Happy New Year!
The end of the year had me reflecting on what I have and need to fix. Top on the list is this saggy bottom arm chair.
It feels good to have this armchair repaired.
Happy New Year!
The end of the year had me reflecting on what I have and need to fix. Top on the list is this saggy bottom arm chair.
It feels good to have this armchair repaired.
I thought I would pop back in and reflect on the top ten list for twenty twenty-four.
This top has saved me from abrasion wounds in the underarm region while wearing a scoliosis back brace. It has extra padding in the underarm region. It was made with out-of-print (OOP) Kwik Sew 2899 and a yellow cotton French terry. It will have to go down as my favourite makes just on comfort level. It entered the wardrobe rotation in the end of October and even though I have had this for a short time it quickly became one of the most important pieces in the 2024 wardrobe.
Hello, it's been awhile.
Boas Festas (Happy Holidays) to those celebrating the season. I haven't been sewing, still taking a break. I thought I would pop in with a look back at some of 2024's sewing bloopers.
What was I thinking when I made these sleeves so short? I tried to use this make as a pajama top but I found that my arms were always cold. And then I just stopped reaching for this top. And this cotton knit fabric was too heavy for this Closet Core pattern.
L to R: Cotton French terry sweatpants (Vogue 8909) and colour-blocked cotton knit pullover dress (SD Patterns). |
Clockwise: cotton patchworked garment cover (no pattern used), cotton panties (OOP Simplicity 8229) and reversible wool coat (OOP Vogue 2571) |
Five more pairs of cotton knit panties (OOP Simplicity 8229). |
Sewing, Alterations and Mending
I made it back to the sewing machine this month and actually got to some projects I've wanted to get done for quite some time. Grocery bags disappeared over the summer during the apple harvest. It was time to replenish those bags that went missing. Two items (black t-shirt and yellow hoodie) were gifted.
One of my flannel pajama bottoms made it to the work table for repairs. It might be time to start planning on sewing another pair as I've been fixing holes. Sadly, the flannel fabric on these three-year old pajamas did not hold up well. Refashioning wise, there were curtains and a tea towel that were used for the reusable grocery bags.
Stash busting
Stash -busted this month:
There are very few sewing patterns out there for those of us that have mobility issues. Forget finding a sewing pattern or guidance on fitting a garment for those with scoliosis even though it is estimated that scoliosis affects two to three percent of the world's population. ~sigh~ It is moments like these that I'm thankful for the skills, equipment and fabric stash to sew my own clothes. So, I set to work on the next project to hit my worktable.
This is an undershirt to be worn under my scoliosis back brace. I made some modifications to out-of-print (OOP) Kwik Sew 2899 to help protect my underarms while working and wearing the brace. The brace has been leaving abrasion wounds in my underarm region that take four to seven days to heal before I can even consider strapping the brace back on. And that is with wearing a body sock that I was given to wear with the brace.
These are photos of the brace I wear with the seamless torso body sock. I've search online and there are other options out there.
This one with the underarm flaps was interesting and could possibly provide the coverage I need. But I wasn't 100% certain that it would work, I wanted sleeves. However, I did steal some inspiration from this top.
I added an extra layer of fabric in the underarm region. I also stitch the seam allowances on the outside around the sleeves and sides of the top. The shoulder seams and neck binding were sewn right sides together. The hems were serged and left as is since this is an under the brace garment.
OOP Kwik Sew 2899 is designed for heavyweight stretch fabrics such as heavy fleece or sweatshirt fleece. This top is sewn in a lighter fabric, a medium weight cotton French terry. The fabric was pretreated with a tumble in the washing machine and dryer before hitting the cutting table.
Kwik Sew 2899 is a well drafted pattern. It is the first one that I have sewn that calls for 1/4" seams and is designed as a "kwik serge" pattern. It has dual instructions for serger (overlock) and standard sewing machines.
I think this might work out. I guess I won't know until I wear it to do some yardwork, that will be the final test on how well it protects my underarms. Right now, around the house, it's comfortable while wearing it under the brace.
Project details
Seams: Serged
Seam finish: Serged
Fabric: 1.5 metres French terry
Additional Tools and Supplies: Cutting table, tracing paper, marker, ruler, paper scissors, fabric scissors, pins, pin cushion, Janome serger, threads, thread clippers, mini vacuum and lint brush.
Happy Sewing!
Happy New Year! The end of the year had me reflecting on what I have and need to fix. Top on the list is this saggy bottom arm chair. I...