Right angle weave bracelet....

Not only do I love to sew, I also love to make jewelry. I had these beads hanging around in my sewing space and decided to play with them. I knew that I wanted to do the right-angle weave (RAW) for the base, but I just let my mind flow for the embellishment. I had a lot of Accu-Flex to work with so I kept adding beads to fill the spaces. In doing so it is a bit snug. I must wear it on my left wrist. The beads were not my normal. I picked them up from Joann’s when I was on a sewing run. Green is not even my favorite color, but I was there so I picked them up.

The toggle clasp is Swarovski and was gifted to me. Basically, I just grabbed what I saw in front of me.

RAW Bracelet with crystals

Finally got to M6844...

Hi, this is my version of McCall’s 6844. I am trying to sew down my hoard of fabric, so I am just jumping in and sewing. I can’t remember where I got the knit print or the black Ponte. I was so excited to make this and didn’t follow the cutting layout. So, I was able to cut the collar out from some left-over Ponte from another project.

I made view B. I did a narrow shoulder adjustment, but still need to take out an inch from the arm-hole and the sleeve cap for the next one.

I love it!!!!

Seamwork's Sadie...The Structured Sweatshirt

Hi there… I am in love with Seamwork’s Sadie. I did say to myself no more PDFs, but this one is fast and easy and fun to sew. I’ve made two already. The first one is from houndstooth that I have no clue where or when I got it. It was in my stash, so it’s got used. I am trying to sew down my growing stash.

The second one is a sweater knit from a local fabric store. After I washed and dried it, there was an irregularity, but I was able to cut around it.

I love this top for a few reasons. It got me out of my slump. Also, it was fast and easy. I took my time, but I think it could be completed in about 90 minutes. I am not a fast sewer. I press as I go along.

I want a few more in some sweatshirt fleece and a few in a sweater knit.

For the sizing, I went with the finished measurements that put me in an XL. There is a lot of ease on this top. I also added ¾” to the bicep and shaved a bit off the sleeve cap. Don’t know why I did that last modification, but it worked.

Thanks and happy sewing!!!

 #2 From the sweater knit

#1 From the houndstooth from stash

Easy and comfy tee and skirt

Hi, I used Pamela’s Patterns #104 for the tee. I cut the size M and graded up to my size; it’s the V-neck version with ¾ sleeves that I modified a bit from what the pattern called for. They were too baggy at the hem. I have a few more tweaks but overall, I am happy with it. The neckband is not perfect, I thought I removed enough or maybe I stretched it too much. I wore a tank under it due to me wearing a black bra. It’s some sort of lightweight stretch fabric. For the skirt, I used M7386, I just cut two of the front and added waist band casing. This will be the last of the camo… I picked up the fabric at Walmart. Happy sewing! P.S.: The pic was taken without thought, I just came in from an errand. No focus or cropping… there is also a white streak on the pic, it’s not on my fabric! ☹

Maxi dress and jacket!

Hi, I am feeling camo lately. I made B6206, I did view A top with view C bottom. For the jacket, I used M6559. I did a non-darted FBA for the jacket. This jacket is something that I would have never, ever worn, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try something new for me. Both pieces are in a jersey knit on sale at my local fabric store. The dress is a bit too long, I may take out the hem and redo. Please, excuse the trash bags. Monday is trash day in my area of Philly. Happy sewing!!!

Finished an OOP McCall's 2111

Finished M2111, not too happy with the tank/cami, but I will still wear it. This a very light-weight knit so I know I will still be freezing in the office. So that is my 1st make for March...

NEXT UP!!! Another M6996.... Next will be my fav M6996. I have this grey "eyelash" type of knit. I've been sewing a lot of grey lately. Not even my fav color, but it was another deal that I could not pass up 1.60 per yard.....

HAPPY SEWING!!!!! 

Working on McCall's 2111...an oldie but goodie for me

I am currently working on M2111, which I know is OOP. I was able to pick up this grey, lightweight knit. We have a place in Philly called Jomar and I was able to get the fabric for about 1.60, maybe less, per yard.

I've made some adjustments on the cardi. I reduced the armhole by 1". I find that the bigger the size the bigger the armscye. I also reduced the sleeve cap by 1" and I added about 2" to the length of the cardi.

The tank/cami that comes with it. I lowered the bust dart, added a bit of length and added about an inch to the hips.

Here is the pattern. Not finished yet. Tired and can't find my camera to take a pic.

McCall's 2111....fast and easy and I love it!!! Oh, I am making the long sleeved version.

 HAPPY SEWING...HOPE TO GET A PIC SOON...

Burda Easy 8291

Made this on Sunday. I love it...but I did the overlap in the wrong direction. I was a fast and easy sew. I'd like to do a few more....

This was made from fabric found in my garage. It was washed, dried, cut and sewn....HAPPY SEWING!!!!

1st make of 2017...M6996

Just finished my favorite cardi/jacket M6996. Love that is it an easy sew, for instant gratification if you've been in a slump. I don't remember where I got the fabric, but it's been in my stash for a while. I also noticed that I should have paid attention to the front facing and matched it. Oh well...too late now and I am going to wear it proudly.

This is the 4th time I made it. The alteration that I made were to reduce the armscye depth by 2"; they there were too deep; I took the same amount from the sleeve cap; last I narrowed the sleeve. I felt they were too baggy. 

The changes that I made worked out for me. I also like the fact that it's a bit shorter than the 1st one I made straight from the envelope. 

Thanks and Happy Sewing!!!!

Happy New Year...a bit late!!

Today I will be starting my sewing for 2017. In addition to my sewing, I would also, if I have time to chart my weight loss journey...again.

So far in 2017, the only thing that was sewn was curtains for the bedroom. I was able to get some corduroy on sale. Fast and easy.

Today I cut out one of my fav cardigans: M6996. I am doing View C. I've made the final alterations and this should fit how I want it to.

The fabric has been in my stash for a while. I will have to look for my swatches to see where and when.

Once it's finished I will post.

HAPPY SEWING!!! XOXOXOX

PS...I am trying to shop from my stash that is up to the ceiling. I am also on a pattern diet.

Cashmerette: Appleton wrap dress...LOVE!!!

Hi, I love, love, love wrap dresses. This would be the 1st one that fit the 1st time out of the package. I did the PDF. I cut a 20 E\F at the bust and graded to the 24 from the waist to hips. I messed up and cut a 20 at the waist. I also added about 2 inches to the length. This was made from a wrapped remnant pc from my local fabric store. This was my tester. So I guess you would call it the “wearable muslin”. It was way too low at the bust, so for the next one I will use the finished measurements and be sure to cut the waist properly. But I still wore my dress with a denim jacket and a cami under it for work. I love, love, love this dress and not having to do a FBA was a plus. I know we all can do one, but it was nice not having to do so. Next time I want to add another inch or two so I can wear heals. I am staring my summer/fall transitional wear. Happy sewing and thanks for checking out. Oh...excuse the bare feet, I just wanted to get the pic in...

September....National Sewing Month....YAY!!!

I know that September is the National Sewing Month. So I am going to try to sew or cut out something everyday in the month. 

Last night I cut out two self drafted Ponte Knit "pencil" skirts . One in black and one in olive. 

Happy Sewing!!!!

Extra Long Sewing Weekend....

I had off Thursday, Friday and Monday, so I decided to get some needed sewing done. I wanted to get a jump on the Spring/Summer sewing. So on my list of strapless maxis I have two made so far. One is using B6206, I used the bodice from A and the long skirt patter piece instead of the hi/low version. 

This fabric is from my stash. I was able to get a good deal on knit from my local brick and mortar fabric store. I think i was 1.99 per yard.

For the darker dress, I used M6558. I've had this fabric in my stash for about 20 years. It's still good no dry rot or anything. 

So I think I did pretty good for two days and I have two dresses. Excuse the mess. I am in the process of trying to organize it...

B6206

M6558

Sewcation Day 2 - Butterick 5300, View C

I love, love, love B5300. I am not fan of her pants patterns, but I like the tops.

I have three that I am cutting out today: one is light blue stretch cotton and the other is cotton orange. And I just pulled a pink…All from my stash. All are pre-washed and ready to go.

I do have a few issues with the side seams…they flare out some way, but when you are wearing them it works….I am making view C…I make a few of these every summer…this summer I plan on making at least 6 or more…I am on a mission to bust my stash. There must be a thousand or more yards…

Happy sewing!!!!

Sewcation starts today....

I have a week off from work, starting June 22 to June 26. I return to work Monday at 7AM on June 29.....booo....hooo....

Anyway, I said I would make this one count. On Saturday night I cut out 6 pair of undies…
I used two patterns; the first one was UnMentionables Worth Mentioning #112 from Pamela’s Patterns. The view that I used were the No VPL” undies – low cut. They are made with stretch lace trim. The widths vary on the pattern: 5.5, 5.5 and 7.5 wide lace. These are printed on the pattern piece. My lace varied between those size, but I made them work. I traced the original pattern and drew lines between the already printed on the pattern.

Now, from what I saw online for this type of panty the prices weren’t that high. I ordered my lace and other extras. My extras were for my girdles, I make my own girdles…They get you on the shipping and handling.
For the Pamela’s Patterns, they were fast to cut out and fun to make. I have to be honest I thought this style of underwear would be uncomfortable…but they are so comfy you don’t even feel them on. I made 5 pair of these. My first pair I put on right away. I have to admit I was giggling the entire time. Don’t know why…I thought it was funny.

There are other styles for PP #112. She includes a cami illusion, smoothing slips (half-slip), there three types of panties. The lace, they come in high and low cut. There is also a full cut version. I plan on making these soon.  

Overall, there are no VPL, in my opinion they sort of ride up a bit. Not uncomfortable, maybe it’s my big butt…but they are comfy.

Now for my favorite pair: Jalie 2568. I’ve had this in my hoard for a few years. I did order two wide widths of the stretch lace. This style makes you cut two on the fold. What I did was make one pattern piece, laid the fabric double and cut once….OMG this were the fastest and the best fitting. I made the largest size and they fit nice. UMMMM your butt will hang out but they are really comfy. And there are also no panty lines.
I will make these again. They were SUPER fast.

Here are the pics below.....

Happy sewing....

Going to participate in the Me Made May 2015. There was a link that was listed on the http://curvysewingcollective.com..

As soon as I can find how to make the badge....

Minor crotch fix...

Ok...from what I feel the crotch needs to be moved up/shorten. I ripped out the waistband and zipper. I scooped out about an inch or so starting from the center back about an inch from the crotch and went up in the center front about 1.5". So when I looked and felt, it's the crotch that is too low. I've made changes to this tracing, but too beat to cut out. I want to make sure that I adjust the crotch before I cut the next tester. Geez, I've never said crotch so many times before. Thanks for looking. If you have any suggestions they will be appreciated. It looks lumpy on the sides, but I will wear my shaper and I will pull them up like Fred Sanford...

FAIL!!!

Well...me and my big ideas. From my so called fixes for the pants pattern was a total failure...oh well.

I did cut out a new pattern with the following alterations. I lowered the center back and center front. I still need to do more. I did the Nancy Z pivot and slide method to add more room in the thigh...FAIL.

I seem to have problem with the Connie Crawford pattern line for pants. Seems like the side seams are really "bowed out" from the hip line to the knee. They remind you of clown pants. So with my pivot and slide and they way the pattern is made gave me a hideous look.

I was able to take off about 1.5” in that area. So that fixed the side seams in that area. But there was a hanging crotch issue that I had to deal with. The pivot and slide method gave me too much room in the thigh and added more room in the crotch. That made the front look flat, like a skirt. I took off 1-1/8” from the inseam in the front and back tapering about 5-6” down. That helped, but I still had this hanging crotch.

I will give this pattern one more chance. I will true the side seams. From looking at the pattern even without my alteration it was bowed out.