On Friday evening I went over to the Sicilian's house to watch movies and sew. We watched several movies, at a delicious pasta & peas dish, add a bit of vino, while I cranked out my latest FO.
I have been fairing well using the New Look patterns lately. My 2 tops using New Look 6807 and now this one. I am really, truly, and deeply in love with this pattern. This is my 3rd time adding elastic to the sleeves, which I now realize - helps my top to look ultra finished. This was the draw for the NL 6807 piece. I also like the roominess of this one, without looking sloppy. The bottom band is another nice touch to this one. 
I have already worn in twice this weekend, including an amazing time with my roomie and her good friend Drew at the Del Mar Fair. We enjoyed the demolition derby....yup, I am a fan. lol. We will be back over the Independence day holiday for the Monster Trucks, too!
I have started Simplicity 2642 - the maxi dress. I have all the pieces cut out and have staystitched the bodice. Not a lot of work, I know, but considering I have wanted to make a maxi-dress for the longest, I appreciate this progress. One question, the pattern, which is made for a woven, has me add one pleat to the bodice, at the shoulder. Since I'm using a knit fabric, is this necessary? Please let me know, because it just isn't making sense in my brain, which is bizarre since my last project had pleats in it....
I leave you with a shot from the derby.....here's hoping my dress won't be the same "hot mess". lol
I am back from my trip to Vermont visiting family. What a fabulous time! While I was only there for a long weekend, we were able to cram in enough to fill a week. I got to see my 3 Nieces (my Brother's kids) and 3 Nephews (my Sister's kids), in addition to my Sister and Parents.
I mentioned in a previous post that I planned to bring Nina to sew some projects. Of course, I did - and boy did it worhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifk out. I made a quick and simple dress for my God Daughter, a shirt and skirt for my Mother (as well as taking in a dress she bought in Africa...or India...), and a shirt for my Sister. That's a lot of sewing in a few days.
Still managed to go to Plattsburgh New York on the ferry, have a barbecue, go to a Chinese buffet, Church, and more.
This pattern has a shirt and a dress, but I opted to make the outfit as separates (shirt and skirt). I used the skirt portion of the dress pattern and just added 3/8" elastic. I think the top will be great with pants as well, so this makes it more versatile.
My Sister really liked my pink version of this top. Of course I originally started this yellow version for myself, but for whatever reason, it was a bit too snug. I let her try it on and she loved it, except for the fact that she was swimming in it. I took in the sides and the back, finished the ties, and voila - a perfect fit for my older, but much smaller Sis.
So, my Mother tried on the New Look top and also loved it, but it seemed like the fit was a bit off on her, too. That's why I took it in and gave it to my Mother. Kwacha (my Mom) was a bit unhappy with my Sister always getting the clothes that are too tight for her (I feel her pain), so I made a run to Joann Fabrics in South Burlington, picked up some yellow fabric to make the Simplicity top and the flower print fabric to make the skirt. I really like the pleats on this one.
The great thing about this Joann's trip is that my Sister became motivated to sew also. She picked up two easy patterns and some fabric. While discussing all of the possibilities of her potential new craft, we started talking with the fabric cutter there. She TEACHES sewing at an unbelievable rate of $9/hour. My Sister will meet her at her home (along with my Sister's boys - since the woman has 2 boys and tons of video games to keep them occupied) and receive one-on-one lessons. This young lady put herself through college by sewing wedding dresses. She is a Godsend. While there, I picked up some quick and easy fabric to make my God daughter a dress as well. Our new found sewing friend recommended how to make the ties using cheaper ribbon in two colors and braiding it, for a fabulous effect! Here's a pic of Rehtse's mother modeling it for me!
Whew! I'm pooped just typing all of this! Now I can start on some projects for myself! I purchased the new Simplicity patterns after Robin advised me that they were on sale. They have some really cute patterns I want to try. I might make the same Simplicity top that I made my Mother as well, since I bought double the fabric. I am really looking forward to some fabulous FOs now that the family projects came out such a success! Here's hoping.....
I finished a pair of black pants for work today. They are super comfy (which is great, since I'm going to keep them on for my red-eye flight tonight) and still professional enough to wear to work. 
A very simple pattern, but a nice shape for my frame. I am almost finished another New Look top. I just have to sew the neck ties and voila. I did find it snugger than the last one I made, so this one might not make it to my closet. It's strange, since I bought the two pieces of fabric together and cut them at the same time. Since I worked on it late at night, I can only assume I used wider seam allowance. Good timing, though, either my Nieces, Mother, or Sister will be able to reap the rewards of my mistake.
Since I'm bringing movies and machine to go back East, I imagine more FOs to come....
Yes, I am still alive. I still have to finish the hem of my dress and add elastic to a new pair of pants that I sewed and I will have TWO new FOs. I also want to make another New Look 6807 shirt, as well as try out the McCall 5586 top with jewels. A lengthy list for a woman going out of town on Thursday night! lol. I think that I will bring Nina along, since my family will be asking me to make a ton of things during my trip to Vermont anyway.
I just returned from Saint Louis with my boss on Friday night and will be back on a plane taking the red eye to Vermont. I took a few pictures while at the hotel in St. Louis. Here's one taking during a lightning storm. It shows the Gateway Arch. At 630 ft., it's the nation's tallest man-made monument. This was located right across from my room.
In other news, my co-worker Carol has been bitten by the blog bug. Take a peak and tell her "hi".
I have completed another successful FO! Here's my review from Pattern Review:
Pattern Description:
Misses easy two-hour knit tops with gathered front and back. There are three different sleeve styles and two sleeveless styles to choose from. All versions have the neckband extend into ties at the centre back. I made view B.
Pattern Sizing:
8 - 18. I made a 16, but could probably have got away with making a 14. Since I didn't pre-wash the fabric (I rarely do), it'll end up a perfect in the end, anyway.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
For the most part. My neckline came out slightly different, due to me cutting sparingly in order to get a top's worth of material from my left-over scraps.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, the instructions were great. I actually followed them almost to a tee, which is pretty rare.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The top is pretty simple, but not really a 2-hour top. I was pretty determined to be accurate with this top. Since I like making quick knit projects, I'll often skip a step here or there. This top was my exception. I think it looks really finished and has great detail, despite being a simple, basic style.
I like the extra touch of having the elastic casing for the sleeves as well as the ties in the back.
Fabric Used:
a double Knit from my local store, Yardage Town on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. in San Diego. It's comfy like a regular knit, but has a bit more structure to it.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
My neckline is only slightly different, which was more because of my cutting job than anything else. It actually works well, though. It's less wide and covers my bra straps completely (some had complained about this issue in previous reviews). I also added small, tiny gems to the neckline in front, above the gathers and at the end of the ties in the back.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I recommend this pattern and will sew it again for sure. In fact, I already have the fabric cut for version number two.
Conclusion:
A nice comfy, basic top with nice detailing. I have had very positive feedback from co-workers and friends saying that they liked this top as one of my best-made projects to date. Three people were shocked that I made it, saying this one looks store bought, for sure! ummmm - what are they saying about my other projects. Lol.
Sew, Mama, Sew! is slating June as "Sewing Machine Month" and are kicking things off with a meme. Here are my answers:
What brand and model do you have? Bernina Activa 125.
How long have you had it? 1 year.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? $1,100 when it was purchased.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? Lots of clothes. Occasionally a quilt and hopefully a handbag.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? I sew almost every day. My machine gets TONS of use.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? Nina and I are very happy together. I get frustrated about my lack of skills from time to time, not Nina’s fault at all.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? It is a fairly easy and straightforward machine. I can easily thread my machine including the bobbin. I have lots of different attachments, many have yet to be used. I think the invisible zipper foot attachment is a God-send.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? Not really. It is a tad bit heavy, since I bring it to my weekly sewing class, to Vermont with me on Christmas vacation, and to Little Italy to visit the Sicilian. Yup, she is in my car right now, should I get the desire to sew during my lunch break!
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it! I have always wanted to sew clothes, but assumed I’d fail miserable. I kept my crafting to knitting clothing and sewing quilts. Once I became determine to learn, I signed up for a sewing class with the San Diego Continuing Education program. My Mom was so enthusiastic that she decided to trade me her Bernina (only used a few times) for my old $99 Singer. DONE! I haven’t looked back since.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? This specific model was discontinued the year it was purchased. If was replaced by the Activa 220. I like mine better. (Yes, I am biased).
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Portability, function, ease, help, service-ability, and price.
Do you have a dream machine? If I were to change machines, it would be for another Bernina. I’m hooked.
Yay to me! I finished my reversible skirt. Actually, this puppy was finished over the weekend, but I'm WEARING it to work. My co-worker (and walking partner - side bar, but I'm very happy to be trying to get more healthy) took a few snaps on my iPhone for me modeling.
The yellow side is my favorite, but the pink is also a winner, especially since I'm working on a solid fuchsia/pink top using the Butterick 5185 mock wrap top pattern that'll work great with this version. There are 12 reviews on PR for the wrap top and I'm still a bit stumped on the finishing the knot portion of the directions. I've done the first part of it, but having trouble finishing it up. I'm bringing it to my last sewing class of the semester tonight in hope of completing this project. I'm sure it'll be easy, once the Instructor screws my head on right. lol. I've already done a knotted top and dress, but each one has been a bit different. Oh well, I love the style and shape and will work it out.
Once this project is complete, I plan on cutting out my yellow fabric for the New Look 6807 top. I should be able to whip the shirt up quickly and then it's the last project of my (personal) mini-wardrobe contest. I really feel good about sticking to my plan, even though the real contest is finished.
Skirt Stats:
This is not an actual reversible skirt pattern, but I wanted to get 2-skirts in one. I chose 2 cotton prints from Joann's and just cut the pattern out for each fabric. I liked the slight-poofy affect I was getting, so I left some of the fullness in when I sewed the FOE (fold-over-elastic) around the hemp and side edge. I used a black, heavier cotton for the waist ties and voila, a reversible skirt. This will really help me out with all the traveling lately. I like the idea of care0free, light packing. This skirt is the ticket!
Happy Monday! I am run-down, fighting off a cold and leaving work early to go to sleep. With all that said, Knittingmachinequeen informed me that I am the Featured Member on Pattern Review today. Very cool! I always check out the Featured Member, until today - which is funny, since it's me.
It sad sewing news - I did not manage to finish the Mini-Wardrobe Contest in time. I have just not been feeling too well, and have been sleeping more than normal. I have done a lot of traveling lately and have two more out of town trips to go this month. I just have to feel better, so I'm not out flat on my back sick.
I managed to finish my reversible wrap-skirt and my Burda Tunic (that I don't like). I have cut material for a coordinating top, but am stumped at one part. I plan to cut new fabric for this one, going up one size (too snug) and then bring it to my last sewing class of the semester tomorrow. I still plan on completing the challenge, even if it's just for myself. I will do a yellow knit top using the New Look pattern and a cat suit partially self-drafted, partially using another pants pattern.....stay tuned, I promise I'll have pics to come.
