Skirts – McCall’s 3830

I wore the brown skirt to work today.   This is the 4th garment I’ve sewn that I could actually wear.   1.  Kwik Sew 2740 view B mock Turtleneck shirt 2.  Simplicity 3887 view D 3.  McCall’s 3830 view C. Burda World of Fashion04/2008  131 knit skirt – Sorry no picture of me wearing the skirt.

I’m getting more confidence in my sewing and fitting skills…woo-hoo!  That makes me really happy.  I know I’m going to sew McCall’s 3830 again in the near future but I’m ready to sew something else like a vest.  Simplicity 2566 to be exact.  I’m trying to decide which fabric to use.

I’ve completed one of my sewing goals tonight because I finish another M3830.

McCall's 3830 black done

I’ve started knitting a hat for me.  I want to finish it this weekend so look for pictures.  I’m a seasonal knitter and it’s finally becoming cold enough for me to handle wool yarn.

Take care

Weekend review

I made progress with my black skirt.  I’ve made a brown version and this time, I wanted to try two new techniques.

1.  I wanted to add a quick lining to elimate the need for interfacing.

2.  Machine sew the lining to the invisible zipper.

If I had to give myself a grade, I’d give me B.  Why?  Because if I’d taken my time and written down the steps first, I would have had a much better garment.

• I attached the lining to the zipper before I attached the lining to the waist.   Duh!  Where’s my seam ripper?
• I forgot to edge stitch the lining & facing.  Duh!  Where’s my seam ripper?
• I forgot to cut the lining length shorter than the skirt length and I wanted to add lace to the hem.  I didn’t notice this until after I’d sewn the lace to the lining.  Duh!  Where’s my seam ripper and rotary cutter?
• I didn’t completely machine sew the invisible zipper because I just wasn’t paying attention.  Duh!  Where’s the needle and thread?

I’ve got to remember to take my time when I’m sewing.  I think I was too eager to try new techniques that I didn’t pay attention to the details.  I think I’m going to make a big sign that says ‘SLOW DOWN’ and hang it above my sewing machine .  The other thing I plan to do, is write down the instructions if I plan to change the pattern.   The skirt pattern isn’t lined, uses a regular zipper and has a slit in the back.  The changes I made are big but enough to throw me off.

Anyway, I have to hem my skirt then it will be done.  When this skirt is complete, I would have obtained my sewing goal of  “Make at least two skirts that fit me.”  Whoo-hoo.

I think after finishing this skirt I’m going to try something simple like this vest from Simplicity 2566.

13 patterns for $6.60

I bought 13 sewing patterns for $6.60 at my local Goodwill store.  None of the patterns have been cut.

Of the 13 patterns, I know I won’t use two.  One is a home dec pattern and the other is half size.   Now, I really don’t NEED more patterns but I couldn’t pass this up.  I think I did good by not buying the other package of patterns:)  There are five patterns that I want to use like now.

Jacket view A is perfect for work

View D and B or C are great

View A (red) jacket and skirt are just my style

View A (black or floral) it's long but I like itView A upper right read floral dress is so nice

Red Floral dress upper right

I probably will get to these patterns in about 2 weeks.  This is a sewing weekend for me so I hope to get the skirt finished and to the cleaners.

I went to Gail K’s yesterday and found a wonderful piece of wool/silk fabric that I’ll make a jumper.

Jumper

The jumper is Simplicity 3565 view A.  This pattern was on sale at Hancock’s this week for $1.99.  I also bought Simplicity 2614.

Blouse view D

I love view B with sleeves from view D.

Take care and have a great weekend.

Valentino: The Last Emperor

Dvd

This is a wonderful dvd.  I’ve never been one to fixate on fashion but the world of couture, haute couture is amazing.  I’m in awe of Valentino’s creativity and style.  I’ve got to admit it’s the seamstresses that wowed me.  Hand sewing at that level is an art…a masterpiece.  I definately want to take a class and practice my hand sewing more.

My library has this dvd but I need to buy my own personal copy.  I’m not model thin but dang it, I can create beautiful clothing that looks great on me.

I highly recommend seeing this film.

On the sewing front, I’ve cut out another skirt McCall’s 3830 view C

skirt

I’m going to change a few things this time.  First, I’m going to skip the slit in the back.  It’s just too small.  Next, I’m going to line it using this method from Thread’s magazine.  I’ll use an invisible zipper instead of the lapped zipper like it did with the brown skirt.  I just like the way it looks.

I still haven’t taken the brown skirt to the cleaners.  I’m going to get there this weekend.  It needs a good ironing.  Which reminds me, I need a new iron for my sewing room.  Hmmm…Christmas is coming

McCall’s 3830

It’s been raining here in Atlanta so not much sun for pictures.  This is also the first time I’ve used the timer function on my point ‘n shoot.   I need more practice.

Here are the better shots of me wearing McCall’s 3830 view C.

McCall's 3830 view C front

Side view McCall's 3830 view C

I don’t know why the back has that funny lift in the back in this picture….because it’s not in the one below.

Back view McCall's 3830 view C

Finally a skirt that fits.  It’s going to the cleaners for pressing then into my closet.  It’s a good skirt pattern but I think I like gored skirts better.  That’s why I’ve traced and cut out the muslin for Simplicity 5914 view F.  I hope these two skirt patterns become my tired and true skirt patterns.

Take care and if you’re in Georgia stay dry.

A skirt that fits – McCall’s 3830

McCall’s 3830 View C.  I finally have a skirt that fits.  Using the Burda Word of Fashion alteration techniques, I altered the skirt front and back.   I will post pictures tomorrow.  I finished the skirt yesterday but was too tired to take a picture.  I didn’t have the energy to fix my hair, find a shirt, put on panty hose, shoes and make up!

I like the pattern and I’m sure I will make it again but I don’t think this will be my tired and true skirt pattern.  I’ve already make notes of the changes I want to make to the construction of the skirt.  One change for sure is the slit in the back.  For view C, the slit is so small that I think it can be eliminated all together.    I added a lining but I want to sew the lining to the facing instead of doing a full lining.  I will definitely use the invisible zipper again instead of the lapped zipper. 

I bought Simplicity 5914  when JoAnn’s had Simplicity patterns on sale for $0.99 each.  That pattern is going to be next on my list of skirts to make. 

I used my blind hem foot of my Bernina for the first time and it won’t be the last.

I’m going to take the skirt to the cleaners and have it pressed.  Now, I’ve got to think about my wardrobe.  I don’t have a lot of items that I can wear with the skirt.  In fact, my wardrobe is rather limited.  That’s  gotta change.

Take care and see ya tomorrow.

I can’t believe I did this

Y’all, I was all ready to sew McCall’s 3830 view C.

Fabric and lining cut – check,

fabric and lining marked – check,

Interface waist facing – check,

new sewing machine needle – check,

hem tape – check,

thread…thread.. thread….Bueller.

Of course, it was 11pm when I decided to start sewing

I think I’m going to take an inventory of my fabric and then order the Guttermann thread from Atlanta Thread Supply in one big order.   In the mean time, I’ll be heading to JoAnn’s after work tomorrow.

Slanted Waist and New Look 6899 View D

It’s been a while since I’ve posted about a garment project.  I have actually been sewing.  Mostly, muslins of New Look 6899 view D skirt.  I’ve been working on fitting.  My skirts ride up in the back.  I HATE that look.  I’ve had this problem all my life.  At first, I thought it was a rear end issue:)  Yes, I do have a big ‘ole butt But focusing on my rear end (that didn’t sound right) will not solve my fitting issue.  I had to look higher.  I had to focus on my waistline…yike!  I have a slanted waist.   The picture below shows the difference.

One day, I tied a piece of elastic around my waist and looked in the mirror slope of my waistline.  I knew from the sewing class it took in the spring that my center back to the floor measurement was longer than my center front to the floor measurement.   But until I saw a visual of my waistline by doing the What not to wear 360 degree mirror check, I didn’t get it. My waistline is not parallel to the floor.  Who knew?

The picture doesn’t show that the hem is even but it is!  Finally, after about a bazillion muslins!  I used the Worksheet from Burda World of Fashion January 2005 titled, “Adjusting for a hem rising at the back”.  This would have been an easy fix, if I’d had my correct measurements.

You will  have to have a friend help you with the measurements.  Basically, you measure center front, center back and both sides.  If you join the Burda English yahoo group, you can view the directions RisingHem.pdf  look at the dark blue box on the left of the page.  This is a great site even if you don’t plan to sew a Burda pattern.

Now that I have the correct measurement and I’ve made adjustments to the pattern.  Piece 13 is used for the front and back.  When I made adjustments, I made a pattern for the front and a pattern for the back.  For the front, I had to remove 2 1/8 inches. (See the blue note on pattern)

Piece 13 New Look 6899 View D

For the back, I added 1 1/8 inches (in red).  I also added a center back seam.

Piece 13 New Look 6899 view D

There’s a 3 1/4 inch difference from front to back at my waistline!  No wonder the skirts I made always were always short in the back.

Now that the pattern is all adjusted, I’ve decided to work on another skirt.  New Look 6899 suggested fabrics are lightweight (linens, cottons, and poplins to name a few).  It’s getting a little cooler in Atlanta and I want to sew fall/winter clothing.  I’m glad I took the time to make the adjustments because when spring hits, I’ll have a pattern all ready to go.

I’m now working on McCall’s 3830 view C skirt.  I used the adjustments I made in the New Look 6899 to make a muslin of the 3830 pattern and it works beautifully.  I’ve cut out the fashion fabric (lightweight brown wool) and I hope to sew it this weekend.

I hope everyone has a great sewing weekend.

Half Slip

I read Barbara’s blog post on making a half slip and decided to make one of my own.  Her instructions were a lot simplier than tracing the half slip pattern in Kwik Sew’s Beautiful Lingerie book.  Yes, I was lazy.

Fabric – Tricot from Sew Sassy Fabrics.  I bought the Pantie/Slip Value Pack for $10.  Pink, white and pale yellow tricot was in the pack.  The pink was the longest so I started with it.  I have enough left over to make 2 or 3 panties.

Stretch Elastic 7/8 inch wide at the waist from Lace Heaven.  Hem lace from Gail K’s.  I can’t believe a went to Gail K’s and just bought lace!

The most difficult part of making this slip was removing the tape from the lace and tricot.  In the Beautiful Lingerie book, they suggest using clear tape instead of pins to attach the lace to the fabric.

Close up waist and hem lace

Stretch Lace from Lace Heaven

Lace from Gail K

The total project took about 30 minutes.  That’s cutting fabric to sewing.  I made a mistake with the waist elastic.  I should have cut the smaller.  If I’d followed Barbara’s instructions and cut the elastic 4 inches shorter than my waist, I would have been fine but nooooo.  The waist is a little loose.

I will absolutely sew another have slip.  It was quick, easy and inexpensive.

Give it a try.

Fabric.com

I picked up my very first purchase with Fabric.com.  Now, it’s all Carolyn’s fault.  She spread the word that Fabric.com was having a sale on Designer fabric.   So I HAD to buy some   I bought 3 yards of yummy Ralph Lauren Stretch Wool Suiting on sale!  I wish I’d bought more fabric in different colors.  Fabric.com’s warehouse is in Marietta so it was easy for me to drive up to get my order during lunch.    I will be doing business with Fabric.com again.