#SewMyStyle 2018

#SewMyStyle is back for 2018 and I couldn’t be happier.

I signed up immediately and was really excited when I saw the line up (or the line up for those patterns released/chosen).

However the first thing I need to do is reality check myself with the amount of making time I have and I am trying to be more mindful of what I wear and what I want to wear every day.  Last year I wanted to make 7 but only made 3 (with the Anna Dress still on my top want to make list).

The full schedule can be found here.  From the 12 patterns I am selecting, 3 priority patterns that will definitely join in with:

January – Sunny Dress/Top Friday Pattern Company 

I think I am going to go for the Top rather than the dress, as I don’t like the w ay the SOI Cowl Neck Dress that I made last year looks around the lower tummy/paunch/spare tire area.
I haven’t  made anything from the Friday Pattern Company yet but came across them recently when they released the Lucida dress, which looked stunning in red velvet.  (I might get that pattern too).

 

March – Kalle Shirt & Shirtdress
I nearly purchased this pattern earlier in the year after loving Lauren from Guthree & Ghani ‘s one in her summer capsule wardrobe.  However I think the View B tunic is the sort of thing I would wear with leggings.  I think my final decision will be made depending on what material I find/buy for this one.

 

 

July – Lander Pant & Short
I have wanted this pattern since I first saw it on release.  However after the disaster that was my SOI Ultimate Trousers I hesitated on buying thinking I needed to push trying to get the fit right on the Ultimate Trousers before buying another trouser pattern.  However having finally giving up on the Ultimate Trousers I could make a fresh attempt with these and hope it that goes better.

 

 

In addition to those 3 if the month fits I’m also quite keen on these:

May – TBC – Deer & Doe (Well I might be once I know what it is)

August – Halifax Hoodie – Hey June Handmade

September – Fringe Blouse & Dress – Chalk & Notch Patterns

November – Bra & Panties Pattern – TBC – Evie La Luve

December – Axel Skirt – Megan Nielson Patterns

There is nothing wrong with the patterns that haven’t made either list but I don’t need a new coat or bag or kimono so they are not going on my planning list and  I will enjoy checking out others makes on instagram.

 

 

 

 

Review of my 2016-7 sewing

I didn’t feel I had had gone far enough into my sewing journey at the end of last year to do a review.  But I don’t want to discount my first few months of sewing by ignoring the first things I made so this is a review from the beginning of my sewing journey rather than just 2017.

The first few months of sewing were a steep learning curve and looking back at my first few makes I’ve learned a lot since then.  Moving on to 2017 I had a lot of ambitions, I signed up to #SewMyStyle and had a long list of other patterns I wanted to make.  Given my limited sewing time I really should have proceeded with more caution buying up patterns.   1 garment per month was too much for me especially on top of all the other things I wanted to make

My Makes to date are:

In 2016
Skirt – Gathered Skirt
Top – Sorbetto 1
Top – Sorbetto 2
Skirt – Box Pleat Skirt
Dress – Bettine
Other – Baby Bibs
Other – Alterations/Costume
Other – Bag

During 2017
Pullover – Toaster Sweater
Dress – Cowl Neck Dress
Dungaree Dress – Cleo
Top – Silk Cami
Top – Valley Blouse
Dress – Darling Ranges
Skirt – Pencil Skirt
Trousers – Ultimate Trousers
Jumpsuit – Sallie Jumpsuit
Other – Alterations/Curtains
Other -Pattern Weights
Other – Refashioning – Beach Dress
Other – Baby Bibs
Other – Baby Blanket

My UFOs are 
– My Bag
– My Trousers

There are a number of garments that are no longer in my wardrobe:

My bettine is gone, it only lasted a couple of washes before I found holes and frayed bits.  I didn’t have my overlocker to finish the edges and I should have taken more care over washing.  I didn’t think it was easily savable or worth the effort.  I’ve also come to the conclusion that the dress was not really flattering on me.
Both my 2016 skirts need to be relegated to the scrap bin, I’ve worn them both a fair few times but should really any more the gather skirt has holes and the pleated skirt has an embarrassing zip plus the skirt wasn’t made from a stiff enough material and doesn’t hold its shape or the pleats the way I wanted..
Both my Sorbetto tops are still functional but the fabric was too stiff (quilting cotton) and the shape and size of both is a bit of a joke.
So that is Everything from 2016

I’m still wearing most of my 2017 makes however a few thinks are starting to show wear/damage: 

My Cleo, has been washed and worn a lot but I have recently noticed that the straps have some fraying and popped stitches.

I love my silk cami but last time I ironed it I noticed a bit of fraying and lost stiches on theinside of the french seam.  Its got some life to go and I will be really sorry when it is done as I really do love it.

Going strong
Valley Blouse, it continues to wash and wear well
Pencil Skirt – so far so good.
Jumpsuit – Love it and anticipate many years of wear, given I can’t wear it when it isn’t xmas.

Whilst it makes sense that it is my older makes are the ones that are on the way out because they have been washed and worn more and have I have improved. I’m a bit gutted that my Cleo & Silk cami are past their best

Looking back at my 2017 aspirations

2017 aspiration – #SewMyStyle
I wanted to make 7 of the #SewMyStyle items, but I only made 3 of them
– Toaster Sweater
– Valley Blouse
– Darling Ranges Dress (not finished in the #SewMyStyle month)
Of the unmade items I’m most keen to make the Anna Dress so will try and fit that in next year.

2017 aspiration – Sewing Knits
I wanted to make 4 knit patterns.
So far I have made 2
But am still keen to give both the CoCo and Heather dress a go so will keep them on my to do list.

 2017 aspiration Overlocker Development
I haven’t spent any time doing the Craftsy Class but have gotten better at threading my overlocker (tension balance continues to be an issue).

2017 aspiration –Trousers
I had 2 pairs of trousers on my list.
However the learning curve for trousers was bigger than I anticipated, and having made 4 toils for the SOI Ultimate trousers and that they still don’t fit right this is my biggest miss to date.

2016-17 Conclusion
What I think I need to learn from all this is to remember my sewing time is limited, I need to be more realistic on the number of makes I have time for, I don’t enjoy make deadlines, and when I select something more complicated it will take me a longer to make it.
The other thing I need to bear in mind going forward is budget.  I had reasonable sewing budget for 2017 but spent nearly double it.   I’ve slightly reduced my sewing budget for next year and aim to be more frugal in my spending and to make more of an effort use existing patterns and fabric.

With that in mind I have some aims & projects for 2018:

Jacket January 
I’ve been talking about making a jacket in my class for ages.  I was asked to set a date so I picked the first term in 2018, initially a number of my classmates agreed to join me in Jacket January but they changes there mind or aren’t going to be in class that term, but one or 2 others might be interested now.
I want to make a channel style jacket, and have had the pattern for over a year.

Underwear
At some point in the future I want to do a bra making class but think I should start with pants, just giving it a go myself.

Lined dress
SOI Joan Dress.  Again I have had the pattern (and the fabric for over a year) I think 2018 is the year to make this happen.

Colour Blocking 
I would like to give this a try, I’m thinking getting round to making a Tilly & The Buttons Coco would be the ideal project.

Trousers – Take 2 
Starting with a different pattern I will be giving trousers another go at some point during 2018

On top of these I have lots of other lovely patterns, and lots of fabric so I plan to figure out some things that will go together and mix in some easier projects in-between my big challenges (without spending much more).

The final thing that I need to improve is my blog posting, as I write this I have more than 10 draft blog posts, most waiting for me to do pictures – which continue to be my weak point although they are may favourite part of reading other peoples blogs – there is a lesson there.  

 

Tilly & the Buttons, Cleo; ribbed for your pleasure

New Things
– Corduroy
– Dungaree Clips

What Went Well
– Hammering Technique

What I need to work on
– Cutting out
– Working with Corduroy
– Top Stitching

What I have learned
– Corduroy is not easy to cut out and work with AND it makes a mess
– How to hammer no sew buttons

Changes to make when I make another
– Go down a pattern size
– Don’t kid yourself, if you want a short skirt, just cut the pattern for a short skirt
– Try another material or a different corduroy
– Be sure I have improved sufficiently before attempting a make this pattern with contrast top stitching.

Costs
Kit £39.00 (but fabric, thread and dungaree clips from Kit not used, only pattern. 
Fabric £12 (£6 per metre & over 0.5m left over)
Dungaree Clips £2.40
Thread £nil (from existing supplies)
Total I’ve spent  £53.40
(Relative spend, excluding un-used kit, would be: Pattern £12.50, Fabric £12 Dungaree Clips £2.40 Total £26.90)

 

I think November 2016 was all about the Tilly and the Buttons Cleo and after seeing lots of lovely makes I decided that I wanted one.  Rather than just buying a pattern I ordered the kit which comes with material and notions.  At the time most colours were out of stock so I went for the cream needlecord but I also really wanted one in a darker colour cleo so purchased 2m of dark red cord and decided to make one in that colour first.

Everyone seems to be making the short version but worried it would be too short so I decided to be a little different and go for the longer one but without the slit in the front and to shorten it when I finished making it to the length I wanted.  Either I will be able to walk in it or not.

The pattern looked fairly straightforward and the descriptions were clear with lots of photos (just like the Bettine).  I’m really appreciating the Tilly & The Buttons patterns good colour pics and descriptions that give me confidence in sewing by myself.  I also just love the thick white paper the pattern is printed on.  I feel spoiled by by it when compared to brown tissue paper.  

My biggest ongoing challenge is cutting out.  I know that seems really silly and that cutting out should be simple but I have really poor cutting out skills.  I struggle getting everything lined up and struggle keeping it that way to cut.
I had thought that the clear lines on cord would mean I had no issues with grain lines, and whilst on the smaller pieces like pockets that was the case on the large front and back pieces as well as the long thin straps I found it really tricky and wasn’t happy with what I did.  I didn’t get on well with scissors or my rotary cutter.  In the end this make was one that I cut out mostly with scissors but that only made it nearly possible and not easy.

I started out folding my material in half selvage to selvage but couldn’t keep it from going just slightly off.   I was checking by running a nail along the first ditch in the cord and found no matter what minor adjustments I made it wouldn’t run the whole length of the fabric in position.  (After washing my fabric (wow lots of colour came out on that wash) I did spend quite some time ironing, with the grain, not sure if I undid that by leaving the fabric loosely folded for a couple of days after.).

I ended up cutting single layer at a time as I was having so much trouble just keeping my pieces lined up and cutting along one line, it was a battle from start to finish and in the end not as accurate as I would like.

Sewing up the centre seams was the first part of the make.  My imperfect cutting made this a worry and although not quite vertical the strips of the ribbing came out fairly even.  I wasn’t convinced by the fold over of the raw edges but went ahead with it having trimmed down one side with my overlocker as the fabric frays easily.  I think I may have completed the fold overs incorrectly though as I did them on the inside.

I found the pockets really tricky to line up so much so that after attaching the top front pocket (for the second time plus re sewing a bit as my pocket seemed saggy at the opening ) I have decided to not bother with the back pockets.

Once the pocket was done things really sped up for me as I had already turn my straps so they went on, the sides sewed up and then my facing went on fairly quickly and problem free.

I have the recommended buckles from my kit but had also purchased  separately some braces clips.  I liked the dark bronze colour of these clips and thought they better suited the red corduroy.    

STOP Hammer Time

I had to hammer the button parts, which was actually quite fun and took only seconds.  I was more bemused by how to attach the clips, and am not sure whether I have threaded them correctly but they are holding their place and that is the main thing.

 

 

 

 

Then I was done.  I like the overall effect, but am glad I didn’t go for contrast thread as this wasn’t the neatest sewing job, which I think can  been seen up close on the front pocket.  I’ve been wearing it nonetheless, and wearing it out in public.  I think I would like to make another but as I finished my make before the summer with the weather relatively warm it hasn’t been a priority, November probably is the right time for this project, but now November has come round as I’m in the middle of some more difficult makes I’m not sure when I will find the time to try again with my cream needlecord.

In the above 2 pictures I was giving a talk about Slow Fashion (& the ethical & environmental problems with fast fashion) at a High Wycombe Skeptics in the Pub open mike night.   

Pattern Weights

I find cutting out my pattern pieces really tricky and have developed a I have a strong preference for using a rotary cutter rather than scissors and pins, for most fabric.

It was suggested to me in my sewing class (last term) that I should make myself some pattern weights.  I think it was maybe amusing for my sewing class colleagues to see me getting various tins and jars out of my bag to use as weights at first but then they all got sick of it.

So it was suggested I make some pattern weights.  I did google for some ideas and was more drawn to doing something with washers then making little beanbags.

I really like these fondant fancy pattern weights that I found on Etsy but I’m already way over my sewing budget so making my own is the way forward for now.  (Plus they look so good I think I might try and eat them.)

I left making my own pattern weights on my to do list for a number of months until I was having a motivated afternoon.  So I headed out to my local wicks picked up 6 bags of washers (at two different sizes) and some insulating tape.  Once home I started experimenting with different ways to rap up a group of washers.

And then my husband got involved.  We used pencils and clamps to keep the washers lined up and found tightly wrapping a line of tape round the edge was our preferred method.

But we weren’t done there.  I said I would like something to cover the washers so they didn’t look like they were just washers with tape round them.  My husband had some target stickers that he dug out from the cupboard under the stairs that when cut to size looked good with black tape.  So I now have 6 heavy round target pattern weights and I think they look really smart.

The target stickers are just sticky paper so might not last that well and might need replacing at some point but at the moment they look great.

Evening Class – Term 2

Oops! I had previously published this post but somehow managed to delete it whilst on my phone earlier today.  However having found an earlier draft I think I have re-added the main points.

Its a New Year and new term for my Sewing Classes.  This term I will be using my blog (specifically this post and its links) as my reflective journal for the term.

In the class there is a mix of familiar faces and new joiners.  I was pleased to see that my returning course colleagues also hadn’t spend all Christmas sewing as we had planned and were also carrying on with their projects where they had left off.

Going into this term I have

• my bag to continue with
• A Tilly & The Buttons Cleo Dungaree Dress to make
• but my main aim is to learn to sew knits
  which is the first of my 2017 sewing aspirations.

Here is what I got up to:

Week 1 
Intro week, we kicked off with ice breakers, ran through some notices and then I went back to my bag.  My teacher told me a different way to connect the straps at the bottom of the bag, which I took a couple of less than successful attempts at.

Week 2 
We started out with some more paperwork , signing our learning agreements for the term.
I made a start on my Toaster sweater taking advantage of the big high tables I cut out my pattern pieces.  I had a little time at the end of class so started sticking together my pdf pattern for my Sew Over It Cowl Neck Dress.

Week 3
As I had completed my Toaster Sweater at home and finished sticking together my pdf pattern for the Sew Over It Cowl Neck Dress.
I turned up in my Toaster Sweater to show everyone and spent the evening cutting out my paper pattern then laying it out to check if I had enough of my Teal ponte left to make the dress version.  I think I just do and I have some cheep jersey left so I cut out my pattern pieces out in that and will use that as a fit test again.
I was set a challenge by my teacher to think about how I could make myself some pattern cutting weights (I think everyone is sick seeing my low tech tins and jars that I keep bringing to class).

***Having been paid I’ve booked onto the summer term before it gets full***

Week 4 
I didn’t finish my sister’s curtains at the weekend so started the evening ironing and sewing up her second curtain.
Once that was done i continued working on my my test version Cowl Neck Dress pinning and sewing up the shoulders and side seams.
During the evening we also had a quiz (because this is an Adult Learning class it has to include literacy & numeracy) on fibers and fabric – it wasn’t scored but if it was my team would probably have won.

Week 5 & 6
I was unwell and unable to attend class 😦

Week 7 
With only minimal changes required I made a start on my Cowl Neck dress final version cutting out the pattern pieces in my green ponte de roma.  I had just enough fabric left after my Toaster sweater to cut out all my pieces.  I can’t easily tell the right and wrong sides so I marked them up in chalk to keep track of which side was the inside.

Week 8
Having done some overlocking at home I stitched my front and back pieces together.  Then making the main change to the order I am constructing the dress this time round I attached the twin needle and sewed up my arm cuffs whilst they were still flat and unattached.

Week 9
Tonight was about attaching the arms to the main dress (with the front and back of the dress only attached at the top.  This was much easier than inserting the arm and trying to balance the stretch of a circle within a circle.  It also means that I will be able to sew up the side of the dress and just follow the join down the arm in one long seam.  The arms went on well but I did have a few small puckers but I managed to steam them out with the iron.

Week 10
I made progress on my working on my Tilly & the Buttons Cleo Dress.  With great difficulty I had cut out the fabric pattern pieces at home.  I started construction sewing the centre front and back seams, for making the large front and back pieces.  Leaving them so I could overlock the raw edges at home I moved on to sewing up and turned over the straps.

Week 11
End of term assessment – I passed phew, when you include my practice versions I have completed a good number of garments this term.  When not having my one on one assessment I continued work on my T&TB Cleo by attaching the straps to the back of my dress and then cut out the interfacing for the facings.

In Summery
I have achieved my main aim which was to sew knits.
I no have a better understanding of knit fabric and feel more confident using it in my sewing machine.  As well as single ball point needles I have also used twin needles on my knits and I have used my overlocker for sewing knit fabric.
I have completed 2 practice pieces and an my final toaster sweater.  With my Cowl neck dress nearly finished.
Since the beginning of term I have also made progress on my bag and my Cleo Dungaree Dress.
Additionally I successfully took up a pair of curtains.

Taking up Curtains – Selfless Sew

It has happened, I knew it would and I’ve been trying to avoid it but that doesn’t work forever.  Having taken up sewing I knew the time would come when other people would start asking me to do sewing jobs for them.

I was at my sister’s house at the beginning of the year and she got out a pair of curtains handed them to me and asked if i would take them up (once I was already holding them – she’s no fool).  So after measuring the length she wanted them to end at from the curtain pole I took them home dumped them on a chair and ignored them for a month.

When my sister chased me about them a month later I ask her what length I was shortening them to (as I not written it down so forgotten I decided I had better get on with it.

She had purchased some cute black out curtains from Dunelm for my niece’s room but they needed to be shortened to 151 cm.

I could have done some research and found out if there is a way you are meant to do this but I just wanted to get it over with so I made up my own way keeping things as simple as possible.

I enlisted the help of my husband and his long tape measure to mark out two lines at 149 and 158 on the wrong size of the curtains.  I cut both layers at 158 unpicked the side seams to a little above the 149 line and then ran the black out layer through my overlocker cutting and sewing it up.  I decided to leave that raw edge exposed – as its just the back of the curtain.

The curtain went back on the floor and my husband helped me mark another two lines, this time on the right side of the fabric, at 156 and 151. Using these lines as a guide I ironed a double fold and pinned.

Starting a little away from the unpicked edge I sewed up the double fold.  Then when back to the edge tucked in all the folds and edges, I held the corners in place and ran a quick line of stitches to keep everything in place.

I repeated the whole process for the second curtain – and I was done.

To be fair it wasn’t anywhere near as time consuming or difficult as I though it might have been though I would not have wanted to measure and mark out my cutting lengths without help.

The end result is good and I don’t think you can tell the were shortened.

  

My sister would like me to point out these pictures were taken when we hung the curtains but she knows she has not pulled them to make the pinch pleats so they are not yet looking as good as they will, I’m just pleased I got the length correct.

#SewMyStyle Toaster Sweater V2

Having signed up to #SewMyStyle my first new project for January was to make a Sew House Seven Toaster Sweater.

New Things/New techniques or skills
– Knit fabric
– Twin needle – (including breaking 3)
– Sleeves

What Went Well
– The make – good instructions easy to follow
– Fit & pattern adjustment
– The re-threading of my overlocker
– Speed of making
– My taylor tacks and careful cutting out

What I need to work on
– Not breaking twin needles
– Stitching in the ditch – I missed the ditch on one side
– overlocker tension – loose loopers
– twin needle, stitches too small and tension too tight

What I have learned
– My first knit fabric
– Stitching in the ditch
– Sewing with a Twin Needle (though I think I am missing something given how many needles I broke)

What I would change if I made another
– Lenghen my twin needle stitches

I purchased both versions of the Toaster Sweater.

I didn’t notice when I bought them that version 2 is the official first pattern and had deliberated a bit over which version to make.  Seeing version 2 only had 3 pattern pieces hinted to me it was the easier make and when I realised it was specifically version 2 that was chosen for #SewMyStyle that firmed it up.

My first aim for 2017 was to sew some knits and I purchased some teal ponte de roma at the back end of last year in anticipation.  I really like the colour and though it might look nice in a jumper so re allocated that material for my Toaster Sweater.

Preparations
I put my fabric through the washing machine and the drier.
I then painstakingly ironed all 3 metres of it (will use what is left for another project)
I ordering some ballpoint needles and a twin needle.
Carefully traced out the pattern pieces from the delicate tissue paper onto my Swedish tracing paper and then wondered for a bit.

The Toaster sweater is designed to be a fairly short jumper but I didn’t want something that was going to stop around my waist.So I thought it would be a good idea to do a trial run. One of my early fabric purchases included some very cheep knit fabric at £1 per metre.  That was lounging at the bottom of my fabric box.  It doesn’t feel that nice against the skin, doesn’t stretch and I don’t love the colour.  I had thought I would never have a use for it BUT turns out it is exactly what I needed. Having no stretch I could sew it up see how it fit, especially length at the front and in the arm.  I could practice all the sewing stages without having to be perfect or unpick loads on my final sweater.

After cutting out my trial top I put it together in an evening.  I’m very pro this, loving the quick completion gratification on a sewing project.  As my main aim was to look at size I did everything on my sewing machine with straight and zig zag stitches.
I was able to understand and follow all the instructions easily, they do take you through every step clearly with pictures, it is a shame they weren’t in colour.  My pattern came with a little note explaining a few mistakes on the pattern and instructions – nothing to worry about thought.
Other than the armhole where the sleeve was bigger than the hole everything came together easily (stretch in the material probably would have helped.  I particularly liked the mitered corners as they came together easily.

Looking at my mock-up the shoulders were in the correct place and the arms were long enough.  I did think the jumper was shorter than I liked in the body though so I added 9.5cm to both the front and the back of my pattern pieces.

Hoping that the stretch wouldn’t make everything else no longer fit I cut out my revised pattern pieces on my ponte fabric.

I decided to use my overlocker for the seams where this was given as an option (fitting sleeves and sewing up sleeves and side seams.  Before I committed to the overlocker on both I sewed them up with a straight stitch on my regular machine.  This worked to a point but it meant when I was going over the straight stitch with the overlocker afterwards I didn’t hold the fabric with enough tension in the sleeve and the seam is a little puckered on one side.

Despite having already made the same minor confusion and mistake on my practice fabric I managed to sew up the mitered corners the wrong way the first time and had to unpick and re-sew them.  The other important point I forgot I had learned was not to attempt to back-stitch as it was too easy to get the fabric edge chewed up.

I decided to be bold and after mega pinning session charge ahead with my first attempt at using a twin needle.  I have no idea how you are supposed to create neat corners but that aside all was going well until I got half way through and I had a needle break.  I had purchased 2, and swapped it out for my second twin needle and whatever was going wrong stayed wrong because I broke the second one on my check that it was stitching fabric scrap.

I’m not sure what was going wrong but I had to put my project on hold and order some more twin needles.  When they arrived I picked this make up again and found the broken end of one of my needles still in the jumper.

Ouch!

I got started again and  realised my first needles were 2.5mm apart and these new ones were 4mm apart.  Rather than unpick what I had done so far I decided to just have the distance vary from the front to the back and get this finished.  It isn’t the sort of thing I think most people would notice unless they were looking very carefully and I had picked a similar colour thread rather than contrast.

After completing my top stitching (including breaking one more needle, it is always the right needle) I had a quick try on of my jumper and decided to sew up the cuffs at 4cm rather than 2.5cm as they seemed a little long.

And then my jumper was done.

Sewing Aspirations 2017 and beyond

I haven’t been sewing that long and although I have already surprised myself with some of the things I have made I’m still very much a beginner.

Since deciding to take up sewing I’ve spend a lot more time thinking/daydreaming and shopping (patterns and fabric) than actually sewing.

It being January I thought this would be a good time to roughly order and categorize some sewing projects I want to take on in the future.  I have different types of materials I want to try and ideas for projects where I want to focus on making something really well as opposed my sewing gratification to date which has been ta-da I’ve made something.

I don’t want to tie myself down to a firm list of things I must make and when by as I think that could get pressurised, stressful and less fun.  So with no guarantee or commitment here are my sewing plans and daydreams:

2017 aspiration – #SewMyStyle

I’ve already signed up to this and purchased 6 patterns.  I wrote a post when I signed up and went on a mini spending spree for those 6 patterns.  Since then I have taken stock and decided that I want to make the the 6 patterns I have purchased plus the August make; Megan Nielsen – Darling Ranges Dress because I love that dress.  When the December pattern is announced I’ll make a decision on that but I think just making those 7 will be challenging enough.  Because I also have some other sewing ambitions for 2017…

 

2017 aspiration – Sewing Knits

Its a little daunting and maybe a bit early but I want to try and sew some jersey.
The #SewMyStyle January’s Toaster Sweater No2 is a jersey make so that works out well.
I purchased some teal ponte before xmas and I had planned to use it to make a Tilly & the Buttons Coco but with time ticking along I think I will check the stretch and if is at about 20% it could try make a nice Toaster sweater with it instead.
I really want to make a Coco too, so I think that will be a slightly later jersey make.  I’m now thinking Sew Over it Cowl Neck Top, then Tilly & the Buttons Coco dress and then Sew Over it Heather Dress.
If I make all of them then that is me set for what to wear until it warms up in the Spring and then again for Winter 2017.

 

2017 aspiration – Overlocker Development
I feel that threading and a tiny bit sewing with my overlocker was 2016 achievement.  But I am not confident or competent with it.  So this year I would like to learn more, get a better understanding of how it works and what can be done with it.  I purchased a Craftsy class in the sales think working my way through that class during the year would be a good aim.

 

2017 ish aspiration – Trousers
In 2016 I made 2 tops (Sorbetto Hack 1 & Hack 2), 2 skirts (Gathered & Box Pleats) and a dress (Bettine) so trousers seem the next logical step.
I have 2 patterns already purchased
Cali Faye Hampshire Trouser – part of the #SewMyStyle October Make
and
Sew Over It Ultimate Trousers – I have the pattern AND some material that just says trousers.  I want to try and really focus on fit when I make these, take my time, pay attention and make alternations until I have  a perfectly fitting pair of trousers.
The idea of trousers is daunting but the Sew Over It website has some sewaong guides, which I plan to utilise.
   

 

2017 or 2018 aspiration – More complicated with More care
A fancy lined wool dress.
I have also purchased Joan Dress pattern from Sew Over It along with some lovely (and way more expensive than my usual economically priced fabric) Aubergine Melton Wool.  I want to really take my time on this one, not just because it is complicated but because I want to achieve a really good finish.  I fell in love with this dress when I first saw it and purchased it and the wool immediately even though I know I’m not ready to make a good job of it yet.

 

2017 or 2018 aspiration – Shirt/shirt dress
Not sure if I will get on to this but later in the year or maybe even next year I want to give this a go as I have been coveting a Tilly & The Buttons Rosa shirt dress.  Again as a more complicated make, new techniques and something I would need to take care and time over.  Part of me wants to run away from things like shirt collars buttons but that is also the challenge of it.

 

Some day (post 2017) dreams
Jeans
Vintage Patterns
Evening dress
Coco Channel Style Jacket
Underwear (including and wired bra)

Evening Class – First Term

After a wait of a couple of months it was finally time for my new sewing class.

As predicted being a beginner/intermediate class the other candidates all seem to know what they are doing and are getting on with complicated sewing projects.

There are a few other newbies in the class but most are continuing from a previous term.

I am enjoying garment making in a room with other people and having an instructor who I can call on when I get stuck.

My main work/learning points from each class have been

Week 1 – Intro and measuring ourselves

Week 2 -Was bring your project to get started – My first project is Box Pleat Skirt from my Sewing Bee book.  During the class I made a tracing pattern for my skirt including lengthening it.

Week 3 -I cut out my fabric including taylor tacks for my box pleats.  Well I used taylor tacks on the box pleats at the back but cheated on the front and just used my fabric pen.

Week 4 -Box Pleat Skirt was put on hold because I to make our Halloween costumes.

Week 5 -Box Pleat Skirt still on hold.   Carried on with Halloween costume.  Then when I got home I unpicked everything and decided to start over.

Half Term Break – I spent part of the evening (and part of last weekend) continuing with my Haloween costumes and then rushed to get them finished on the day of the party.  See them here.

Week 6 – Back to my Box Pleat Skirt, I sewed up my box pleats -(not the original design but I like the look better).  I also managed to accidentally pull out some of my tailors tacks from a few weeks back whilst figuring out what to do, which really just re-affirmed to me that I do better with my trusty marker pen.
**Also found out lots of new people had booked onto the next round of classes in the new year so quickly got myself booked back on before the places ran out***

Week 7 – Box Pleat skirt is taking shape, I had sewed up the sides, added the zip and attached the waist band at home.  I sewed up the waistband and asked how I should do the hem, which included a quick lesson on blind hemming with the sewing machine.  – I decided I would do this at home with time and my own iron.  See my finished skirt here.
I then moved on to starting to stick my PJ pants pattern together, I had 24 A4 pieces of paper to stick together so took over two additional desks.

Week 8 -New Project – Sewing Machine Bag.
I drew what I wanted from my sewing machine bag, took some measurements, added them to my drawing then drew out a layout plan.

Week 9 – I measured drew out my pattern, and cut out my fabric, in preparation for sewing up and bagging out.

Week 10 – Having sewed my 3 layers together in class I added a second layer of stitches for strength and then pulled through my material so the outsides were on the outside.  I then added a another layer of stitches round the edge to hold everything in place.  I hand sewed the gap i left for bagging out & went home to have a think.

Week 11 – Having ordered my handle strap webbing, & then some plastic that I though would be good to put in the bottom of the bag to give some strength and rigidity.  I went to class to ask my teacher if she agreed I should unpick my hand sewing, sew a channel for the plastic and slip it in before sewing up again.  She recommended I didn’t and just covered the plastic in material and placed in the bottom of the bag. I started pinning my straps to my bag (will be easier to sew whilst material is still flat and not bag shaped, as will my front outside pouch pockets. (Link to bag post will follow when finished)

In our sub group of newbies as well as our individual projects we are being talked through/occasionally helping with a teacher sewing project.

Week 1 – Picking pattern, identifying sizes etc
Week 2 – Taylor tacks, pinning pattern and cutting out fabric
Week 3 – Why make a toile?
Look at the toile the teacher made and identify adjustments/changes to be made.
Week 4 – No extra lesson
Week 5 – Sewing a Zip, standard sip (no lapped, not invisible) technique was to have where the zip was to go tacked together then sew in the zip and unpick – worked really well.
Week 6 – Sewing round a curve, using (and how to make a homemade) a seam allowance measuring tool.
Week 7 – Thread for sewing machines.  We looked at and tested various threads people had resigning many to, could you for tacking/bin.  However I was pleased that my vintage gray thread passed the strain/snap test, so I could carry on using it.
I also had a quick lesson on blind hemming
Week 8 – Sugar bagging – individual lesson, learning what it was and how easily it can be done.
Week 9 – No extra lesson
Week 10 – Working with pattern fabric, our example for discussion was check fabric and skirt pattern
Week 11 – We had 1 to 1  for our end of term review, which went fine, I passed and will be back next term.

And that is was it, I’m booked in for Term 2 starting in the New Year, and I’ve been told I can use my blog as my reflective journal for my course next term 🙂

Bettine One

New Things
– Tilly & the Buttons Patterns
– My first dress
– sleeves (luckily for me these beginner sleeves were grown on)
– Facing neckline
– Swedish tracing paper.

What Went Well
– Wearable Dress
– Getting a dress out of 2m of narrow fabric when the instructions said I needed more

What I need to work on
– Thinking about patterns and cutting placement
– Finishing raw edges sans overlocker
– Related to the above handling fabric, this cotton was soft, drapy and the moment you go off the grain it felt stretchy/slippy

Changes to make when I make another
– Add length to both the top and the skirt sections, at least 6cm to each.

I ordered some Tilly and the Buttons beginners patterns having read so many great things about them, especially the Bettine.

So I have decided to make one.  I love pockets on a dress so disregarded the non-pocket beginner option for the pocket version. Because I am always this person:

My measurements never fit a size, I have a large waist and narrow hips, with my chest somewhere in-between.  Looking at the pattern and measurements with the loose fit I decided to make a size 6 on the top and waist and grade down to a size 5 on the hips.  I did start to worry when cutting the pattern pieces that the pockets would no longer have the same shape with a more pronounced curve on the outside – though it didn’t end up much of an issue.

Tilly and the Buttons pattern paper is fantastic, its thick and white and you can handle it confidently without worrying about ripping it.  I like to keep all my original patterns in tact so I traced off the pattern onto my Swedish Tracing paper.  (New and being used for the first time).  I really like the stuff, you can see through it but also see pencil on it really clearly, It cuts nicely and although it is really light it is more sturdy than tissue paper but softer more opaque than tracing paper.

I wondered about adding length to the top and bottom but with material limitation I though I would make this one the pattern size and then review for my next one.  I was thinking this dress would be a sort of wearable toile, and I would have a better idea if I should change anything on my next one.

I had 2 metres of of this nice blue and white fabric, some sort of soft drapy cotton, the pattern info said I needed more but I thought I would try and squeeze everything on.  I managed it, and am quite pleased with myself about it as all that is left of that 2m are a few thin uneven lengths of fabric which you could not even cut another armhole band from.

My overlocker was off being repaired and I don’t have pinking sheers so my only option was zigzagging the raw edges.  I was surprised how tricky i found this.  My tension was too tight on my machine  to start with and zigzags pinched the material in places.  My trimming of the raw edges was a bit uneven  also my eyeballing was off in several places where my zigzigs were either quite far in the seam lines or right over the edge.  The fabric had also started fraying madly so overall I just don’t love the look of seams on the inside and think my next attempt will be done with the overlocker.  I may also go back and redo some of the edges on this one once I have my overlocker back.

I had a few issues inserting the waistband elastic.  I had some elastic that I planned to use (I have 10m of it) but it was the same size as the channel so just a tiny bit little too wide to fit through which I decided after trying really hard to force it through.  I stopped when I broke a few stitches off the inside edge.  So I left it for the evening and popped to the shop the next day for some slightly narrower elastic.

After my speediest ever hemming (mostly due to impatience) my dress was done.  Well as done as I wanted it, as you will see from the photos I left the sleeve bands down, its winter and l liked the sleeves a bit longer (almost to the elbow).  I think they look fine that way.

So I was feeling pretty pleased with myself until I looked at the dress on a hanger and became disappointed, the pattern just looked horribly off, the top and bottom are not aligned, no-where close to matching but not far enough apart to just look different, it was aesthetically displeasing to look at.  I didn’t have any spare material to pattern match as it was a struggle just to get everything cut out on the fabric I had.  Originally I’d thought it is a big swirly pattern; should be fine not matching but that was not the case.  I showed it to my husband who came up with a great solution ‘don’t I have a big white belt, why not wear that with it to hid the join’.

My big white belt saved the day and I’m back to really liking my new dress, check out those pockets!

Next time I make this dress, as I will be make another, I will be adding a bit of length to the top and the skirt, not too much I’m thinking maybe 6cm and 10cm.