Weekly Mending Pile

Another mending Monday--a portion of the day devoted to examination of existing garments, sewing up broken seams, reattaching or securing loose buttons, re-stitching fallen hems and adjusting fit of pieces that still have some life in them.  

There hasn't been a whole lot of new sewing projects hitting the sewing machine lately, even though there are cut projects sitting on the side and thoughts of new projects floating around. 

First up are these black wool knit Palazzo pants that were made back in March.  I thought to leave the hem unfinished but they made it to the mending pile to take 5/8" off the left leg and hem them with a half inch cover stitched hem.  

Next up was a pajama top that was missing a button.  I misplaced the orange button that fell off and just went with whatever I could find in the stash that matched the size of the buttonhole.  I'm good with the mismatched button.  

And then this decade old dress hit the mending pile.  It has held up well over the years and only ended up on the mending pile because the a section of the blind hem was coming down. The request was made for a top-stitched hem.  

Next up is to take a look at the stitch length inconsistency that is happening with my Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine.  This is how a 3.0 stitch length is coming out, something is off.  The machine might need some TLC as well.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

 

Monday's Mending Pile

Well, this mending item was unexpected.  Just when you think you're all caught up, something else makes its way to the pile.  

The duvet came out of the wash a little lighter and the dryer revealed that it's shedding feathers.  Again!  I just patched up some holes about five months ago and today I discovered more spots to patch.  Once the holes were located, I used the sewing machine to close them up.  Despite the duvet becoming a wee bit thinner (lol, I didn't lose that many feathers), it's nice to have this piece of bedding back in use.  

Stand strong, elbows up, support local and keep mending.  

Monday's Mending Pile

Back in January, I made this top and it hung in the closet until it was reluctantly moved to the donation pile.  And that made me sad because it's made with the most gorgeous silk.  I pulled it out of the donation pile this weekend trying to save it from that horrible decision.    

You see, I thought that if I made it oversized that I would get a lot of wear while wearing the back brace.  And then the back brace was modified and I no longer have a piece of hard plastic riding up my left underarm.  Ahhh, the freedom!  

So I thought, if I just create a centre back pleat maybe it would be a better fit?  

It turned out to be a simple fix and for the first time in a long time, it's back in rotation.  I'm grateful that I was able to rescue this one.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep mending.  

Monday's Mending Pile

It didn't take long for the refashioned slip to end up on the mending pile.  After trying it on with this dress, it became evident that it needed to be shortened.  Just a turn up, press and then top-stitched in place with the knit stitch on the sewing machine.  

And this gifted slip came back to be taken in at the side seams.  I thought I copied the toile version, not quite sure what went wrong.  The side seams were taken in at 3/4" and serged for a three inch total reduction in the width.  

All Set in the Sock Department

I know that most of the country is dealing with heat warnings and wildfire smoke but all of these weather conditions just make me long for winter while no summer sewing has captivated my sewing mojo.  I'm counting down the days to hurry up and get to that first snow fall when forest fire, tick and mosquito season is finally and officially over.  

So, I've been busy in preparation of those glorious days of winter.  The final three pair of tights were refashioned into knee high socks.  They were cut at a desirable length and finished with a machine rolled hem on the serger.  I'm officially all set in the sock department.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep on sewing.  

Refashioning: Slips

A cotton full length slip no longer works as such, so it made it onto the cutting table for a quick refashion.  It was all about saving that lovely cotton knit fabric.  It is really comfortable to wear.  

It was cut just above the waistline, serged and then onto the ironing board to press down a one inch casing.  It was finished by inserting a three quarter inch elastic.  Easy peasy.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

Refashioning: Tights

So what would you do with a whole bunch of tights that you no longer wear?  

Personally, I wouldn't mind some knee high socks.  

Cut them at the desired length and 

finish the edges with a rolled hem stitch.  And there you have it, new socks.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

Monday's Mending Pile

This cardigan sweater was a fairly recent make that ended up on the mending pile to have the neckline binding stitched down.  The bulk at the corners were too much to sit flat despite steam pressing.  Tools used:  Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine and the knit stitch setting, Jean-a-ma-jig, walking foot, threads, thread clippers.  

A fitted sheet made it to the mending pile instead of the mattress when a tear was discovered while making the bed.  Tools used:  Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine and the darning stitch, cotton thread and thread clippers.  

This dress wasn't in the mending pile, actually, I pulled it from the donation bag.  This will explain all those wrinkles.  I couldn't let it go, I adore the fabric and the lantern shaping of the skirt.   

I pulled the dress on, one last time, for old time sake.  I resigned to the observation that the upper part of the dress was a wee bit too tight.  And then the idea emerged as I admired the pockets on this dress, could I turn it into a pull-on skirt?  

Yes, I can!  Tools used:  seam ripper, fabric scissors, Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, threads, thread clippers, 3/4" wide elastic, iron, ironing board, safety pin and measuring tape.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

Me Made May Update #3

Not much to report on the Me Made May front as everyday is me made days.  This week, I've been wearing repeats of the previous weeks.  

 

Although, there are some RTW items still lingering in the closet, most of my wears are me made items.  There is only one dress that was a RTW purchase that is now considered vintage and has been re-fashioned to fit my body changes that have occurred since it entered the closet.  It only survived the decades because it's a pullover cotton knit dress when quality natural fabrics ruled the racks. 

I've been on this sewing journey for decades and at this point there is an enormous amount of gratefulness for the ability and equipment to sew what I need.  Me Made May at this point of the journey is a celebration of the skills developed over the years, the knowledge and respect gained for natural fabrics and a new found appreciation of mending.  I didn't always have the appreciation of mending as I do now.  

There is one more week to go until the end of Me Made May and things may look different as hot weather is predicted to come our way.  It might be time to put away the wool and flannel and pull out the hot weather pieces.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing / mending.  

Me Made May Update

It briefly snowed yesterday morning [shaking head], the weather is all over the place and so is my Me Made May selection.  Don't be fooled with that white, orange and black t-shirt in the mix, I just needed a short sleeve top to wear that day.  There was a wool cardigan and RTW jean jacket over top to keep the morning chill at bay.  

Top row, L to R:  sweatpants, circa 2024 (Vogue 8909); flannel pajamas, circa 2024 (Butterick 6296 and Vogue 9217); t-shirt, circa 2023 (Vogue 9057); t-shirt, circa 2026 (Named Clothing, Anneli top).  
Lower row, L to R:  wool toaster sweater, circa 2026 (Sew House Seven); pull-on elastic back skirt, circa 2026 (Vogue 1247 and 9918); cotton pull-over top, circa 2026 (Butterick 5561) and wool top, circa 2025 (Style Arc, Elita top).  

A true representation of which me-made items I wore this past week would include these pull-on jeans and this patchwork sweatshirt that have become my yardwork outfit.  There was a bit of time spent doing yardwork this week instead of sewing.  I do have two pairs of cotton me-made yardwork pants somewhere but during the seasonal changeover I haven't came across them yet.  So I'm currently in the process of ruining my jeans.  And my plaid wool pants.  

This week's me-made picks were all about easy pull-on or pullover comfortable options that were easy to layer.  There was one thing missing that I wanted to wear, a jacket that can fit over the back brace.  The issue is trying to fit my arm into the left sleeve where the hard plastic rides up towards my underarm.  Maybe it might be time to think about breaking out Vogue 2571 to make a spring / fall version.  Perhaps, a quilted version?  Or a denim version.  Or a quilted denim version?  Hmmm, something to consider as a future project.  

Me Made May Editing

Right now, editing is still in progress, I'm trying to decide what is worth keeping in the undergarment department.  I moved past traditional bras long ago without sewing one while on this sewing journey.  I'm now living through a sports bra era and Jalie 3679 is still sitting here waiting to be sewn.  It might be waiting a bit longer as other projects are jumping queue.  

The big question during Me Made May is do I really need to hold onto pantyhoses and tights if they can't be worn with the back brace?  Since pantyhose and tights are apparently having a bit of a resurgence in fashion after being replaced with the legging / jegging era, what to do with the ones I have in my drawers?  I'm thinking if I can find some silicone grip elastic without paying tariffs and breaking the boycott, I would try to refashion tights into stay-up stockings.  

Well, that is all in sewing news today.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

Monday's Mending Pile

These me-made sweatpants from 2024 made it to the mending pile because I wanted to replace the cuffs.  There was no ribbing in the stash when I made Vogue 8909 back then and I thought that I could get away with cutting the cuff pattern pieces in the fashion fabric.  It was a mistake.  One that was evident during the construction process.  And it didn't feel right when I wore these otherwise very comfortable pants.  

Today, I finally corrected that mistake and cut out some navy ribbing that has since entered the stash.  

First I had to cut off the cuff at the stitching line.  There was no way I was going to even attempt to remove a knit stitch by hand.  I'm at the stage of life that I am losing height so I don't think I will miss that 5/8" allowance from the leg length.  

Ah, that feels better.  

Elbows up and keep sewing.  
 

The Mending Pile: Blankets and Dresses

The never ending mending pile was calling for some attention.  First up was a duvet, it has been shedding feathers and needed some patch work.  

This was done by machine, once the holes were identified along the edges.  It is nice to have this piece of bedding back in service.  

I am going through the challenging work of editing my wardrobe.  I didn't wear this much loved turtleneck maxi dress at all this past winter.  And to be honest, I can't remember that last time I wore this dress.  It's time to change this into a pull-on skirt.  I know I will be able to wear it over the lower part of the brace.  

I did the same fix to this dress and it's one of my favourite pieces this past winter.  It's comfortable as a skirt.  The upper part of the dress is set aside with hopes to make a patchwork cardigan or pullover.  

I made another dress that ended up on the chopping block, the Merchant and Mills Trapeze dress I made a year ago didn't work out for me.  I felt frumpy wearing it over the brace.  And the gold metallic dots did not retain it's shimmer in high stress points such as the front underarm edge.  So it ended up on the cutting table and turned into another reusable grocery bag.  

Tools and supplies:  Cutting table, pins, pin cushion, seam ripper, fabric scissors, Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, safety pin, Janome AirThread serger, threads, heat pad, iron, ironing board and tea.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

Monday's Mending Pile

Lately, it seems like I've been spending more time mending than sewing something new.  This past week it was all about altering curtains.  Two sets of kitchen curtains required some additional length so there was some quality time with the seam ripper to open up the upper casings and to add length by adding a facing and new casing.  Not my favourite type of sewing but I'm happy that it is off the list of things to do.  

My heart broke a little when I found this fraying at one of the edges of this duvet cover.  I wasn't sure how I was going to mend this one.  In the end, I just used some linen fabric to make a patch and hand stitched it in place.  

I would like to go back to this and do some decorative stitching.  For now, it's covered up and safe to put away.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep mending.  

Monday's Mending Pile

So, the first day that I wore these pants, this happened.  This is the second pair that recently required this type of repair.  

This time the crotch seam broke in three sections.  Thankfully, the seam is serged and I wore a hip length jacket avoiding any cold drafts or exposure.  Just a run through the sewing machine with a 2.6 straight stitch to repair the stitching.  

The corner edge of the patch pocket on this pajama top was starting to expose a hole in the fabric.  This mending job called for some hand stitching and strong thread.  

Talking about jobs that require strong thread, the winter work gloves finally received the attention it needed before the cold weather returns.  The original stitching was in brown thread, and the first mending was done in black, this latest fix is done in the ivory coloured thread.  They're not the cleanest looking mending job and I'm okay with that as long as they can get me through a few more winters. 

My heart sank a little when I pulled this 100% cotton duvet cover out and discovered this rip in it.  It's a nine inch by 2 inch fraying on the underside of the duvet cover near the edge. I thought, for a brief moment in time, that it might become fabric but I really would like to keep this as a duvet cover.  And that is how it ended on the mending pile.  

The question I need to answer is if this will be a hand mending project or do I turn to the sewing machine for help?  Until I decide on the method of repair, I will be trying to find a solution.  I'm open to suggestions.  

These 100% wool pants had three small holes in need of repair at the back crotch seam.  This was a hand stitching job and going forward I will choose a longer shirt / sweater to wear and cover the area of repair.  Hopefully, I can get another winter out from these pants.  

Besides crotch seam fixes, seam breakage is also common around the armholes.  This robe needed repair in this area, a quick fix with the sewing machine.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

Monday's Mending Pile

It seems like the pile of mending never ends.  It's like once something is placed back into wardrobe rotation, another item finds its way to the mending pile.  

This weekend, I was going to wear these jeans only to have someone notice that the back end needed some re-stitching.  And this is why I prefer longer shirts.   A quick fix that only required a thread change on the sewing machine. 

These wool pants required some quality time with a seam ripper and some new elastic after having a less than pleasant wearing experience out and about.  The elastic was too loose and since I couldn't find newer one inch elastic, I used some recycled elastic.  The first time wearing them out, I felt like I had to be constantly pulling them up.  I longed for a pair of suspenders until I could get back home.  

There was a bit of time dedicated to fixing these pants that was made easier with this little tool.  The best gift for someone who likes to sew.  

After the elastic waist was fixed, the hem required some attention.  Thanks to the scoliosis, I deal with asymmetrical hips and the left leg is about 5/8" shorter than the right leg.  The left leg hem required an adjustment to at least make the hem look even when these pants are worn.  

Next up, a pair of winter gloves that will have to wait for some free time later this week.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

Monday's Mending Pile

There has been some work done on the mending pile.  Let's see, 

This yellow cashmere wool scarf required some attention with a fabric shaver to remove the pilling that has happened over the past few years.  And it was during this time that a small hole was discovered near the hem.  A little hand stitching with some silk thread and it is ready for another winter.  

The first Style Arc Elita Designer jacket / top that I made was on the mending pile for some adjustments.  I really like the length on the second version and this one just needed to have some length cut off from the bodice and sleeves.  I cut two inches off the bodice hem.  I chicken out of cutting the sleeve length and decided to leave them rolled up.  Now that the hem length is fixed, I hope to get some more wear out of it.  

The Daughter Judy's Henry skirt is a recent make and would be perfect for these colder temperatures but it's too big.  I didn't get the sizing right when I made this one.  It was in the mending pile to see if adjusting the hook and / or button might fix the issue.  But in the end, I decided to donate this skirt.  If I revisit this pattern, I will have to remember to go down a size or two.  

The oversized sweatshirt I recently made has a little hole that is starting to show.  I know!, it's not even a week old.  Just a couple of stitches were needed to address that issue.  I wonder if it could be the age of the fabric that led to the hole development?  It was made with a piece of fabric that did have several flaws but I thought I was careful with my cutting to avoid those.  Hmmm, hopefully this will be the one and only.  

Well, that's all that I managed to knock off the mending pile this week.  

Tools and supplies:  hand sewing needle, threads, thimble, fabric scissors, thread clippers, Fray Check, fabric shaver, seam ripper, measuring tape and tea.    

Stand strong, elbows up and keep mending.  

Mending Mondays

Last week I shortened these ski pants.  This week they are on the mending pile because I cut and shortened the interior elastic piece and reinstalled it the wrong side.  Ooops!  

I just cut them off and finished the edge on the serger and calling it done.  

Replacing buttons always seem to take the most time.  This vest has been hanging out in the mending pile for weeks.  It's now making its way back into the closet.  How I missed those lovely pleated pockets!

Remember that turtleneck dress I recently refashioned into a pull-on skirt?  Well, the left over piece from the dress is perfect for sewing patches on my socks.  

Well, that's all that I managed to fix from the mending pile today.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

Monday's Mending (and Alteration) Pile

It is almost guaranteed that when I'm tackling the ironing there will be some mending waiting in the pile for some attention.  

This cotton slip did need some attention at various points where the binding is sewn at the upper edge.  The little holes that were starting to appear were hand sewn closed.  For an eleven year old garment made from a light-weight cotton, it has held up fairly well.  It was an easy fix, just a little bit of time investment.  Plus it is a reminder that slips are on my need-to-sew list.  

These pajama bottoms ripped when they were caught in the drawer as I tried to pull them out.  No stitching, just an interior patch job with some Knit 'N Stable tape.  Let's see how long that will hold.  I'm on the lookout for some scrap pieces of flannel to do a proper patch fix on this one.  

Speaking of quick fixes, I found a solution for the too wide neckline on this black Toaster sweater.  Last year when I made it, I chose to make an oversized version and sewed the largest size.  It has since shrank to a manageable size in the length but not in the width.  And then I caught a sinus and lung infection earlier this month and while dealing with chills, I closed off the neckline with my hands in a fruitless attempt to keep warm.  But it did give me an idea, why don't I close it off with a brooch?  I do have a collection of them!  I will be able to use this quick fix to the gray Toaster sweater as well.  No more drafty necklines and I'm going to count that as a mending win even though no sewing was required.    

This ready-to-wear (RTW) shirt has been in my closet for years but I have yet to wear it.  I love everything about it on the hanger but when I put it on, I question if it's too long and then it is hung back in the closet.  Let's face it women's RTW clothing is not designed for the below five foot crowd.  

I cut three and a half inches off the back, pressed a narrow roll hem and made my way to the sewing machine to change the thread colour on the machine.  I'm sure I'll finally start wearing this top soon.  

Mending Tools and Supplies:  Ironing board, iron, fabric scissors, hand sewing needle, Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, threads, brooches, Knit 'N Stable tape.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

September in Review

Sewing, Alterations and Mending

Dresses:  Butterick 6784 and Style Arc Top / Jacket

There was sewing this month!  Woohoo!  This was the best way to celebrate National Sewing Month.  All of these were previously cut and ready to sew.  I just needed to change the thread on the machines.  That made it easy.  

I have been going through my wardrobe to reassess what needs to be replaced, altered or recreated into something new.  After sewing the latest version of Butterick 6784, I was reminiscing about the first dress I made with that suiting fabric.  That led to an alteration project, this shirt dress had two and a half inches removed from the hem before taking it to the ironing board and sewing machines for re-hemming. 

In mending news, these sweatpants needed some reinforcement at the centre back seam.  I discover most repairs while ironing clothes. Maybe that is why I'm not a fan of ironing?  But I digress.  It was a straight forward easy fix.  

Stash busting

This month I stashed busted seven metres of fabric, 0.4 metres of Knit 'N Stable tape, six spools of thread, two sewing labels and used one new-to-me pattern.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.