Author Topic: Fourkid 2009 SWAP - Skirtin' The Issue (Read 1809 times)

fourkid · « **on:** November 06, 2008, 01:52:31 AM »

Hello,
I am new to the sewing boards andSWAP, but since finding out about this a couple weeks back, and this week finding the "official" place to enter, I have been very motivated and inspired to participate. I tend to end up making a lot of projects for others - and only the desperately needed items for me. I can really use a focused and coordinated wardrobe plan. I am a SAHM of 52. I am homeschooling the last of my 4 children (have been homeschooling for over 16 years now) so my days are mainly focused on being home or driving my daughter to music lessons and play practices. Church is my other main activity.

My initial notes and searches have determined a general direction. Since I rarely wear pants, (only a few times a year) that wouldn't reflect my real life. So I will probably do 4 skirts - but I am leaving room to possibly do a jumper depending on the tops selected. I am in desperate need of a navy skirt and a brown skirt - so those are definite. That leaves the other two as possibly black, denim, gray, or a print. I went through my pattern stash and found one skirt I really want to make - so that will be my beginning point. I have several top patterns - one I have been wanting to make for some time. My pear shape makes it difficult to fit blouse patterns, but this SWAP contest is a great motivation to tackle the job. I love wearing reds, oranges and golds - so those are possible color options.

I am contemplating knitting a shawl for my "coat" option. (knitting is very portable while sitting through
Dd's music lessons!) I do have a skirt pattern with an unlined jacket that is nice - but I think a shawl is actually more useful to me. I often use something to cover my shoulders while at the computer or sitting in church. I found about 4 free on-line easy patterns to knit that I like. It would be nice to have something different and pretty that will complement my outfits. I am about half done a baby blanket - and will start the shawl as soon as that current project is done - by then I will also know the color I need.

My next task is to dig through the fabric stash and see what is useable in there first - then to go treasure hunting to find the other necessary fabrics. I will try to do a weekly update in order to stay focused. I am a bit swamped with holiday sewing - but will squeeze in daily time to decide on patterns and fabric over the next 2 or 3 weeks.
Blessings,
Patti

BetsyV · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2008, 05:30:09 AM »

Patti - Welcome to SG and SWAP! It sounds like you could use the support of "group" sewing to keep you sewing for yourself.

I have to say, when I read

Quote

SAHM of 52

, I assumed you were either a "house mother" at a boarding school or a really devoted and professional foster mother! Maybe I should finish my coffee before I check in here in the morning ...

fourkid · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2008, 08:21:19 AM »

LOL

...and I should stay away from the keyboard when I am up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. At times the 4 kids sounded like there were 52 of them - and throw in the 4-legged menagerie and it could look like it too.
Note to self: Read - don't type in the wee hours.
Patti

fourkid · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2008, 07:35:49 AM »

I have made a few decisions on direction for SWAP. After going through my pattern stash I have just about decided to do the following:

* 2 jumpers (I do wear them a lot) from New Look #6474. This is an OOP (as are most of my patterns on hand.) I looked for a review on it and find that the number has been reassigned to a child's outfit - so I will positively do a wearable muslin first (and thereby get 3 jumpers!) For SWAP I am planning to make a tan version and a denim version. I am not yet sure of the fabric for the tan version - that will have to wait until after I make the muslin and the denim version to see what drape I want. I am leaning towards a heavy-ish rayon though.

* 2 skirts. I have two OOP patterns I plan to use. I will have to do a wearable muslin for each one first to be sure of fit. The first will be navy, probably in a rayon, of Simplicity 7436, an OOP Jessica McClintock pattern. It has a rather formal top with it - and I like it, so I may use it - but in order to fit the parameters of the SWAP, I will need to tone down the formal-ness of it. I would probably cut the front on the fold to take out the button loop closures in front and add a zipper in the center back. The other skirt is from Butterick See and Sew 6116, also OOP. It is a simple skirt. It will be a dark brown. I want skirts with nice drape and no elastic waistbands (though I am open to using some elastic in the back waistband if I need to for fit to deal with pear shaped swayback.)

So my bottom pieces will be tan, dk. brown, navy and denim.

For tops, I was dismayed to see I had virtually no patterns for tops. I don't want to do more than 2 shirts from any one pattern. I had one knit-shirt type pattern. I will try it. New Look 6683 OOP. It is a basic T with front darts and zipper back neck closing. I will do a wearable muslin and then decide fabric direction. I also have Simplicity 9506 OOP that is a knit blouse. I don't like the V-neck, so would have to change that, but the style is good for both skirts and jumpers, so I will try at least one of these. It calls for a drapey knit or linen. I will have to actually go buy at least two shirt patterns! I need a style that will go outside a skirt (I never tuck in, I am too much of a shortwaisted pear.) and also look good under a jumper.

And lastly, I have the top I will try that goes with the Jessica McClintock full drapey skirt. I plan to make that blouse match the skirt fabric. Only that blouse will be a plain fabric, the other 5 tops I plan to make from prints. Reds, oranges, browns, blues, and gold will be the focus colors. I have never sewn any of these patterns - I am so happy to finally be making them up. (I am always putting off making my own clothes.) I was dismayed to find that I doubt I have any stash fabric that is useful for this project. I will be able to use what is on hand for the wearable muslin, and that is great, but the rest will mostly have to be new purchases. I Intend to use better quality fabrics, so that will be challenging to my usual thrift store finds, but it is early and I have time to look for a bit before buying new. I am going to try to get some photos of the pattern covers on my blog this weekend. And maybe start one of the wearable muslins this week - at least get it cut out.

Blessings,
Patti

Karendee · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2008, 10:53:11 AM »

Patti,

This plan sounds well thought out and appropriate for your lifestyle. We'll enjoy following along with your progress!

Karend

ejvc · « **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2008, 03:29:57 PM »

Just a thought - I don't see why a t-shirt should have a zipper. Maybe check it out when you make your muslin. And what a shame that you *must* buy a pattern

Elizabeth

fourkid · « **Reply #6 on:** December 09, 2008, 11:14:49 AM »

Christmas sewing has me bogged down. I decided to try to save $$ this year and make a number of projects - that is doing fine so far - then the Christmas play people found I could sew - and suddenly I was making angel costumes. I loved doing it - but it was more time. And then Dd asked to please make her a hoodie from some fleece she fell in love with. I have the mock up done on that and will cut and sew it - hopefully - tomorrow. So my personal projects were all pushed to the back burner - see why I need to do SWAP? As soon as the Christmas sewing is done - I will be the priority!

For now I have a pitiful update. I have the fabric for my first shirt. It isn't exactly a T-shirt - but could be adapted to be one - and then I probably wouldn't need the zipper - but with the woven fabric I will put one in. I will try to put the picture in here. (time passes...) Well, I can't quite figure it out - soooooo, I will get help and try to post it later tonight.

Maybe now....

Well, I am not seeing it - but if you wish, here is the flickr address to go to.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31096440@N03/3097234545/

Blessings,
Patti

ETA: hot-linked photo...Patti, I'll explain if you'll come over to the sandbox!

--Lisa

AnnRowley · « **Reply #7 on:** December 10, 2008, 11:51:42 AM »

Is this is it?

Patti, you need to get the address of the photo - not the page it is on. Right click on the photo, choose properties and copy the address that is in the middle of the page, and go from there.

Lisa · « **Reply #8 on:** December 10, 2008, 12:01:03 PM »

Ah...I see Ann and I were working at the same time...well, I guess you have two explanations now.

Sorry Ann!

Lisa

fourkid · « **Reply #9 on:** December 11, 2008, 06:55:53 AM »

Dear Ann and Lisa - wow ! You guys are terrific.

I didn't want to bother any one with extra work, but thanks for the help. I don't have anything else to post right now, but when I get my next progress report ready to go I will follow your instructions - and will contact you, Lisa, if I get stuck again.

An additional comment on the top. I had originally written it was for a knit - and then saw it is actually made for a woven. I was having trouble with my terminolgy. I have never actaully worked much with knits (once or twice by accident!). I just recently finished the on-line knits class on PR and learned sooooo much. Now I at least can tell the difference in knits and wovens (I know this is fabrics 101 stuff - but I just never learned this before - which is why I took the course) and how patterns are affected by knits. I said all that to correct my earlier post that this pattern was for knit T-shirts. I believe it could be adapted for a knit - but I will instead make this from a woven fabric as it directs. Then in order to experiment with my new found "knowledge", I will try at least one of my tops (not sure which one yet) in a knit.
Blessings,
Patti

fourkid · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2009, 07:23:30 AM »

Ahh, it has been awhile since I checked in, but I just haven't had anything to add. I have been gathering fabric and looking over patterns. I think I have noted every top and skirt at PR to find ones I like or will work for me. There is a reason I don't have enough clothes for me! I am just very hard to fit and need a less lumpy body! Well, I am going to work on the lumps, but in the meantime I could use some new clothes now - hence the purpose of entering SWAP!

The shirt I want to use doesn't fit. I was disgusted and put it away - but I am ready now to tackle it - and resizing. It is a simple pattern, and it is just time to learn to customize a garment for me. On Feb. 15th I start my last beginner PR class and will use that shirt as my project, so I will have help to walk through it. And this week (maybe today if time permits) I am going to give in and make an elastic waist skirt from a pattern I have for an A-line skirt (doing up a muslin first - just in case.) I wanted no elastic waists, but that will just have to wait for now. I need to get some projects done that are within my ability. This will not make for a spectacular end presentation, but that is not my goal anyway - I need functionality.

Time to get the ball rolling..............well, needle stitching.
Blessings,
Patti

ejvc · « **Reply #11 on:** February 11, 2009, 07:34:53 AM »

Good luck, Patti! we're rooting for you. Almost all of us have more or less lumpy bodies, that's just how we were made. Not to worry.

fourkid · « **Reply #12 on:** March 03, 2009, 08:02:00 AM »

A lot of my ideas have evolved since this contest began - but I am progressing.
First - I decided to change my attitude!

I am loving my elastic waisted skirts. This basic pattern fits great - and looks nice. Plus, as I lose weight (insert positive thinking here) - I can just take in the elastic to keep using the skirt longer!

I have a tan and also a gray skirt made - and a dk. brown one just waiting on the hem to be finished up today. Then I will be doing the navy jumper - probably - I haven't fitted it yet, but will begin that today or tomorrow.

For the tops, I ordered (and should receive today or tomorrow) two patterns from PR for the Petite Plus line. The plain shell and the button blouse. After a lot of research, I decided that these have the best hope of fitting me "now". I am a sewing "scrooge" and don't spend a lot for materials - but I do that so when I do need to purchase something at full retail (as opposed to thrift stores and e-bay), I can do it. (I even broke down and bought a gorgeous knit fabric from Gorgeous Fabrics

- but that is another story...) I am planning to have all my bottom pieces done this week so that I can then give full attention to the tops.

So for colors, I chose to keep the bottoms neutral - tan, dk. brown, gray, and navy. These are firm.
The fabric for the tops so far are:
For the blouses - a maroon oriented print of farm animals, and the pink Comby Van fabric from Heather Ross, and possibly a white blouse (much needed).
For the shells - a cotton maroon color with a threaded design, possibly the knit from GF, and possibly a gold satin - these will be determined as I go along.

For the outer garment - I bought a beautiful, soft bamboo yarn to knit my shawl. It is varigated with all the colors of my bottom fabrics. I had to have a bit of help from my mom on solving a pattern issue (easy-peasy once we figured it out) - did up a practice section to work out the kinks - and now have it started in the actual yarn.

Blessings,
Patti

fourkid · « **Reply #13 on:** March 05, 2009, 08:56:58 PM »

Here is the shawl pattern I have decided to use for my outer garment. http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/pdf/RaveLaceShawl.pdf
I have about 12" of it done so far and will post a progress picture as soon as I can track down the camera. It knits up pretty quickly as it is a size 13 needle (9mm). I am loving the softness of the bamboo yarn, and it is quite easy to knit up as well. Not quite as easy as "normal" yarn, but not so hard as to be frustrating.

The shawl did take ripping out the first 4 or 5 inches and then doing a practice piece to get started in the right direction. The part that tripped me up was when the lace pattern is started on the pearl side - there is that yo (yarn over) step. Come to find out, since the first 4 stitches of the row are knitting - the yarn is already to the back for that first pearl2tog stitch - you don't actually have to move the yarn anywhere until after the initial 2pearl tog stitch. Once my Mom helped me figure out that issue it has been smooth going. It is a simple pattern, but looks nice, I think. I am confident I can finish this up in time as I have only worked on it for 3 sittings and have almost 12 or the 72 inches done that it calls for (I will adjust the length as I go along - 72" sounds long to me, but we will see.) Now I just need to work on it more diligently.

Blessings,
Patti

Morzel · « **Reply #14 on:** March 06, 2009, 12:17:17 AM »

You are going along, Patti! I don't know a thing about knitting, the "pattern" is all mysterious to me - but out come the most beautiful things! Glad you get along with this bamboostuff. I read alot about bamboo since last year, they have bamboo knit fabric that sewers like - gotta try out one time. But I haven't seen such fabric here yet.

Did you get all your bottoms done yet? Starting on the tops? I am curious to see your variations on those.

fourkid · « **Reply #15 on:** March 06, 2009, 07:02:51 AM »

Quote from: Morzel on March 06, 2009, 12:17:17 AM

You are going along, Patti! I don't know a thing about knitting, the "pattern" is all mysterious to me - but out come the most beautiful things! Glad you get along with this bamboostuff. I read a lot about bamboo since last year, they have bamboo knit fabric that sewers like - gotta try out one time. But I haven't seen such fabric here yet.
Did you get all your bottoms done yet? Starting on the tops? I am curious to see your variations on those.

Thank you for your encouraging comments. On the knitting, this is a personal goal to try to do nice projects like my Mom can do. I learned to knit when I was very young - but never went beyond very, very simple items. About 6 months ago I decided I wanted to learn to do more complicated projects - but had never done extensive, long term knitting projects. So I searched the internet for patterns that I felt I could manage. I have a baby blanket about 2/3 done, but have to put it aside to do the shawl now. The shawl has a bit more pattern to it - though still very easy. When this and the blanket are done, I want to go up another step and try socks. After that a sweater - maybe a sweater will fit next year's SWAP!

I have seen the bamboo fabric advertised, but don't have a specific project yet that I feel I can spend that amount of money per yardage. But if it is soft like this yarn, I will have to try it sometime in the near future. Even this yarn is a little more expensive - but I have wanted a shawl for a long time and if I am going to put so much time and effort into something, I want to like it at the end of making it. (This is why I buy most of my patterns and a lot of my fabric at thrift stores - so I can buy nicer items when I really want them

although I do find some really nice fabric pieces in the thrift stores too.)

I have 3 bottoms done.
They are very plain because #1. they fit, and #2. -- they fit!
I am wobbling on my 4th. I have some rayon/linen navy I recently purchased (new!) for a jumper - but I think I will first make it up in some gray pinstripe suiting I bought secondhand from a lady selling off some of her stash. I am still waiting on the top patterns I decided to use - they say they were shipped on Feb. 26 - but I still haven't gotten them - that seems like a long time, so I will need to follow up and find out where they are. It is my tops I am hoping to make more colorful and varied.

I just went to take pictures of my shawl in progress and the camera battery is dead. So that was delayed. And I don't want to take pictures of the skirts unless I have one of my tops to go with it. Hopefully this will all come together in a few days.
Blessings,
Patti

kbenco · « **Reply #16 on:** March 06, 2009, 01:06:43 PM »

Patti, that shawl pattern looks really pretty. Is your yarn variegated like the one in the pattern? I think that is such a subtle way to bring in lots of colours.
I wouldn't worry about the bottoms being plain. For a SWAP it is probably better if they are plain! so they co-ordinate with as many tops as possible.
Karen

fourkid · « **Reply #17 on:** April 29, 2009, 07:52:18 AM »

Hello,
I won't waste a lot of your time since I am sure there are lots of great SAWP entries to read about. I have to admit failure - sort of. I won't get my entries finished, but I have had such wonderful motivation to make some key pieces for myself that I had been avoiding, yet desperately needed. I did get 4 skirts done!!! I have the shawl half done, but need to get more yarn and I just haven't had the money to buy that yet, but will have the shawl ready for the fall. I also got 2 great tops patterns, but I got stumped on the fitting and did not the the patience to take the time out to tackle them yet as several other projects jumped on my plate that needed immediate attention. I will move the darts (all I think I need to do) and make them up over the summer when things wil quiet down around here.

So I loved being here - and it was VERY helpful to me. I won't be going too far as I very much enjoy reading this board.
Blessings,
Patti

marciae · « **Reply #18 on:** April 29, 2009, 08:44:33 AM »

Doesn't sound like failure to me. You got some pieces sewn and you know what you need to do to complete some tops. I'd say that is winning!!

kitnrose · « **Reply #19 on:** April 29, 2009, 01:20:06 PM »

Four skirts and some fitted top patterns - sounds like a success to me! Life does have a habit of getting in the way but now you've got some good TnT patterns to go to and can whip up a few more things over the summer. Someone in the wardrobe capsule thread had the idea of sewing mini-swaps or capsules each season which I really like. You can jump in with that if that'll help motivate you - either way, I'd love to see pics of your skirts!

KathrynT · « **Reply #20 on:** April 29, 2009, 03:22:07 PM »

Yep, sounds like a success to me too. This is my 3rd time entering the SWAP and what you got out of it is why i do it - motivation to actually sew something for myself. Well done on the 4 skirts and keep working on those tops. Actually the most valuable thing I have got out of SWAPping is TNT's. It makes future sewing so much easier, so do those tops and then make endless variations.

RuthieK · « **Reply #21 on:** April 30, 2009, 02:33:59 PM »

Sounds like you have managed to get loads done, and I'm impressed that you have persevered with the knitting.
I too learnt simple things when very young but it never really clicked and I have not progressed with it - sewing is so much quicker.
So well done for that, plus all you have managed so far with the items you have made.

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Author Topic: Fourkid 2009 SWAP - Skirtin' The Issue (Read 1809 times)