November in Review...

Sewing

There was sewing this month but not quite what I thought would cross over my sewing table.  The microwave cozies, face mask and the top were requested and gifted to others.  The wrap dress was also gifted and is now being worn as a housecoat.  

The remaining items, the turtleneck dresses and reusable coffee filters I'm wearing and cherishing.  

Plans are Things That Change

At the beginning of the month, I was thinking about sewing myself a new winter coat.  That was until this vintage find crossed my path at a second hand store.  I wasn't looking for a coat.  It was more like it found me.  

It was a steal of a deal and it fits.  Double score.  So there is no need to sew a new coat especially since this one will certainly keep me warm in the most brutal conditions that a prairie winter can dish out.  I'm all set for winter.  

And I did plan to sew another Box Pleat dress by The Assembly Line but that hasn't happened.  With a few days of colder temperatures, turtleneck dresses seemed like a better plan.  To be honest, I've put sewing another Box Pleat dress out of my mind, for now anyway.  

I Craft, Therefore I am a Cheater Crafter.  

Yes, that is right.  I was cheating on my sewing projects and turned to crafting projects this month.  I even broke down and purchased a glue gun.  I never imagined that happening.  Ever!  But here I am owning a glue gun.   What can I say, plans change.  

 

The Month's Stats

Output

Fabric:  12.5 metres (November) + 76.8 metres, 6 towels and 1 recycled skirt (previous months) = 89.3 metres, 6 towels and 1 recycled skirt.  

Zippers:  1 - 20 cm invisible zipper (November) + 1 - 20 cm regular zipper and 1 - 55 cm invisible (previous months) = 3

Buttons:  0 (November) + 37 (previous months) = 37

Seam binding:  0 (November) + 34.6 metres (previous months) = 34.6 metres

Knit 'N Stable tape:  2 metres (November) + 9.55 metres (previous months) = 11.55 metres

Elastic:  0 (November) + 19 metres (previous months) = 19 metres

Twill tape:  0 (November) + 0.5 metres (previous months) = 0.5 metres

Thread:  0 metres (November) + 5 300 metres (previous months) = 5 300 metres 

Sewing machine needles:  1 (November) + 6 (previous months) = 7

Hand sewing needles:  0 (November) + 1 (previous months) = 1

Sewing Labels:  0 (November) + 6 (previous months) = 6

Sewing patterns:  2 (November) + 6 (previous months) = 8

Input

Fabric:  4.5 metres (November) + 62.1 metres (previous months) = 66.6 metres

Elastic:  0 (November) + 4 metres (previous months) = 4 metres

Buttons:  0 (November) + 22 (previous months) = 22

Sewing patterns:  0 (November) + 9 (previous months) = 11

Seam binding:  0 (November) + 3 metres (previous months) = 21.25 metres

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!  

Holiday Gift Ideas #4: Patchwork Garments or Accessories

One of the 2022 fashion trends to continue to watch is patchwork.  And could you think of a better time to sew those small pieces of left over fabrics to create an new fabric to use!  

I've been slowly stitching these pieces of scrap fabric to make a pair of patchwork pajamas.  And the best part is the memories each piece holds of previous me-made items that are in my wardrobe or have been gifted to others.  It's becoming a memory piece (from top left).  

1. Black and white swirls printed fabric used to make scrub caps.  
2. Gray and white striped fabric left over from this dress.
3. Red and white maple leaf printed fabric used to make this top and face masks.  
4. Wool suiting fabric used for these pants.  
5. Floral print fabric used to make little girls' dresses.  
6. Black and white print used to make this top.  
7. Navy and white print used to make scrub caps and face masks.
8. X and O's printed fabric used to make scrub caps and little girls' dresses.  
9. Colourful printed canvas fabric used to make this dress.  
10. Panel city scape print used to make this top.  
11. Paisley printed fabric used to make this top.  
12. Colourful print fabric used to make face masks.  
13. Purple and white polka dot fabric used to make face masks.
14. Norman Rockwell printed fabric of "The Gossip" used to make face masks.  
15. Repeat:  See #6.  
16. Repeat:  See #12.  
17. Blue shirting fabric used for men's and boy's shirts.  
18. Repeat:  See #8.
19. Lemon print fabric used to make this dress.   
20. Groovy sixties floral used to make face masks.  

I love the idea that it will have all these memories stitched together.  The idea of turning scraps into pajamas came about when I spotted and became smitten with these pajamas over at Vintage Villa's Etsy shop.   And then I thought about all the scraps I have sitting in bags and stuffed in drawers.  The added bonus is that this will be on trend!  That's if I get these pajamas done before the world moves on to the next new trend.  

Will you be sewing patchwork garments or accessories?  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!

Holiday Gift Ideas #3: Microwave Cozies

I recently received a request for eight microwave cozies for Christmas gift-giving.  I probably would have turned down the sewing project if I didn't already have six of the eight already sewn and ready to ship.  I could handle the last two to fill the order since I had the supplies on hand.  

The last two that I need to sew are a polar bear print on one side and blue linen on the other side.  

It's nice to use up these fabric pieces into something someone wants.  I stopped sewing cozies awhile ago when sales slowed.  So, I was surprised to get this request.  

They're easy to sew.  The batting is quilted to each fabric piece using a grid pattern.  

Then a circular shape is chalked onto the center of each fabric and batting layers.  I mark a dot where the center topstitching and the circular chalk marking meet.  This is where I end the darts.  They are one inch wide at the edge and taper to the marking.  Right sides together stitch the pieces together leaving an opening to turn over.  Top-stitch the edge closing off the opening.  The circular chalk markings are then used as a guide to topstitch the bottom of the cozies.  I do use a heavy duty vintage Brother sewing machine that is built like a tank and weighs about that much too!  With two layers of microwave safe batting, my Janome machine doesn't handle the thickness all that well.  

One down, one more to sew.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!  

Holiday Gift Ideas #2: Face Masks

I'm actually surprised that I am still getting requests for face masks.  A request for one more came this week.  It's easier than a year ago to source supplies so that is positive.  It makes sewing this project an easier task.  The Dhurata Davies face mask pattern is one of the best fitting face mask patterns I've come across.  And even though it requires nine darts across three layers, it is worth the effort.  

I only made one change to the pattern.  I extended the length at the casings for the elastic.  It give the face mask more coverage and a tighter fit across the face.  Coverage and fit are key.  

With news emerging today from the World Health Organization about Omicron, the newest variant of concern, it looks like face masks will continue to be an essential piece of our wardrobes.  

So why not add a couple new ones into the Christmas stockings this year?  It's a perfect way to use up remnants / scraps of fabric.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!

Holiday Gift Ideas #1: Environmentally Friendly / Reusable Coffee Filters

 

This was an easy sewing project and took no time to whip up.  I think it actually takes more time for a pot of coffee to drip than the cutting and sewing sewing a filter!  

No pattern used, I just cut these using a store bought filter that I had on hand.  The seam and edges were sewn with a rolled hem done with the serger.  

Easy peasy!  

And these could make great stocking stuffers for the coffee lover on you Holiday gift list.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!  

In Sewing News Today...

There is a lot of preparations to do this week. 

This coming Sunday will be the start of Advent.  

And there is festive and reflective crafting and sewing going on in preparation!  

Last year, I think it was sometime last year, I tried to do a rolled hem on this table cloth.  

It's not pretty, I know.  

It was the best that I could manage with the serger that I had at the time.  

It was on it's last leg.  

The threads kept breaking and there were less than desirable results on the stitching.  

It was time for an upgrade.  

I put it off for way too long.  

And then another serger came my way but it was in worse shape than the old one I had on my table.  

A vintage Pfaff serger that hadn't been used for years.  

It would have cost a small fortune to repair and replace the missing accessories.  

I donated it instead, I just couldn't justify the investment it would take to bring it up to working condition.  

Eventually, I broke down and upgraded the serger this summer.  

Oh my goodness, what a difference the new serger makes to my sewing.  I'm so grateful for the equipment and the ability to create.  

Check out that rolled hem!  

It has a air threading system.  

It's saving my wrists.  

My sewing has slowed lately due to sore wrists.  

Might be due to all the recent snow shoveling.  

It was wet snow.  

It couldn't be due to sewing?  

No.  [insert a dash of denial here].  

And there was some crafting.  

I never thought I would own a glue gun.  

But here I am owning one.  

I've been hot gluing faux pears, cardinals and poinsettias.  

I was going to use some leftover red wool fabric, from this project, to make red bows for the wreaths. 

That was until I found the white velvet poinsettias.  

Now, I'm thinking about using the red wool and wool knit fabric to sew and donate mittens.  

 

Maybe I'll sneak in a pair for moi, as well.  

It will have to wait for a wee bit.  

Next up though, I want to work on the Advent wreath.  

I've picked up Advent candles.  

Now, I'm thinking about sewing something to label the Prophet, Bethlehem, Shepherd and Angel candles.  

So many holiday sewing projects to do!  

How about you?  

Any holiday sewing and crafting projects on your sewing table this year?  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!  

Toasty Sweatshirt Fabric Dress: OOP Burda 8848

There is nothing like all the snow that fell the last week or so to make one think of up-ing their winter wardrobe.  That is how this sweatshirt dress came to be.  It's made with out-of-print (OOP) Burda 8848.  

I've been smitten at the thought of wearing a toasty sweatshirt fabric dress for quite awhile but I just couldn't quite settle on a pattern.  This pattern, OOP Burda 8848, has been sitting in my pattern stash since September 2019.  

I don't know why I've overlooked this pattern for so long.  I picked it up for the turtleneck and raglan sleeves.  I stalled at making it because of my previous fitting fails with Burda patterns.  It didn't help with reading comments over at Pattern Review about the snug fit of this dress pattern.  Although, I do greatly appreciate reading the reviews!  

So, I was careful with this one.  I used the grading measurements that I use with OOP Vogue 8939 to achieve a less-than-snug fit around my hips.  And I'm really happy with how it turned out.  

My favourite design feature is that the collar has a zipper that runs down the side and can be left zipped up for a turtleneck style or open for a draped collar effect.  And I really appreciate the fit around the shoulders.  The red zipper that I found in the stash was shorter than called for on the pattern.  Even though I am able to get this over my head, I wouldn't mind the additional room that the proper sized zipper would provide.  C'est la vie.  

Other than grading the side seams according to my TNT Vogue 8939 pattern, I shortened the sleeves and hem.  There is no side slit on this version since it was shortened to the point that it wasn't needed.  

Now let's talk about the fabric.  At today's prices, a sweatshirt fabric dress would be a out-of-reach dream.  Have you seen the price of cotton sweatshirt fabric lately?  Yeah, it wouldn't happen.  But I happened to find this fabric for less than a song because it was a damaged bolt.  

The fabric has been in my stash longer than the pattern.  It took some creative pattern piece placement but I was able to sew this dress, a cardigan and child's top with this fabric without any evidence that it was damaged on the bolt.  Goodness, I'm over-the-moon grateful.  

Project Details

Seams:  Lightning bolt / knit stitch

Seam allowances:  Serged

Fabric:  3 metres

Zipper:  20 cm invisible zipper

Basting tape:  0.40 cm

Pattern:  OOP Burda 8848

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, pins, scissors, thread clippers, tailor's chalk, pin cushions, iron, ironing board, clapper, sewing machine, walking foot, invisible zipper foot, regular zipper foot, screw driver, measuring tape, measuring gauge, serger, threads, some extra time researching pattern reviews and tea.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!

Happy Odd Sock Day!

I kid you not, there is actually an Odd Sock Day!  It's today.  The day was created in 2017 to bring awareness to issues of bullying.  

Today, I'm spreading the word through the blog, not through my socks.  Today it's all about wearing tights and winter boots.  It's icy out there!  But I digress... 

Back to socks, have you ever sewn a pair of socks? 

Not knit or crocheted socks, but actually sewn a pair.  

There is a few patterns out there if you feel like giving it a whirl.  There are a few PDF sock patterns designed to be sewn found on Etsy.  Jalie even has a pattern for socks!  

Stay Safe, Keep Sewing and Happy Odd Sock Day!

Wool Knit Turtleneck Dress: OOP Vogue 8939

Is there anything better than a wool knit turtleneck dress as part of one's winter wardrobe?  I'm going to have to argue no.  

This dress is created with tried and trusted, out-of-print (OOP) Vogue 8939.  I kept the same changes I made to the last version, shortened the sleeve length, lengthened the hemline, and graded out to a larger size in the hip area.  

The fabric just makes me happy.  First, I really like the colour.  Yes, I've changed.  Second, it's a wool knit.  Toasty!  And third I picked it up as dead stock many moons ago for next to a song.  It is an absolute pleasure to sew.  I did learn a lesson from the first item I made with this fabric.  It's wool so it did shrink.  I pre-washed the fabric, this time before it hit the cutting table.  Most of the shrinkage was in the width so I had to be careful with the pattern piece placement.  The back was cut with a centre back seam as the pattern intended but unlike the other versions I've made where the front and back were cut on the fold.  

I don't know what else to say about my new dress other than I'm tickled pink with it.  

Project Details

Seams:  Lightning bolt (knit stitch)

Seam Finish:  Serged

Fabric:  3 metres

Knit 'N Stable tape:  2 metres

Sewing Machine Needle:  Ball point

Pattern:  OOP Vogue 8939

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, scissors, pins, tailor's chalk, measuring tape, measuring gauge, seam ripper, sewing machine, walking foot, iron, ironing board, screw driver, serger, threads, thread clippers and tea.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!

Do I Need a Fancy Wrap Dress?: OOP Vogue 8827

At times I struggled sewing this project, out-of-print (OOP) Vogue 8827.  I jumped back and forth questioning whether or not I really need a fancy wrap dress.  The honest answer is no.  We're in the forth wave of a global pandemic which certainly doesn't provide an abundance of occasions for the need of a fancy dress.  

Advent is starting later this month and I guess I could put it away and save it as something to wear to church on Christmas morning.  That is a big IF.   Covid case numbers are rising, especially in the southern region of the province, close proximity to the city.  And with the Delta variant present and more transmittable, I suspect by Christmas we might be in another lockdown situation.  I might be in need of a festive pair of flannel pajamas instead.  We'll see.  

To be honest, I just wanted to use this pattern, OOP Vogue 8827.  I picked it up over at Etsy, back in April of this year, in my quest to find a comfortable wrap dress pattern.  I've made several over the years (none have survived closet edits over the years) but yet I'm still on this quest.  I was drawn to OOP Vogue 8827 for a few reasons.  First, I liked the "very loose fitting" description as I'm still struggling to get myself to a healthy weight.  I also like that it doesn't have a waistline seam.  

This pattern is certainly a keeper just on the basis of fit and comfort of the sleeves.  I feel like I'm wearing a comfortable robe.  Ohhh, maybe it can be my fancy Christmas robe?  I like the neckline variations and sleeve length options.  The missing pocket issue is an easy fix.  It's also an addition that I didn't do based on the fabric choice.  

I didn't add ties to the interior of the dress.  I'm kind of debating if I want to keep it as a wrap dress, wear it as a long cardigan or maybe even put snaps down the front and change it to a loose fitting front button dress.  I'll have to sleep on it.  Needless to say, this project has certainly been making me question and doubt my decisions all along the way and right to the end.  

The fabric is a polyester knit from Northwest Fabrics.  Yup, I just typed those words, "polyester knit".  In recent years, I've been trying to move away from man-made fabrics but there are a few pieces remaining in the stash.  This is one of them.  I held on to them to use as toile fabrics instead of cutting into the more expensive natural fibre knits.  

I didn't pretreat this fabric, polyester doesn't typically shrink and it is a loose-fitting garment so I think I'm okay.  

I didn't have enough fabric to cut out the tie belt pattern piece and actually thought about sewing a black Obi style belt instead.  None of my current belts fit but I did have part of a handbag strap that I made do as a belt for the on body photo shot.  

I don't know how or where this dress / cardigan / robe (?) will end up.  Time will tell.  For now, all I know is that I'm going to consider it done and move on.  

Project Details

Seams:  Lightning bolt stitch was used throughout.  

Seam Finish:  Serged.

Fabric:  2.4 metres 

Pattern:  OOP Vogue 8827

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, scissors, tailor's chalk, pins, pin cushions, measuring tape, rulers, measuring gauge, iron, ironing board, sewing machine, walking foot, serger, tweezers, mini vacuum, threads and indecision.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!

Long-sleeved Pullover Top: OOP Simplicity 2372

This project is a special request for a pullover top with long sleeves that could be worn with grey pants.  It has already been gifted.  

This top was created with out-of-print (OOP) Simplicity 2372, a much-loved and used pattern around the workspace.  The short sleeved pattern piece was lengthened to create long sleeves.  The center front was placed on the fold eliminating the center front seam.  

Most of the work that went into this project are found in the pleats and darts.  Otherwise it is a simple project.  

The fabric is a gorgeous paisley print cotton sateen with some stretch.  I purchase this many, many moons ago from the discount section at Fabricland and there is still enough left-over to make a dress.  I didn't mind giving up a wee bit of it for this project.  It looks lovely in this fabric.  I can't find fabric like this, print, weight, texture, in the fabric stores anymore.  It was a real treat to sew such a beautiful fabric.  

Project Details

Seams:  2.4 to 2.8 straight stitch

Seam Finish:  Serged

Fabric:  1.5 metres

Pattern:  OOP Simplicity 2372

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, scissors, thread clippers, ruler, measuring tape, tailor's chalk, measuring gauge, pins, pin cushion, tweezers, threads, sewing machine, serger, iron, ironing board and tea.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!

In Sewing News Today...

You've heard me rant about the cost of everything is going up, right?  Here's another one, feel free to skip down three paragraphs.  I've been trying to de-stash my pattern collection.  I'm no longer a size six.  It's hard to imagine that I ever was once upon a time.  Would you believe there are patterns from forty some years ago when I was a wee lass starting out on my sewing journey?  

But I digress... 

I sold two patterns recently and stopped by the post office to mail them.  One is heading to Australia and the other to the United States.  Both patterns ended up costing over ten dollars to mail.  Has the world gone mad?  

So I've had to spend my weekend adjusting the price to ship on the pattern listings to reflect the inflation on everything craze.  I would have rather spend my time sewing.  

Yup, I just typed those words.  It looks like my sewing mojo has returned.  

Out-of-print (OOP) Simplicity 2372 has returned to the cutting table.  It's been about four years since I broke out this pattern.  I'm just in the process of pressing the fabric before I get to work cutting the next sewing project.  I hope to have it cut out by the end of the day.  

And I'm thinking about sewing a new winter coat.  The same pattern, OOP Vogue 8934, as the previous winter coat pattern I used from three years ago.  I do like the fit.  

I do have thoughts of sewing other projects before the coat.  

A better fitting box pleat dress is on top of my list.  Yup, the sewing mojo is back.  And with a grateful heart in midst of all this out-of-control inflation taking hold, I have everything I need in the stash.  So thankful that I have what I need here and ready to go.  Here's to a productive November and successful sewing projects.  .  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!