National Tape Measure Day!

The tape measure just might be the most important and least celebrated tool in my sewing basket.  I use it every time I'm laying out a pattern on top of a yardage of fabric.  It's essential for making sure the pattern pieces are placed on the grain.  I use it to check the yardage of a piece of fabric before deciding if it's going to work on a project.   And I certainly use it to check body measurements and make alterations.  

Source:  Moschino

Then there is the measuring tape motif that can certainly be added to a design.  A walk through the notions section of the fabric store often offers measuring tape print ribbons.  

Source:  Etsy

Or how about a measuring tape printed fabric?  There are so many ways to celebrate National Tape Measure Day!  Which way will you go?  

Happy Sewing!

Pull-on Pants with Front-facing Cargo pockets: OOP Kwik Sew 3663 and McCall's 6973

Here is one more pair of pull-on pants using out-of-print (OOP) Kwik Sew 3663 and borrowing the cargo pocket from McCall's 6973.  This time around, I eliminated the side pockets from Kwik Sew 3663 and replaced them with two front-facing leg cargo pockets.  These pants will be worn by someone who sits most of the day.  My hope is that these pockets will provide better access.   

The hem is top-stitched with a 1 1/2" hem.  The elastic opening hasn't been closed because I'm not sure if it needs to be tightened.  For some reason these look loose to me.  It's a challenge when you're sewing for someone that is not near by to try them on when you want to check sizing.  These are a gift / charity project.  

The fabric is a beautiful light-weight cotton denim that I had sitting in my stash.  It was pre-treated with a machine wash and dry before moving onto the ironing board for a steam pressing and then the cutting stage.   

Project Details

Seams:  2.8 straight stitch length

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  2 metres

Elastic:  98 cm (38 1/2")

Patterns:  McCall's 6973 and OOP Kwik Sew 3633

Additional Tools and Supplies:  Cutting table, scissors, thumb / hand brace, pins, pin cushion, tailor's chalk, measuring tape, measuring gauge, sewing machine, blind hem foot, regular presser foot, serger, threads, thread clipper, iron, ironing board, and tea breaks.  

Stay Safe and Keep Sewing!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! There is no Valentine's day sewing project on the table, just festive wishes. Oh and a poem.  

Love is in the air

So is the flu

Wash you hands

It's the kind thing to do!

I'm only partly kidding. I'm getting over the nastiest flu and sinus infection. If you love someone, if you love yourself, wash your hands. Often. Handwashing is not going to harm you or others but not doing it just might.  

Okay, I'm jumping off my soap box and onto sewing related news.  Thanks for listening to my Valentine's Day plea.  

I fell off the "no sewing patterns" pledge this month. This pattern, Vogue 1678, arrived earlier today. The perfect Valentine's gift (besides hand washing). 

I have to say that I really do like the new look of the Vogue envelopes. The line drawings on the back are bigger as well. And this design! Smitten for sure. I can't wait to get to work on view A, maybe this weekend.  Right now there is another project that I like to work on this long weekend. I'm actually off until Wednesday. Squeal! The sewing room might actually see a flurry of activity.  

In other sewing news, I've been asked if I could take someone's measurements for a bridal dress. Even though taking body measurements isn't new to me, taking measurements for bridal wear is absolutely new to me. I've been doing some online research on the topic. The Last Minute Bride has a checklist for brides that I'll follow for measuring the bust, hips, natural waist, hollow to hem and dress only. Do you have any tips or suggestions on measuring for bridal wear?  

On that note, I should get back to celebrating Valentine's Day spending my time with the hobby I love.  

Happy Sewing!