A blog about my adventures in sewing & crafting

Monday, October 29, 2018

McCall 7122 Raglan Sleeve Top

Raglan sleeve tops have been on my mind lately.  I watched a few videos on YouTube on how to covert a T-shirt pattern to a raglan sleeve top but.............I just found a pattern I already had in my stash and went from there.

I used the McCall 7122.  This blue cotton knit version was a wearable test muslin for Girl M.  The pattern was a super easy sew and I only had to make a few minor alterations.  I shortened the sleeves 2.5" and made the bottom hem a shirt style with a curve.  



McCall 7122

Side view

Back View
This fabric had minimal stretch but she still liked the fit.

Other side view
I used a jersey knit fabric for the second version.  The fabric is so soft and has about 80% stretch.

She loves this version!
McCall 7122 Floral Raglan Sleeve Top

Back view

Side View
I have another version on the machine for her.............shhhhhh! It's a surprise!

Until next time...................

Bonnie

Friday, October 26, 2018

Girl M Evergreen Floral Leaf Print ITY Knit A-Line Dress

Just a quick sew of Girl M's TNT A-Line Family Dollar Copy dress.  I added 4" to the length and made 3/4 length sleeves with elastics.  She really likes the dress and has already worn it twice!

Evergreen /pink/ blue floral leaf print ITY Knit


The print does make taking photos a challenge.  The pictures always come out like the print is moving???

Girl M. Splat print A-Line Dress

Back view

Hard to photograph

Elastic sleeve

Neck line

With Belt
I'm off to sew something new..................

Until next time....................

Bonnie

Monday, October 22, 2018

Miscellaneous Sewing

I have this Ikea stool I use as a side table next to my recliner in the Living Room.  It's the perfect size but I always could use more room.  After thinking about it for about three+ years I've decided to make a cover for the table.

Ikea stool/table

Ikea Stool/Table

I used a black-out curtain I had laying around and made 4 sides, a top and pockets.  The pockets hold a remote, my cell phone, earbuds, and a pen.  I'm sure I'll eventually fill all the pockets.

Front view

Side view

Back view

I made another sleeveless turtleneck ITY Knit top.  I fixed the neck band piece so that it sits closer to my neck.  Nothing exciting, just a wardrobe basic.

Simplicity 7280

Friday, October 19, 2018

I WIN! Islander Sewing #232 Hangin' About Shirt

After making Boy AJ the plaid shirt I just couldn't let the pattern win.  I HAD to sew up another version.  I wonder if my fabric choice on the plaid version could have been a little part of the troubles.

I used this blue check shirting fabric for the second version and the fabric is wonderful!  It feels lovely and has minimal fray.  The fabric presses well and sews up beautifully.

I'm no quitter and I just couldn't let the pattern beat me.  The fabric of my dress form doesn't let me button up the shirt.

Islander Sewing Systems 232 Hangin out express Shirt

Back view

Yoke Close-up


Pocket

I love how this version turned out

I think Boy AJ  likes the shirt

Islander Sewing Systems 232 Hangin out express Shirt

Back View

Side view
I'm glad I won this round!  I may have to make another one since I'm on a roll.

Until next time.................

Bonnie

Monday, October 15, 2018

Fall Plaid Matching Outfits

I made the Islander Sewing Systems #232 Hangin' Out Express Shirt for Girl M.'s friend AJ again.  This version is a long sleeve (my very first!).  Matching plaids was easy but the collar and the sleeves were killing me!

I admit it took me over a week to sew up this shirt.  I started out strong, got frustrated, got mad, got even madder, started a dress for Girl M, worked on the shirt, worked on the dress for Girl M, finished the shirt, then finished Girl M's dress.

Islander Sewing Systems 232 Hangin out express Shirt 

Back view

It was nice to have a back-up project when I got frustrated and in the end I really like his shirt and think I may make another one soon so I don't forget the tricks and steps.  But I would rather sew up a simple dress than make a man's shirt with 15 pattern pieces!

Girl M's dress is a self-drafted Sure-Fit Designs dress.  I used the same yoke and pattern from the seersucker dress.  I fixed the bust dart to a DD dart moved away from the apex to 1-1/2",  added a center front pleat and squared the bottom hem.  My favorite part is the sleeve detail.  I added a piece of plaid trim to the cuff and a tab with a working button.  With only scrap pieces left from AJ's shirt it was a fun challenge to incorporate the plaid into Girl M's dress.

The dress looks like a choir robe on the hanger but is very classy when Girl M. tried it on.

Add caption

The kids were happy with their items and can't wait to wear matching outfits to school!  I think I've started something!

Until next time.......................

Bonnie

Friday, October 12, 2018

I WON!

I entered two shirts I made back in March into Islander Sewing Systems Facebook live contest and even though I didn't win the the BIG prize, I did win some fabric.  Honestly I would have spent the winnings on fabric anyways so it was a Win-Win for me!

The fabric is three beautiful pieces of ITY knit. My Favorite fabric, in my Favorite colors!  Now I have to decide what to make with them!



I'm just going to to add it to my stash until I can decide......LOL!



Thank you Janet Pray & Islander Sewing Systems!

Until next time...............

Bonnie

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Silhouette Pattern 2913 Nick & Zoe's Faux Suede Skirt

I forgot to post this skirt I sewed up.  Silhouette Pattern 2913 in a tan faux suede.  The fit is great and I adjusted to pattern so there were just the 8 solid panels.  Easy project.


Silhouette Pattern 2913 Faux Suede Skirt

Now what top to wear with the skirt.  I have many tops in my closet but they seem to be very roomy in the hip area now.  I don't always like to wear my tops tucked in but the loose hips don't look very flattering either.

DG2 Knit top a maybe

Green top too loose at waist & hips.  Never worn

Cowl Neck Knit top/ too full at hips

I recently purchased this top.  I liked the fit and most of all it didn't have a lot of brown in the animal print.  I think that this top is my best choice with this skirt.

Animal Print Wrap Knit top with peplum

Not too much brown
I'm thinking of trying to copy this top and make a version. 

Until next time.....................

Bonnie

Monday, October 8, 2018

Sure-Fit Designs Seersucker Shift Dress

I've had this blue striped seersucker fabric on my mind for a while.  I thought a simple shift style dress with a shirt tail bottom hem, sleeveless with a yoke front.

I used Girl M's body blueprint for the dress and skirt, put them together, and added just 1/2" extra ease at the hips.  I made 1/2 width darts in both the front and back and kept her usual bust dart.

I made a yoke at 8" down from the shoulder and lowered the neckline in a gentle scoop.

I used 1-1/2" bias tape made from the same fabric.  I folded the bias tape in half, stitched to the neck and armholes and turned to the inside and stitched again.  The bias tape is hidden on the inside and the finished look is very nice.
Sure-Fit Designs Seersucker Shift Dress


I notice a few things after looking at the photos a little  closer.  The bust dart needs to be a little larger and stop about an inch farther from her bust point. 


Sure-Fit Designs Seersucker Shift Dress-Side View

Sure-Fit Designs Seersucker Shift Dress-Back view


I think that Girl M will get a lot of wear out of this dress.  It's cool, comfortable and very fashionable even though she doesn't know how old seersucker fabric has been around.

She gives this dress a 10!

Until next time....................

Bonnie




Friday, October 5, 2018

Homecoming 2018

They grow up too fast!  Homecoming 2018-Junior Year:

Dress bought at Ross for $30 back in July.  Perfect!

Girl M. Homecoming 2018
Pictures were taken at our house since the river is at flood stage, all the parks and good photos spots are flooded and closed.
Sweet couple-He brought her flowers!

The dress had a beautiful flow when she walked

Our Princess

His Headache!

Homecoming 2018

Finally he's smiling
Girl M. has decided that for Halloween they are going as Marilyn Monroe and James Dean.  A 50's vibe.  Wish me luck!

Until next time.........................

Bonnie