happily sew through all my new lovelies in hopes of uncovering more of my Spring wardrobe for 2021!

Stay sew filled!