tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43022005358384741862024-03-13T23:15:25.159-07:00Sherril's Sewing SagaCome sew with me. I promise it will be interesting, educational, and fun!Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-10610995947813329542021-08-01T16:08:00.000-07:002021-08-01T16:08:05.145-07:00<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> Hello Blog World! I promised when I stopped blogging that I would be back after I finished getting my teaching credential. That was almost 8 years ago. Well, I've been done with school for 5 1/2 years. I didn't realize teaching would take all my time and energy in a different way than being a substitute teacher did. Don't get me wrong, I love it. Well, except teaching from home during Covid. That I hated! So, starting tomorrow, I will be back in the classroom for the first post-covid school year. Sadly, covid is far from over and I fear I will be sent home to teach from my sewing room, again. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I belong to a wonderful group of sewing sisters. A few of us have blogs that we have neglected and we have challenged each other to get our blogs up and running again. So, This is officially my re-entry into the world of blogging. I suppose now I really have to also learn how to use Instagram. If you would like to join me there as well, I am Sherril.Miller.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">During this summer I didn't get to travel. If you know me, you know that I LOVE to travel. I spent 5 of the 8 weeks I had off working with contractors to gut and remodel my bathroom. It looks awesome by the way. To say my summer was a disappointment is putting it lightly. Next summer I'm going somewhere fabulous! I'd love to hear your ideas about that.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE0gpYR4shgpWqvi93k2efEqunC01gl14_WKfhtFf79zfiT-L-wxxFrxeQcgVpK85QTXyxcW5KcZjHufUB8s5Kic4UzzP4H_v0mrMEsYya2bS8jcsfwXyX35W-uWT9wV9wMATghm4YbIZ/s2048/20210609_101325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1422" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE0gpYR4shgpWqvi93k2efEqunC01gl14_WKfhtFf79zfiT-L-wxxFrxeQcgVpK85QTXyxcW5KcZjHufUB8s5Kic4UzzP4H_v0mrMEsYya2bS8jcsfwXyX35W-uWT9wV9wMATghm4YbIZ/w445-h640/20210609_101325.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BEFORE</span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xZXfOn996EQ_Yph-s3kq8pO_9_cT_eRVJ60x0TofcMr1P78XvOO1qhDtBUIEiMiqkB1NvSF1FZe2PftFdwNplaM-4dh7Utr4Z32i35VIzjS8K7ahPLKBTEXsn2LHY90CrcbO-L1qxM-c/s1728/215914790_10225664178095916_4888106612131250499_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xZXfOn996EQ_Yph-s3kq8pO_9_cT_eRVJ60x0TofcMr1P78XvOO1qhDtBUIEiMiqkB1NvSF1FZe2PftFdwNplaM-4dh7Utr4Z32i35VIzjS8K7ahPLKBTEXsn2LHY90CrcbO-L1qxM-c/w357-h640/215914790_10225664178095916_4888106612131250499_n.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">AFTER</span></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I did do some sewing. Very little sewing. I gained a TON of weight during the most stressful event of my life--teaching special ed middle school kids from my home. With my refrigerator in the next room. So, I am now sewing for this body I don't even recognize as my own. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I am a big fan of Love Notion's PDF patterns. In fact I am a pattern tester for them as well.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1xHAZGeAgdUJKryMXi7p2FbXEmzPoTmKTe36Nc6b-4prrbiWVLJqduJy63OGf2bEE8SfQMVEPmRQi7SqB9eDiQcR5z2uDt8qLxmdjoESbwhdIMUCHlyK7gmjPaQSzYKH0F4SrbeLgpPA/s280/217406208_848740709390287_767150436987644636_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1xHAZGeAgdUJKryMXi7p2FbXEmzPoTmKTe36Nc6b-4prrbiWVLJqduJy63OGf2bEE8SfQMVEPmRQi7SqB9eDiQcR5z2uDt8qLxmdjoESbwhdIMUCHlyK7gmjPaQSzYKH0F4SrbeLgpPA/w366-h640/217406208_848740709390287_767150436987644636_n.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Love Notions Sunday Romper</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf67LfBWA0ESdYpnWwzAIkG8YfNzt3iUgmpk3-TYlJwxkEp4cXFv4x6hnuIzHGn-lhz5AZlwD5hqDIyY6grdPpq_UILTL9YIGroiDUrP_kblospVFmr6eTgVbABFk0O8P4970hX9bV9S_/s764/215700995_832718210964377_830329760273700537_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="589" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf67LfBWA0ESdYpnWwzAIkG8YfNzt3iUgmpk3-TYlJwxkEp4cXFv4x6hnuIzHGn-lhz5AZlwD5hqDIyY6grdPpq_UILTL9YIGroiDUrP_kblospVFmr6eTgVbABFk0O8P4970hX9bV9S_/w494-h640/215700995_832718210964377_830329760273700537_n.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1BDvyq_ZITMAWGMmCrTnAffOS6c6kGUg1AsOVhBtWA9s30EDSZOkWXAoINnpon8EJaA3tG-N4fZDgUoZJ20WIyy5EqE8eITJqWicyITdYtKl83EOPqHSi95JQ3HazVw2LYlWWljG072F/s811/216032134_237754924625951_8045201124141317156_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="621" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1BDvyq_ZITMAWGMmCrTnAffOS6c6kGUg1AsOVhBtWA9s30EDSZOkWXAoINnpon8EJaA3tG-N4fZDgUoZJ20WIyy5EqE8eITJqWicyITdYtKl83EOPqHSi95JQ3HazVw2LYlWWljG072F/w490-h640/216032134_237754924625951_8045201124141317156_n.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP01kQ94dADsRrkhLgaz09nLJ3BwhrIvniSPDo9nhx-pDWqovFTxx0C4AWCkLbgR0vvNa6DyzTqFGE64dzGVHMtMqF-n0MaqDdbFEKMRqk1N1XOsunQbSfHYixZaksdNCoipSHqOaQyox_/s894/216554949_841837276736820_933128690019451910_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="594" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP01kQ94dADsRrkhLgaz09nLJ3BwhrIvniSPDo9nhx-pDWqovFTxx0C4AWCkLbgR0vvNa6DyzTqFGE64dzGVHMtMqF-n0MaqDdbFEKMRqk1N1XOsunQbSfHYixZaksdNCoipSHqOaQyox_/w426-h640/216554949_841837276736820_933128690019451910_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love Notions La Bella Donna Top</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecIdWmA7VDJvWpSi5Ex-ulA9oEGAstlkqUCHT2PAsMnqtO6DggJb_UlOPBJgSE01lkOITVv0KMt9mltlzR7Bgl0pcdQJJcyJSZTT7hXGG6R2xlD_a_hc-NoycV1nbhflJSZ2P7N0o6Mrz/s1175/210502255_10225627101569026_684779492291956907_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="679" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecIdWmA7VDJvWpSi5Ex-ulA9oEGAstlkqUCHT2PAsMnqtO6DggJb_UlOPBJgSE01lkOITVv0KMt9mltlzR7Bgl0pcdQJJcyJSZTT7hXGG6R2xlD_a_hc-NoycV1nbhflJSZ2P7N0o6Mrz/w370-h640/210502255_10225627101569026_684779492291956907_n.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love Notions La Bella Donna Top and the Sybil Gored Skirt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDT21NEKVXCMTynkixjXq7JASHKsG7_E_MaSvzeYQS7Mc0vpL3eaBgzaOmJtZepjfxSsDmsJvoyUCYm9g309WeDTSSXHfCN4qOuFOZgGK6mwDLO-7e8dj-IdZ26SNdQNl6-FDFDVgTKp3Z/s1711/227368121_850767665564746_981206786191408499_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="1290" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDT21NEKVXCMTynkixjXq7JASHKsG7_E_MaSvzeYQS7Mc0vpL3eaBgzaOmJtZepjfxSsDmsJvoyUCYm9g309WeDTSSXHfCN4qOuFOZgGK6mwDLO-7e8dj-IdZ26SNdQNl6-FDFDVgTKp3Z/w482-h640/227368121_850767665564746_981206786191408499_n.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpKHnnN_H7_bJcqJcw8HNuUjEX9HfJQy1J8Fh9In8vNuPiBRcElh_0pcfkPIkS_1rfT66h1UOsxcCjCRUmyLmC4Cd8v7qdkwbfopUhTiM5GU00tVHQYmhOZ-765XaFLiAAu7moHEwbxkt/s960/224773319_10225738210866689_163246020479303355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpKHnnN_H7_bJcqJcw8HNuUjEX9HfJQy1J8Fh9In8vNuPiBRcElh_0pcfkPIkS_1rfT66h1UOsxcCjCRUmyLmC4Cd8v7qdkwbfopUhTiM5GU00tVHQYmhOZ-765XaFLiAAu7moHEwbxkt/w352-h640/224773319_10225738210866689_163246020479303355_n.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lekala patterns #2109 #2097</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These patterns are made to measure. The contrast on the first top is to fix some fitting issues.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While 7 garments in 2 months sounds like a lot, for me it really isn't. Especially since most of them are easy knit tops. I go back to work tomorrow, and I will try to get a dress or two made today. Wish me luck!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p>Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-10884898784457638712014-04-07T11:16:00.001-07:002014-04-07T11:16:49.432-07:00The Winter City Dress by PatternReview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you haven't missed me too much in the last year. Some of you know that I've been working on my Master's Degree as a Educational Specialist so I can teach special ed. Well, I'm still not finished with classwork, but as a distraction I decided to pattern test PatternReview's newest pattern, the <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/65379" target="_blank">Winter Street Dress</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCE466SwWoHCMVPq6LFIPfrw55QMOjYZZJJAHBDEJ3n1TK5qJF33CZrxEzQ1w5AVJ8KgcFfYqK5PACiJ-seXxuEIUnP_Dwc9WHvE1sji0X-7j1XAb8EA4pQoYx7GDHF18WrGGqU5ez8DzS/s1600/Winter+City+Dress+Pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCE466SwWoHCMVPq6LFIPfrw55QMOjYZZJJAHBDEJ3n1TK5qJF33CZrxEzQ1w5AVJ8KgcFfYqK5PACiJ-seXxuEIUnP_Dwc9WHvE1sji0X-7j1XAb8EA4pQoYx7GDHF18WrGGqU5ez8DzS/s1600/Winter+City+Dress+Pattern.jpg" height="640" width="578" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This newest dress pattern is a fairly simple dress, yet has lots of fashionable features. These include either a long sleeve, or a 3/4 length sleeve with an adorable ruffle. It has a scooped neckline and an above the waist seam line and box pleats in the front and back. The length hits just above the knee.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglucElhMD9mYs-yTjQurqPTNcpRXnLUrORXK_gcFimzLEQHS44fzZ1puboTY7t-c_qjzCuaDZMmsugWn0IRLHRIlK054vP8KxlvB4z5uFOD8d2_8Tf56HEIDrku1auh9Lum91uV8xGP_mv/s1600/Winter+City+green+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglucElhMD9mYs-yTjQurqPTNcpRXnLUrORXK_gcFimzLEQHS44fzZ1puboTY7t-c_qjzCuaDZMmsugWn0IRLHRIlK054vP8KxlvB4z5uFOD8d2_8Tf56HEIDrku1auh9Lum91uV8xGP_mv/s1600/Winter+City+green+1.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part of this pattern is that it can be yours in the amount of time it takes to order it and then download it. Of course you still have to tape it up and sew it, but that didn't take me long either.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcL_oSGYn5t6Llz4BokYy8qN1ZyjWMlqclNJzrW-gfmIJhZz3vX40qBYf60A5cjEY5TDRGttApPvXipU8ij9j80tiD_FdYI-3mWma_vEF6EWAR0l_aTm2_0ScRV1XVWFZ6d8YAtNiyvDPQ/s1600/Winter+City+green+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcL_oSGYn5t6Llz4BokYy8qN1ZyjWMlqclNJzrW-gfmIJhZz3vX40qBYf60A5cjEY5TDRGttApPvXipU8ij9j80tiD_FdYI-3mWma_vEF6EWAR0l_aTm2_0ScRV1XVWFZ6d8YAtNiyvDPQ/s1600/Winter+City+green+2.jpg" height="640" width="530" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fabric I chose for my muslin is a jacquard knit from Fabric.com. It was sent to me on accident, and they didn't want me to return it. It's been in my stash for about 5 years. I didn't plan it, but I got the design to match pretty well at the waist seam.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF_zeVR5n_LdBoYEjtegiEwa8fGjqA3MPFekRp_orOLQvc-NrvGURZ79i_HIKu2v78ifghHgEp_3MN6HWdSn3FtinAOOJlJlyeYfEKmy2tevrb2yMCA9LoeesUU3hQL8QB_n3G_CzwRjx/s1600/Winter+City+green+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF_zeVR5n_LdBoYEjtegiEwa8fGjqA3MPFekRp_orOLQvc-NrvGURZ79i_HIKu2v78ifghHgEp_3MN6HWdSn3FtinAOOJlJlyeYfEKmy2tevrb2yMCA9LoeesUU3hQL8QB_n3G_CzwRjx/s1600/Winter+City+green+4.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the first one I made. Not knowing what size to use, I decided to just use the largest size, 4XL. The pattern has a really great size range, from XS to 4XL. I really wasn't in the mood to measure myself, but I should have. It was enormous on me. It's hard to tell in the photo, but I had to go back and sew every seam an inch larger to bring it down closer to my size. It's still too big, but I think this one is wearable.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDztoeHJNfy94L3Uz9U4EKkr68waEQ7Z_-_Zpw0-A2_-z4VDhrOps-WURZ153VQFIZ0X84hIHA5ZzbbOLFXulSCK34LylVUbVy59g6A7bqXoLfjOII4AeviWQ5XcAlt4mPWIINO0l1jPoe/s1600/Winter+City+green+neck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDztoeHJNfy94L3Uz9U4EKkr68waEQ7Z_-_Zpw0-A2_-z4VDhrOps-WURZ153VQFIZ0X84hIHA5ZzbbOLFXulSCK34LylVUbVy59g6A7bqXoLfjOII4AeviWQ5XcAlt4mPWIINO0l1jPoe/s1600/Winter+City+green+neck.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the testing phase of the pattern and before it was published, there wasn't a neck binding so I decided to wrap the edge of the neck with a contrasting fabric. It really wasn't a decision as much as something I did because I ran very short of fabric and couldn't even cut a narrow strip from what was left. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRnyBhoEAFH441mAwIsKNPPfJtJpNXyejecsZMcfYxkApm4t-348F_wrLsiWMMTGyyWU2eSrEGh-8ifBCzXiGqMvMjtyo3FcYvXQCrKsQyxUo-sQuWQuVMfjVmHlPjLIXyE-mv92Iw9RT/s1600/Winter+City+purple+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRnyBhoEAFH441mAwIsKNPPfJtJpNXyejecsZMcfYxkApm4t-348F_wrLsiWMMTGyyWU2eSrEGh-8ifBCzXiGqMvMjtyo3FcYvXQCrKsQyxUo-sQuWQuVMfjVmHlPjLIXyE-mv92Iw9RT/s1600/Winter+City+purple+4.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I got the sizing worked out, I made a second Winter City Dress. This time I picked a knit that I've had so long I can't remember buying it. I suspect it came from Michael Levine's Loft in downtown Los Angeles. It's a store where you have to dumpster dive for fabric, but it's sold for I think less than $3/pound. Unfortunately, all the great design features of this dress become lost in the print in the photograph.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my second make of this dress, I went down two sizes and think I got a much better fit all around. You may notice that the neckline is lower than other versions you've seen of this dress, but that's an alteration I did. I cut the lowest neckline (XS) on the pattern sheet. I like an open neckline, yet it is still modest enough for me to wear to work, where I teach middle school kids. I also shortened the sleeves by two inches.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH2CGnqBvTB_vKip-W2rurN68hAFWfjcVq_ScG3FULLOihb8Isvy53BLVn0A-z1bOeLn0L6xuSkfWd0o8CER2lHxYNAOlT51yO3RV6yZLRRqdjw1BH3P3CkrwqWvSBUq33SGPaWVrf8Ax/s1600/Winter+City+purple+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH2CGnqBvTB_vKip-W2rurN68hAFWfjcVq_ScG3FULLOihb8Isvy53BLVn0A-z1bOeLn0L6xuSkfWd0o8CER2lHxYNAOlT51yO3RV6yZLRRqdjw1BH3P3CkrwqWvSBUq33SGPaWVrf8Ax/s1600/Winter+City+purple+2.jpg" height="628" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another alteration I made was to do a sway back adjustment. To do this, I just cut a smaller size at the bodice waist seam at the center back and tapered back to my size at the sides. Too bad you can't see how perfectly placed the box pleats are to fit the skirt over my high hips. They really do my behind justice.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PrNU4m49u8GA5STX0RYERfK1qE45CJsue1D45eongvTV4NK-s5-az3rRWtPNpiBUJbTDo2XC8PTaQLTuUfg-NRaKbeep2dwCD_f681NzCL44IIK5FPhvCL7iqXoodQCPHVSiFtkHJUAb/s1600/Winter+City+purple+neck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PrNU4m49u8GA5STX0RYERfK1qE45CJsue1D45eongvTV4NK-s5-az3rRWtPNpiBUJbTDo2XC8PTaQLTuUfg-NRaKbeep2dwCD_f681NzCL44IIK5FPhvCL7iqXoodQCPHVSiFtkHJUAb/s1600/Winter+City+purple+neck.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time I decided to make a separate neckline binding piece. I really love the way this turned out. I am so thankful for my coverstitch machine. It helps to make this look very professional and to lay nice and flat against my chest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One last bit I want to share about this pattern is that it has you sew clear elastic into the waist seam, which I think is a really great idea, except that clear elastic hates me. No, really it does. It never behaves. I looked through my elastic stash and found some fold over elastic. I have a local source for it so I didn't mind trying it. I basted it into the seam, then serged the seam, which cut some of it off. I think even though it's cut, it will really help to keep this seam stable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so happy that I got to be one of the first to sew up the Winter City Dress. It's a great little pattern that's easy to sew and can really add some fashion into my wardrobe. I already have another one cut out and ready to stitch up. What are you waiting for?</span></div>
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This dress is currently on a blogland tour. If you haven't already checked these blogs to see their Winter City Dress, then please visit them soon.</div>
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<a href="http://sewcraftychemist.blogspot.com/2014/04/blog-tour-pattern-reviews-winter-street.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #993333;">sewcraftychemist.blogspot.com</a> 4/2/2014</div>
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<a href="http://www.detectivehoundstooth.com/pr-winter-street-dress/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #993333;">detectivehoundstooth.com</a> 4/3/2014</div>
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<a href="http://www.cleverthinking99.com/2014/04/winter-street-dress.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #993333;">cleverthinking99.com</a> 4/4/2014</div>
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<a href="http://trumbelinasews.blogspot.ca/2014/04/pattern-testing-winter-street-dress.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #993333;">trumbelinasews.blogspot.ca</a> 4/5/2014</div>
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<a href="http://danikate-designs.blogspot.com/2014/04/winter-street-dress-blog-tour.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #993333;">danikate-designs.blogspot.com</a> 4/6/2014</div>
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<a href="http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #993333;">sewingsaga.blogspot.com</a> 4/7/2014</div>
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<a href="http://sharonsews.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #993333;">sharonsews.blogspot.com</a> 4/8/2014</div>
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<a href="http://stitchininmykitchen.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #993333;">stitchinginmykitchen.blogspot.com</a> 4/9/2014</div>
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<a href="http://sewingforward.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #993333;">sewingforward.com</a> 4/10/2014</div>
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<a href="http://helloushandmades.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #993333;">helloushandmades.blogspot.co.uk</a> 4/11/2014</div>
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<a href="http://www.craftedbycarrie.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #993333;">craftedbycarrie.com</a> 4/12/2014</div>
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Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-90512644613972368872013-01-16T21:58:00.000-08:002013-01-17T07:16:36.749-08:00Sunset Over the Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/001/d/4/sunset_over_the_sea_by_evelivesey-d4l0tau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/001/d/4/sunset_over_the_sea_by_evelivesey-d4l0tau.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />I've decided that I need to make time to do some sewing for myself. After losing weight this past summer, I gave away all my cute clothes that I've made. Now that I've gained it all back, I don't have anything to wear. I have been spending time shopping at the thrift stores so I'm not completely nakky, but I'm not dressing as cute as I used to. So, as I journey through weight loss again, I need to make some things to wear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMGJVLWX2mRKMxSmSkvP3O4yA8aetlObVz2ISZay9W9VqvdC4zHeV9L1-nc4isK149e6H-12wLIZIlZDZkheTkgqrOMfog_rzQ7K0kLzFVZ9jZknvtUnKGHx-jsSSycPKhCyQjRzSYOLx/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMGJVLWX2mRKMxSmSkvP3O4yA8aetlObVz2ISZay9W9VqvdC4zHeV9L1-nc4isK149e6H-12wLIZIlZDZkheTkgqrOMfog_rzQ7K0kLzFVZ9jZknvtUnKGHx-jsSSycPKhCyQjRzSYOLx/s320/DSC_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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While searching through my fabric collection, I've found some pieces that will work together for a mini wardrobe SWAP (sewing with a plan). I'm calling it, "Sunset Over the Sea," based on the photo at the top of this blog post. My pieces will include a black and a white cardigan, three printed knit tops and two pair of pull-on pants. Each top will go with each pair of pants and the cardigans should go with everything as well.<br />
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I started with the pant fabric choices, which are eggplant and teal. It was a lot of fun shopping in my collection. I have so much fabric that I really won't need to buy more in my lifetime. Of course that would be ridiculous. However, I'm planning on shopping in San Francisco for the Patternreview meeting at the end of April, so I'm saving my money for shopping then.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9T6zdZvzUdytcGjFU4VFwUaB36GjurOO9Me6b4fenjWR33VACKJiCR8Q32cTXG8a3-xQj3xzuYTvgmdpEFMFjuZ1QFmBi0wnA-yZME5g3d35xpynn5CCwPYG6Tj0MK387pEHwWG1wHAr/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9T6zdZvzUdytcGjFU4VFwUaB36GjurOO9Me6b4fenjWR33VACKJiCR8Q32cTXG8a3-xQj3xzuYTvgmdpEFMFjuZ1QFmBi0wnA-yZME5g3d35xpynn5CCwPYG6Tj0MK387pEHwWG1wHAr/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmhswIkF6Xf2r4bZPc430SOi2Zsx3hwewXzP32yq9WCO2_8Q0Mq2pi48bX2m-fvf6zepDJtv6M5CltHZHfP6M7SWXVDCwwludY3KISPKRx6lfV1PoeiPqRkoB4OcNFCDOpOJQC-9wZH4s/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmhswIkF6Xf2r4bZPc430SOi2Zsx3hwewXzP32yq9WCO2_8Q0Mq2pi48bX2m-fvf6zepDJtv6M5CltHZHfP6M7SWXVDCwwludY3KISPKRx6lfV1PoeiPqRkoB4OcNFCDOpOJQC-9wZH4s/s320/DSC_0036.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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These three knit prints are from Michael Levine's Loft, which I've mentioned before. I always find the greatest knits there. I remember Gigi Louis saying that good knits are hard to find, so you need to get them when you see them. This probably isn't true any longer, especially for me since I love so close to Los Angeles, but I still live by that idea. </div>
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Burda 2569 is my TNT pull-on pants pattern. I've probably made it a dozen times or more. It's made for stretch fabrics, so every pair I've made from the pattern fit weather I'm up or down in my weight. I've also made pajama pants from the pattern with quilting cottons, but I add one inch at the side seams for a very comfortable fit. Unfortunately, the pattern is out of print, but you still might be able to find it on-line somewhere. The eggplant fabric I'm using for the pants is a Rayon/Poly/Lycra woven suiting fabric from JoAnn's and the teal fabric is a poly/cotton/lycra stretch twill from my local mill-end store. Both have just the right amount of stretch for my pattern. Luckily, I haven't lost this TNT pattern yet. I need a vault for all my TNT patterns. I still haven't given up hope for finding my TNT t-shirt pattern, although I have run out of places to look.</div>
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This is the pattern from my mini dress from my last blog post. I'm going to make the top with 3/4 length sleeves from the knit fabric with the colorful zigzag stripes. I think the print will be interesting with all the twist and gathers in the pattern.<br />
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I'm using this pattern with the straight hem for the knit fabric with the black background. It has a pretty large print and would benefit from a pattern with few seams. I will eliminate the center front seam and the sleeve tabs. It will be a quick and easy top to make since I've already made it once before and know it fit me large last time. Oh goodie, a pattern I won't have to enlarge.<br />
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<a href="http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server2300/41513/products/147/images/236/HP1002MetropolitanTieMeDown__79469.1300125805.880.880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server2300/41513/products/147/images/236/HP1002MetropolitanTieMeDown__79469.1300125805.880.880.jpg" width="239" /></a> </div>
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For the last knit fabric, the one with the green, teal, and purple with a white background, I'm making this hotpatterns top with the short sleeves. I've made the pattern before and really like it. The last time I made it I shortened the tie which makes it so much more wearable. This top will look good with either the black or white cardigan.<br />
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<a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/1945/1945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/1945/1945.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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Because one my tops has dolman sleeves, I decided that I needed to have one of my cardigans with dolman sleeves as well. I'm making the drape front cardigan from a black rayon/lycra jersey that has lots of drape. It's not very heavy and won't be warm, but it will help give my new wardrobe some polish. I should be able to wear this item with each of the tops.<br />
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The other cardigan I'm making will be the jacket from this pattern. It's a raglan sleeve shirt style with no closure. While knit isn't one of the suggested fabrics, I will be using the heavy white cotton lycra knit. I will be adding a FBA rotated into gathers in the raglan sleeve seam. I think the fabric will be soft enough to handle the bulk of the gathers. The knit will also make this jacket easy to fit, especially since it has a pleat in the back for more room to drape over my behind.<br />
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My plan is for these pieces to be quick and easy to make and fit without a lot of alterations. I hope they will be too big for my once spring is in full swing. Tomorrow I have a friend visiting after work, but by Friday, I should be able to get started cutting everything out. I expect to bang out a few items this weekend. I can hardly wait to have some cute, made by me, clothes to wear next week.Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-35078556780465780462013-01-04T21:28:00.002-08:002013-01-05T18:49:03.078-08:00Stuff I Didn't Blog About in 2012While I wasn't blogging in 2012, I was doing a few things that was certainly worth blogging about. I still want to share them, though. I hope you enjoy them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL36xlmhWIkVxAVMXTxi6DV9lgdq5V57rLPPME6bsABI4FNK1LPt2sG7TstoktsraR5b89-ViCXIQtGVAP8FeY89lHYNyVDlFJxyMFA75VhYVx2deQ_IcOBCvnU5v_hJGaYPBiktFiuUZ/s1600/Composite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL36xlmhWIkVxAVMXTxi6DV9lgdq5V57rLPPME6bsABI4FNK1LPt2sG7TstoktsraR5b89-ViCXIQtGVAP8FeY89lHYNyVDlFJxyMFA75VhYVx2deQ_IcOBCvnU5v_hJGaYPBiktFiuUZ/s320/Composite.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In June, the last month I blogged, Patternreview.com was having their One Pattern, Many Looks contest. I needed some new tops, so I decided to enter using the now famous Rose Top from Ottobre Woman's Magazine. This was a fun contest because it really got my creative juices flowing. I made five tops, all different. While I like them all, my favorite is the black one with the white dots and buttons around the neckline. I did wind up winning this contest. I got a $75 gift certificate for Vogue Fabrics and their swatch subscription service for a year. I haven't spent the $$ yet, but I will my friends, I will.<br />
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If you've been reading my blog much, you know that my son, Steven, is in a summer theater production every year. This year they performed Willy Wonka and I got to design, pattern draft and sew up 21 Oompa Loompa costumes. This is only a few of them that marched in the 4th of July parade. Didn't they turn out cute? Actually, I had to make two sets of the cuffs and collars because after finding the thin striped brown and white fabric (pictured) and making the cuffs and collars, I found the wider stripe which showed up so much better on stage and I wound up making them all over again. That adds up to 84 cuffs plus extras for lost pieces, 84 socks, and 42 collars. My serger certainly got a workout this summer. July was spent on this project. My son is the one in the center with the glasses, just in case you were wondering.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtTLsHGnJy8Hi7n_DaaF8jOqvUiFkmmTFieAKSdlsRFlIxbV6VgRyom4h3e2cdftCTDjShtS9WCq8tkke2deovCvx-q__bFxlmG-E75oOBZyBnRTDvFOTRHh4kgr_qrcddJTGeahOXIM5/s1600/golden+geese.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtTLsHGnJy8Hi7n_DaaF8jOqvUiFkmmTFieAKSdlsRFlIxbV6VgRyom4h3e2cdftCTDjShtS9WCq8tkke2deovCvx-q__bFxlmG-E75oOBZyBnRTDvFOTRHh4kgr_qrcddJTGeahOXIM5/s320/golden+geese.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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While rehearsing in the theater, one of the directors decided that the geese that laid the golden eggs needed something on their heads. Could I come up with something quickly? Well, of course I can! Didn't they turn out cute. Without the feather headpieces, they just looked like princesses. These two girls did a beautiful ballet scene and stole the whole show!<br />
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And because I can't help but brag, Steven not only played the part of an Oompa Looma, he was also cast as Pheneous Trout, the TV Reporter that interviewed all the children that won a golden ticket. He did a great job on this production. I'm so proud of him. This year's play will be <i>A Spoonful of Supercalifragelisticexpialidocious, </i>which is a Disney review of songs from the Sherman Brothers and will feature scenes from many Disney productions <i>. </i>They have asked me to be in charge of costumes this year, but I have declined. I don't need anything else added to my plate right now. I will probably participate in making costumes again, as well as being the back stage seamstress during performances, in case of wardrobe malfunctions. Auditions happen in a couple of weeks. I hope Steven gets another great part.<br />
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That covers June and July, but my biggest project to date is what I did in August. But first, let me take you back to <a href="http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com/2011/10/whats-up-next.html" target="_blank">The Ninja Girl costume of 2011</a>. I swore I was just going to say no to any more projects like this. I'm a selfish sewist, which I freely admit. I hate it when something else takes away from my sewing for me time.<br />
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Then I got asked to sew the mascot for the school I sub at--for no pay. I really, really, really, really want them to hire me full-time after I get my credential. There is going to be a retirement and an open position and everything! So for the price of brownie points, I made this fursuit with a mascot head. It was made for someone about 75 pounds lighter than me, but I still think you get the idea from this photo of me in the costume.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrYXc-VFJ9_HeYVJW8VJUN_I-ER7TejHjUQOWyANthtcoWFjG1lEOiwaiPJ3JeAPxZKWLQ2IS7_pofPPyJN_-NIfraoK4M50KUfXLNcv07sKms4bynTNQk5Jbf12TBVjhG-sfk3ZZez5U/s1600/panther+head+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrYXc-VFJ9_HeYVJW8VJUN_I-ER7TejHjUQOWyANthtcoWFjG1lEOiwaiPJ3JeAPxZKWLQ2IS7_pofPPyJN_-NIfraoK4M50KUfXLNcv07sKms4bynTNQk5Jbf12TBVjhG-sfk3ZZez5U/s320/panther+head+1.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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I have never made anything like a fursuit head before. I don't know how we ever learned how to do anything before the invention of youtube. I watches a lot of videos, bought the supplies (they paid for those), and went to work. What I learned is that I have a really good sense of three dimensional objects. I think it comes from having a 3-D body that I have to fit when I sew. You can see that the first picture of the foam frame doesn't quite look like a panther yet. After making some changes, the second picture is very close to looking like I needed it to. The feet with the toes were super cute with fur and claws added.<br />
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I don't think it turned out half bad, especially not knowing what I was doing. I love the nose and teeth. I made them out of fimo and the whiskers are made from weed whacker cord. The eyes are made from buckram colored with sharpie markers and then rinsed to lighten the color and remove the odor. Also, I shaped the irises around an egg and let it dry into a round shape to give them the appearance of a real eye. You can really see through them too.</div>
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To complete the look, I made gloves with leather pads and claws glued to the ends of the fingers. Everyone loved it. It was a very big hit. I just hope I get the brownie points and they hire me. Keep your fingers crossed because I really, really, really, really want that job.</div>
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September through December was taken up with applying for and getting into Grad school and I began my classes. However, I took the time in November to enter one more Patternreview.com contest. I have become a dedicated thrift store shopper, so the Refashion Contest was perfect for me.</div>
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I found this ugly monk-like dress at the thrift store for under $4 and turned it into a really cute sweater dress. I love the way it turned out and wear it often. I didn't win this contest, but I did get 4th place. The prize was a good one too, so I'm sorry I didn't win. It was the Thread's Magazine Archive on DVD. Now I guess I'll have to buy it myself.</div>
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So there you have it, what I did with the second half of 2012. I didn't want you all to think I was a slacker.</div>
Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-68616780380663374392013-01-02T22:24:00.000-08:002013-01-02T22:32:58.624-08:00The Second Miracle of 2013The first miracle of 2013 was that I blogged. Technically my last blog was at 10:30 New Year's Eve, but for most of you it was already 2013. I got so many nice comments on that blog post that I wanted to blog again right away. Thank you for all your nice words of encouragement. It means so much to me. The second miracle is that I sewed something. Something wearable, in fact.<br />
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This is <a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/1716/1716.jpg" target="_blank">Simplicity 1716</a>, which is described as a mini-dress, tunic and top. And mini it is! I shortened it two inches at the waist and gave it a two inch hem. It hits me at an awkward length. It's too short for a dress and too long for a tunic. I think it might work with leggings, but all I could find were tights. Don't worry though, I won't be going out in public with this in tights. It looks longer in the picture than it does in my mirror. I didn't get any pictures of it, but this looks really good with a brown cardi. The fabric is a soft poly lycra jersey that I got from Michael Levine's Loft for $2/pound. I love that store so if you are ever in the Los Angeles area, call me. We'll go shopping!<br />
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I was drawn to this pattern because of the interesting drape in the front. It's sort of a play on a twist top, but much more modest. I don't want to flash the middle-school boys, so I try to always cover myself up. I hope you can see the interesting neckline in this picture. I know the fabric print is quite busy, but click on the photo and it should magnify for you. The pattern cover photo shows a more rounded shape but they have those tucked in pieces arranged a bit differently than I do.<br />
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I made my tunic on my newest sewing machine. I've actually purchased two sewing machines since I last blogged regularly. However, I also sold one of my Singer 500a machines so the other one didn't count. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. This Bernina 930 Record machine was found in a thrift store. A long, long time ago I was without a sewing machine and my sister wasn't using her Bernina 930, so I talked her into letting me use it. After nearly two years, she wanted it back. Because of that, I knew exactly what this machine was when I saw the box on the shelf. I opened it up and was disappointed to see that it didn't have the accessories box or the extension table. The knee lift was the only thing in the box besides the machine, foot pedal, and cord. For the last week I stalked the employees at the store bugging them to find the parts for me. No luck. I didn't buy it the day I found it, but went back for it the next day after thinking about it all night. Good thing too because they were having a 30% off sale the next day. I'm not sure why it didn't get snatched up sooner.<br />
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I searched through my own stash of feet and found that I still had the buttonhole foot and the zipper foot from my Bernina 1230 that I no longer own. They fit perfectly. The machine was also missing the bobbin case, but I had an extra one of those too. It's a great machine, but to be honest, I like sewing on my Rocketeer better. Mostly because I can control the pressure foot pressure, so I'm debating with myself about selling this one. Even with the missing parts, I think I can ask five or six hundred dollars for it.<br />
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Here's a nice picture of a few of my other machines. I shared pictures of these before except for the red one in the bottom corner. It is my other newest machine. This one is a Viking 6570 and is a contemporary of the Bernina 930, but it came reconditioned and with all its parts. And it's RED! If you know anyone looking for a Bernina 930, let me know.Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-2840741822614133082012-12-31T22:09:00.000-08:002012-12-31T23:09:21.100-08:00Happy New Year!Happy New Year to you all. I have had quite the year in 2012. While I did quit blogging for awhile, I didn't stop thinking about blogging. However, there were lots of changes in my life. My son turned 18 and graduated from high school. Most of you know that he is a person with special needs, but has outgrown or developed ways to cope with most of his issues. I'm so proud of him! While he started college, I decided that it was time I went back to college as well.<br />
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I have been working as a substitute middle school teacher for the last 16 years, and now it's my time to get my credential. To that end, I started the Educational Specialist Mild Moderate Credential Program at University of LaVerne. I took three classes and tried to work one or two days a week. In a Master's program, three classes is beyond full-time. However, I really enjoyed being back at school and got two As and one A-. I'm not sure why I got the A- so I'm going to be asking about that when school opens back up next week. I know, I really should just let it go, but I worked my butt off and didn't think I lost any points. Anyway, I'm taking three classes again in the Spring semester and will try to work one or two days a week again. I'm so grateful that my husband feels that education is important enough to reduce my income for me to go to school full-time.<br />
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While all my sewing friends seem to be losing weight, I gained everything I lost early last year all back again. I wish I knew how to handle stress better. I wish my body handled carbs better too. However, I'm going to be working on finding a balance in my life where I can work, go to school, sew, exercise, and cook. Now if only my son would learn how to drive, that would take one thing off my plate. He has gotten very familiar with the bus schedule, so at least I can decline driving him if I need to.<br />
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In the next couple of weeks I am going to have to take a skills proficiency exam which is HUGE and I'm afraid of it. I am going to be cramming for this test a few hours each day, but I think I can squeeze in a couple of hours each day to sew as well. I got one garment cut out and I have some things already cut out. With that ugly task done, I should be able to have some sewing to share with you all this month. I'm hoping to blog 6-8 times a month. So I hope you come and visit me often.<br />
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This tunic is first on my list to sew. I cut it out in a brown and cream giant paisley print. I'm hoping it will camouflage my belly until I can get it back under control. I'm making the knot front with 3/4 sleeve length and mid thigh length. I plan to wear it with boots and leggings. My legs are my best feature on my body so I don't mind showing them off. I'm over the, "am I too young for this style?" way of thinking.<br />
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I'll be back just as soon as I get this tunic sewn and photographed. Meanwhile, I'm hoping that all of you visit me this year and come back often, and that your 2013 is your best year yet. Happy New Year to You!Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-27502459566305939502012-06-15T19:58:00.001-07:002012-12-31T22:10:06.167-08:00Struggling to BlogSherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-89178354644287661032012-05-06T23:31:00.000-07:002012-05-06T23:31:04.240-07:00Weekend SewingI'm dead tired and need to get to bed, but I just wanted to share what I got done this weekend. I know I was going to start on my dress, but I just had my bathroom painted 3 weeks ago and bought fabric for the window 2 weeks ago, so I decided to make them first.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sewnblog.com/" target="_blank">Elizabeth Larsen</a> came to Los Angeles during her Man Forgetting Tour of 2012 and I jumped on the opportunity to show her around. While in the Los Angeles garment district, I picked up this great paisley print at Michael Levine's hoping that the colors would work in my bathroom. Lucky for me they do. <br />
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I couldn't go to bed on Saturday until the curtains were hung. Then this morning I started Simplicity 2174. It's an amazing fit pattern, and has lots of opportunities to get the fit right. Obviously on my first try I didn't quite get it right. I cut this pattern out about a month ago and did a bunch of alterations based on a muslin of the bodice. In the fashion fabric, I had a fit that was too big. After several alterations and an almost altercation with the husband--he was wielding the pins--I think the fit looks pretty good now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2QXdwhHMGAQDYdHfrnYuHnhl8u_S937Ijfo5pzySa53d66XQNi9tiTAcmtElGzvAWR-P9npAP9DzRWPDDT68kPA51OI62-FKQozXC11PWi-0ObG3dWILLDDV20t7yxcfB8a4wcssmQaG/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2QXdwhHMGAQDYdHfrnYuHnhl8u_S937Ijfo5pzySa53d66XQNi9tiTAcmtElGzvAWR-P9npAP9DzRWPDDT68kPA51OI62-FKQozXC11PWi-0ObG3dWILLDDV20t7yxcfB8a4wcssmQaG/s320/IMG_0079.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I don't look very lovely and the dress has lots more to go, like a hem, for instance, until it is completed. But it's starting to take shape.<br />
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I also basted together S2615 to see if it was going to be too big and would have to go to my sister. Nope, it looks like it's going to fit. Keep in mind this is just muslin fabric and may or may not be worn outside the house. Since there isn't much style to this dress, I think the fabric is what is going to make it or break it. I think I know just what it needs from the stash. I'll share tomorrow what I've decided upon.<br />
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There you go, my weekend of sewing. Looks like I'm going to be working most days this week, but I hope to get the first dress completed so I can get on to the next project.<br />
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<br />Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-14899275712724896212012-05-05T16:12:00.000-07:002012-05-05T16:12:06.754-07:00New York CityI've been missing in action lately. I quit sewing for myself for about 3 months. But rest assured, I've been been doing some sewing. Costume sewing that is. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-VlN9kHEkFi7yM2818r-Q9XgQsis46FYE70n1ldC5ZySP7vJiq387R_7ShKKR68oWZz1c5-kEgPiIHKup8lWtVxhb2OVEri-KeeMFVdiu93JdtTCT3ymxUYOpjmMKVO0o7WeKguXSYUo/s1600/Chip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-VlN9kHEkFi7yM2818r-Q9XgQsis46FYE70n1ldC5ZySP7vJiq387R_7ShKKR68oWZz1c5-kEgPiIHKup8lWtVxhb2OVEri-KeeMFVdiu93JdtTCT3ymxUYOpjmMKVO0o7WeKguXSYUo/s320/Chip.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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I made the Chip costume for my middle school's production of Beauty and the Beast. I think it turned out fantastic if I do say so myself. I also made the costumes for salt and pepper, but don't have any good photos of those costumes.</div>
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Why haven't I been sewing for myself, you ask? Because I'm back on my low carb eating plan and losing weight. Since the beginning of February when I started, I'm down about 25 pounds and down a couple of sizes. I've given away all the stuff I made in January, except that olive jacket. I love that jacket and it's ok for it to be a bit large.</div>
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Now, about New York. Patternreview.com is having their annual meeting in just a couple of weeks and I have nothing to wear! Really, unless I've picked it up in a thrift store, I have no clothes. In order to have something to wear that weekend, I must get back to the sewing machine. </div>
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I've decided to do lots of cutting out and then do the sewing. I have three tops and three dresses all cut out and now my sewing room is all cleaned up and I will get the sewing done. Up first will be Simplicity 2174, which is from their Amazing Fit collection with bust cup sizing. If this dress turns out well, I plan to wear it to the Simplicity tour. Some of the reviews of this dress make it look really dumpy but I'm hoping that mine turns out better, especially since I'm making it with a very pretty rayon that I bought in Chicago at the PR meeting last year. The drape of the rayon hopefully will keep it from looking like a hospital gown. I like the sweatheart neckline and I've shortened the sleeves to more of a cap than cut right at the bust line.</div>
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I'll be posting my progress as I stitch through this pile and I hope I get something wearable out from it. I'm struggling to decide what size to make at this point. </div>Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-87404871059695329432012-01-15T11:01:00.000-08:002012-01-15T11:09:13.189-08:00TNT T-Shirt - Version 2I really like my new TNT t-shirt pattern. It will work out just as nicely as a basis for a miriad of t-shirt redrafts as my lost TNT pattern. For my first redrafted version, I only changed the neckline. Pam Erny from <a href="http://off-the-cuff-style.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Off-The-Cuff</a> wrote a tutorial for a <a href="http://off-the-cuff-style.blogspot.com/2011/11/tutorial-spiral-cowl-collar.html" target="_blank">Spiral Cowl Collar</a> and Liana from <a href="http://sewintriguing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sew Intriguing</a> wrote a tutorial for a <a href="http://sewintriguing.blogspot.com/2007/05/twisted-binding.html" target="_blank">Twisted Binding</a>. I made my new top with a binding width something in between these two.<br />
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I cut my collar 6" wide and the length of the neckline on the pattern. Then without measuring, I just shifted the center back seam of the collar about 2" and basted the collar in half. This left the collar twisted in the same manner as shown in Pam and Liana's tutorial. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXVKZyLG014ACjXUBoL0sHRdTMV_nZam1k482BCIMerjJQ3ru5j1PR4ztqcBo6cgOXwGd7ojwrDi_uMIzipXtP8eByta3uDLr99rp2jwzDgOFeka1koKx6Hl-qEmqVyFt_K08r8TsOd80/s1600/neckline+swirl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXVKZyLG014ACjXUBoL0sHRdTMV_nZam1k482BCIMerjJQ3ru5j1PR4ztqcBo6cgOXwGd7ojwrDi_uMIzipXtP8eByta3uDLr99rp2jwzDgOFeka1koKx6Hl-qEmqVyFt_K08r8TsOd80/s320/neckline+swirl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm not really happy with the way mine turned out. It doesn't drape like Pam's does and it makes the neckline much too high to look flattering on me. This might be a result of the slinky fabric I used. This fabric hangs quite heavy and drags the top down. In fact, it doesn't fit nearly as nicely as the other two t-shirts I've made from this pattern.<br />
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While this top wasn't in my original wardrobe plan, the fabric does match and will be a nice addition to the pieces I was already making. I should be able to get the pants cut out today and probably sewn up as well. I will be watching/listening to Season 5 and 6 of Bones while I work today. I've already seen these episodes so I won't have to pay too much attention, but I really love this show and the relationship the main characters have with each other. What do you watch/listen to while you sew?Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-77470803891104157402012-01-13T22:48:00.000-08:002012-01-13T22:48:53.911-08:00My New Favorite Attachment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhr1w6nZF1O-NMUpS26hloSUTFQ-jj4WcqJxpKOzrJAZNKRXNZ1SpgVAX4Grs4XTYgbhQUD_KzuYkoGh6o_yASDj45lU4QcRgWfcHGrlGyC54ff61I7Gr1dSa-Uwdnl032IKlWNYhcZBa/s1600/jetson+buttonholer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhr1w6nZF1O-NMUpS26hloSUTFQ-jj4WcqJxpKOzrJAZNKRXNZ1SpgVAX4Grs4XTYgbhQUD_KzuYkoGh6o_yASDj45lU4QcRgWfcHGrlGyC54ff61I7Gr1dSa-Uwdnl032IKlWNYhcZBa/s320/jetson+buttonholer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a hint. It comes in this beautiful space age Judy Jetson pink box. I get such a kick out of the box alone. This box came with my first Singer 500a, AKA The Rocketeer. <a href="http://www.donnahodgson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thanks Donna!</a> Inside is the Singer Buttonholer and it makes the most beautiful buttonholes on the planet! And I've owned TOL Berninas forever and thought that they made the best buttonholes, until now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseVCF5l-QtOIxunLS75fGxZn-Pzqp_25JXhtVGHYNNO83DNOWIa_PgLbStKW3tKXHUxvCeJVT6nCJgTzA1a8aAc0EGCvnJJEF0nyihoq28q5aJtIBrQAZQQQ9Wu_-4fJj4RihUgRW2jzV/s1600/buttonholer+buttonhole.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseVCF5l-QtOIxunLS75fGxZn-Pzqp_25JXhtVGHYNNO83DNOWIa_PgLbStKW3tKXHUxvCeJVT6nCJgTzA1a8aAc0EGCvnJJEF0nyihoq28q5aJtIBrQAZQQQ9Wu_-4fJj4RihUgRW2jzV/s320/buttonholer+buttonhole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wasn't quite sure how to use the buttonholer, but I remembered that I saw a video that Brian Remlinger from <a href="http://www.briansews.com/2009/09/what-about-buttonholers.html" target="_blank">BrianSews</a> put together about buttonholers. It was very helpful to understand the finer points on how to use this attachment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAhUA2KRlNf4aNp4PwbCfQfNcIWlZ9NE5gVGicV1752repMTt31epSFPsoayIwAUXDUpA8_GqLxI2YdZK5XO7x-Hx0KH1xWF0surHv7p8oq4L11akooCUGxTSVpHGOAQZVJgZKEsWcHWJ/s1600/green+buttonhole+done.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAhUA2KRlNf4aNp4PwbCfQfNcIWlZ9NE5gVGicV1752repMTt31epSFPsoayIwAUXDUpA8_GqLxI2YdZK5XO7x-Hx0KH1xWF0surHv7p8oq4L11akooCUGxTSVpHGOAQZVJgZKEsWcHWJ/s320/green+buttonhole+done.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure I would have known to make a second pass around the buttonhole with the attachment to get a very nicely filled in satin stitch without watching his video. This buttonhole was made with just regular Gutermann sewing thread. Doesn't it look nice?<br />
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And by the way, if you don't already have one of these buttonhole chisels, you MUST go get one for yourself. Nothing cuts open a buttonhole better and more accurately. I never have any fear of cutting my threads when I use this. I've had it for about 22 years and it is still super sharp so you have to be very careful with it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJHWYfWkG0tYuQm3omwryPaGX89b7v6sQXRs7lkaZVX2U1C9l14vBA6hNZ0Ql_9vKeIbgHUiw622uVtzvKpT7NpDiNSMHDFyiqRDvKNK-eEn1JSSSbEcAuXrhzxxiyEXa5f6PKRfAaoW7/s1600/M5191+front+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJHWYfWkG0tYuQm3omwryPaGX89b7v6sQXRs7lkaZVX2U1C9l14vBA6hNZ0Ql_9vKeIbgHUiw622uVtzvKpT7NpDiNSMHDFyiqRDvKNK-eEn1JSSSbEcAuXrhzxxiyEXa5f6PKRfAaoW7/s320/M5191+front+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My husband is very entertaining. You can always tell when he takes my picture because, first it's always taken from an angle well above my height--he's 13" taller than I am, second is that I'm usually cracking up and not ready to be photographed. Anyway, didn't this jacket that I almost gave up on come out nice? Everything I used came from the stash including the clashing, I mean contrasting buttons and the thread that didn't match. I'm determined not to buy much of anything for sewing until the Patternreview.com New York City get-together this May. That means I need to stay away from the downtown garment district. That place is dangerous for my pocketbook and stash storage space.<br />
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This jacket is very lightweight and won't keep me warm, however, it will help to add a more polished look to my new wardrobe. I had forgotton how much I like this pattern. Does anyone else see a potential blouse pattern from this? Remove the flaps, change the armhole and sleeves, square off the hemline and make a pointed collar, keep or remove the yoke. . . . I see pattern drafting in my future.Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-5235619096041512282012-01-12T23:59:00.000-08:002012-01-12T23:59:28.701-08:00Sneak Peek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4oSfka2dxN8a13YE72JiXlckaD8tnlpnP7UIXAhDfsw4bIqxNOUY-0i3n8evAvVHsDMAVCnuuW0cFfUkPSIz-DR9pwNU8JvwxF6Nk_Vl8ATP_mAeUS2rVljDWMCamkYzYbqCJAnY15T8/s1600/M5191+form+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4oSfka2dxN8a13YE72JiXlckaD8tnlpnP7UIXAhDfsw4bIqxNOUY-0i3n8evAvVHsDMAVCnuuW0cFfUkPSIz-DR9pwNU8JvwxF6Nk_Vl8ATP_mAeUS2rVljDWMCamkYzYbqCJAnY15T8/s320/M5191+form+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before I call it quits for the night I thought I 'd share with you
what I did today. This is M5191 in a lightweight embroidered suede cloth
from JoAnn's. It's 100% poly and shreds and creates static like crazy. My Rocketeer didn't want to sew over the embroidery thread (neither did my serger) so I put on the walking foot and didn't have any more problems. I
almost gave up on this project but decided to stick it out for the 2.5
yards of fabric I now get to count towards my goal of 25 yards sewn up
this month. It was very time consuming (13 pattern pieces!) but I'm glad I stuck with it. I
like the finished product and it will get some wear. <br />
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I have to figure out how to make buttonholes on one of my vintage machines. My Bernina with the fantastic buttonholes doesn't work at the moment. I think I'll pull out the Judy Jetson Buttonholer tomorrow when I get home from work and practice using it. I've never used one before, so this should be interesting.Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-79429861974736647942012-01-10T19:27:00.000-08:002012-01-10T20:35:25.332-08:00Olive Wardrobe ProgressJust when I was in my deepest sleep this morning, I got a call asking me if I wanted to work today. The call came in 10 minutes before start time. One of the teachers couldn't figure out how to work the sub-finder system so I was personally called. I got up, took a shower, dried my hair, took my son to school, and got there in under an hour. Amazing! All this is to say why I only got this one t-shirt done today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnj-h0_lJjP8JMITdmxTSuejEOzEzcf92CkmQkm670-iNac_esm1X-rEfUO-gR7xVV4VGpZGJTQ7M_rAV-VJ47WAZWVHADwSq3U4R65MX_kQnFF8S2SvdTddPxgoIUBQ6c71czTGLaODI/s1600/Olive+TNT+t-shirt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnj-h0_lJjP8JMITdmxTSuejEOzEzcf92CkmQkm670-iNac_esm1X-rEfUO-gR7xVV4VGpZGJTQ7M_rAV-VJ47WAZWVHADwSq3U4R65MX_kQnFF8S2SvdTddPxgoIUBQ6c71czTGLaODI/s320/Olive+TNT+t-shirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure I like the one giant paisley sitting right in the middle of my body, but whatever. This is one of the fabrics that started talking to me after I decided on my wardrobe fabrics. The colors will work well with the other garments and now I have another 1.5 yards off my shelves. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sgD6rj2_hAu7JJHBt5i-8GmAFEayhFX_lEMypnpMS-6fFapth1Dyga2GzQj9zTWrIUZKm_YxBK5z7RZpfQLjJjBPeccBX61vnd9JQIL-AYkLZ19hSPC1CP87v4X92xbp5ubqP7llB-sd/s1600/Olive+TNT+t-shirt+back.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sgD6rj2_hAu7JJHBt5i-8GmAFEayhFX_lEMypnpMS-6fFapth1Dyga2GzQj9zTWrIUZKm_YxBK5z7RZpfQLjJjBPeccBX61vnd9JQIL-AYkLZ19hSPC1CP87v4X92xbp5ubqP7llB-sd/s320/Olive+TNT+t-shirt+back.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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This is the <a href="http://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2007_2/sivut/4.jpg" target="_blank">Ottobre 3/4-length sleeve t-shirt</a> which is my new TNT t-shirt pattern. I've had this fabric forever. I probably got it when everyone was buying <a href="http://www.emmaonesock.com/guides/buttermilk.asp" target="_blank">buttermilk fabrics</a> from Emma One-Sock and I bought some too. I made a top from part of it way back then and this is the left-overs. There was barely enough to squeeze this top from the fabric. I couldn't even make a neckband, which is why I just turned under the fabric at the neckline and topstitched it with my coverstitch machine. I was thrilled there was enough fabric to make the 3/4 length sleeve. Since buttermilk is only a cool weather fabric, you might as well have the cool weather sleeves to go with it.<br />
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Tomorrow I'm going to get another t-shirt done and I hope to get started on the jeans jacket, which I was supposed to start today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtq8ofA0uPYcis1TwfgvNuX0d6UFZNUbaGVXtjbSPRbVn3Lz-xc4K70jEj35JJXvxpM9I_-dzf3WWBwb-M5WJTsVilEi7TvjYGhhjcHLlqjW3CPTZkyZI45A9xJiz0RL7B_X9FeU_VP8P/s1600/Little+Girl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtq8ofA0uPYcis1TwfgvNuX0d6UFZNUbaGVXtjbSPRbVn3Lz-xc4K70jEj35JJXvxpM9I_-dzf3WWBwb-M5WJTsVilEi7TvjYGhhjcHLlqjW3CPTZkyZI45A9xJiz0RL7B_X9FeU_VP8P/s320/Little+Girl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I haven't posted the gratuitous cat photo in awhile, so here is my little princess named Little Girl sitting on the ottoman with one of the pillows I made to match. I'm looking forward to the spring when we can shave her again. She looks adorable with a lion's haircut.<br />
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Thank you everyone who commented on my Lissette top. I wasn't saying I didn't like the top, I am just picky about fit and mentioned some fit issues that I saw. I agree that it fits better than RTW and I will certainly make it again, fixing some minor fit issues, <i>because I can!</i>Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-51570051129273741772012-01-09T20:24:00.001-08:002012-01-09T21:38:33.167-08:00First Garment of the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was a day off for me because it's parent conference week and
teachers aren't allowed to be out. That means no one needs a sub
teacher. I'll probably be getting the whole week off which is great because I can
sew up all the projects I've got cut out. Up first was <a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/2211/2211.jpg" target="_blank">Simplicity 2211</a>. I had planned on making this pattern
from the striped fabric, but then I remembered what happens to stripes
when you have a really big dart. <br />
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While I'm not thrilled with the fit and I can see some alterations that need to be made, I still really like this top. It's loose fitting, and fairly comfortable and will be something to wear while I work on losing weight, because, Dang I need to lose weight.<br />
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The alterations I made was to add a 1" FBA, shorten it at the waist 2" and add some width to the side seam. I also gave it a shaped center back seam, removing 1-1/2" and center back at waist level.<br />
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After seeing the photos, I see that I should have also done a sloping shoulder alteration, cut it smaller through the shoulders and shortened the sleeve cap, and taken a tuck from the neckline because it doesn't lay flat. I think the sleeves could have been longer and maybe a tiny bit added for more bicep fullness. A rounded back alteration could have helped as well. <br />
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Tomorrow I will be working on two t-shirts I cut out of some olive matching fabrics that I discovered in my stash after I posted about my wardrobe plan. Since I'm sewing to use up stash, I went ahead and cut them out of my new TNT t-shirt pattern. After that, I'll be sewing up the jeans jacket. Having the week off is going to be fun!<br />
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<u><b>BLOG COMMENTS</b></u><br />
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I got some very interesting blog comments on my sewing room post. It was nice to hear that you don't see a cluttered room, but a functional one. It is very functional for me, and yes, the two machine cabinets that sit side by side both have Singer Rocketeer 500a's in them. They are the ones I want to keep. I really liked the comment from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/06494730619850791609" rel="nofollow">Rebecca Clayton</a> who said, "As long as a work room is functional, with adequate workspace and
organized materials and tools, it shouldn't be compared to interior
design photos of rooms where no one really lives or works." Interesting that I think I might just be comparing my room to a room that might be found in interior design photos. I know that I don't want to put curtains up around my stash. I love, love, love to look at my fabrics all the time. I sit and daydream about what can be made from individual pieces and just enjoy the explosion of colors. I think I'm going to concentrate on cleaning out the rest of my house and then see if I need to do any ditching of things in here.Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-76676253988042328852012-01-08T02:02:00.000-08:002012-01-08T02:04:50.252-08:00The Daily Ditch - A Borrowed IdeaSince I didn't get any sewing done this week (cutting yes, sewing, no), I thought I'd share with you my new obsession. Peter from <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Male Pattern Boldness</a> has instituted the <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/2011/09/mpb-exclusive-daily-ditch.html" target="_blank">Daily Ditch</a> as his New Year's resolution. I think it's a brilliant idea and have decided to incorporate it into my life as well. I may not ditch something every day, but I think I can work on getting rid of many things throughout the week. Some things will be donated, and others just put into the trash. This week I donated 6 old blankets, recycled 4 old phone books, donated some items from my utensil drawer in the kitchen and ditched about half the pens and pencils in my pen cup by the phone which either didn't work or had unusable erasers. My goal is to get rid of 365 items from my home this year.<br />
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Yesterday I worked hard and got my sewing room cleaned up and things put away. However, it still looks very, very cluttered. I'm having to think about incorporating the daily ditch to this room as well. My first reaction is that of course I need everything in here. After all, I've spent the last 10 years seriously collecting all this stuff. How could I possibly do without it?<br />
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I have a friend that has a policy that she obsessively adheres to. OK, she definitely has OCD when it comes to keeping her home clean. Her policy is that if one item comes into her home, one thing needs to go. She even keeps one cabinet in her home empty so as not to feel like she has no room to put things. She also lives in a small two bedroom town home with two other people while I live in a four bedroom single-family home with two other people. I'm sure if I asked, she'd be deliriously happy to come over and help me throw things away, and of course I won't ask. She might get rid of something I need, but she's not a sewist and wouldn't understand why I need these things.<br />
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So far, I haven't been able to throw away anything from this room, but
just look at how cluttered it is, even though it's clean and everything
is put away. How about it? Is there a point where every little nick nack and dodad that you've collected over the years needs to be cleaned out? Do I really need 7 or 8 seam rippers, 4 hem gauges, and 4 yardsticks, 2 metal and 2 wood? Do I need 4 Singer 500a vintage sewing machines? How do you decide what to keep and what to donate or trash? Please, if you have any advice for me, let me know. There isn't any room left in my house so things have got to go.<br />
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<br />Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-52940642330507112432012-01-06T01:02:00.000-08:002012-01-06T01:41:09.084-08:00Kaitlynn Blouse - What's Wrong With This Picture?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.silhouettepatterns.com/images/patterns/625_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.silhouettepatterns.com/images/patterns/625_front.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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I shared in my last post that I needed to do a muslin for this Silhouettes pattern. Of course I need to use the plus size. Since this isn't my first Silhouettes pattern, I kind of knew what to expect. Here's the line drawing for all the pattern pieces:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYbM8cH_Dos2mdmDgOevBEOR3nSiaZf9PBq5OGJIe0u91hVZ5bukFnF_iOK18-mbaPUyhFNIFCTIpiIizBGKhWnR1b7tYHaD0uI5GF3dlGPDTJQRQ0qNiRwijHTawEzDcuxCpRty7sAst/s1600/kaitlin+pattern+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYbM8cH_Dos2mdmDgOevBEOR3nSiaZf9PBq5OGJIe0u91hVZ5bukFnF_iOK18-mbaPUyhFNIFCTIpiIizBGKhWnR1b7tYHaD0uI5GF3dlGPDTJQRQ0qNiRwijHTawEzDcuxCpRty7sAst/s320/kaitlin+pattern+drawing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is what you'd typically expect a princess seamed pattern to look like, right? Well, if you're not using the Women's sizing for your blouse, that's great! If, however, you are plus sized, which means you have larger hips than the skinny women, than this is what your pattern pieces look like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaGeT-RF1Ijo0679Ism4fXJejajUy7EN51pONyomvnl7uxB-VLBX-G7fcIehhaOWikJgsivcf2h4sro_fdzWQuy_ssUWV2jyTqayEfDuSS6eN_Sj3ZUz2VWGPFt3vRmT3kbsV76IHfXyb/s1600/Kaitlin+blouse+pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaGeT-RF1Ijo0679Ism4fXJejajUy7EN51pONyomvnl7uxB-VLBX-G7fcIehhaOWikJgsivcf2h4sro_fdzWQuy_ssUWV2jyTqayEfDuSS6eN_Sj3ZUz2VWGPFt3vRmT3kbsV76IHfXyb/s320/Kaitlin+blouse+pattern.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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Everything in green is what I have added to the pattern to make it fit me. Why in the world would Peggy draft a plus-sized pattern without any space for hips? It just doesn't make any sense to me. <br />
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<a href="http://www.silhouettepatterns.com/images/patterns/575_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.silhouettepatterns.com/images/patterns/575_front.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.rock-art.com/sherril/Reviews/sonja%20back%20alteration.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.rock-art.com/sherril/Reviews/sonja%20back%20alteration.bmp" width="171" /></a></div>
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It was this Sonya's Blouse that I discovered this very same issue when I attempted to make it three years ago. The plus sized patterns are drafted much shorter than the regular sizes and have the hip measurement 2" smaller than the bust measurement. In what world are plus sized women shaped like that? Did I mention that I also had to add 4" to the length as well? If you want to read about the drama several plus size women had with this problem on the Sonya's Blouse, do a search for this pattern in Patternreview.com and read the plus-size reviews. I know I wasn't the only one who had this issue so I emailed Peggy about it. She complely disregarded my concern. I got no help
whatsoever from her. I am not the only one who tried to contact her
about it either. One of the Patternreview.com reviewers also tried to
ask her about it and got no satisfaction about this issue so I know it
wasn't just me. In fact, I think that Kathleen from <a href="http://www.fashion-incubator.com/" target="_blank">Fashion Incubator</a> did a blog post about this very bad draft, but I can't find it now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXC4YIJzoSNkOjd7zeBApsuh0zON-PLYwqn1tMf-6sC2e07zLwdm2_zXjureh4Tk3b4-zqFDd1-huf1GOKBgdioVbXLA_ak7WvhqCTzYUNyEx4gwunMuNBupHYATOKhP5SGjBXlj4b48D/s1600/Kaitlin+muslin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXC4YIJzoSNkOjd7zeBApsuh0zON-PLYwqn1tMf-6sC2e07zLwdm2_zXjureh4Tk3b4-zqFDd1-huf1GOKBgdioVbXLA_ak7WvhqCTzYUNyEx4gwunMuNBupHYATOKhP5SGjBXlj4b48D/s320/Kaitlin+muslin.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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After adding to both the front and back at the hip line on the side seam, I got close to a good fit. In fact, I think if I add about 3/4 inches more at the hip on the front and back, do a swayback tuck and shorten the bodice above the bust, then this might be a very good pattern for me.<br />
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Sorry about my rant, but it frustrates me that a pattern designer would be so careless with her patterns for women who already struggle endlessly to get a good fit. While I really appreciate Peggy and her teaching skills and the lessons I have learned from her classes that I have attended, I wish she would be more responsive to women who are size challenged. (meaning that it's a challenge to fit the plus-sized woman.)</div>Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-86806861123506579602012-01-03T23:08:00.000-08:002012-01-04T07:32:57.530-08:00Winter 2012 Mini-WardrobeOne of my goals for the new year is to sew more capsules. This is where I make 5-6 items that all can be mixed and matched to make several different outfits. I like sewing these groupings because they always get lots of wear. Nothing is an orphan, each piece has something to go with it. I usually like to make two pair of pants, two tops, and a topper (jacket) of some sort. For this wardrobe, I've chosen to make three tops.<br />
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Another one of my goals is to sew up 25 yards of fabric for the Patternreview.com stash contest. So, by combining these two goals, I have chosen some stashed fabrics that work well together and pulled out patterns to make each fabric into something that can be mixed and matched. Not pictured is some black ponte roma knit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPG5AJMbq7CCMluAbjv1vSegzKctsSO1YPanvUeZFyne9regVK_id8yi2lwaEczBpx5sHXsFKzJbOZNJbnPTO6VOymBP3K6LmVjWuWe4RuivaVxZLfT_nAkZkEOJOJb0nrW76DhUEw2ls5/s1600/Winter+mini-wardrobe+fabrics+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPG5AJMbq7CCMluAbjv1vSegzKctsSO1YPanvUeZFyne9regVK_id8yi2lwaEczBpx5sHXsFKzJbOZNJbnPTO6VOymBP3K6LmVjWuWe4RuivaVxZLfT_nAkZkEOJOJb0nrW76DhUEw2ls5/s320/Winter+mini-wardrobe+fabrics+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEMl-J6vhVYeo4DgikuUpdGoOpQxKXLgXWtBHskCB2HKFzKPQNNJYfJQnJXnlGZK5ty87wKOkbGtp9IXvDh-mZfxhusK_dQRbiTCNnw6Xs9WcKJ2iypcptlsRM-8QXo4rgroLMQAn5kPX/s1600/Winter+mini-wardrobe+fabrics+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEMl-J6vhVYeo4DgikuUpdGoOpQxKXLgXWtBHskCB2HKFzKPQNNJYfJQnJXnlGZK5ty87wKOkbGtp9IXvDh-mZfxhusK_dQRbiTCNnw6Xs9WcKJ2iypcptlsRM-8QXo4rgroLMQAn5kPX/s320/Winter+mini-wardrobe+fabrics+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first piece is the jacket:</div>
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<a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/mccall/5191/5191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/mccall/5191/5191.jpg" width="266" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBHJ8OdMkfo-Z0DFw1iKtY1wl1ES9mENDzzkmpzjIyFvb78TobzojDSWnICrOI1RpUTj3tU2FU_RetovJTwUPZVXZAo5Qhm34bKn7KPJ4k35ieqcHLu7kjM0J7yCAc5-4QO67WdT6EtlC/s1600/green+fabric+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBHJ8OdMkfo-Z0DFw1iKtY1wl1ES9mENDzzkmpzjIyFvb78TobzojDSWnICrOI1RpUTj3tU2FU_RetovJTwUPZVXZAo5Qhm34bKn7KPJ4k35ieqcHLu7kjM0J7yCAc5-4QO67WdT6EtlC/s320/green+fabric+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The pattern is McCall's 5191, which is a jeans style <a href="http://www.rock-art.com/sherril/Reviews/denim%20jacket%20front.jpg" target="_blank">jacket that I've made before</a>. The fabric is an embroidered moleskin that I bought at JoAnn's long enough ago to not remember when I got it but I know the store I bought it from has been closed a long, long time. The first time I made this jacket, it turned out fantastic. Then I lost weight and I must have given it away, because I can't find it. Then I gained weight back, and I want a new one. The fabric I used the first time was a stretch denim and the moleskin isn't stretchy so it might not fit well right away. But if I work on my goal of getting fit, then maybe a few pounds might disappear and fitting won't be such a problem. Anyway, this jacket is the backbone of my new mini-wardrobe.</div>
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Three tops:</div>
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<a href="http://www.silhouettepatterns.com/images/patterns/625_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.silhouettepatterns.com/images/patterns/625_front.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-oGACTBN0cOYiAyMNFvEgmXgIDKVsZwwtoY2Uk7yJdUakzpLT-Gc6Y67HA96z9-eemcDdOFo6FiIBHsAVSjzLhFISLNmLSOkdbSODvKFT6DiBXdVJ9BeuxEFn1EwRIC8_wefv8cizc27/s1600/green+fabric+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-oGACTBN0cOYiAyMNFvEgmXgIDKVsZwwtoY2Uk7yJdUakzpLT-Gc6Y67HA96z9-eemcDdOFo6FiIBHsAVSjzLhFISLNmLSOkdbSODvKFT6DiBXdVJ9BeuxEFn1EwRIC8_wefv8cizc27/s320/green+fabric+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This first top is one I haven't made before. I still have to make the muslin before I cut out the pictured fabric. I always have lots of problems with Silhouette Patterns, but maybe this one will work out. I've altered the pattern in ways that I think will work for me. For some reason on the plus sized patterns, Peggy drafts the side seam without any hip shaping. The side seam cuts into the waist from the underarm, but never goes back out for the hip. She does give the smaller sizes hip shape so I don't understand her reason for drafting the larger sizes like this. Doesn't she know that us larger girls have hips? Anyway, this fabric is a thin cotton knit I think I got from Fabric.com in the first half of last year. I didn't think it was going to be so thin, and I expected it to have some stretch since it's a knit, but it hardly has any. So, I think it will work out well for this top since it does have nice drape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCuLPTcnKOK7nm8wZUqVD1KiUZmlOXyufc8QEOMCK9brvILjhMY0Z_EhKABH40MKo7Z63-jb7tkjuI7uqAN1XwXdJhse_pzXxHEpaMeXg0t4-ibnt5fyT0HDCiQ-Iml5lRENmwHmWh3lm/s1600/green+fabric+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCuLPTcnKOK7nm8wZUqVD1KiUZmlOXyufc8QEOMCK9brvILjhMY0Z_EhKABH40MKo7Z63-jb7tkjuI7uqAN1XwXdJhse_pzXxHEpaMeXg0t4-ibnt5fyT0HDCiQ-Iml5lRENmwHmWh3lm/s320/green+fabric+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This second top is another new to me pattern. I still have to muslin it as well, but I think it's going to work out great. The stripe will be the body of the blouse and the green solid will be the outside facing/trim. I still need to pick out the buttons that go down the center tab. I'm thinking of using some shirt buttons that my mom had. There are six buttons in various shades of green in different sizes. I'll have to see how they look when the top is done before I decide. I bought these cotton fabrics to make an Indian designed tunic back when they were all the rage, but I think I missed that boat. This pattern is very popular on Patternreview.com. I hope the stripe works well for this pattern.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2008_5/kuvat/kannet/kansi_en.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2008_5/kuvat/kannet/kansi_en.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPPX_41BbriyKz3U4xU2vIiXLZrMSESS18QJkfs5KOhwm1e3GLBCvjMalgMqLhWJIgiKcUk0jtEEt7WCIIGrpYBzaraN0YDk1kajduyoOszX92OKjVsvOZUT4DF7qPO8zoWn70sr62s1N/s1600/green+fabric+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPPX_41BbriyKz3U4xU2vIiXLZrMSESS18QJkfs5KOhwm1e3GLBCvjMalgMqLhWJIgiKcUk0jtEEt7WCIIGrpYBzaraN0YDk1kajduyoOszX92OKjVsvOZUT4DF7qPO8zoWn70sr62s1N/s320/green+fabric+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have <a href="http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com/2010/09/summer-sewing.html" target="_blank">used this pattern before</a>, except this time I'm making long sleeves and cutting it tunic length. Just in case one of the other tops doesn't work out, my mini-wardrobe will still have enough tops. You might recognize this poly lycra knit fabric from a <a href="http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com/2009/11/ahh-sewing-again.html" target="_blank">Coldwater Creek knock-off top</a> that I made a couple of years ago. I gave that top to my niece when I lost weight and she loves it so I won't have two tops with the same fabric in my wardrobe.</div>
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Two pair of Pants:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNFSmz5qKSnuX-hWmzlvb0Dj3J5fM6gWbi_vM55dUF_WKtRQhdytgj6l6fmzusgo3y92-430fQxFXXrqbA9UgSXGHdUGLNi0v6ocrKUVviMvvNR__OzKkMvX7TC3nsbW2akXUNCOtIYMu/s1600/green+fabric+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNFSmz5qKSnuX-hWmzlvb0Dj3J5fM6gWbi_vM55dUF_WKtRQhdytgj6l6fmzusgo3y92-430fQxFXXrqbA9UgSXGHdUGLNi0v6ocrKUVviMvvNR__OzKkMvX7TC3nsbW2akXUNCOtIYMu/s320/green+fabric+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my TNT pants pattern, Burda 2569. I've made this pattern at least a dozen times and have loved each and every pair of pants made from it. My last olive pair has very worn out elastic, so it's time to make a new pair. The fabric is showing some wear also, so a new pair is needed. This fabric is a nice RPL that I can't for the life of me remember where I got it. I have enough to make a top or jacket from it as well, and might do that at a later date. I'm also going to be making a pair of black Ponte Roma knit pants from this same pattern. They will be more of a yoga style with the softer knit, but I think will still work with the other garments. It's a rather casual capsule that I can wear to work. Really, anything goes at work. When I sub teach in the severely handicapped classrooms, I like to dress more casual than usual, so this is a casual weekend/work wardrobe.</div>
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This plan should take me up to around 12-13 yards of stash fabric used in January. That's about half my goal so it will be a great start. I already have the jacket cut out and hope to get the rest cut out before the weekend, including sewing up muslins before cutting into the good fabric for those two blouse patterns. I sure don't make things easy for myself, do I?</div>
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<br /></div>Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-34897497343668471332011-12-31T13:52:00.000-08:002011-12-31T13:52:45.641-08:00Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012This year was my year to heal. Losing my MIL in 2010 sent me into a spiral that encompassed losing my own mother in 2006. It has taken me a long time to get over losing these two important women and to come into my own. I'm hoping 2012 will be the year I start living for me. I feel like I'm recovered enough and have made a good start in the second half of this year. You can tell I'm doing better because I sew and blog more when I'm feeling good about myself and my life.<br />
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Some of my sewing accomplishments for 2011 included learning some new skills and I think I did pretty well towards that goal. I made some panties for the first time. I learned how to dye fabric, which I really liked to do. I also did some home dec projects including recovering an ottoman.<br />
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This was the year I lost my very most favorite pattern, KS 2900, the TNT t-shirt. I also found a replacement that I like just as much. I bought a ton of fabric this year and did some travelling. I went to the Patternreview.com meeting in Chicago and I visited my FIL in South Carolina. I lost some weight and gained it all back plus some. I entered a sewing competition that had no winner and I allowed myself to be talked into sewing a costume for my niece. You know I hate sewing for others!<br />
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Things I plan on for the new year include taking care of me. My son is nearly grown and will be turning 18 and going to college in 2012. I know my job of raising him isn't over, however, I think the hardest part is. I believe I have taught him to be a self-sufficient human being, now I just need to teach him to drive.<br />
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I will be going back to college to take some classes this year. My first class will be Illustration for Fashion and Costume Design. I've been wanting to take this class forever. I'm also going to seriously look into getting my Master's Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education which will qualify me to teach at the Community College level. Unfortunately, the school where this program is offered is 55 miles away. That's a really long commute to attend school and I will really have to give this some thought. However, I really want to teach sewing. For 15 years I've been teaching middle school, and I'm tired of the behavior of today's kids. Maybe college students will be different.<br />
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I turned 50 this year. I didn't mention it when it happened in July. I wasn't sure how I felt about it. Now that I've had that I've had a few months to think about it, I like the idea of being 50. I just wish I was in shape. Not that I want to be skinny (that would be nice though), I just want to be more fit than I am. I want to have more stamina and strength. I don't like the way I feel at the moment. I'm not unhealthy, I'm just very unfit. I plan on doing something about that in 2012. My first goal is 30 minutes of exercise every other day. I plan to mix it up with bike rides, walks on either the treadmill or outdoors, or using the Wii Fit program or other exercise DVDs.<br />
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As for sewing, my goal this year is to sew more capsules. I have found that every time I sew up a capsule, I wear those pieces more than anything else. I will also be sewing from the stash. It's getting completely out of control and since I have these lovely fabrics, it's time to use them. I will also be clearing out the clutter in my house. I really do have a nice size home, it's just filled with un-needed stuff and unused stuff and feels quite small. I foresee some major battles with my hoarder husband over this, but everything that I can get rid of will go. I'm becoming the Craigslist Queen and have made some money at the same time. I will continue this in 2012.<br />
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To support my goal of sewing through the stash, I've entered Patternreview.com's Stash Contests. My goal is to sew 25 yards in January. I think this is a very doable goal since I usually don't work much (I'm a sub teacher) in January and my fashion illustration class doesn't start until March. Using my stash, I'm going to be sewing up my first mini-wardrobe for winter. I also plan to do a lot more blogging this year. I'm hoping to gain more followers in the new year and of course, I'm always wanting to generate more comments. What blogger isn't a comment ho at heart?<br />
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I especially want to wish all my readers a fantastic new year in 2012 and may all your wishes for the year come true!<br />
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~Sherril~<br />
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<br />Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-16623065956790770842011-12-05T20:50:00.001-08:002011-12-05T21:26:25.446-08:00What I Did This Weekend or Can You Spot My Mistake?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Clever title, huh? I've since fixed the mistake. If you're not a quilter, please forgive me. I used to be a quilter. I've won blue ribbons at the Los Angeles County Fair for my quilts, honest. I even once won a special award for my free motion quilting which came with a $50 quilt store certificate. Quilting is something I'm not sure I love, it's just that it's addicting. Kind of like eating potato chips. You can't eat just one. One block becomes two, two becomes three, and so on and so forth. I just can't help myself.</div>
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At Thanksgiving dinner I was asked by my sister-in-law to make her some lap quilts. She is wheelchair bound and stuck in Oklahoma with my brother. In a moment of weakness, since I'd hate to be stuck in OK with my brother, I agreed. She only wanted them to be 36" X 36" so I knew that this would be an easy project. I decided not to be anal about matching my seams so that the sewing would go faster. I even had these strips cut from another quilt project I did about 12 years ago. That quilt was a scrappy American flag block made with 1" squares. Those are 3" nine-patch blocks, so this is a small quilt and I'll probably finish it before the week is over. I'm enjoying the process, actually. I have the top completed, except for the borders, so it's going pretty fast. I like free motion quilting, so that should go quite fast as well. I'll make her two, the next one will probably be some sort of scrappy pinwheel quilt. I have lots of quilt fabric left from my quilting days, so I won't be buying anything--and using up stash. Yea!<br />
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The other thing I did was to finish up fitting this muslin. (Sorry about this awful photo . I hope I don't ever get arrested because I'm sure this is what my mug shot would look like.) This pattern is <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/images/product/medium/2151.jpg" target="_blank">Simplicity 2151</a>. It fit fairly well out of the envelope but I did make some changes to the muslin. You can see that I shortened it at the waist about one inch. I also gave it a sloping shoulder adjustment and I shortened the shoulder length by 1/2 inch. </div>
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Another alteration I made was to straighten the seams under the bust for more room around my torso. I can see some pulling around my bust but there really is enough ease, so that confuses me. I cut the C cup but maybe I should have cut the D cup, even though, I'm not a D in bra size. What do you think I should do?</div>
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From the side I think the back fits really well, but from the back you can see that I need a rounded back adjustment. Only problem with that is that the back neckline is already almost too high, so I'll have to cut that down and alter the neckline tie to fit.</div>
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My niece is coming over again this week to sew with me on Thursday. I'd like to have the quilt sandwich pinned together and the D-cup muslin cut out for my sewing date. I can't tell you how much better my psyche feels now that I'm sewing regularly again.</div>Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-18501567095996541982011-11-29T14:50:00.001-08:002011-11-29T18:51:12.389-08:00Return to My TNT T-Shirt QuestOver the Thanksgiving week I was finally able to get a few t-shirt muslins sewn up. I tried two patterns, and was only successful with one. The <a href="http://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2007_2/sivut/4.jpg" target="_blank">Ottobre 3/4 length t-shirt pattern</a> was a clear winner. I know many people have had success with this pattern. It has a good length sleeve and a nice scoop neckline, not too low or too high. In fact, it turned out so well that I didn't quite finish the muslin. This one doesn't have the sleeves or the hem completed. I was too anxious to get started on one in my good fabric.<br />
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This is my muslin done in a whimsical fashion diva print. I've had the fabric forever, not sure what I could make it into. The print and colors are very bright and bold so I think it works up great as a t-shirt and if it didn't work out, it wouldn't be too great of a loss.<br />
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I cut the muslin in the largest size, and it is slightly too large everywhere. I cut the shoulders in about 1/2" and made a sloping-shoulder alteration. I had added 2" to the hemline, which wasn't at all necessary. I also shortened it at the waist 1". <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxk9XR6BLI7nP-_VxZKKdgJLEDe8ytYJzQKdyEfMiYrseS4ZYGtZdJBceKE3R0_D4m_3bh8eEKLoqcLonZhvmAVdtx_wV1tdvxunwtdM-dIK4wfmljltjVNiCbISVZyY-btzoWBvQvEBW/s1600/ottobre+tshirt+muslin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxk9XR6BLI7nP-_VxZKKdgJLEDe8ytYJzQKdyEfMiYrseS4ZYGtZdJBceKE3R0_D4m_3bh8eEKLoqcLonZhvmAVdtx_wV1tdvxunwtdM-dIK4wfmljltjVNiCbISVZyY-btzoWBvQvEBW/s320/ottobre+tshirt+muslin.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WAcqyFMVUqklgIKMbKAuzV9ABmhFFOQoQgkRQsCg6XKJcPhPRyzKjpMPh1DnOnBsHExYT-pcYWgiLc9bpjNxni-lRwQhnzOg7JdCE4AOs5SXoHOUarnwy0hUkl5Q954V733JYG9cDacl/s1600/ottobre+tshirt+muslin+back.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WAcqyFMVUqklgIKMbKAuzV9ABmhFFOQoQgkRQsCg6XKJcPhPRyzKjpMPh1DnOnBsHExYT-pcYWgiLc9bpjNxni-lRwQhnzOg7JdCE4AOs5SXoHOUarnwy0hUkl5Q954V733JYG9cDacl/s320/ottobre+tshirt+muslin+back.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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Just before I cut out the pattern, I decided to shorten the pattern at the waist 3/4 inches more. It was a really good decision, I think. With these alterations I think I got a great fitting t-shirt. I know it's hard to tell in the photo above, but I think I like the fit of this pattern just as much as I liked my missing KS 2900 pattern. <br />
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I am so grateful to finally have a good fitting pattern once again. This put me in the mood to sew, so I invited my sister and my niece to come over and sew with me on Saturday. Two years ago I took my niece to the garment district to buy fabric. Since she wears nearly the same size as I do, we cut out some of my patterns but we never got the chance to stitch them up. Lo and behold (who says that?) we had cut out my TNT t-shirt pattern out of one of her fabrics and then set it aside. No, really! I feel like I just found a buried treasure. I took her UFO and traced out the pattern, front, back, and cap sleeve. It feels so wonderful to have not one, but two TNT t-shirt patterns. Now to trace both again and lock them in the vault so that if I ever lose one again, I still have a copy. OK, so not a vault but maybe a safe deposit box.<br />
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Since I was having so much success, I decided to try out another new pattern. This one is <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-6083-misses-plus-size-sportswear.aspx" target="_blank">Simplicity 2195</a>, a Khaliah Ali collection pattern. It couldn't be more simple with dolman sleeves and a shaped hem. The pattern calls for a neckline facing, but I've decided to do a <a href="http://off-the-cuff-style.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">spiral cowl neckline</a> that Pam at Fashion Sewing Supply, the popular site for interfacing, did on one of her recent garments. Mine will be much shorter than hers because I was running out of fabric, but I think it'll work. While I don't want a whole wardrobe of this top, I like the way it's turning out. I think the underarm curve might have to be resewn closer to my body. Do you think that will work or does the dolman sleeve really sit away from the underarm this much?<br />
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Another project I'm working on is this thrift store jacket. It's a Liz Claiborne jacket made in 100% linen with a cotton lining. It must have shrunk in length, because it fits me perfectly except that I need to add shoulder pads. The color is horrible on me so I've decided to dye it using Dylon permanent fabric dye in Bahama Blue, which is probably more of a turquoise color. I had so much fun dying the Fashion Show fabric that I want to do it again. Since this is made of 100% natural fibers, it should hold on to the color nicely. <br />
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<br />Don't you think that the trim on this jacket is horrible? The pleated fabric alone would probably have been OK, adding the knotted rope ruined it. Since I'm not sure how the trim would hold the dye, being tightly knotted and layered, I have removed it. I'm spending my evenings going through my Threads Magazines looking for just the right neckline treatment. I'm also replacing the top snap with a magnet. They were selling them at the ETAC conference so I bought a few. I can't wait to try it.<br />
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Can you tell I'm super motivated to get back to more sewing? I've felt like such a slacker this year. I hope next year I will be much more productive in my sewing room. Seriously, I've got to start stitching up some of this stash before it all comes tumbling down on my head and kills me.Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-11376789618683452232011-11-20T19:29:00.001-08:002011-11-20T19:56:21.940-08:00Pillowtop and Piping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend's sewing project was a DYI home dec project. Have I mentioned that I hate home dec? Well, I do. However, this one turned out to be mostly fun. I've never done upholstery before. It always looked hard. It was hard, but oh so very satisfying to do. <br />
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This is the after picture. I'm still amazed that I made this beautiful ottoman. The fabric came from a local <a href="http://www.big-youtlet.com/" target="_blank">home dec fabric shop, Big Y</a> Yardage Outlet. I wanted four yards, but they only had three, but when I took it off the roll and measured it, there was an extra 3/4 yards on the roll. Score! I have plenty now for several throw pillows. The appeal of this fabric was that it goes with both my red sofa and my brown love seat. I'm hoping they will both look like they belong together. <br />
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Once I took off the cover, I got a good look at how the pillow top is attached to the board. I would never have figured that out. I still didn't do it how they did it, mine not being quite as professional as theirs, but it got the job done.<br />
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My ottoman went with my expensive mission style chair that I just sold on craigslist. It was much too big for the room, but the ottoman can be placed in a corner of the room and pulled out for comfortable TV watching or extra seating so I kept it knowing full well that it needed a new cover. The ottoman is very comfortable to sit on since it has a spring seat instead of a hard board underneath the pillow.<br />
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I was surprised to find that the cover included a zipper to install the cushion. I used this method as well. Good thing you can't see the robin's egg blue zipper. I didn't see any reason to go out and buy a matching one since no one will ever see it.<br />
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See how well it goes with the brown loveseat? I think it looks great with either piece of furniture. <br />
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Really, the hard part was cutting out the fabric. See what a good job I did matching the pattern. I put the large motif in the center of the top. It looks off center from here, but trust me, it's perfect. Then the box band flows down over the side with a good match and then down to the board cover, it matches as well.<br />
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My home is in the middle of a kitchen remodel project so I'm a bit focused on the house. The next few project I sew will be more home dec. I need new curtains in both bathrooms and in the kitchen. I also want to use the ottoman fabric and make pillows for both sofas.<br />
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The t-shirt project has been set aside for awhile, but not forever. I'll get back to it during my Christmas break. Two weeks to do nothing but sew. I love my job!Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-51977603141903021722011-11-12T22:28:00.001-08:002011-11-12T23:18:25.281-08:00I'm a Winner!Today was the Los Angeles ASG Annual Meeting in Calabasas. It was about an hour and a half drive, but fortunately it didn't rain on my friend Karen and I. The meeting was a lot of fun, especially when I won one of the door prizes.<br />
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I've won the door prize at the last two meetings I've attended. One was the Chickasaw Tribe Council meeting a couple of months ago. I won a t-shirt. This time, however, I hit the jackpot! Included in the package was a quilt of the month pattern for Halloween, a 5in1 sliding gauge from Nancy Zieman which I've been wanting, a 15-piece fat quarter collection in a lovely metal basket, and a bottle of Mary Ellen's Best Press. When they brought up the package, Karen told me I should smell how good the Best Press was and I told her that I would just have to win the prize--and I did!</div>
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The meeting's guest speaker was <a href="http://aflembroidery.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Leora Raikin from African Folklore Embroidery</a>. While her stuff is really interesting, I'm not going to be picking up a needle and floss anytime soon. However, her stories about South Africa and the life there was fascinating. Next time I have a South African guest to my house, I'll be sure to offer them some tea.<br />
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After the meeting on the way home, we just happen to be passing near downtown Los Angeles so we stopped at the garment district where I found 27 yards of knits that needed to be mine. Knowing that I'm close to a new t-shirt pattern, I was on the lookout for some great new fabrics to sew up this fall and winter. </div>
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Starting from the left chair arm to the right, the teal blue and purple flowers is a heavy onionskin type poly knit. The next seven fabrics from the brown and turquoise fabric around to the large black snakeskin print are all poly lycra prints. Under these is an embossed orange heavy acetate slinky, then a non stretchy heavy textured poly knit in a black and white print, and then an RPL double knit in navy for some yoga pants. And last but not least, hanging from my dress form is a poly ruffle knit fabric in a red and black tie-dyed animal print fabric. All the fabrics except the ruffled one came from either Michael Levine, or the Loft. I don't remember the name of the store where I purchased the ruffle. It was sitting outside the store and was calling my name very loudly, so I just followed it inside and got 2.5 yards of it. I only wanted 2 yards, but they threw in the last half yard for free. Again, lucky me!<br />
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Tomorrow I'm supposed to go clothes shopping with my niece, but all I want to do is stay home and sew up some of these fantastic new fabrics. So far, the 3/4-length sleeve t-shirt from the <a href="http://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2007_2/sivut/4.jpg" target="_blank">2-2007 Ottobre Magazine</a> is looking like a clear winner for me. I cut the pattern too big, so once I trace it again in a smaller size and make it again, I'll know for sure if it's just right for me. I'm not sure why, but I traced it out in the largest size, and I should have made it in a size 48, which is the size I usually cut for this pattern line.<br />
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Thank you to everyone for their great ideas on finding my old t-shirt pattern. Trina had a great idea to make a rubbing off one of my old t-shirts. I tried that and the t-shirt made from the rubbed off pattern just didn't fit right. I'm not sure why. However, I did trace that pattern in permanent ink onto my cutting board so I'll never lose it again. I think I'll do the same thing with my new favorite pattern, when I get it perfected.<br />
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It's time to take myself and this lovely feline to bed for the night. Do you see why I prefer prints to solids? They don't show the cat hair nearly so much. That, and I think they hide the flabby rolls around my middle. I promise that my next post I will be sharing some t-shirts.Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-71489470277865276062011-11-11T11:45:00.001-08:002011-11-11T12:30:32.750-08:00Doing StuffBefore I let months go by again, I thought I just do a quick post. I've been tracing and cutting out fabric for my t-shirts. I should get started sewing today since I have Veteran's day off. Tomorrow is my ASG Annual Meeting so I won't get much sewn, but I'll work on my tops again on Sunday.<br />
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I also wanted to share the photos from the ETAC fashion show. You can see the video <a href="http://www.silhouettepatterns.com/html/features/promos/etachallenge/index.htm" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The fashion show starts at about 9 minutes in. I didn't get any photos on my camera, but Sue from <a href="http://sewqwk.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sew Qwk</a> and Peggy Campbell from my ASG sent me these:<br />
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This is the first set of garments. It's what each of would wear to the Friday night get-together mixer. You can see two of us used the border print in a skirt for this event. After seeing these photos, I really hate the way that jacket turned out. The bust fit is awful!</div>
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This is the only photo I have of the Memory Lane Photo Shoot garments that I have. Two of the outfits are missing. I think I was the youngest and graduated in the 1970s. The others had garments from the 1960s. Jeanette went way out there in her interpretation of the 1960s with her wig and glasses. She looked great!</div>
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This is what each one of would wear to the Big Outdoor Dinner Dance. I really like how that skirt hangs on me. I might consider making it again, just not in a shiny fabric. This one will go into the donation pile. The shawl I made spent the last week in China. One of my friends needed something fancy to wear over a black dress so I let her borrow it. </div>
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I hope you enjoyed seeing how we all used the fabrics and patterns in different and interesting ways. Now back to the cutting table for me. More t-shirt posts to come.</div>Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-36684206376874185602011-10-28T18:17:00.000-07:002011-10-30T23:03:51.941-07:00The Quest for the Holy Grail - A New TNT T-Shirt PatternMany of you know that I <strike>have</strike> had a wonderful TNT t-shirt pattern. I've made it over 20 times and have done nearly a dozen design changes to it. The pattern is an altered version of KS 2900.<br />
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Some of the alterations I've done include an increase to the hip, shorten the shoulder seam, shape the front hem for extra bust length and add a center back seam to give it some shape and give it a sloping shoulder. Here are some examples of what I have done with this pattern:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMmqwbU3oordMsBZASGg0ztXRAWqQdJAsqj9udUeiMdZBv4lHcl1kpMxKWDAM9z8pKGBeCCwNKWo2_6FpeZoK6DUsbW9QGL001UgTJlXfqiJO8uuEMxWKdo48z-I766y4VmPH5gpOPJ0y/s1600/KwikSew+2900+Reviews+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMmqwbU3oordMsBZASGg0ztXRAWqQdJAsqj9udUeiMdZBv4lHcl1kpMxKWDAM9z8pKGBeCCwNKWo2_6FpeZoK6DUsbW9QGL001UgTJlXfqiJO8uuEMxWKdo48z-I766y4VmPH5gpOPJ0y/s320/KwikSew+2900+Reviews+1.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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The top two photos are the pattern as cut right from the envelope. The brown one is me using the selvage on a seam down the center front and the pink one I borrowed some flutter sleeves to make a summer top.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMcDOLZvB4audEIcyR9IlnK9UwOPqluCEZeTS2-RTG3GP7i33xJBIxnN6qROGhCyeUHtUYZ9YwKlLEAIaBqiTCOdVBd-L55nFRF9W2h0ECN9vlIb7osKa0BWBG9fN-DnZsqOvx7HhZl9L/s1600/KwikSew+2900+Reviews+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMcDOLZvB4audEIcyR9IlnK9UwOPqluCEZeTS2-RTG3GP7i33xJBIxnN6qROGhCyeUHtUYZ9YwKlLEAIaBqiTCOdVBd-L55nFRF9W2h0ECN9vlIb7osKa0BWBG9fN-DnZsqOvx7HhZl9L/s320/KwikSew+2900+Reviews+2.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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The red top was made using a scoop neck traced from a RTW top. The black print top has the neckline details from <a href="http://www.textilestudiopatterns.com/patterns/MarseillesShirt1205.html" target="_blank">Textile Studios Marseilles Shirt</a>. The green/brown top has an added collar. This detail I copied from another KS pattern. The yoked shirt has a design detail that I copied from a WOF Burda Plus pattern.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPvXsqnxrLTBP55nbScOovNX4pm9V-C6ymySsSERgJR_2m31sPdowMlwjK-Ti6V-HuFtLQbcFOjIj6y6ud-8Wz9vA_73MkqFVBy3RRoWSblA8hckWZxePMiqYmKotauoFc7vEWIX2fxGy/s1600/KwikSew+2900+Reviews+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPvXsqnxrLTBP55nbScOovNX4pm9V-C6ymySsSERgJR_2m31sPdowMlwjK-Ti6V-HuFtLQbcFOjIj6y6ud-8Wz9vA_73MkqFVBy3RRoWSblA8hckWZxePMiqYmKotauoFc7vEWIX2fxGy/s320/KwikSew+2900+Reviews+3.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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The red/black top is an early attempt at pattern drafting. I raised the neckline and added an asymmetrical yoke feature. The green top is my first try at copying RTW. I saw this sweater in a JC Penny's ad and wanted to create my own. The purple top was a 2XL t-shirt that I re-cut using my pattern. The pink one is the t-shirt with a scoop neck copied from a RTW top that I like better than the red one above and I cut the sleeve to cap sleeves length.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55IAnXHHrDiUl9tautvGROAydPm6Jyn4k2xD3ud109Xi_EqhDyQLGnLyo7M0iWnQFmOVePRH8F2B8vlsamMCjY2PYo6t-SQf34rWahErTeUzBPPXehRF-FPFyEeH69YojtAhMsVSH1a2k/s1600/KwikSew+2900+Reviews+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55IAnXHHrDiUl9tautvGROAydPm6Jyn4k2xD3ud109Xi_EqhDyQLGnLyo7M0iWnQFmOVePRH8F2B8vlsamMCjY2PYo6t-SQf34rWahErTeUzBPPXehRF-FPFyEeH69YojtAhMsVSH1a2k/s320/KwikSew+2900+Reviews+5.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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This set of tops is where I really started to get creative with this pattern. I started to troll RTW on-line catalogs and found some really great t-shirts with cute details. The green/black top is a Coldwater Creek clone, the black and white one is just a yoke added with gathers above the bust and the red/black one is the same pattern, except I replaced the gathers with a box pleat. The blue top is a Coldwater Creek clone that has a really nice neckline tie. The black one below is the same pattern. I think I've blogged about each one of these tops, just do a search on my blog for KS 2900 or t-shirt and you'll find them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcuaM7I8bgukgK4b_kijWLR1VDRvlooArTr2-jHYOMWIKzBo2n8mhXAE2fmYqWPIWOuJRgsCKxXwur8gktrZz7jjX42imWJWp17YHmrgl_Ih0o-KPefq8aVDlcKcSCwhwYH8ZtT451rxt/s1600/KwikSew+2900+Reviews+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" id=":current_picnik_image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6CqKw3ZtfTsOaZygEXuwAeDfGJNLCVP20wAxpqx0MZBRKoHnC7zVFzxvwCOc1G8zMe5DqPcoiF9lBY59fmqQHnd_ztVLtaXXBxYqATT3u972VslptYa9HdP6r1-Mi9EaiPyIrFVtRM2a/s1600/17087858200_Fvqh6.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Again, I think I've blogged about each one of these shirts. The black and brown top are both a Coldwater Creek clone. The turquoise one was a RTW top that someone on Patternreview asked how to make, so I made it, and the brown floral top is the details to the <a href="http://www.jalie.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/2/7/2794_sweetheart_top.jpg" target="_blank">Jalie Sweetheart top</a> cut onto my pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV5SjDRrf1D2sKDkx7su2j60ijkwFAdyDQBFW0Sm_WktjYTybcOPp5OFVhjgcBXaSTsgQdxLG0t4_NZFxmGQaeXVOOIonzsnAfQ-bxG17DJUhWaYSPtwC-i06claklVrhnZMgky-yGslN/s1600/green+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV5SjDRrf1D2sKDkx7su2j60ijkwFAdyDQBFW0Sm_WktjYTybcOPp5OFVhjgcBXaSTsgQdxLG0t4_NZFxmGQaeXVOOIonzsnAfQ-bxG17DJUhWaYSPtwC-i06claklVrhnZMgky-yGslN/s320/green+dress.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
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The last item I made with my TNT pattern was this dress. I blogged about it as well. After I made this dress, if I remember right, I put all the patterns together in a safe place. In fact, I put it in such a safe place that after tearing my house apart at least 3 times and my sewing room apart many times, I can't find it. I can't find any of the patterns. None, nada!<br />
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I'm almost over the morning period. Actually, I'm ready to move on to find a new TNT t-shirt pattern. At the same time, if you want to look on the bright side, it gives me a great opportunity to cull out some of my more ugly knits. I do have some ugly ones too. I really hope I don't bore you all with my quest for a new TNT t-shirt pattern. However, I really feel like I'm lost without my pattern and this search is a necessary evil. Wish me luck.Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4302200535838474186.post-51596445968810579362011-10-27T01:22:00.000-07:002011-10-29T06:10:28.879-07:00Mindless Sewing for AwhileAfter the last two challenging sewing projects, I've decided to do some mindless sewing this week. I haven't been called in to work the last two days, and that's a good thing. (Unless, of course, you ask my husband who worries about things like paying the mortgage.) On Tuesday I cleaned up the disaster that was my sewing room and got a pattern traced.<br />
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This is the <a href="http://www.sewinglingerie.com/patterns/smoothiepantie.html">Smoothie Pantie by Lingerie Secrets</a>. It's a great pantie pattern which is very similar to the ones I pay $8 for at Fashion Bug. There are three pattern pieces for this but the line drawing doesn't show that there is a crotch piece that you cut two layers for.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdM7wZ7uiS7b3DKKiyaBpIY4vG1D42CqFB824wtJL0EaRZqXlhyphenhyphenWKYs3PLwSladMzWFX7WO2NeXIP7hCi0G2O9V6D0b-lvv__AFDlYCRrwCeW3cS3cZ9dB6up4h7jHXKb521ZB4EQFDAR/s1600/IMG_1079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdM7wZ7uiS7b3DKKiyaBpIY4vG1D42CqFB824wtJL0EaRZqXlhyphenhyphenWKYs3PLwSladMzWFX7WO2NeXIP7hCi0G2O9V6D0b-lvv__AFDlYCRrwCeW3cS3cZ9dB6up4h7jHXKb521ZB4EQFDAR/s320/IMG_1079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This first pair was cut using the sizing chart on the front envelope. It says that I should cut the 2XL. That looked really BIG, but I figured that was because the back pattern piece just looks large because the front piece is smaller with the seams being in front, not at the sides. Also, since I have to either lower the front or raise the back, or both, to most pants patterns, I decided to raise the back on this muslin/fitting pair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGgtilRyU5ujApzwIsyMExUQa9ZMAhQAC6G8S5CVwO9YpAKeD_a5FDcOEtwnzEF7mz2s-y2cw-1449Kq9kvfmofk8cqkYD4GaZnyUqzZBsd8-KGPndD60Rqu7T17N7zBq3BcUDPgC4j9J/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGgtilRyU5ujApzwIsyMExUQa9ZMAhQAC6G8S5CVwO9YpAKeD_a5FDcOEtwnzEF7mz2s-y2cw-1449Kq9kvfmofk8cqkYD4GaZnyUqzZBsd8-KGPndD60Rqu7T17N7zBq3BcUDPgC4j9J/s320/IMG_1081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They came out really good. I used the coverstitch to insert the elastic after I basted it on in the round on the sewing machine first. That gave them a nice RTW look. However, if you don't have a coverstitch machine, then she has some really great instructions for the sewing machine that give nice results. My favorite part about this pattern is how much cheek room there is and how the elastic is shorter in the back so that it cups underneath the butt and doesn't ride up.<br />
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For my next pair I will be sewing a size or two smaller. While they fit OK in this heavyweight cotton lycra knit, I think that when I make the rest out of leftover poly lycra and rayon knits, they might have a lot of bagginess to them. These feel too large and I am working very hard to lose weight. I can see me making all my panties from this pattern from now on, maybe. I would like to know how many of you make your own panties? Why would you take the time to make panties if you can buy them to fit already? While I like these, I'm debating within myself whether or not this is something I should be spending my sewing time on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsWAh3TK71O29kHen389VDMwt4Z4FdZWnEmhk9V8QpyNDpIh_DFkHxD7Z908dxpB6MPvlJ2Tk59mn7MisMPqYjjWpjAazLx6uDkUzRSdrcBwWbFlNpn5bJYTzbBVPu7BRCaUqLgZCjInS/s1600/jersey+collar+top+line+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsWAh3TK71O29kHen389VDMwt4Z4FdZWnEmhk9V8QpyNDpIh_DFkHxD7Z908dxpB6MPvlJ2Tk59mn7MisMPqYjjWpjAazLx6uDkUzRSdrcBwWbFlNpn5bJYTzbBVPu7BRCaUqLgZCjInS/s320/jersey+collar+top+line+drawing.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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For my next project, I want to make this Ottobre 2/2006 Jersey Top with a Collar. I traced out the pattern today and have selected some fabric to make up my muslin from. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPYNaHf_Yg16vQ8EAQe-zWLUwjzBKIQykclpr7mlH_dByaGuN6_NKE3reFm9-uz6ebXlVhlU1jYwZnoV88tAs1cP1A2Sy1KMgiAOAH1Euvd2S0lSCA1zGSwnhXKDb9jSQ1vhp1dHvRsPJ/s1600/jersey+collar+top+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPYNaHf_Yg16vQ8EAQe-zWLUwjzBKIQykclpr7mlH_dByaGuN6_NKE3reFm9-uz6ebXlVhlU1jYwZnoV88tAs1cP1A2Sy1KMgiAOAH1Euvd2S0lSCA1zGSwnhXKDb9jSQ1vhp1dHvRsPJ/s320/jersey+collar+top+image.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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There isn't a good photo in the magazine for the top, only this one which shows the collar. By looking at the pattern pieces, I can see that after I petite the pattern, it might just have the right shape for me. I really hope this one works out. If I get another day off, then I'll have this one finished and posted very soon.</div>
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<br /></div>Sherrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682899485401222209noreply@blogger.com4