Sharing, Inspiration and Project Photos XVIII

[Diane Egelston]

Jenna, what an inspiration to see all those tees, turtlenecks, and undies. The colors are wonderful and your productivity amazing!

Marcia, that bib is so darling and the design is terrific. As we all know, little ones can get food in the most amazing places. Are you going to make a larger version for his parents? (or maybe I was the only one who ended up with food globs on me while feeding my kids  )

[KathrynT]

Diane, I was visiting friends with an almost 2 year old yesterday.  She was eating vegemite (a dark spread popular in Australia) sandwiches and there was definitely more all over the mother's white shirt than on the child's!

Jenna, when I saw the pictures of all those tops and underwear together I thought that all your machines must be very co-operative!  Usually my serger plays for a while and then takes it's bat and ball and goes home and no amount of rethreading or changing needles will make it happy.  Usually after a cup of tea for me and a few kind words for the serger I can get it going again, but I could never be so productive in one session.

I had decided to not make any more skirts as I never wear them, but I saw this Vogue 1027 reviewed in Stitches and then Vogue had a sale so, inspired by Kathryn's knit dress for her daughter, I thought I would try it.  I had forgotten how comfortable dresses are in Summer!  The fabric is a Christine Johnson heavy ITY fabric that sewed beautifully.  The only alteration I made to the pattern is to lengthen the bodice 2" as I have a long torso.  I had trouble with the armhole edges and am still a bit unhappy with them.  I tried just turning them and top-stitching, but it had wrinkles, so I used the pattern's narrow facing but I think there are still just as many wrinkles and the narrow facing flips out.  I've worn the dress twice since making it so obviously I can live with it, but I might go back and have another try.
 
PS I'm definitely making another and also a tunic length version.

[tumblina]

KathrynT- what a gorgeous (and comfortable!) dress. I'd be interested in any solutions you find for the flipping facing, it's something I have trouble with all the time (doesn't that sound like I'm trying not to swear? F...lipping Facing ).

Actually besides a bit of a tension issue with the primary seam thread (I have it up on "6" now to stop the seam from gaping open), the serger has no troubles with project after project. Even with really old needles (since I don't have 2 of the same type in stash to replace them!). It's the sewing machine follow up (since I don't have a coverstitch option) that causes me to pull my hair out. All I do is the bottom and sleeve hems on the sewing machine, yet it takes twice as long to finish that bit than the whole garment on the serger. Let's just say, I'm looking forward to some woven sewing!!

[LauraTS]

This year I've been making fabric gift bags for most of my presents. Here's a shot of three of them (behind you can catch a bit of the pieced reclaimed denim throw that I made for my DH's birthday in September).


I also just finished a snuggie for my SIL, who's always cold. It took longer than I thought it would to put together, so I hope she likes it. Sorry for the not-so-good picture.

[Diane Egelston]

Lovely dress, Kathryn! It fits you perfectly and the fabric drapes so beautifully. I wouldn't worry about the f...lippin' facing (thanks for the laugh, Jenna). It is nice to figure out a technical challenge, though. I think facings on knits are just problematic. Perhaps the next time you might bind the neckline? Here's an example in Dawn's review of a Burda knit wrap dress. I like these neckline bindings because they also help me snug the neckline closer to my chest to prevent gapping.

The vegemite story was funny, Kathryn. Somehow I always ended up with food all over me, and it was always a contrasting color (like vegemite on a white shirt). Mine was usually carrots or peanut butter or whatnot. I'm also really good at spilling on myself without any help at all 

Laura, what great gift bags and what a wonderful cozy snuggy. Great ideas!

[mom2five]

I use Steam-a-Seam for my Flippin' Facings, it keeps the knits from stretching while you sew and doesn't let the fabric wrinkle.  I wont hem knits without it now.

hope that helps,

angel

[Diane P.]

KathrynT -- that dress looks wonderful on you.  I have admired that Vogue pattern but was concerned abount the deep line of cleavage and the short waistline -- could just see me and mine tumbling out if ever I had to bend down

I also have a long torso -- did you do any other alterations to get that beautiful fit through the upper part of the dress?  That sounds like a backhanded comment -- the whole dress fits beautifully although I am most interested in your treatment of the upper part. 

[KathrynT]

Thanks for the comments on my dress.  This fabric stitched beautifully so the neckline was no problem.  It was the sleeve facings that were the pain.  Next time I will definitely turn and stitch.  I literally chopped across the pattern under the arm and added in 2" there.  The neckline needed a bit of smoothing to get a straight edge, but that was it as far as fitting.  I'm on a weight lose plan so the size is smaller than one recommended by the back of the envelope.  Maybe that is why the fit is good.  The knit is quie beefy as I didn't want it to follow my back rolls.  (My husband commented how heavy it was hanging it on the line!)  The only other thing I did that is not in the pattern is to stitch for an inch along the hemline of the neck at the crossover point to join the 2 fronts together.  The last thing teenage boys want to see is there Maths teachers cleavage!

[Diane Egelston]

Well that explains why the neckline looks so beautiful! As for the armhole facings - ahem - I didn't even think to look and no one else will, either!!! If it bugs you, though, one way to avoid is to basically self-line the sleeve. If the fabric isn't too thick you just set the double-layer into the armhole.

[vtmartha]

What wonderful things are showing up here!  I love the snuggly plaid and I'm delighted to learn that the CJ ITY fabric was a delight to sew as I have some stashed away.

Here's a peek at some of my holiday sewing - Christmas jammies for a new grandchild and his 2 year old brother.  I used stripes from the pants fabric to trim the shirts.

[Diane Egelston]

Martha, those little pants and onesies are the cutest things ever. Beautifully made, too. You couldn't find such a thing in the priciest baby boutiques...

[Stephie]

Martha,those are lovely jammies. Such nice detail,
Terry

[Frances]

Martha, the jammies are adorable.  They make me wish I had a little one again to sew for.

[Jacs]

Kathryn that dress is lovely - I also have that problem with facing so thanks everyone for the different suggestions I will have a go at them next time.

Martha I love those pj's they look nice and warm.

[kbenco]

KathrynT your dress looks lovely. I have made V1027 also, and find it very easy to wear, but I had to fiddle with the sleeves  - I bound them with swimwear lycra in the end.

Laura, your gift bags are a great idea, very useful, and an extra present to go with what is inside!. The snuggly does look lovely and warm

Martha, those jammies for your grandbabies look so cheery. Your offspring are  very lucky.

Karen

[Karendee]

Martha, what absolutely adorable baby clothes. You are going to town with the DGM sewing. Congratulations!!!!

Kathryn, beautiful dress! Congratulations.

Karen

[stashpanache]

Martha, wherever did you get that red and green stripe fabric?

Your jammies are adorable!!  Lucky kids

[RuthieK]

Oh lovely little boy PJs. Its so nice to see special boy clothes, it seems the girls get al the cutest items normally, but those are really lovely.
I am sure they will carry on being worn after Christmas too.

[shams]

Ad-or-able, Martha!!  So cute and festive!  And that red/green trim really kicks it up a notch. 

[Liana]

Jenna, Greaat tees for your DH, and a nice bonus for you!  You'll have to coordinate in the mornings, or something. 

Marciae,  Darling bib!  I confess until I saw the pattern, I thought the leg strap was a tail.  Well, it is a cow....

KathrynT,  Really nice dress, and I like your changes.  Makes it much more wearable, and it's certainly flattering.

Martha,  Such cute baby things.  Looks like you're having fun!

Laura,  Very nice gift bags and the snuggie looks just the thing for the weather most of us are having or will be getting soon.

I ended up changing my mind at the last minute about a gift for my Mom.  I had no idea what to do, or what I'd have time for if I made something.  She had wanted a top to go under a jacket my Dad got her recently, but it was sold out.  I bought a knit top in the right color (cream), with pale gold floral embroidery around the V-neck.  I added a bead to each outlined flower petal, and to the center, and it really turned out nicely!  It was kind of quick too, as there was a mostly loose facing that covered the embroidered area, so it was easy to stitch.  I will post a photo tomorrow I hope.  I can't now, because I'm at a CASINO     and I obviously didn't come for the gambling.    My brother and Dad came with me to pick up my sister at the airport in the next town, and since there's a couple of casinos, they wanted to stop for a while.  I didn't know if they'd have wi-fi in a casino or not, but they do.  Finally a chance to catch up with all of you when I'm not feeling guilty for not working on paperwork/bookkeeping. 

[shams]

LOL.  I can so picture it, Liana!  You at Circus Circus, web surfing with all the craziness around you.   

Well, I am going ahead and posting one of the Christmas gifts I finished.  DD1 never ever looks at my blog or online, so she won't see it, but shhhhh. 

I used the Burda twist knot top that I made a couple weeks ago for DD2, except I omitted the knot, so it's basically just a dolman t-shirt.  I then added chains to the neckline.  DD1 saw a top similar to this in RTW and really liked it.  Bonus:  it was mucho fun to make. 







More on my bloggy blog:  http://communingwithfabric.blogspot.com/2009/12/self-drafted-t-shirt-with-chains.html

[sdBev]

OH NICE .  Shams that is realy truly nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AnnRowley]

Shams - what fun! 

Liana - sewing, or at least talking about it - in a casino!  Thanks for the laugh. 

[vtmartha]

Thanks, everyone, for the comments on the baby clothes.  Yes, I will have to admit    that they were fun to make.  I am certainly well beyond wear red and green stripes, myself.  Stash, the fabric is from Chez Ami, who did so well by me they since put all their fabrics on sale. 

Liana, I hope your laptop battery lasted until your sister's plane arrived.  The few casinos I've been in looked fairly accommodating, in a weird sort of way.

Shams, that top is wonderful.  DD should be thrilled.  I haven't read your blog yet today, but I'll be there soon. 

[Fran G]

Oh, Martha, your baby clothing is ever so adorable! I love sewing for children, although I have not had the occasion in the last decade! A little knitting, but not sewing!

I have a storage box labeled "Alyssa's Special Dresses"..what is in there my husband once asked? Every dress/outfit I ever made her!! HA HA HA..they are special!

Shams you are such a creative sewist! I look forward to reading your posts! Love your fearlessness! How about I send you photos of every RTW item I want and you can tell me the" how to's!" 

[fzxdoc]

Oh, those baby outfits are so darn cute, Martha!  It looks like you're having fun making small things for the smallest ones in the family.  Good for you.  It's always fun to make gifts, especially when they turn out as nicely as those have!  

Shams, speaking of fun gifts, that top has got to have been a lot of fun to make--and to make it have the same vibe as the RTW one, which is very important to a teen.  As always, you did a wonderful job, and I loved reading about the process on your 'blog.  Keep posting those wonderful photos of your projects, please!  They make my vicarious enjoyment of them even more so!

Kathryn

[Karendee]

Shams,

You are just super creative. That top is so trendy and cute. DD1 should love her gift; I certainly do.

Karen

[shams]

Thank so much, Bev, Ann, Martha, Fran, Kathryn and Karen!

Fran, I really do enjoy looking at RTW and figuring it out.  RTW can get me much more excited and inspired than many patterns, at least some RTW. 

Having said that, yesterday I ended up organizing (a bit) some of my patterns.  Wow, I have acquired a lot from those BMV sales and have been slowly, but steadily, growing my collection of Sewing Workshop patterns.  I think I need a pattern diet in 2010. 

[Remnant]

I'm packing to go to family for 3 days. I have made all clothing items I plan to wear except for pj's and one sweater. I'm just amazed that I've produced enough "good" things to have a wardrobe!

Yes, some are wonky - a dress form would have helped me alter a jumper in better proportion. I used a knit dress pattern to make a woven jumper and added too much allowance. When I took in the side seams, I did so evenly but should have taken in more from the back than the front. I also should have added a zipper - but the threads are so closely matched to the fabric that I can't see them to pick them out! I think I can work on that "later" when I have a bright sunny day to help me. Perhaps the thread will show up better in sunlight.

I also added too much length to a sweater - which I will eventually tweak. Maybe. It would be easy enough, I think.

These little things are annoying but I am not discouraged. I know that experience is my teacher.

I'll be sure to post photos of my pictures after I get home. In the meantime, Merry Christmas to the best "sewing buddies"! Thanks for your help and encouragement these last few months!

[stashpanache]

Lisa,

I think that is TOTALLY FANTASTIC!!   Good for you!  Sheesh, the little annoyances you talk about happen to people with a lot of experience.

Merry Christmas to you too and we will look forward to your photos.

Stash

[RuthieK]

I'm packing to go to family for 3 days. I have made all clothing items I plan to wear except for pj's and one sweater. I'm just amazed that I've produced enough "good" things to have a wardrobe!

I'll be sure to post photos of my pictures after I get home. In the meantime, Merry Christmas to the best "sewing buddies"! Thanks for your help and encouragement these last few months!

Lisa that's brilliant I hope you have a lovely time. From the items I have seen on your blog everything looks very nice, figure flattering, nice colours etc.

[vtmartha]

Have a great visit, Lisa!  Thanks for the reminder that experience is such a great teacher. 

[Janis]

Martha, you have one lucky little grandchild.  Those little baby clothes are so adorable.  I can't wait to be sewing for my grandkids, if I ever get any .

Shams, that is a lovely top.  I know your daughter is going to love it!

[marciae]

Shams - love the top you made for your DD.  I admire you for seeing - than producing!!  I see lots of things and think - I can make that - - and I could - - I just don't seem to get around to it!!

[Karendee]

Lisa, have a wonderful trip. Congratulations on your wardrobe accomplishments.

Shams, again I just adore that top for DD. It is stunning.

Karen