A few more Baby Bumpy Bobble Beanies!

Here are some more hats you guys made using my free baby bumpy bobble beanie pattern!

Butterick 5466 Pencil Skirt

This skirt, Butterick 5466 view D, is just fantastic and easy peasy to make. I chose it because I am tired of making skirts with darts in the front that end up with little bumps. My stomach is relatively flat so there is not really much for the fabric to curve around. I am really happy with the fit. It is probably the most well fitting garment that I have ever made. It is also incredibly comfortable. Not to mention it goes perfectly with my vintage 50's style. Win all around!

Fabric: Heavy weight 100% cotton home dec gingham fabric from my mother in law
Notions: Zipper and thread from my stash
Pattern: Butterick 5466 from my stash. I made a straight size 12 and then just fitted the princess seams on the muslin.
Cost: FREE!

Fall for Cotton Final Project

After a but of fussing with Simplicity 1590, it has been determined that this body does not do well with peplums. I switched over to New Look 6945. It is not a vintage pattern, but I think it is generic enough that with the correct fabric it can look good in a wardrobe from any decade. Pants are vintage reprint  Simplicity 3688.

I did an FBA, Moved the darts about 1" toward the middle, then changed them to princess seams, shortened the bodice by 3/4" and had to grade between different sizes to get it to fit properly. I also widened the back by 1".

Sunday Strategy 9/29/13

To Do This Week:

• Get my Fall for Cotton post up.
• Continue working on my sweater for the Hetty Knit Along.

Recap Of Last Week:

• Make muslin for Simplicity 1590 and make new pattern after fitting.
• Turns out I do not look good with anything that has a peplum. Working on another top pattern to replace.
• Work on Hetty sweater for the knit along.
• Started sleeves. Going well!

Sunday Strategy 09/22/13

This week:

• Finish Simplicity 1590 for the Fall for Cotton Sew Along and get the final post done.
• Continue working on Hetty for the Hetty Knit Along.

Recap Of Last Week:

• Make muslin for Simplicity 1590 and make new pattern after fitting.
• Work on Hetty sweater for the knit along.
• Done body and I am ready to start working on the sleeves.

Shorts For Rose

I made these for Rose last week. They are McCalls 6403. I altered the pattern a lot to get them to fit properly and to get the style she wanted. I removed the pockets. Also, Rose 43" hips and a 28" waist. She is also tall so I had to lengthen the crotch depth 3 inches and lengthen the darts a bunch. Tall, curvy girls just aren't fair =)

Sunday Strategy 9/15/13

I am a bit behind...

To Do This Week:

• Make muslin for Simplicity 1590 and make new pattern after fitting.
• Work on Hetty sweater for the knit along.

Recap of last week:

• Make muslin for Simplicity 1590 and make new pattern after fitting.
• Didn't get around to it. I was on a total knitting binge.
• Finish knitting the sleeves for my sweater.
• Done and blogged here.
• Finish a pair of shorts I am working on for Rose. I have already made 2 muslins so it should be a piece of cake to throw together the final pair.
• Finished and a post will be up soon!

Hetty Knit Along

I am going to join the Hetty Knit Along hosted over at Ravelry. It starts tomorrow and ends the end of October.

I am using Bamboo Ewe, a 45/55 bamboo/wool blend.

I have already made my gauge swatch. I had to size up a needle to get the correct gauge.

Vintage Sweater Progress

So far I have finished the body and sleeves of my 1960's cardigan. I still have to sew the pieces together, make the button bands and finish the collar.

Sunday Strategy 09/08/2013

Goals for this week:

• Make muslin for Simplicity 1590 and make new pattern after fitting.
• Finish knitting the sleeves for my sweater.
• Finish a pair of shorts I am working on for Rose. I have already made 2 muslins so it should be a piece of cake to throw together the final pair.

Recap of last week:

• I have 4 projects that just need the final finishing touches, basically all the hand sewing to finish them off. I want to finish at least 2 of them this week.
• I finished a dress and a pair of shorts! I will post about them as soon as I get pics.
• Get an inspiration post finished for the Fall for Cotton Sew Along.
• Posted here.
• Finish the sleeves on my current knitting project.
• I got a lot done on the sleeves but they are going a bit slower than anticipated. I am on the sleeve caps so things are moving along.

More Baby Bumpy Bobble Beanies for Charity

Here are some more hats that Ms. Betty has made for charity using my Baby Bumpy Bobble Beanie pattern!

Fall for Cotton Inspiration

I am in love with the wide leg 1940's swing style trousers. I will use Simplicity 3688. I bought some milk chocolate colored 100% cotton twill at Jo-Ann's last week with my 60% off coupon. At that point it was only $4.00/yard!

I am also going to do Simplicity 1590 View A. I am using the pink, white and brown striped quilting cotton. I got it on sale for $1.85/yard. 

I already had both patterns in my stash so that worked out well!

Sunday Strategy 09/01/2013

• I have 4 projects that just need the final finishing touches, basically all the hand sewing to finish them off. I want to finish at least 2 of them this week.
• Get an inspiration post finished for the Fall for Cotton Sew Along.
• Finish the sleeves on my current knitting project.

Vintage Knitted Cardigan in the Works

It is going a bit slow but I am quite happy so far. This is a vintage pattern from the early 60's I believe.

Cherry Embroidered High Waist Shorts

I saw an adorable pair of shorts with cherries embroidered on them on Etsy the other day and decided that I must have a pair. They are cute but for the price of $57, I am definitely going to make my own. I did change a few things. I made them fully fitted instead of having the elastic at the back of the waist. I also skipped the pocket and put the cherries on the leg instead. I used my embroidery machine because I don't have the patience to embroider by hand.

Close up of cherries. Plus you can see where I used the really shiny 

polyester embroidery thread to do a little contrast top stitching around the legs.

Inside view- I am a bit obsessed with no having raw edges showing. 

Details

• Pattern: McCalls 6331 View A (from stash), Self drafted waistband - $1
• Pattern Changes: I lengthened both the front and back darts for a smoother fit. I also added a waistband.
• Fabric: About 1 yard light weight denim from my stash, a gift from Nanan - free
• Notions: Invisible Zipper - $2, Thread from stash - 50¢
• Time: I worked on them over a 3 day period. It would have been faster if I did not have to set up and take down my machines to switch between embroidery and sewing.
• Total Cost: about $4 (I saved $53 by making them myself)

Hats for Charity

Ms. Betty emailed me yesterday with this pic of some Baby Bumpy Bobble Beanies she is making for a charity. It really makes me happy to know that my patterns are actually useful! Thanks Ms. Betty!

Fall For Cotton Sew Along

I am going to join the Fall for Cotton Sew Along hosted by Lucky Lucille and By Gum, By Golly. I am really excited because I have absolutely a ton of inspiration at the moment and I ALWAYS use cotton. Yay! I will have an inspiration post up in a couple days.

The Happy Accident Skirt

After spending the summer in Hawaii, I came home and started sewing like crazy. I had so much inspiration I needed to get out. I tried to make New Look 6699 but the bodice did not fit correctly. I cut off the bottom and made it into a skirt. More to come later. Sorry the picture is not so good.

Sunday Strategy 2/24/13

Last week recap:

1. Make my muslin for my Sew For Victory Dress.

• I got really far on my muslin and it fit really well. I decided to make it into an actual dress. I added a lining and some ric rac. I ran out before I was done so I have to pick up some more tomorrow so I can finish. 
2. Fitting adjustments made and transferred to pattern paper.
• Nothing much  to change. It fits really well. I might shorten the bodice at the waist 1/4 of an inch but I will decide that after wearing the dress for a day.
3. Choose fabric for my dress.
• I didn't get around to picking out my fabric. If my wearable muslin turns out as well as I think it will I don't have to pick out any more fabric anyway.

This week:

1. Finish up my wearable muslin for my Sew For Victory dress.
2. Finish putting trim on my Sweetheart Dress. I had this dress almost finished a few weeks ago. When I was putting the final strips of bias binding on the sleeves, it got all wrinkly and refused to lie flat. Turns out, the tape wasn't actually cut on the bias. I had to rip it all out. I got a new pack and should be able to finish in a few hours.

Sunday Strategy 2/17/13

Last week recap:

1. Find inspiration for the Sew For Victory Sew Along. I was originally just going to make the newly released Simplicity 1692. Then I saw all the Sew For Victory Inspiration posts popping up all over with glorious clothes. I think I want to try and make something a bit more exciting. If I have time and the inclination I can make the top too at a later time.
• Blogged here.
• Pinterest Sew for Victory Inspiration board here.
2. Start drafting up a pattern if I choose something that I don't have a pattern for. I really can't justify buying any new patterns and I have been reading a ton about pattern drafting lately. I should probably put that information to good use.
• Blogged here.

Next Week:

1. Make my muslin for my Sew For Victory Dress.
2. Fitting adjustments made and transferred to pattern paper.
3. Choose fabric for my dress.

       

Sew For Victory - Drafting the dress

I decided I would like to knock off the Du Barry 6542 pattern.

I have never made anything with a yoke so I will have to branch out a bit. I also have only made one dress where I use contrasting fabrics. I need to do more projects like this that help me move out of my comfort zone (aka rut.) I am not sure whether to make this from cotton or linen. I know that is not historically accurate since Nylon, Viscose and Rayon were the in thing. I love my cottons and linens not only for how they feel but also the amazing variety of prints available. I also think the cotton would be best to get the nice crisp pleats on the skirt.

I am not sure if I am going to do the yoke as 2 separate pieces (a bodice top and bottom) or just make a regular bodice front and then make an overlay for the yoke parts. I will try it one way on the muslin and if it doesn't work well I will try it the other way on the next go around.

I am using the new book I got for Christmas from my mother in law to help with drafting the pattern. It is called Practical Pattern Designing, originally published in 1947. I have a reprint from the 80's. It is a great resource filled with tons of useful information, diagrams and step by step instructions on how to recreate 1940's fashions from basic blocks.

This will be another dress for my 52 Dresses participation.

Sew for Victory Inspiration

Du Barry 5642 form the 1940's. I especially like the contrast yoke. I usually make everything with the same fabric for the whole project so I need to change it up a bit.

Image from etsy.com

 It seems that something similar to this would actually be a practical addition to my wardrobe.

Overalls image from SewCountryChick.com

This cute dress would be a great addition to my wardrobe. I think it would also be easy to draft. I like the button up back quite a lot. 

Image from http://filmfataleevents.blogspot.com

I absolutely love the gingham with the wide contrasting ric rac. Just adorable little feminine details. Image from http://www.liverpoolblitz70.co.uk/

To see more inspiration, visit my Pinterest board Sew For Victory Inspiration.

Sunday Strategy

I haven't written up a plan lately because I haven't had much crafting time to plan for. Hopefully, now that things have settled down, I can get back to a regular crafting schedule.

This week:

1. Find inspiration for the Sew For Victory Sew Along. I was originally just going to make the newly released Simplicity 1692. Then I saw all the Sew For Victory Inspiration posts popping up all over with glorious clothes. I think I want to try and make something a bit more exciting. If I have time and the inclination I can make the top too at a later time.
2. Start drafting up a pattern if I choose something that I don't have a pattern for. I really can't justify buying any new patterns and I have been reading a ton about pattern drafting lately. I should probably put that information to good use.

Sew for Victory - 1940's Sew Along

The Sew For Victory Sew Along is hosted by Lucky Lucille. I think I want to make Simplicity 1692. It looks like a fairly simple top to throw together. I make tons of dresses and I would like to make some more separates. This seems like as good a place to start as any. I need to look at some more photos of 40's fashion before I decide for sure what to make.

2013 Goals

I want to make some goals for myself for 2013 but not the insane list I had for 2012. It was way to much.

1. Continue to work within the palettes I have designed for myself for different seasons. I want this goal to also include working within the very defined 1950's style that I love. This especially helps me when I am in the fabric store staring at an adorable fabric that does not go with anything else I own. I collected little paint chip cards with all my colors and I take it with me to the store to match things. Works great!
2. Work on my knitting and crocheting. This is mainly an offshoot of goal #1. I want to make some adorable little 50's sweaters and cardigans to go with my home sewn clothes. I feel that last year I only concentrated on sewing and I got a bit tired of it at times. This year, I want to focus on other crafts as well so I don't get burned out.
3. I want to continue to work on achieving the proper fit with each project I make. I really focused on fit in 2012. It was tons of work and sometimes I got a bit obsessive but the results were great.
4. I want to continue Stash Busting. I need to use what I have. 
5. Continue taking the Seamless Pledge. I failed a few times last year and bought some new clothes. However, it was far fewer than ever before. They were also quality pieces that I will wear a very long time. All in all I am making progress.

I think that these goals are attainable in the next year. I mainly want to continue the good crafting habits that I focused on in 2012. 

Happy New Year!

A bit of reflection on the last year...

I made a list of 13 goals to complete by 2013. I did manage to complete a few, but 13 was way to many.  Here is a recap:

1. Learn to work with knits. I have exactly zero experience with sewing knit fabric.
1. I did make 3 knit shirts that I never hat time to blog about. One came out great, the other 2 were meh... I think I will continue to work with knit fabric, but I will not necessarily make it a priority.
2. Sew the Crepe wrap dress from Colette Patterns. Everyone raves about this line of patterns and I have never used them. I suppose this is a general goal to sew items using patterns from companies other than the big 4.
1. The Frubbish Sorbetto
2. I made muslins for Peony and Hazel and they were just so different from my body type that I gave up. Maybe I will try something from a different small pattern company.
3. Sew a pair of shorts, pants or a pencil skirt. Anything that will force me to work on fitting on my lower half.
1. Floral Denim Shorts
2. Yellow High Waist Shorts
3. I made a few others that I did not get time to blog about.
4. Sew a dress or blouse with sleeves. (I always sew dresses with straps because I have really large arms and wide/broad shoulders and I am afraid to do the alterations on a sleeved dress.)
1. I made one dress with sleeves but it does not fit quite right. I didn't get to blog about it.
5. Learn to use new sewing machine feet. Brian got me 2 fancy sets of sewing machine feet as my "baby bauble" and I have only used the concealed zipper foot. Normal women ask for jewelry =)
1. Not much progress here. I have used the overcasting foot a bit but that is all.
6. Craft for a charitable organization.
1. Sigh...
7. Learn to grade patterns to different sizes.
1. Also no progress here. However, I didn't have a particular pattern that I wanted to use that I didn't have in the appropriate size. If I find something that I really like that is not in my size, I will probably still do this event
8. Increase my knowledge of finishing techniques. I hate to have unfinished edges so I need to learn new ways of cleaning up the insides of my projects. At present, I usually just line everything and use flat felled seams.
1. Floral Denim Shorts
2. Lots of french seams popping up in all me projects.
3. I also made some bias bound hems/seams.
9. Acquire and learn to use a serger.
1. I just wanted to get a serger to sew knits. After making a few projects on my regular machine I realized that I don't need a serger. Maybe one day, but not a priority.
10. Buy less fabric, notions, etc. I have a bias tape maker so I can make all my bias tape. I have 100's of yards of fabric stashed around the house. Tons of thread. Totally stocked. Use up the stash.
1. I got a bit better at this toward the end of the year and I made 4 projects from my stash. I still bought some fabrics and such, but I think I did a bit better than last year.
11. Finish up at least one crafty UFO a month. Now to just dig them out...
1. I cheated a bit on this one and just shifted them from the UFO to the trash piles. I might try to salvage some of the fabric for something else. 
12. Actually use my Craftsy classes in which I enrolled. I want to do The Couture Dress and then the Sew Retro Perfect Bombshell Dress. I must add the Sassy Librarian Blouse.
1. I have actually managed to go through and watch almost all of my Craftsy classes. I haven't actually done any of the projects, but I have used many of the techniques that were taught in other projects I worked on.
13. Learn to make a pattern from a piece of clothing that fits me really well without dismantling it.
1. Got some books on the subject but never got around to making anything. Still want to do this sometime. I have the perfect dress that I want to copy.

Overall, I am happy with the amount of progress I made this year, even though I was not able to complete all my goals. I am going to set fewer for next year and hopefully I will be able to accomplish all of them.

Happy New Year, everyone!