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!