tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17317415950047327532024-02-18T23:08:25.268-08:00Sew Orangeseworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-36833860189254972082014-03-24T21:07:00.001-07:002014-03-24T21:07:58.086-07:00Anthro Inspired Vogue 1314I snapped up this fabric from Emma One Sock when it was available (oh a couple of years ago now?) - the same as from the lovely Anthropologie Gathered Hemlock Dress:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVO8U4wnG9zYs1XXsgCGrxyBnNS8vE84kVmsqvHILRjgpSJQrM4iXv-R4-1YtrP4iqz-XSNWf_evdlVpZRuri9Mk4ZmATpNAmGLob9u8U6S2DRny7FZxMAMS29HF8YRoC_Zo67sWWksCQ/s1600/gathered+hemlock+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVO8U4wnG9zYs1XXsgCGrxyBnNS8vE84kVmsqvHILRjgpSJQrM4iXv-R4-1YtrP4iqz-XSNWf_evdlVpZRuri9Mk4ZmATpNAmGLob9u8U6S2DRny7FZxMAMS29HF8YRoC_Zo67sWWksCQ/s1600/gathered+hemlock+dress.jpg" /></a></div>
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I chose Vogue 1314 for the pattern as an easy way to showcase this fun print. I thought about copying the petal skirt, but decided to keep it simple and stick to the pattern. I used a power mesh for the lining. I was happy it came with a pattern lining as I find thin jersey dresses can be a bit on the revealing side for my taste. The lining fit true to size in an 8. I cut an 8 for the bodice neck/sleeves tapering to a 6 at the waist and hips, after reading many reviews of it being huge. Boy did I underestimate the need to make it smaller! After I first completed it, it sat in my closet for months as it looked terrible in it's too large state, and I was too lazy to do the gathering again. When I came back to it I had much more familiarity and comfort with my serger, and used this to do the side gathers which was incredibly easy. I brought the seam in at least 1.5 inches on both sides, in 2 stages, from the start. You need to have a fair bit of negative ease to make the ruching show and not hang flat. I used a twin needle to hem the sleeves and hem. I wore it for the first time to a baby shower after throwing it in a bike pannier for a 20 mile ride - no wrinkles and lots of compliments! I'll call this one a winner. I might consider making it again in a more sedate fabric for work, since I have a shortage of bike-friendly dresses and skirts.<br />
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<br />seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-46757135578077822232012-09-03T19:07:00.001-07:002014-03-15T15:53:37.696-07:00Vogue 1174 - Not for the faint of heart!I had a formal wedding to attend, and no dress to wear, so decided upon Vogue 1174. Thankfully I was smart enough to start the project almost 2 months early, as there were many new techniques for me to learn. For other sewers that are new to interlining, boning, waist-stays, etc I'd highly recommend Gertie's bombshell dress video course. While some of the information was specific to the bombshell dress, much of it was relevant to this pattern as well. Go <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2011/07/take-my-online-bombshell-dress-course.html">here</a> for 50% off the Craftsy course. Well worth the $30!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RSDnoQb0T_pYSvT-YkEv8IhrF0i6_KaOj-2gMzpXzvbwaIWvoN54KyzPRltocXqVkND0RY2_EtzMJz6EKy8_yKr4Y1jdXHfrxJF28eJoS3PnTrKWtjFozTD7Y7i-fKLkFuoxgw-LEps/s1600/IMG_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RSDnoQb0T_pYSvT-YkEv8IhrF0i6_KaOj-2gMzpXzvbwaIWvoN54KyzPRltocXqVkND0RY2_EtzMJz6EKy8_yKr4Y1jdXHfrxJF28eJoS3PnTrKWtjFozTD7Y7i-fKLkFuoxgw-LEps/s400/IMG_0061.jpg" height="400" width="175" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuH3vJUPDULLIbTfLHrMqVjd37NxAUrUEO5HlPfWV3TmnEDuy9jQsAs9_pJ1OnY9sBonau_JzdTnlilklWQpQN0eVjgL0q28HahZdaZrxEaF6l9kLdqCb3qHhXO0O2nbZtmS2zspn7XI/s1600/IMG_0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuH3vJUPDULLIbTfLHrMqVjd37NxAUrUEO5HlPfWV3TmnEDuy9jQsAs9_pJ1OnY9sBonau_JzdTnlilklWQpQN0eVjgL0q28HahZdaZrxEaF6l9kLdqCb3qHhXO0O2nbZtmS2zspn7XI/s400/IMG_0064.jpg" height="400" width="175" /></a></div>
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I used a Carolina Herrera silk-lurex-blend brocade from Mood Fabrics. I had never ordered from them before, but was pleasantly surprised by the accuracy of the photos/descriptions of my two picks. The only other obscure item to find was the spiral steel boning - which lead me to <a href="http://www.lacis.com/">Lacis</a> in Berkeley which caters to your lace and corset making needs and has things like spiral steel and horse hair braids, and other such things I've read about but never seen. The remainder I picked up at Stone Mountain and Daughter - I think I made 3 separate trips! For interlining I used silk organza for the foundation and cotton muslin for the dress (I found the organza a little shifty after I pre-washed it, my mistake). I lined with china silk. For the piping I used silk charmeuse.<br />
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I ended up with a size 6 for the entire dress. I've never sewn anything in a size 6, so make sure to check the measurements (unfortunately no waist measurements were to be found on the pattern). I muslined both the foundation and the dress, since I needed an SBA in both. I had to add 1/2 inch in bodice length. I ended up taking it in 1/4 inch at the top so it would be snug. I also had to take a 1/4 inch out of the middle lower bodice piece from the top point tapering to nothing at the waist as it was a little poufy under the bust. I lowered the back skirt darts about an inch.<br />
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The construction was relatively straightforward after the muslining - just a few mishaps on my part like putting in the 2 of the back bodice pieces upside-down (not recommended after you've done the piping and seam finishing!). I also hand picked the zipper the first time around (again, a first), but found that it gaped. I still don't know how people get hand picked zippers to look good - maybe it's easier on something with a bit more ease than strapless? I gave up, took it out, and put in an invisible zipper instead - worked fine, just a bit sticky at the piping seams. It also allowed me to let the back out 1/4" so I could have a little more breathing room - make sure you account for the thickness of the boning, interlining, etc in your muslins! For the waist stay I followed Gertie's instructions rather than the pattern ones. I measured my waist, then tacked the stay down at the middle, sides, and at the zipper. No need to make the whole dress as slim as the stay - room for dinner is important! In the end it wore beautifully - able to breathe, eat, and dance the night away without having to tug it up once.<br />
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Here is the inside of the dress with the foundation - nothing like orange octopi to cheer you up!<br />
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<br />seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-9819134030434039762012-09-03T18:56:00.001-07:002014-03-15T16:01:33.126-07:00Vogue Donna Karan 1159There are many other reviews of this dress, but here is mine:<br />
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Fabric is from Stone Mountain and Daughter in Berkeley. It's labeled as rayon and lycra, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was a little bit of wool in it. After all of the fuss on pattern review, it really wasn't all that hard to make. You just have to be slow and methodical. I used thread tracing to mark the circles/squares for the first time, which was so much easier than trying to make out where my chalk markings escaped to. I also read the instructions about 3 times before proceeding, so I could visualize the construction. I made a size 12, because that it what I had bought to fit my hips. I was worried because I often fit a size 8 bodice in Vogue, and there was no way to make any size alterations on this one! Luckily, it turned out just fine. I did make a couple alterations:<br />
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1) Arm hole gapage - I used the pattern alterations from pattern review <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=55406">here</a>. Sadly, the arm holes were still quite gape-y even after bringing them up an inch! I then unstitched and sewed them up at least another inch (it's not a straight seam, so I just matched them up as flush as I could). This ended up taking the bodice in almost an inch on both sides, which compensated well for it being too big in the first place!<br />
2) Length - I initially tried it on and cut off 3 inches (I'm 5'5"). I tried it on again, and realized the front hung much lower than the back, so had to unpin the back and take a very small hem there. If you are like me and don't have a mannequin for fitting, make sure you measure from the floor, not just take off an even amount.<br />
3) Lining - my fabric was relatively thin and drapy, and has more 4 way stretch that it should. I was worried about it stretching out too far, and given the negative ease of the lining, I thought that might lend some support. I used a silky rayon jersey I had left over, which was actually a bit thicker than my fashion fabric. I enlarged the darts to make it snug in the back. It works quite well, and the fabric drapes beautifully over it. <br />
4) Neck gapage - I put in a couple stitches to keep everything in place. This might not be an issue if you are full busted, but would recommend it otherwise. I also put in a stitch where the front crosses. <br />
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Overall, I highly recommend this pattern. The finished dress has great draping and is very comfortable to wear.<br />
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<br />seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-74036960167309375102012-07-29T12:28:00.000-07:002014-03-15T15:57:32.841-07:00Anthropologie Knock-off FrankenpantsWhat do you get when you combine the following two pairs of Anthro pants?
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I took a copying RTW class at Stone Mountain and Daughter in Berkeley, to copy my pair of the Obi trousers (pictured above left). I drafted a waist-band similar to the Falling Folds pants (above right), and came up with this:</div>
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I used a sale piece of black wool. It has a side zip and a fake fly front. Reasonably successful for my first pair of pants!</div>
seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-76005739782237110622012-06-13T17:31:00.000-07:002014-03-15T16:05:49.091-07:00McCall's 3830<br />
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I bought this delightful blue wool Oscar de la Renta fabric from EOS -
my first order from them, and probably the only on-line retailer I will
consider in the future (too many times burned elsewhere, and their wonderfully accurate descriptions are well worth the price).
Sadly I was the last one to get any, so I was left with a scant 2/3 yard
of 50" fabric. There went my waist-band. I looked low and high for a
simple pencil skirt with a vent back and a lining and no waistband - no
such thing exists. I ended up with this one since I was at Joanne's
during a McCall's sale. It is an adequate pencil skirt with a vent back,
no lining. I cut a size 10. I graded in 1/2 inch on each side to the
hem, since the skirt is more straight than pencil-like, despite the
pattern drawings. I took an extra 1/4" in each dart on the back. I added
a lining and used the quick lining method from Threads Magazine <a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4971/a-shortcut-to-great-linings">here</a>.
I attempted to use the vent lining tutorial <a href="http://www.afashionablestitch.com/2010/sewalongs/pencil-skirt-lesson-3-back-vent-tutorial-part-ii/">here</a>
with some success. <br />
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I used the pattern a second time to make a skirt from some fabric I got in China - it was reported to be 100% wool, but according to my iron this is not true. Oh-well. It's still a fun fabric, and was pretty cheap regardless.seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-29921365981765874652012-06-12T19:17:00.000-07:002012-06-12T19:31:03.993-07:00Vogue 8667Fabric used: 100% wool with tiny houndstooth print, from the remnant bin at Stone Mountain and Daughter, Bremberg rayon lining<br />
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This was a great pattern. It required a little fitting to get the bodice right - fits great in front, still obviously needs some work on my back fitting. Luckily I wear a white coat at work, so no one can see it. I cut an 8 in the bodice grading to a 10 at the waist. Changes included an SBA and adding 1/2 inch in length to the bodice. The back neckline had too much fabric, so that was pinched out. Any suggestions for what I need to do differently to prevent the folds in the back would be much appreciated. I added a single welt pocket to make it a little more interesting - used <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/12/pockets-xxi-single-welt-pockets.html">this tutorial</a>. I thought about doing matching ones, but since it was my first welt pocket I was afraid it would not end up symmetric!<br />
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<br />seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-14485080439639152932012-01-11T21:16:00.000-08:002014-03-15T16:03:39.893-07:00Butterick 5559This is a delightfully easy - if somewhat detail oriented - pattern. I used a wonderful thick wool double knit from Stone Mountain and Daughter in Berkeley. It was my first time using a double knit because I don't like poly, and it is hard to find wool double knit, especially at a reasonable price. I had 1.5 yards, and it shrunk like the dickens. I barely had enough to cut it out. The pattern was easy to follow. I cut a 10 on top and 12 on bottom, but still ended up using 6/8" seams on the top and 3/8" seams at the hips. The other change was adding 1" to the hem as others said it was too short (all I could eke out from my fabric). I ended up doing a 2" hem, so only added 1/2" to the pattern length - it hits an inch or two above the knees. I finally broke down and used an orange thread to make tailors tacks to mark the fold lines - easy but time consuming. For the tucks I used my 1/4" quilting hem foot and a stretch stitch so the fabric has a little give. On the plus side, the seams met up pretty well on the side, without having to pick anything out. Despite my hatred of facings, I followed the pattern instructions on this one. I just had to tack it down in the front and back - it works fine, and I like not having any top stitching at the neck. For the hem I did a hand catch stitch. Fit is pretty good with the above changes. I didn't do an SBA due to the complicated and assymetric folds - luckily none needed after all. A little swayback adjustment would have been useful - again, not sure how to do that. All in all, a great pattern - highly recommended!<br />
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Here are the pics:<br />
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<br />seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-24391635050180447412011-09-19T15:47:00.000-07:002014-03-15T15:56:37.402-07:00Boat Neck TopEveryone has been posting (probably a year ago now) their version of the Burda boat neck top, so I had to make my own, minus the Burda part. I took the back and sleeves from the Jalie tunic top, and approximated a front from the top part of the Jalie pattern attached to another shirt front that I knew fit well. I used a thin wool jersey that I bought a year or so ago from Vogue Fabrics in Evanston. I think it was $7 a yard - all I wonder is why on earth I didn't buy more of it! I had some scraps of Echino fabric lying around, so I decided to applique a little bit onto the front so I could tell the back from the front. I used instructions found <a href="http://www.myhappycrazylife.com/how-to-applique/">here</a>. Next time I will make the stitch width a little wider - the Echino fabric is a double gauze, so the threads are sneaking out in parts of it. I probably should have stabilized the neckline, but didn't (I just folded it over once an stitched). Here it is:<br />
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<br />seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-24457294114595182562011-09-19T15:44:00.000-07:002011-09-19T15:44:20.910-07:00The Lion A-LineThis is my second skirt using the Twinkle A-line A-plus skirt from BurdaStyle. I've gotten a lot of use out of that pattern! I also used the yoke pattern as the basis for a wool straight skirt with a waistband. This used 1 1/2 yards of Echino Lion double gauze fabric. It was a delight to work with - behaves well as cotton does, but so soft! It was worth every penny. I did line it - I suppose you don't with double gauze, but I hate dealing with facings. I didn't really make any changes from last time. I realized I did change where the pleats were in the last skirt - just moved them both out from center about an inch, so I did the same thing here. I couldn't get the machine blind stitch to be terribly blind on this fabric, so I catch stitched them hem in place using the Sewing Divas instructions available <a href="http://thesewingdivas.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/hemming-stitch-by-hand/">here</a>.<br />
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seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-37148008070738265822010-09-05T12:33:00.000-07:002010-09-05T13:54:18.434-07:00BurdaStyle Cowl TopThis was a quick and dirty cowl neck top from the free pattern on BurdaStyle available <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/cowl-dress-cowl-top">here</a>. I graded up to about a 38 on the waist and hips, and obviously could stand to use a bit more! It's an easy pattern. I did finish the sleeves by serging, then folding over once and stitching at 1/4 inch. For the back neck I used Amanda's excellent tutorial for finishing with bias tape available <a href="http://amandasadventuresinsewing.blogspot.com/2010/04/bias-tape-finish-for-necklines-and.html">here</a>. It gives a lovely finished and professional look, that will not stretch out. The only thing I would add is that I had to use my walking foot, as the regular one pulled the thin rayon too much. It probably wouldn't be necessary with a more stable knit. And I finally figured out out to do an adequate twin needle stich for the hem without the threads twisting and breaking!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaFJMFLdEsiI9M05XY3Hq19HqWTsc0m0i05I5O8J6dTWrJ1lGOvyYiwVUcLqRTA5BW-17v7obTA6pduOruIOO51cQTY5_cXin6_6W_Yc5SJ7j1HDLnRHnKZFXF2ldq1SRkT0hkxtBI2M/s1600/sewing+040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaFJMFLdEsiI9M05XY3Hq19HqWTsc0m0i05I5O8J6dTWrJ1lGOvyYiwVUcLqRTA5BW-17v7obTA6pduOruIOO51cQTY5_cXin6_6W_Yc5SJ7j1HDLnRHnKZFXF2ldq1SRkT0hkxtBI2M/s320/sewing+040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513517655757770994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g0g7B0edE5supPsoUMND2y-FN_CU-n9XBLd9k-OXQT4TUpSgbePM3Eh4G0g3w6Peb0qgmsfagCEdxX6lxifcpof3BHf45G5BaSr3fSOWbEKN-OGOwKqyLgueEiC6Wf8LeowLBS_Jn-c/s1600/sewing+044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g0g7B0edE5supPsoUMND2y-FN_CU-n9XBLd9k-OXQT4TUpSgbePM3Eh4G0g3w6Peb0qgmsfagCEdxX6lxifcpof3BHf45G5BaSr3fSOWbEKN-OGOwKqyLgueEiC6Wf8LeowLBS_Jn-c/s320/sewing+044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513517662397160786" border="0" /></a>seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-26002277827376718902010-07-17T21:39:00.000-07:002010-09-05T12:32:49.787-07:00Vogue 1183 - Kay Unger Dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauNioS-K7tFa-LmCb2IaXO58bXZi_KYSGOFgNgRQWFzSUwxOUqIBLRZ0pEGiFfNn2lwA-IeftF-QBAh8pQdcvC8IuDQXxtwVmoTC3thLJnXCFo5y_rcmbi1dAIHwGqbohC6ivykI4tOs/s1600/sewing+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauNioS-K7tFa-LmCb2IaXO58bXZi_KYSGOFgNgRQWFzSUwxOUqIBLRZ0pEGiFfNn2lwA-IeftF-QBAh8pQdcvC8IuDQXxtwVmoTC3thLJnXCFo5y_rcmbi1dAIHwGqbohC6ivykI4tOs/s320/sewing+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513505489146537650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyKR8iksl-YsaK-I6s5PJoC_lcXm_4-M5Vjoc3L-1N3rdIm9Ba-IyayHRvAwd4H5KXccQnFfLHgD1Pp1Qi32v0lbePRj1yg2V-liKTqsnt7kLsV3w3aT-ym4WVSUfxRY3rBteJ0y73jk/s1600/sewing+007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyKR8iksl-YsaK-I6s5PJoC_lcXm_4-M5Vjoc3L-1N3rdIm9Ba-IyayHRvAwd4H5KXccQnFfLHgD1Pp1Qi32v0lbePRj1yg2V-liKTqsnt7kLsV3w3aT-ym4WVSUfxRY3rBteJ0y73jk/s320/sewing+007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513505499804470370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The plan was to make a wool tweed dress that was professional enough for work, but not too dull - the Kay Unger dress was perfect for this. It is rated as an easy pattern, but with 12+12 pieces, there is no instant gratification! It is certainly doable by beginners, it just takes some time and patience to line up all of the pieces and do all of the top stitching. It is well worth the effort in the end! I used a silk/wool tweed from gorgeous fabrics. It was my first gorgeous fabrics order, and I think I'm addicted!<br /><br />I made a few modifications - you can see the pattern alterations below.<br />1) SBA - I trimmed the curve on piece #2, as well as shaved off about 3/8 inch from the bottom of the side bodice piece as well (see red arrow). Then I had to pinch an equal amount out of the midriff so everything would line up.<br />2) The neck line initially gaped, so I also pinched out almost 1/2 inch from the neck line ending near the bust point (see fold on piece #1).<br />3) I also took out 1/2 inch on each side of the zipper tapering to mid-back.<br />4) I pinched 1/4 inch from the side seams so the arm hole didn't gape. It sounds like I was gaping everywhere!<br />5) Shorten hem by 1 inch to bring above the knee.<br />6) Add interfacing to the midriff.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRga_4pmp24k1VKszNA3_RJBzKfVJPBcV5k9WL3w0kbYM60dc9nAWYAiY-vXZ2WSFjfmyztVQ3_7QkofhvcwbekH4eloyOvT-ylzKiT0T7YSm1nj7L_lPOUjw84kSZxapueGwPuFjWO8/s1600/DSC_0665.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRga_4pmp24k1VKszNA3_RJBzKfVJPBcV5k9WL3w0kbYM60dc9nAWYAiY-vXZ2WSFjfmyztVQ3_7QkofhvcwbekH4eloyOvT-ylzKiT0T7YSm1nj7L_lPOUjw84kSZxapueGwPuFjWO8/s320/DSC_0665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513501021536819970" border="0" /></a><br />I think that is it. After all of the cropping, maybe I could have started with a smaller size! I started with a size 10 for the bodice, and transitioned to a 12 in the midriff. For some reason my muslin ended up being a little small in the hips, so I initially added a little fabric in there, but ended up taking it out in the end.<br /><br />Overall I am quite happy with it - the muslin was an absolutely essential step in the process. I'm jealous of people who fit straight sizes! My only major issue is the large front skirt darts - I would be happier if this part was flat, but I was too lazy to change this as well. I could probably have tapered to a size 12 a little lower down than I did too - I have a little too much ease in the belly. Luckily I mostly wear it with a white coat over it so no one will notice! The instructions were fine - I was a bit perplexed by the skirt flap in the back, but just made something up as I had never done this before.seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-81840823891379914002010-06-20T14:34:00.000-07:002011-09-14T20:55:36.376-07:00Vogue 1027 Dress - X2The first is definitely an approximation of Vogue 1027 - I made it more of an empire waist, dropped the tie, and didn't do a circle skirt. I used a lightweight cotton knit from the $3/yard table that I picked up in SF. I should have bought more! I made an SBA on the front pattern pieces by pinching out one of the darts, and taking about 1/3 inch folded off vertically in the center of the front bodice piece. I constructed the back with a CB seam, and used another knit dress pattern that had a swayback adjustment. I used the lightweight steam a seam at the neck line to ensure I didn't get any stretching. A bit of elastic would probably be nice, but I didn't have any. I constructed the sleeves as instructed, which isn't beautiful on the inside, but looks fine on the outside. For the hem I just turned it up 1/4 inch and folded twice, because I didn't want to make it any shorter than this, and I ran out of fabric!<br /><br /><picture>(will post picture soon!)<br /><picture coming=""><br />The second is the real thing. I used a silky rayon jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics, which has a weight and feel closer to silk jersey than your average rayon knit. It also has a little bit of sheen which makes it a little dressier. I like the feel of it, but it's much harder to work with than normal rayon jersey! If you cut your skirt on the grain, it only takes 2 yards to complete it. I cut a size 8 and ended up having to take the side seams in some. The only major change I used from the pattern is that I self lined the upper bodice. This gave a little more substantial bodice to hang the circle skirt off of - important because the fabric has some weight to it! It also meant that I didn't have to hem the neck and sleeves . I did end up top stitching them though. I took 4 inches off of the skirt when I cut it, and it still hits below the knee. I used Assorted Notions recommendations for the tie. I also ended up hand stitching the rest of it to the bodice, because otherwise the knot would slip down and show the seam which looked kind of odd. If your fabric wasn't so slinky, it would probably just stay in place with a knot. Here is a pic (sorry, I obviously can't be bothered to iron for ya'll!):<br /><br /></picture><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGSQmlx0PklnYjUotceqVi0w9BQdaw00uWs9xupZewq02pSo621RMaTXrhJVh__gKuDnbzZMc7uWX1ECsekldC-kp-PYBGJQGHcoGaEPhyn48gZazaxydEc0dTzgoGzAlDKk-lcw9gUQ/s1600/sewing+022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGSQmlx0PklnYjUotceqVi0w9BQdaw00uWs9xupZewq02pSo621RMaTXrhJVh__gKuDnbzZMc7uWX1ECsekldC-kp-PYBGJQGHcoGaEPhyn48gZazaxydEc0dTzgoGzAlDKk-lcw9gUQ/s320/sewing+022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548170541523942306" border="0" /></a><br /><picture coming=""><br /><br /></picture></picture>seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-16560521469905438162010-05-09T17:32:00.000-07:002010-05-09T17:55:58.520-07:00Jalie 2911 - take 2I've clearly been on a Jalie kick - maybe I'll get the courage up to make the jeans soon, that's the only one I haven't tried yet. I finally found a use for that oh-so-thick and non-stretchy Vera Wang Lavendar Collection grey wool jersey from Fabric.com - another on-line semi-bust! It worked out well for this. I made the Jalie top with the hood. My first version was a thick wool jersey with the collar, and looks terrible, so we won't discuss it here! Because it was so thick, I decided to do a contrast for the inside of the hood, and chose a Denverfabrics very lightweight red wool jersey. This was the only alteration I made to the pattern - you have to just add a 1/4" seam allowance to the hood piece, and cut 4 of them. I sewed the two contrasting pieces together, then proceeded with the instructions as given. Now if only I had remembered to pre-wash the fabric first! Will hem after throwing it through a cold wash, and see how much damage is done. I'm enjoying it until then....<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZukpk7lW2npDsXWf8W3ysJrSvgX9JTyPmsgDFANgTrnCy55L1A1s6987rtQZvCX46hDDVMob6pCd7T8Ba8O0iM-RdFkYbCRovAB8_hEiACH_rMpIpvdgC3ISabP98BgCz16K2KaN52JA/s320/grey_sweater_back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469436555556632034" border="0" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVOuHngqcx0CjEp7YcY_xZExYFjr9RpMvhUNNSepjskPsg4l4eTi_zuPueGtl-5Usvczaza3Ne4X5sPyaGcgHunN_503yeFNxG2vMwYfi7mTU2PvumI3qAYhCN5hnr1o8d2QmuVYNYqE/s1600/grey_sweater_front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVOuHngqcx0CjEp7YcY_xZExYFjr9RpMvhUNNSepjskPsg4l4eTi_zuPueGtl-5Usvczaza3Ne4X5sPyaGcgHunN_503yeFNxG2vMwYfi7mTU2PvumI3qAYhCN5hnr1o8d2QmuVYNYqE/s320/grey_sweater_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469436543323352850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82ryU953XGr2fCf8HdQWmHrmXrhsK7ejTiUqd5LpU3klwylKqZGoJrcqBl-WzdX9o-iLf7bl61eiyra9J29Z4n4urQOKFc_2zVIJqX1wm0VruGDzd2q07EpgzkQDdbLX_MMTmqo__oss/s1600/DSC_0599.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82ryU953XGr2fCf8HdQWmHrmXrhsK7ejTiUqd5LpU3klwylKqZGoJrcqBl-WzdX9o-iLf7bl61eiyra9J29Z4n4urQOKFc_2zVIJqX1wm0VruGDzd2q07EpgzkQDdbLX_MMTmqo__oss/s320/DSC_0599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469436535467809618" border="0" /></a>seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-9796521585656363152010-03-14T18:16:00.000-07:002010-05-09T17:27:08.851-07:00Jalie 2682 - take 3Quick, easy to put together, interesting construction for the front, looks fabulous on everyone I've seen it on. My only complaint is the number of back pieces - I'm just not quite sure why it needs so many, so I got rid of them on the last try.<br /><br />I did the first one in a drab brown wool jersey from denverfabrics. I need to stop ordering fabrics from them because nearly every time I am disappointed - either it is a different thickness than I expect, the color is off, or something. I do much better from Fabric.com or obviously in person, although Sacramento isn't abounding with fabric store options. Somehow it was a different color in my head. It is however a nice thickness and quite warm. I did try the Jalie non-serger method of zig-zag stitching the edges, then stretching the fabric and doing a straight stitch. I finds the fabric gets a little stretched out with this method and doesn't lie flat. For the Jalie patterns I've found that using my 1/4" quilting foot with a straight stretch stitch to make a nice even line (can I say I *love* the 1/4" seam allowances?), followed by a zig zag using the Janome overlock foot (not sure what it should be called, but keeps the fabric in place for sewing to the edge of the fabric) works well. I seriously need a serger. Otherwise the shirts came together exactly as described in the instructions. Again I used an R and graded to a T at the hips. I had to take off nearly 2 inches total from the sleeves in the end to make them narrower, and I took a smidge off of the side bodice just below the chest to make it more fitted.<br /><br />The second one is a lovely thin black knit remnant from a store in Portland. I'm not sure what it is made of - perhaps a cotton/wool blend. For the sleeves I just folded over 1/4" once and did a straight stretch stitch.<br /><br />The third one, and the only one with a picture right now, is a purple wool/rayon jersey from Discount Fabrics in SF. I somehow thought I did the first one with a yard of fabric, but obviously not because it took a whole lot of jigsaw puzzle-ing to make it work! The fabric is cut at 90 degrees to the grain rather than on the grain, but it's hard to tell. Same steps as above, except had to do narrow cuffs for the sleeves (not enough fabric) and cut the back out as one piece, and I am much happier about it! Not to mention a time-saver.<br /><br />Here is the front:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJh05aqbMEODsPBeoCmjhAwguYufi5oTCIjkE6SIaPvH8eb3wV2ddmj_if5HmI-u8kCn8IREiGNirRet0Z8uIfBgUc4l1r3nNGHknnLMgFwCf-JLhywF1NDTiuz1jlYg7tqzcXvkGmUVc/s1600/DSC_0588.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJh05aqbMEODsPBeoCmjhAwguYufi5oTCIjkE6SIaPvH8eb3wV2ddmj_if5HmI-u8kCn8IREiGNirRet0Z8uIfBgUc4l1r3nNGHknnLMgFwCf-JLhywF1NDTiuz1jlYg7tqzcXvkGmUVc/s400/DSC_0588.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469428908734115554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here is the back. I could definitely use a swayback...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLBM1QEK6Vwkh6ptW0M7eV-JCmne_JjNcG9oSSkxtpWIQyFLBjlLPoBA-lBM_ZwHIfzh7B1CEHTfs482r58EZtfgo25PQex_lO4bMjjoMGVwMKSadrXR6InJagOOUFfKLCsPTctNJ2cw/s1600/DSC_0593.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLBM1QEK6Vwkh6ptW0M7eV-JCmne_JjNcG9oSSkxtpWIQyFLBjlLPoBA-lBM_ZwHIfzh7B1CEHTfs482r58EZtfgo25PQex_lO4bMjjoMGVwMKSadrXR6InJagOOUFfKLCsPTctNJ2cw/s400/DSC_0593.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469428926573435074" border="0" /></a>seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-57777915611735551362010-03-14T14:11:00.000-07:002014-03-15T16:07:36.162-07:00Jalie 2793 DressI finally broke down and bought some Jalie patterns - from their 4 for the price of 3 sale (I think it's an ongoing sort of thing). I'm used to buying big 4 patterns on sale at Joann's, so they still seemed quite expensive. As everyone has been saying, they are fabulous! I love having actual paper to cut out. There instructions are brief, but clear with good pictures. There construction of pieces makes so much more sense than big 4 pattern construction. Highly recommended!<br />
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I made the Jalie 2793 tunic into a dress.I used a rayon/poly/lycra blend from Fabric.com. I usually don't like poly jersyes, but the rayon seems to save it. The contrast is the leftover red rayon jersey from my previous dress. I used a size R and graded to a size T at the hips. I lengthened it by about 11 inches to make a dress. As you can see below, I initially put in the modesty panel since everyone seemed to say it was necessary, however it looked terrible with the red for some reason. Since I have no cleavage to expose, I think it works just fine without it. The only other change I made is skip the top stitching. Instead I edge stitched the v-neck seam to the back facing before turning over and ironing. It came together easily in a day, and fits perfectly without alteration (it is jersey afterall).<br />
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Here are some pics:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPEKg2d3-MoTJYmxahNlsAKc6uOiYD4yvvF-nhDO7trcUs0Zkb0rql9t0ritL3E_7SvOvHxWWXd0o6k-dQhVFuMxIj8K5Ma7UMaaSEmRpeLe_g9QpyKXpl25ztoZQrWbEOH8pf5ApC6U/s1600-h/jalie_side_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPEKg2d3-MoTJYmxahNlsAKc6uOiYD4yvvF-nhDO7trcUs0Zkb0rql9t0ritL3E_7SvOvHxWWXd0o6k-dQhVFuMxIj8K5Ma7UMaaSEmRpeLe_g9QpyKXpl25ztoZQrWbEOH8pf5ApC6U/s400/jalie_side_2.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448606830334006386" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></span></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMaJfK3LnABXmOW03A-OAAPu8XjX4jGnCsWyG6ge4aNiVefTj1JH4h_ZPrVGjyJwORnz7kmPmdedT1NFXNprpTkafM1nDX9ZU6iGTBGfpAjEi3cbjvQ7xr0IDrwIYw82FZ6Jo53Sm_3I/s1600-h/jalie_side.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMaJfK3LnABXmOW03A-OAAPu8XjX4jGnCsWyG6ge4aNiVefTj1JH4h_ZPrVGjyJwORnz7kmPmdedT1NFXNprpTkafM1nDX9ZU6iGTBGfpAjEi3cbjvQ7xr0IDrwIYw82FZ6Jo53Sm_3I/s400/jalie_side.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448606822280605362" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7at_Kjm-wCdb3WDBLV96M-o-rU3h02dtWgKar-VGAzKU_os_Nv13C-faZWlRsC9wPQiKL5DTSdhVXbfV4pXUBDlFemIRu-gEZr84OcF6YKsYhxCjkib-_Stg4JVksQ30UQRfgHI4cuuE/s1600-h/jalie_front.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7at_Kjm-wCdb3WDBLV96M-o-rU3h02dtWgKar-VGAzKU_os_Nv13C-faZWlRsC9wPQiKL5DTSdhVXbfV4pXUBDlFemIRu-gEZr84OcF6YKsYhxCjkib-_Stg4JVksQ30UQRfgHI4cuuE/s400/jalie_front.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448606814045546466" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a>Here is the inside of the neck with the stitching and cut out modesty panel:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0c7GPCK-FTV-XfLUVCaPzolY96x_LOM6OA4VurC_-Eb9q9gDsEQ8LdDAYySzUIMRYJQcyKYiMefValSz46RVGbB7F3aeOXTRu9fRGpXzdBDkDvwo6zlFChaFipt5-szQxd5HqhEbpas/s1600-h/DSC_0050.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0c7GPCK-FTV-XfLUVCaPzolY96x_LOM6OA4VurC_-Eb9q9gDsEQ8LdDAYySzUIMRYJQcyKYiMefValSz46RVGbB7F3aeOXTRu9fRGpXzdBDkDvwo6zlFChaFipt5-szQxd5HqhEbpas/s400/DSC_0050.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448606805281180610" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-1359235541438861002010-01-17T15:50:00.000-08:002010-01-17T16:14:17.859-08:00A Plus A-Line SkirtI've never used a pattern to make a skirt before, so I'm not sure why I decided it was a good idea to use one that I had to print out 51 pages for! It's available on Burdastyle <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/a-plus-a-line-by-twinkle-by-wenlan">here</a>. I think it turned out pretty well. The printing *is* a hassle, and Wenlan's patterns give you the whole piece not a half piece with a fold line, which means twice as many pages to print and piece together. It's okay if you have a good movie to watch. I used a cotton-mystery fabric blend from the stash. Her directions are adequate, although not particularly detailed. I followed them pretty much exactly. It fit to size, although I wanted it to sit a little lower on my waist, so I added 1/8th inch to the yoke pattern pieces. I did put the top stitching at 1/8th inch rather than 1cm or so as suggested. I used a blind-hem stich for the hem.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgru6XeJCnnqqS-hpKIFNEoxLZ3m8VyCVN87o1WL1Bfu4YXz6C3oRZVqPwxfq2E_WOhuBy2LT9BUUPwASA6WEHwx5JI3eFcHrvExKS6wuYe7nk_OnSITwQTtzIA7J3FiKkyPyfhASvOZPw/s1600-h/a_line_skirt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgru6XeJCnnqqS-hpKIFNEoxLZ3m8VyCVN87o1WL1Bfu4YXz6C3oRZVqPwxfq2E_WOhuBy2LT9BUUPwASA6WEHwx5JI3eFcHrvExKS6wuYe7nk_OnSITwQTtzIA7J3FiKkyPyfhASvOZPw/s400/a_line_skirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427863834218405266" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1OdHLQhQVn7obVJ1CyCT7_cyzL9P1r0ZF83oGZXFokRlSg1SQe3Y32yQ16x7awfUWFi7XZ9BJoFMmLN8-q6Yxu1J95gxWcfiJnUgExYDugvFvViPHOcjhp9J_9SHcI1IA-vdCsNvI5Q/s1600-h/a_line_skirt_side.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1OdHLQhQVn7obVJ1CyCT7_cyzL9P1r0ZF83oGZXFokRlSg1SQe3Y32yQ16x7awfUWFi7XZ9BJoFMmLN8-q6Yxu1J95gxWcfiJnUgExYDugvFvViPHOcjhp9J_9SHcI1IA-vdCsNvI5Q/s400/a_line_skirt_side.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427863843206974242" border="0" /></a>Not my best inside work, but will do:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4N_cGK1hfCS1VUI9XZ4KUXAVW4QAwbgMKCnH771YUZH1eqyT0dbyUmiA2C8hHLDvgHLYx_uvEnVyLR5RsHdZYqd5ELMvffKA3g6PFUy671eGeUNotyRU4dxNqW9696iqf1CLTvc5LX8/s1600-h/skirts+016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4N_cGK1hfCS1VUI9XZ4KUXAVW4QAwbgMKCnH771YUZH1eqyT0dbyUmiA2C8hHLDvgHLYx_uvEnVyLR5RsHdZYqd5ELMvffKA3g6PFUy671eGeUNotyRU4dxNqW9696iqf1CLTvc5LX8/s400/skirts+016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427863857548607666" border="0" /></a>Here's the zipper on the inside. I usually machine sew not slip stitch as recommended. It works except is a little wonky at the bottom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-_ZwsCiGCew2y7JyX9HMUu25tJ3sSCkVOnR4jHvUBib9DHcxO6R0Jfy_xFfhKlXClU9VgTlm3SacUhZ2XeFhi-LN5Hx8fWme92vdouYwc0O9oIWSI-0RK5FgDG8s-RpPROu9w-5XK-Y/s1600-h/skirts+013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-_ZwsCiGCew2y7JyX9HMUu25tJ3sSCkVOnR4jHvUBib9DHcxO6R0Jfy_xFfhKlXClU9VgTlm3SacUhZ2XeFhi-LN5Hx8fWme92vdouYwc0O9oIWSI-0RK5FgDG8s-RpPROu9w-5XK-Y/s400/skirts+013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427863847649592402" border="0" /></a><br />Somehow the yoke seams line up better on the zipper side than the right side! I should put in a hook and eye:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JZ5gXevkjBGB-U2vX7gAkmAmXQ4eIz7SEOI_9__kzlbegC-X4YpYw90mToiX51yPgTfDUOaVAUD3PdPh_C0DyAmPfP42pa6Qo9GxkUMQ4Ahwu6OBhfsBHxbb4fMTUgeN_u09JN3nkrU/s1600-h/skirts+014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JZ5gXevkjBGB-U2vX7gAkmAmXQ4eIz7SEOI_9__kzlbegC-X4YpYw90mToiX51yPgTfDUOaVAUD3PdPh_C0DyAmPfP42pa6Qo9GxkUMQ4Ahwu6OBhfsBHxbb4fMTUgeN_u09JN3nkrU/s400/skirts+014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427865173226748418" border="0" /></a>seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-10268652181321678172009-08-31T16:34:00.000-07:002010-01-17T16:43:51.324-08:00Six Panelled Skirt Pattern Tutorial<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lkhJJcTikrZb6ab0Bamr0hiEBGtfuX0s6KX8efeBrCJS0tlpsK2WquiOH5BfG_QXbHjWxLqv61xXwlA5f1z8u6vx9-sJJUGLsmSkFZrDGy9-rQ3mD_QqUnOadR-_2jAWf6rtPN3tsl4/s1600-h/skirts+017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lkhJJcTikrZb6ab0Bamr0hiEBGtfuX0s6KX8efeBrCJS0tlpsK2WquiOH5BfG_QXbHjWxLqv61xXwlA5f1z8u6vx9-sJJUGLsmSkFZrDGy9-rQ3mD_QqUnOadR-_2jAWf6rtPN3tsl4/s400/skirts+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427859196272884338" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />The easiest pattern to make to fit yourself! Here it is: I just used a trapezoidal piece of newspaper based on my measured waist circumference divided by 6 and hip circumference divided by 6, as pictured below. Just add seam allowances and you have a lovely pattern. I sewed the 6 panels together, taking in an extra dart on the two back ones. I then made facings by tracing the pieced together skirt, ironed on some interfacing and sewed it inside. I put in a side invisible zipper. One of my skirts I used french seams and put in a lining, the other I just did normal seams, no lining, and probably didn't even tack down the facing. For the one above I used a 1.5 yards of a dobby cotton Kokka fabric - not sure who the designer was.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wQKXkXmkK5G4PrWc29QZFiCqHkJyjU4R1Z9hxi120AAdyYq893wGb3uXpLfAdk0wWjTf3xdpWKL0GHiprqVtH0VUhBnRfqlpTllU4pgp7EN5F7PQwvruPoXenBfwbbTUGBUTCYNn7pU/s1600-h/IMG_0875.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376281674175496546" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; cursor: pointer; height: 295px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wQKXkXmkK5G4PrWc29QZFiCqHkJyjU4R1Z9hxi120AAdyYq893wGb3uXpLfAdk0wWjTf3xdpWKL0GHiprqVtH0VUhBnRfqlpTllU4pgp7EN5F7PQwvruPoXenBfwbbTUGBUTCYNn7pU/s400/IMG_0875.JPG" border="0" /><br /></a>Look - french seams! Usually I'm too scared to do French seams because they seem so permanent. The bottom overlay of dupioni silk is done in an unusual fashion since I didn't know how to sew a curve at the time. I simply cut out a piece of fabric the same size as the bottom curve of the skirt, then put wrong sides together to sew the bottom hem. I flipped the dupioni over, folded it under, and top stitched. It actually makes a neat hem because there is no hem stitching, and the french seams are hardly visible. For the lining I just used the rolled hem foot on my sewing machine.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98sDrKpcwp5Q1Rs7FemYqY_z6Joo7Mm0EJrqiRcCu_m1xIYnW7sT_Ds7HtgifdZZi9GJZXrCR1Am9-BmPPX6iyHaswYkb90l9UO-4kxz8ZhRj9AuxHnHOei3MwKfgcuIGKn7f7HKlVP4/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376276879265760258" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 300px; cursor: pointer; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98sDrKpcwp5Q1Rs7FemYqY_z6Joo7Mm0EJrqiRcCu_m1xIYnW7sT_Ds7HtgifdZZi9GJZXrCR1Am9-BmPPX6iyHaswYkb90l9UO-4kxz8ZhRj9AuxHnHOei3MwKfgcuIGKn7f7HKlVP4/s400/013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's the invisible zipper with lining:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLxnaA1IfWptlmcbVjT1N0K7GKsH4OgpzE4-VLRqqG69PYt1yGrFhyXG4OchE6vlAWunqljXrWBNmC9KoYW0ZzlGQzKXC4tUFp4TZw0iRHkiaNZz82X3Jk3bfXf0mcImZ0FwJuqPjJ0Y/s1600-h/011+%282%29.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376276855444400610" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 300px; cursor: pointer; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLxnaA1IfWptlmcbVjT1N0K7GKsH4OgpzE4-VLRqqG69PYt1yGrFhyXG4OchE6vlAWunqljXrWBNmC9KoYW0ZzlGQzKXC4tUFp4TZw0iRHkiaNZz82X3Jk3bfXf0mcImZ0FwJuqPjJ0Y/s400/011+%282%29.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here's a view of the top stitching:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptMHZRvss0KcB8SqKQLEmb0cMWaoNq0rgvmb1s1kjenO1V1_qmphVNKAGhLCdawxnDcKT9gfJEcaxe0g4566uB3s8Cm34SikCpzTDmhAy4axNyXK10rRmEEM08mSGzLpEfLiVnaBjhJw/s1600-h/skirts+031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptMHZRvss0KcB8SqKQLEmb0cMWaoNq0rgvmb1s1kjenO1V1_qmphVNKAGhLCdawxnDcKT9gfJEcaxe0g4566uB3s8Cm34SikCpzTDmhAy4axNyXK10rRmEEM08mSGzLpEfLiVnaBjhJw/s400/skirts+031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427873621367093490" border="0" /></a><br /></div>seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-87266966882193287392009-08-31T15:25:00.001-07:002011-09-14T20:55:36.382-07:00Vogue 8396 GauchosThis pattern seems to be now out of print, but actually is a very easy and quick pant for lounging around in. I used a stretch knit cotton, also from denverfabrics. They do fit relatively acurately to size. The design had straight legs down from the waist, so I took them in a bit at the thigh so they flair out some. I've left them un-hemmed at the bottom, mostly out of laziness. I might do a twin needle stitch if I get around to it, but I kind of like the curled hems you get with 2 way stretch knits.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3m6hJUsG2N-PwkjaIZZE7HiYcjQ5XsLa6iW9mFJn7x0ngiJMp_H0xMZOTsdXoEC5NwyeFg82ETrOTRTwq7rImd3szMShxvhLa_eYhq7J3tklKFjNd-yTTJR1H8NKxQCjRbMPkfV-j7Q/s1600-h/IMG_0867.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3m6hJUsG2N-PwkjaIZZE7HiYcjQ5XsLa6iW9mFJn7x0ngiJMp_H0xMZOTsdXoEC5NwyeFg82ETrOTRTwq7rImd3szMShxvhLa_eYhq7J3tklKFjNd-yTTJR1H8NKxQCjRbMPkfV-j7Q/s400/IMG_0867.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376258944881091618" border="0" /></a>seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-51552629371115243302009-08-30T15:07:00.000-07:002011-09-14T20:55:36.360-07:00Vogue 8411 DressI've been meaning to start this blog for some time now. I've learned how to sew thanks to the many blogs and tutorials available on the web, and so I would like to share my sewing with others going through the same process. So here goes...<br /><br />As for the dress, it's made out of a lightweight rayon from denverfabrics. Many people on patternreview said that it was super easy and quick - I am a beginner, so I would hardly characterize it has quick, but definitely is doable. This *was* my first time putting sleeves on something after all! The instructions were easy to follow. Sizing was much to big as others have stated - I cut a 10, then took in the side seams at least an inch on both sides of the top bodice and a little bit in the back seam to make a more fitted look. The pleating was not difficult, but time consuming. I did hand baste, which was slow going, but worked fine. The sleeves I did incorrectly, so they are a little tight on the shoulders. I have now found this excellent tutorial which I will attempt next time: <a com="" blog2="" p="494">here</a>. I also found a new technique for gathering, which i pulled the bobbin and top thread through the machine so there was enough to match the whole length of the gather. I then did a zig zag stitch over it like many do over a piece of cotton yarn (which I didn't have). All you have to do is pull the 2 threads through and you have a gather without tying any knots or anything. It's a pleasant, comfortable dress. Unfortunately it is still too hot to wear it around here this time of year!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtEWIMLVALj3TpCwviUg4Hc76Envz1f7uXK3YQPDWIeKFpJc80sqYwbj095YCokzs_wBHmuoBJV_-cKE4mFEThKTgxT0M2S4FsjHs-oBhNwlifuahgENZ_CaY3dc9e_zeQkvZ2Cnxcd0/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtEWIMLVALj3TpCwviUg4Hc76Envz1f7uXK3YQPDWIeKFpJc80sqYwbj095YCokzs_wBHmuoBJV_-cKE4mFEThKTgxT0M2S4FsjHs-oBhNwlifuahgENZ_CaY3dc9e_zeQkvZ2Cnxcd0/s320/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375882742474576050" border="0" /></a>The wrinkles are strangely much more prominent in the sun than in person! Maybe I will iron before shooting next time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvxtKtheh-oWKRWTzruzPbNmps9kf78FunoDFjzodr5Am52tr8qapVD2ZbwA8r5gKrSk-0-6Tp8V275h2qsSmI0RBJbZoEAdfbw-gmn2WPG21Vn4KBTY-s6rKCoHbFQGd5Jj0FRUkAQw/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvxtKtheh-oWKRWTzruzPbNmps9kf78FunoDFjzodr5Am52tr8qapVD2ZbwA8r5gKrSk-0-6Tp8V275h2qsSmI0RBJbZoEAdfbw-gmn2WPG21Vn4KBTY-s6rKCoHbFQGd5Jj0FRUkAQw/s320/010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375882752139551522" border="0" /></a>seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1731741595004732753.post-83218616384698622642009-02-20T22:42:00.001-08:002009-02-20T22:42:24.578-08:00Hello World!...seworangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13234850597623117019noreply@blogger.com0