Wow!  In the business of life time does slip away.   It's hard to believe that it's been several months since my last post.  My lack of sewing has prevented me from posting to my blog.  I haven't really been wanting to do any garment sewing as I've been on a quest to get back to my goal weight.   Thanks to some perseverance and some help from Weight Watchers,  I'm back at my goal and wearing my "skinny jeans" again.  YIPPEE!!

For the past several months I've been lurking in the back ground reading blogs, checking sewing stuff on pintrest, checking out the latest reviews on patternreview.com and I've recently started a few classes on Craftsy.   I've gone through most of the videos for Design a Handbag and Design and Sew an A line skirt.  Now it's time to put all that learning in action!   I'm trying to find some Canadian Sources for handbag hardware and fabrics so that I can get started making bags.   My head is full of ideas, but some days I just can't seem to put the ideas into action.  

If you're looking to find some sewing ideas, I've managed to round up 483 pins on my sewing board checkout my sewing board on pinterest and I'm sure there's more to come...

Does any one else have those times where they spend more time reading about and researching sewing topics than actually sewing?  I'd love to hear about how you get back in the groove...


Cheers!
Christiana

New Look 6892 Completed & Pattern Review

After sitting in my sewing room as UFO (UnFinished Object) for several months,  I finally found the motivation to complete this top.   Here's my Pattern Review

Pattern Description: Misses easy to sew tops.


Pattern Sizing: Sizes 6-16

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? Very easy to follow

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Didn't like the bias tape for a casing along the neckline. Worked OK for me because I was able to get a reasonable colour match, but would consider self fabric if I couldn't.

Fabric Used: Embroidered cotton batiste/gauze

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: left out the ribbon tie because I want to wear it with a long necklace & pendant. The ribbon might make it too busy.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: Great Pattern,  easy to sew.  Would make a great beginner project.  Thinking about making the short sleeve version for summer.   A longer version would make a great beach cover up.

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

McCalls Spring Catalog Preview

McCalls Patterns has released their spring catalog and it looks like there some fun sewing ahead.  My favourites from this collection include:

McCalls 6284 - Cute kit tops with neckline and sleeve variations.
McCalls 6278 -  I love the angles on this dress.  The colour combinations shown in the diagram are great, but I can also see this dress in one colour but with a mix of texture.  I prefer the sleeveless version over the short sleeves
McCalls 6280 - Another easy dress with angles,but this time it's asymmetrical and has a more feminine touch.   This one has lots of possibilities.  
McCalls 6286 - Tapered blouses with raglan sleeves.  I'm not to keen on the black and white print, but I really like the short sleeved version.  Perhaps in a nice cotton eyelet, or a small retro cotton print.  Perfect with a pair of denim capris or a nice summer skirt.
McCalls 6292 - This princess seamed jacket is so cute.  It certainly has a retro feel to it; it reminds me of a jacket I sewed during my teen years.  This is the third pattern I've chosen that has colour blocking in it; I'm sensing an 1980s flashback coming on....
McCalls 6265 - Flashback to 1970s...Hawaii Five O...The Streets of San Fransisco...don't these fabulous tunics remind you of the seventies.   
McCalls  6271 - Isn't this dress the cutest.  I don't have any kids to sew for but this dress is so fun I thought I'd share it.
McCalls 6298 - Look at the lovely smiles on these models, and who wouldn't smile when they get to model these critter aprons. 

I hope you had fun looking at a preview of the new McCalls patterns, now I'm just waiting for the nearest pattern sale, because I never pay full retail for patterns.

Christiana

The Christmas rush is over

The rush is over, and I now a have a few days of quiet time before heading back to work.  Under the Christmas tree this year, was the perfect companion for blog reading, web surfing and pattern reading.  A Nespresso machine, isn't she a beauty.

On the cutting table this week is Butterick 5224.  We're headed to the Dominican Republic in a couple of weeks and thought I'd make this as a nice beach cover up.  The pattern is a two hour express pattern, the lone  review on patternreview.com can be found here.

Now that New Year's is just around the corner, I'm sure that everyone is thinking about celebrations and resolutions.   This year we're starting the new year with the New Year's Resolution run/walk.   In 2011 my goals are to become more active physically, spiritually and creatively.

There's still time to enter my Vogue Pattern Giveaway and be sure to vote in my reader poll on the right side of my bog.

Christiana