In the sewing room New Look 6892

In the sewing room this week is a fast and easy project.  New Look 6892, I just finished cutting the long sleeved version in an embroidered cotton fabric.  The fabric is quite sheer, so I'll likely layer it over a cami or a sleeveless T when it's done.  I must be on an embroidered fabric "kick" because my last project was an embroidered knit fabric.

I am fortunate that I have a separate sewing space, that way I can leave my projects out and work on them in snippets of time.  Rarely do I have a full day to spend on sewing, so most of my projects are completed in small chunks of time. I enjoy it when other bloggers share photos of their sewing space, so I thought it might be fun to let you have a peek into my sewing room.

The cutting and pressing area

A peek inside my cabinet, stuffed to the brim not with fabric but with patterns and sewing books

The sewing area where the bears play.  The bear sitting behind the serger was sewn by me.   Faux fur, fully jointed it was a fun diversion from sewing garments. The basket to the left, is a fabric covered ice cream pail, a bit of sewing and lots of glue.  It holds my machine accessories.

Free Pattern Month Starts Today!

Yes it's true, a whole month of patterns.   Blogger Grosgrain is hosting a month of patterns featuring tutorials and patterns from great blogger around the world.  She's starting the month with a tutorial from Adey the Sew Convert for a lovely top she calls the Sunny Resort Blouse.  Click the button on the right side of my blog, this will take you right to the pattern of the day. 

Happy Sewing
Christiana

Kwik Sew New Patterns

For me, quick sew patterns has always been about the basics.  No real frills here, just basic patterns ideal for beginners or to use as "templates" to add your own design details.  Often they are great patterns to use when you have a very "busy" fabric and you don't want a lot of design details.  Their new 2011 Spring patterns include some updated basics. 

 

How about some fun hats!

Do you have some linen, eyelet or a great cotton print in your stash? This summer blouse may be perfect.

A simple knit top with a fun variation.

Down to the basics, perhaps you have some leftover fabrics from your knit top.  How about some matching undies?

Jalie Pattern....it's a wrap!

Today I managed to complete the Jalie Faux Wrap top.  And I'm quite happy with the results.   It's a nice fit and went together quickly.  This pattern is definitely a keeper.  I  have a couple of knits in my stash that are likely candidates for this pattern.  The only downside is that it may be a while before I can wear it because the weather hasn't been very warm in this part of the world.

Faux Wrap Top with forward shoulder seam and banded surplice neckline. Sleeveless

Pattern includes Women's sized 4 to 22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Instructions were very easy to follow. But one thing I almost missed, was the seam allowance on Jalie patterns is only 1/4"

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked how quickly the pattern went together. And how little fabric it took. I used a size 9, which took 1.00 meters of fabric.

Fabric Used: Cotton knit with lycra stretch. Black with machine embroidered flowers

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't make any changes, but one thing I would consider next time is to add an inch or so to the band. The fabric I used had machine embroidery on it that limited the amount of stretch, so getting the front band on was a bit tricky. I don't see this as a pattern flaw but more of a consequence of the fabric I used. If I had allowed a bit extra when I cut the band I could have adjusted the band as needed. By allowing the extra length to the band you can adjust the fit of the band if needed, and if you don't just cut off the excess.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Absolutely. I'm already considering a few different pieces of fabric that are in my stash.

Conclusion: A great fitting, lovely styled pattern. My first Jalie pattern and definitely not my last.

Christiana

Jalie Pattern...vintage or not?

Earlier this week, I showed you my progress on my first Jalie pattern.  However, this wasn't the first time I planned to sew a Jalie pattern.  Back in the '90s I purchased this pattern; Jalie 926.  I've seen some bloggers referring to 1980's and even some 1990's patterns as vintage patterns.  I'm wondering at what point does a sewing pattern become a vintage pattern.  This one is circa 1992.

I still like this pattern and I'm thinking that I might sew it up in a wind resistant, water repellent technical fabric to use for walking/hiking/biking pants.  However, I'm still waiting for the right fabric in the right colour to present itself to me.

Come to think of it, this pattern junkie has several patterns waiting for the right fabric to magically appear.  How many of you are still waiting for this magic to happen?

Christiana

Jalie Faux Wrap Top Project Update

Pattern traced, cut and ready to sew!  Yeah.    After perusing the instructions, this pattern looks delightfully simple to sew.  I'm still thinking about the armhole finish; I'm making the sleeveless version  The instructions call for serging the edge and folding over and top stitching.  I'm considering either serging some clear elastic to the edge to stabilize (before folding over and top stitching) or attempting a self fabric binding.   ...thoughts?

Christiana

...where does the time go

Writers block, sewer's block...not exactly. I've been so busy reading all the great blogs out there I've been neglecting both my sewing and and writing on my own blog.

First item on my things to tell you is that Pattern review has published their first book on Kindle.  If you own a kindle or other e-reader I'm sure you're happy to hear this too.   There are tons of sewing books out there, but not too many for the Kindle.  Check out the link on the pattern review website

On the cutting table this week is Jalie 2910, Women's Faux-Wrap Top.  The fabric I've chosen is a black knit in a cotton Lycra blend.  The fabric is solid black with grey flowers embroidered on it.  I'll be sure to post photos for you.  It will be my first Jalie pattern.  I've been wanting to try out a Jalie pattern for several years now.  How long you ask....I actually purchased my first Jalie pattern in the '90s and I'm pretty sure it's buried in my pattern stash.  How do I know it's there? I'm a pattern junkie, and unless a pattern proves to be a real blooper, it remains safe and sound in my collection.   I'll be sure to scan it and post in on my blog, you never know maybe someone out in blog land can share a pattern review on the "near vintage" Jalie pattern.

Sew what's been keeping you busy these days?

Christiana